Category: Gaming

Microsoft is set to integrate its Gaming Copilot AI assistant into current-generation Xbox consoles later this year, as reported by GamesRadar. Sonali Yadav, Xbox’s product manager for gaming AI, announced the plans at the Game Developers Conference (GDC), mentioning the integration into various player services.

The Copilot assistant has already undergone testing phases, initially launching in beta on the Xbox mobile app, Windows 11, and Xbox Ally handhelds. Through voice commands, players can seek assistance from the Gaming Copilot when facing challenges in games. The AI is designed to provide suggestions, answer queries about gaming progress, offer gameplay tips, and recommend games. For instance, players can inquire about defeating a specific boss or gathering materials for crafting in Minecraft.

This move by Microsoft exemplifies the integration of AI in gaming to enhance player experiences and provide on-demand support. By incorporating AI assistants directly into consoles, Microsoft aims to offer a more immersive and interactive gaming environment for enthusiasts.

Source: The Verge

Epic Games has announced a price increase for V-Bucks, the in-game currency in Fortnite. The company attributed this change to rising operating costs, stating, ‘The cost of running Fortnite has gone up a lot and we’re raising prices to help pay the bills.’ The price adjustment will come into effect on March 19th, coinciding with the launch of the next major Fortnite season.

Despite user feedback on the price hike, Epic Games executives remained vague when pressed for specifics. Andre Balta, Epic’s senior director of ecosystem growth, emphasized that the increase directly corresponds to operating expenses. While the exact percentage or monetary impact of these costs was not disclosed, the price revision will reduce the number of V-Bucks offered in each pack without changing the pack prices.

Steve Allison, GM of the Epic Games Store, hinted at forthcoming developments, mentioning significant ecosystem expansions in the next 6 to 12 months. This move to raise V-Bucks prices aligns with Epic’s strategic focus on enhancing the overall gaming experience and sustaining its business operations.

Source: The Verge

The Pan-European Game Information (PEGI) body, responsible for age ratings based on content like sex, drugs, violence, and language, is now incorporating interactive features into its classification system. PEGI will now rate games containing loot boxes as unsuitable for children under 16, impacting popular titles like EA’s FC series. These changes will apply to new games submitted for classification starting in June or with the introduction of new relevant features in existing games.

PEGI has introduced the following new age rating categories:

• Games with loot boxes will receive a default PEGI 16 rating, escalating to PEGI 18 in certain cases like social casino games.
• Games offering in-game purchases will receive a PEGI 12 rating, with NFT or blockchain features pushing the rating to PEGI 18.
• Games with addictive mechanics rewarding frequent play will be rated PEGI 7, increasing to PEGI 12 for titles penalizing players for not returning.
• Games with unrestricted communication features will be rated accordingly.

These adjustments aim to provide clearer guidance to consumers regarding the interactive elements within games and their appropriateness for different age groups. Developers will need to consider these new criteria when creating and updating games to ensure compliance with PEGI’s evolving standards.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft is taking steps to bridge the gap between its Xbox gaming platform and Windows PCs. The company will soon roll out an ‘Xbox mode’ to all Windows 11 PCs, including laptops, desktops, and tablets, starting in April.

The Xbox Full Screen Experience (FSE), which has been available in preview since November 2025 for users in the Windows Insider and Xbox Insider Programs, will be rebranded as ‘Xbox mode.’ Microsoft acknowledges the need for improvements, as initial feedback on the feature when it debuted on Xbox Ally devices was mixed, with critics noting it didn’t seamlessly transition the PC gaming experience to an Xbox-friendly interface.

By emphasizing the PC as the future of Xbox gaming, Microsoft aims to refine the Xbox experience on diverse devices. The company continues to enhance the Xbox Ally, improving its reliability and performance. At the 2026 Game Developers Conference, Microsoft announced the opening of Advanced Shader Delivery to all Xbox store developers, facilitating faster game load times by providing precompiled shaders during game downloads.

Moreover, Microsoft teases the possibility of bringing classic Xbox games to PC, promising new ways to access iconic titles as part of its 25th-anniversary celebrations later this year.

