Brief Gaming News Updates General Gaming

[Strawberry Man]

Worrying times for the gaming sector and Xbox.

On July 2, Microsoft announced significant layoffs across various sectors of its business, including Xbox, as part of a broader strategy to streamline operations and focus on key opportunities. This decision affects approximately 9,000 employees, which is about 4% of the global workforce of over 200,000.

Key Details of the Layoffs

• The precise number of cuts at Xbox remains unclear.
• Layoffs have been confirmed at multiple studios, with some studios facing closures and several games being cancelled.
• Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming, sent a memo to staff stating that these layoffs are aimed at ensuring the "enduring success" of Xbox.

Phil Spencer's Comments
In his memo, Spencer emphasised the necessity of these job losses even amidst a thriving business environment for Xbox. He stated:

• We will end or decrease work in certain areas of the business and follow Microsoft's lead in removing layers of management to increase agility and effectiveness."
• He acknowledged that the cutbacks come at a time of increased player engagement and a robust game lineup.
• Spencer highlighted the importance of making "tough decisions" now to secure future success and to prioritise the strongest opportunities for the brand.

Financial Implications
Following the announcement, Microsoft's stock price experienced a slight dip, but it has shown an upward trend over the past five years and is currently near a record high. The company remains the second most valuable globally, trailing only Nvidia.

Discussion Points

• What impact will these layoffs and studio closures have on the quality and variety of games available on Xbox?
• How do you feel about Microsoft's approach to prioritising certain projects while cancelling others?
• Do you believe these changes are necessary for the long-term health of the Xbox brand?

Feel free to share your thoughts below!

Conclusion
The recent layoffs at Microsoft and the associated studio closures and game cancellations represent a significant shift in the company's strategy. As they aim to concentrate resources on the most promising opportunities, this raises questions about the future of Xbox and its offerings.

• Microsoft's layoffs affect around 9,000 employees across various sectors.
• Phil Spencer emphasises the need for these cuts to ensure Xbox's future success.
• Despite layoffs, Xbox is experiencing robust player engagement and a strong game lineup.
• Microsoft's stock remains high, reflecting overall market confidence.

 

[Bob the Ninja]

Recent reports indicate that Turn 10 Studios, the developer behind the Forza Motorsport series, has undergone significant staff reductions, with rumours suggesting nearly 50% of its workforce has been laid off. This news follows a troubling trend within Microsoft's Gaming Division, which has seen other studios like Rare and The Initiative also facing cancellations and layoffs.

I could be wrong but I'd imagine this will mean the end of the Forza Motorsport franchise and they like concentrate on Horizon going forward.

 

[Tom]

After what seems like years of rumours, Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemot confirmed in a shareholder meeting (caught by Game File's Stephen Totilo) that a new Ghost Recon is indeed in development.

It also seems that the company has live service aspirations for the title. "In addition to the flagship game that I just mentioned, our objective is to also make strong progress in the growing market, generally speaking, by continuing to enhance our current experiences that we offer - and capitalising on upcoming launches, such as The Division and Ghost Recon," said Guillemot.

Interestingly, CFO Frederick Duguet seemingly confirmed that it's a first-person shooter. Regarding how the publisher is utilising its Tencent investment (which resulted in a new subsidiary), he said, it will be "used for future development of other major brand names. So we've got…Ghost Recon is just one example, for our first-person-shooter-type games."

First rumoured in 2022, the new Ghost Recon (codenamed "Ovr") allegedly takes cues from Void Interactive's Ready or Not with its military sim gameplay and darker setting. Squad-based combat is also reportedly a huge thing. The title is rumoured to enter internal alpha this Fall and will seemingly require 12 months to move to a full release.

 

[Gemma]

The anticipated BioShock 4 is reportedly undergoing significant changes due to development hurdles, particularly concerning its narrative quality, according to a recent Bloomberg report. After failing a review by 2K Games executives, the studio is now tasked with revamping the story to enhance the game's potential.

Notably, the development has seen leadership shifts, including the replacement of Cloud Chamber Games studio head Kelley Gilmore and a reassignment of creative director Hogarth de la Plante to a publishing role. This shake-up raises concerns among the team about possible layoffs, as it has been emphasised that the studio needs to be "more agile and efficient."

In a statement, 2K Games acknowledged the need for improvement while assuring that they are committed to delivering a top-notch game. This comes after a decade-long development cycle that was initially announced back in 2018.

Additional insights from the report indicate that a BioShock 1 remake that was in the works has been cancelled, while there have been few details released about the new game. Previous job listings hint at an open-world format and a departure from familiar settings like Rapture and Columbia. The narrative lead, Liz Albl, known for her work on Ghost of Tsushima, has been brought on board, suggesting a fresh approach to storytelling.

 

[David76]

Forza Horizon 6's Potential Setting Revealed?

The anticipation surrounding the next instalment of the Forza Horizon series has taken an intriguing turn following a possible leak from an Australian car import company. Earlier this year, Phil Spencer hinted at a new Forza title slated for 2026, which aligns with growing expectations for the franchise's next release.

Recent discussions have emerged from a social media post by Cult & Classic, a company that specialises in importing unique vehicles, particularly Japanese Kei cars. They shared images of a developer from Playground Games capturing photos of these cars, which has led many to speculate that Forza Horizon 6 may be set in Japan. The inclusion of Kei cars - often found exclusively in Japan - strongly suggests that the developers might be focusing on this culturally rich and visually stunning locale for the game.

