Covers general video game news, including recent developments, official announcements, and updates related to gameplay, graphics, mechanics, or other core features.
In France, three former Ubisoft executives – Serge Hascoët, Tommy François, and Guillaume Patrux – were recently convicted for harassment, with François receiving the harshest sentence of three years suspended prison time and a 30,000 euro fine, following allegations of sexual harassment, racist remarks, and a toxic work environment revealed in July 2020.
Microsoft’s recent announcement of Perfect Dark’s cancellation and The Initiative’s closure, alongside other game cancellations this week, is linked to layoffs following the Activision/Blizzard acquisition, aiming to bolster profit margins from the $69 billion deal.
Microsoft has navigated a significant shift, terminating projects like “Perfect Dark” reboot and Everwild, while reaffirming its dedication to engaging gaming experiences through ongoing major franchises and new creative ventures amidst recent workforce adjustments.
Turn 10 Studios, the creative force behind the Forza Motorsport series, is currently facing a significant restructuring with about half of its team potentially losing their jobs due to Microsoft’s broader cost-cutting measures, mirroring job losses at Call of Duty studio Raven Software.
After over a decade in development, Microsoft’s restructuring has unfortunately led to the cancellation of Everwild, impacting Rare Studios with layoffs.
Despite a decade of development and a recent project reset under veteran designer Gregg Mayles, Everwild from developer Rare has reportedly been cancelled due to struggles in finding a clear direction, as confirmed by Xbox Game Studios head Matt Booty’s decision to withhold public display until ensuring “something special.
Despite initial excitement around Everwild’s reboot in 2021, recent layoffs at Rare Studios have cast uncertainty over the game’s future and prompted restructuring efforts.
Krafton reassures that Charlie Cleveland, Max McGuire, and Ted Gill’s departure from Unknown Worlds is voluntary, as they welcome Steve Papoutsis to lead the Subnautica series, aiming for a high-quality Subnautica 2 release in Early Access without delay.
People Can Fly, despite canceling Project Gemini (Outriders 2) and Project Bifrost due to funding issues and financial infeasibility, remains committed to developing at least four games with partners like Xbox Game Studios, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Krafton, and their own virtual reality title, Lost Rift.
Sega is strategically rejuvenating its global presence through simultaneous worldwide releases, PC launches, and global promotional efforts, balancing innovative risks with nostalgic appeals to maintain and expand its fanbase.