Source: The Verge

Valve, the company behind popular games like Counter-Strike 2, Dota 2, and Team Fortress 2, has announced its intention to contest a lawsuit filed by New York Attorney General Letitia James. The lawsuit accuses Valve of promoting ‘illegal gambling’ through its in-game loot box mechanics. Valve has expressed disappointment in the claims, highlighting that similar mystery box systems are prevalent in other games and traditional collectibles like baseball cards and Pokémon.

Valve has been engaging with Attorney Generals since 2023 to clarify how its virtual items and mystery boxes operate. The company asserts that opening these boxes is optional, as they contain solely cosmetic items that do not impact gameplay. While Valve plans to defend its position in court, it is open to compliance if state regulations concerning loot boxes are enacted.

New York’s lawsuit alleges that Valve entices users, particularly minors, to partake in gambling-like activities within games. The lawsuit draws parallels between in-game mechanisms and slot machines, citing instances where virtual items worth significant amounts were at stake.

Valve has raised objections to proposed changes, including making digital items non-transferable and collecting additional user information for age verification. The company believes in the value of item transferability, likening it to the freedom to sell or trade physical collectibles like Pokémon cards.

Source: The Verge

Despite a strong initial launch, Battlefield 6 developers are facing workforce changes. Teams at EA studios Criterion, DICE, Ripple Effect, and Motive, key contributors to the game, have been impacted by this restructuring.

EA confirmed the changes but did not disclose specific numbers. Justin Higgs, EA’s VP of Corporate Communications, stated, ‘We’ve made select changes within our Battlefield organization to better align our teams around what matters most to our community.’ The focus remains on investing in the Battlefield franchise based on player feedback and insights from Battlefield Labs.

Battlefield 6 sold seven million copies in its first three days, meeting high expectations. However, the competitive landscape of live-service games, such as Fortnite, has posed challenges. EA’s effort to compete with Call of Duty led to an ambitious four-studio collaboration for Battlefield 6.

Post-launch workforce adjustments are not unique to Battlefield 6, as the industry trend leans towards sustained revenue models. Last month, EA’s Full Circle studio, responsible for the Skate reboot, also faced similar changes.

Source: The Verge

Sony’s digital game store has recently caught the attention of PSprices, a tracking site that observed varying prices for certain games among different users. This pricing experiment conducted by Sony is monitored through the PlayStation API, utilizing identifiers such as IPT_PILOT and IPT_OPR_TESTING.

While dynamic pricing is a common practice in various industries, its implementation in online game stores is relatively uncommon. Sony is reportedly conducting A/B testing on prices for more than 150 games across 68 regions, excluding the US from the current trials. The initiative, aimed at providing discounts rather than raising prices, offers selected users reductions ranging from 5 percent to 17.5 percent on popular titles like Spider-Man 2, God of War, and Red Dead Redemption 2.

Despite the potential benefits of reduced prices for some users, Sony’s approach to dynamic pricing has raised concerns. Customers who receive discounts may express dissatisfaction upon learning that others were offered more significant price cuts on different titles. Sony has been approached for comment but has not yet responded to inquiries.

Source: The Verge

Valve’s highly anticipated Steam Machine, along with the Steam Frame and Steam Controller, is facing delays in its launch schedule originally planned for early 2026. The company now aims to ship the products in 2026, citing ongoing shortages of memory and storage chips as the primary reason for the setback.

Despite earlier assurances that all three hardware products would be shipped in the first half of the year, Valve’s new timeline represents a significant delay from its initial targets. The uncertainty surrounding the Steam Machine’s release in 2026 raises questions about its availability.

Valve acknowledged the challenges posed by memory and storage shortages, stating, ‘We hope to ship in 2026, but as we shared recently, memory and storage shortages have created challenges for us. We’ll share updates publicly when we finalize our plans!’

Memory costs have surged, driven by increased demand from AI companies, leading to difficulties for hardware manufacturers in securing essential components. Notably, even tech giant Apple is grappling with rising memory prices, indicating the widespread impact of the crisis on the industry.