Although the original Instagram post has since been deleted, the discussions it sparked within the gaming community indicate a significant interest in exploring Japan's landscapes and automotive culture. Such a setting is not only highly requested by fans but also offers a wealth of diverse environments for racing gameplay.

 

[Strawberry Man]

The anticipation surrounding the next instalment of the Forza Horizon series has taken an intriguing turn following a possible leak from an Australian car import company. Earlier this year, Phil Spencer hinted at a new Forza title slated for 2026, which aligns with growing expectations for the franchise's next release.

Recent discussions have emerged from a social media post by Cult & Classic, a company that specialises in importing unique vehicles, particularly Japanese Kei cars. They shared images of a developer from Playground Games capturing photos of these cars, which has led many to speculate that Forza Horizon 6 may be set in Japan. The inclusion of Kei cars - often found exclusively in Japan - strongly suggests that the developers might be focusing on this culturally rich and visually stunning locale for the game.

Although the original Instagram post has since been deleted, the discussions it sparked within the gaming community indicate a significant interest in exploring Japan's landscapes and automotive culture. Such a setting is not only highly requested by fans but also offers a wealth of diverse environments for racing gameplay.

A lot of rumours that this may well be revealed at the upcoming Tokyo Game Show next month.

 

[Tom]

Paramount Pictures has secured a deal with Microsoft and Activision to adapt the wildly popular Call of Duty franchise into a live-action movie. This collaboration opens the door for a cinematic portrayal of the iconic series, which has captivated millions of players worldwide.

While specifics about the film remain under wraps, Paramount's CEO emphasised the honour and responsibility of translating this rich storytelling universe to the big screen. Activision's president, Rob Kostich, expressed enthusiasm about bringing the franchise's signature action to life, hinting at a potential for more than just a single movie down the line.

It's important to note that this is just the beginning, and fans should not anticipate a release anytime soon. The project is still in its early stages, but the ambition behind it is clear. With the next instalment of the game, Black Ops 7, set to launch this November, fans can get their Call of Duty fix while the film adaptation is in development.

 

[Silverback]

Paramount Pictures has secured a deal with Microsoft and Activision to adapt the wildly popular Call of Duty franchise into a live-action movie.

While details regarding the director and cast remain under wraps, an intriguing revelation has emerged: legendary filmmaker Steven Spielberg expressed interest in directing a Call of Duty movie before Activision's partnership with Paramount.

According to reports, Spielberg pitched an adaptation concept to Activision, but the studio hesitated due to Spielberg's desire for full creative control. This situation ultimately led Activision to seek collaboration with Paramount instead. Spielberg, known for iconic films such as Jaws, E.T., and Jurassic Park, is an avid gamer, making his rejection from the project all the more surprising.

The move to finally create a Call of Duty movie follows years of stalled attempts, with the first announcement dating back to 2015. Despite setbacks, it appears that the film may finally come to fruition, potentially adapting existing storylines, such as those from the Modern Warfare or Black Ops series, while also considering new characters and plots.

 

[Abomb]

It's been four years since Far Cry 6 came out, but the series is by no means dormant. Ubisoft is hard at work on a project titled "Blackbird," which many assume is Far Cry 7. But another unannounced project codenamed "Maverick" is also in development, and it may not be a traditional Far Cry game. Ubisoft CEO Yves Guillemont's comments this week seem to confirm a new direction the series may take.

Guillemont spoke at the New Global Sport Conference in Saudi Arabia. "….on Far Cry, it's really to bring the multiplayer aspects more predominantly pushed, so that it can also be played for a long time by players." This lines up with rumours that Maverick is an extraction shooter under the Far Cry brand. Insider Gaming reports the game is set in the Alaskan wilderness. Players will battle wildlife like wolves and bears and deal with harsh weather, all while trying to get their hands on as much loot as possible. Insider also reports the Maverick team is working on AI enemy patrols, so it's likely human enemies will be in the game.

 

[Bingo]

In a recent announcement, Redemption Road has officially delayed the launch of their highly anticipated game, Kingmakers, originally scheduled for October 8. The developer cited the need for "more time" to ensure they can deliver an uncompromising gaming experience without cutting planned features to meet an earlier release date.

The statement from Redemption Road acknowledges the disappointment this may cause fans, expressing regret for letting them down. The team emphasises their commitment to creating a unique gaming experience that stands apart from current market offerings, highlighting their ambition to push technological boundaries with the Unreal Engine 4.

Kingmakers promises an expansive world with gameplay that involves tens of thousands of AI soldiers, intricate pathfinding, and full multiplayer support. Each mission will unfold on a massive map, allowing players to explore with their armies. The developers assure that they are close to finalising the game's content, but they want to ensure everything is polished before charging players.

Additionally, the studio has shared plans to release a detailed gameplay overview soon, which should excite fans eager for a glimpse of what Kingmakers has to offer. Interestingly, the game has already garnered attention beyond gaming, as it is set to be adapted into a movie in collaboration with publisher tinyBuild and Story Kitchen.

Below is the early access anouncement trailer



You always worry about a game when it is delayed indefinitely for quality assurance.