Valve’s recent announcement also highlighted that the RAM crisis would impact the stock of the Steam Deck OLED, further emphasizing the pervasive nature of the supply chain challenges faced by hardware makers.

Source: The Verge

Nintendo of America has filed a lawsuit against the US government, challenging President Trump’s tariffs. The company is seeking a “prompt refund, with interest” for any duties it has paid, as detailed in a complaint filed in the US Court of International Trade. This move follows a recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed Trump’s imposition of “reciprocal” tariffs as illegal under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).

Nintendo’s decision to sue the government stems from the uncertainty surrounding the refund process post-Supreme Court verdict, leaving many affected companies seeking clarity on this matter. The gaming company’s legal action underscores the significant financial implications that tariffs can have on businesses, prompting them to seek recourse through legal channels.

When Trump initially proposed broad tariffs on imports, Nintendo strategically delayed the preorders for its upcoming Switch 2 console to evaluate the potential impact of these tariffs. Despite eventually launching the product as planned, the company had to adjust prices for certain accessories due to the tariff situation.

In a parallel development, FedEx has also lodged a lawsuit in the US Court of International Trade, advocating for a “full refund” of tariff payments. The company has committed to passing on any refunds received to the relevant stakeholders, aiming to alleviate the financial burden caused by the tariffs.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft has announced plans for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed ‘Project Helix.’ This upcoming console is set to revolutionize the gaming industry by seamlessly playing both Xbox and PC games.

In a recent announcement, Microsoft’s gaming CEO, Asha Sharma, expressed enthusiasm for Project Helix, highlighting its cutting-edge performance capabilities and cross-platform compatibility. Former Xbox president Sarah Bond hinted at a hybrid console-PC experience, describing the upcoming Xbox as a premium, high-end gaming platform.

While acknowledging the expanding reach of gaming across various devices, Sharma emphasized the importance of Xbox exclusives and fan feedback. The exact launch date for Project Helix remains undisclosed, with speculations suggesting potential support from AMD for a 2027 release.

This strategic move by Microsoft marks a significant shift in the gaming ecosystem, promising an immersive and inclusive gaming experience for enthusiasts worldwide. As the boundaries between console and PC gaming blur, Project Helix signifies a new era of innovation and connectivity in the gaming industry.

Source: The Verge

Roblox has implemented a new AI-driven feature that modifies chat messages in real-time on its platform, going beyond traditional filtering for banned language. This advanced system, launched today, aims to maintain a respectful and civil environment by rephrasing inappropriate content while preserving the user’s original intent.

Unlike conventional filters that simply replace prohibited words with symbols, Roblox’s AI can translate offensive language into more polite expressions. For example, a message like ‘Hurry TF up!’ will be automatically revised to ‘Hurry up!’ by the AI. To ensure transparency, all users in the chat are informed when a message is altered for decorum.

In comparison, Minecraft’s profanity filter primarily obstructs offensive words with symbols or blocks messages containing them, rather than rephrasing the content like Roblox’s new feature.

This real-time chat rephrasing functionality is currently limited to ‘in-experience’ chats among verified users within similar age groups. Roblox recently implemented age verification checks for chat access on its platform, allowing users to engage in conversations with peers of corresponding age ranges.

Source: The Verge

Activision, the developer behind the popular gaming franchise Call of Duty, has recently silenced a prominent leaker known as TheGhostOfHope, triggering discussions on information control within the gaming community. The individual, recognized for sharing accurate details about Call of Duty titles, has agreed to comply with legal demands to refrain from leaking confidential information related to the games.

The decision by TheGhostOfHope to halt disclosures comes after receiving a cease and desist order from Activision. Despite his commitment to no longer reveal insider information, he expressed intentions to engage with the community on official Call of Duty updates and other non-leak topics.

Notably, TheGhostOfHope had previously shared credible insights on past, present, and upcoming Call of Duty titles, including rumors about a standalone Call of Duty Zombies game in development for next-gen consoles. The move to silence the leaker has sparked reactions, with some speculating that his accuracy in leaks might have prompted the legal action.

In response to the situation, the official Call of Duty account emphasized the potential negative impact of leaks on game development and player expectations, regardless of their accuracy. This development raises broader questions about the balance between transparency and controlled information in the gaming industry, highlighting the challenges faced by developers in safeguarding their creative work from premature exposure.

Source: The Verge

Wildlight Entertainment has announced the closure of its free-to-play squad shooter Highguard, despite the game reaching 2 million players. Highguard, which launched on January 26th, will permanently shut down on March 12th due to the developer’s inability to establish a sustainable player base for long-term support.

Before the final shutdown, Highguard will receive one last update introducing a new character and weapon, along with other adjustments. The abrupt end of the game reflects the challenging environment for live-service titles, with recent closures of Sony’s Concord and Riot’s layoffs on 2XKO highlighting the industry’s struggles in sustaining such projects.

Publishers and developers continue to strive for the success of live-service giants like Fortnite, but breaking into this space remains a daunting task. Even established single-player studios like Remedy, known for titles such as Alan Wake, have faced difficulties in transitioning to live-service models.

Source: The Verge

Lenovo has introduced a concept for a Windows-based handheld device, the Legion Go Fold, featuring a flexible POLED display. This device includes detachable controllers and a folio case that transforms it into a mini laptop, offering gamers a versatile experience.

The Legion Go Fold can be used as a traditional handheld with a 7.7-inch folded display and attached controllers, similar to the Steam Deck. By unfolding the device, users can enjoy a larger 11.6-inch screen in a 16:10 aspect ratio and reposition the controllers for vertical or horizontal gameplay.

In vertical splitscreen mode, users can multitask by displaying the game on one side of the screen and additional content like chat or guides on the other. The horizontal fullscreen mode provides an immersive gaming experience. Transitioning to laptop mode involves removing the controllers and placing the device in a folio case with a built-in keyboard and trackpad.

Powered by an Intel Core Ultra 7 258V Lunar Lake processor, 32GB of RAM, and 1TB of storage, the Legion Go Fold boasts a high-resolution plastic-covered OLED screen with a 165Hz refresh rate and a 48Whr battery.

Source: The Verge

Nintendo has announced the upcoming launch of Pokémon Wind and Waves, the latest installments in the core Pokémon game series, set to debut in 2027 exclusively on the Nintendo Switch 2. These new games promise to offer a fresh and immersive gaming experience for Pokémon enthusiasts.

Revealed during a recent Pokémon Presents stream, Wind and Waves introduce a new trio of starter Pokémon – Browt, Pombon, and Gecua – alongside a variety of captivating in-game environments, from dense jungles to fiery caves and underwater realms. The games will also feature an open-world approach, a departure from the traditional Pokémon format.

Additionally, Nintendo has announced official support for Brazilian Portuguese, reflecting the game’s global appeal and diverse player base.

While the release date may be a few years away, the anticipation for Pokémon Wind and Waves is already building among Pokémon fans. With the promise of a new gaming adventure on the horizon, players can look forward to an engaging and dynamic Pokémon experience in the near future.

Source: The Verge

New York Attorney General Letitia James has filed a lawsuit against Valve, accusing the company of engaging in what she describes as ‘quintessential gambling’ through the loot box systems in popular video games like Counter-Strike 2, Team Fortress 2, and Dota 2. According to a press release, James seeks to permanently halt Valve from promoting these gambling features, return all profits gained, and pay fines for violating New York’s laws.

Valve’s loot box model, where players pay for a chance to win items based on luck, is under scrutiny as the lawsuit claims it violates state laws. The company has allegedly made significant revenue from selling loot box keys to New York residents and earning commissions from virtual item sales. The lawsuit highlights the concern that loot boxes, especially popular among youth, are akin to gambling.

Players purchase keys to unlock loot boxes in Valve games, receiving random virtual items that can be traded for real money. However, the lawsuit points out that the value of these items may not match the cost of the key, leading to potential losses for players. The lawsuit draws parallels between opening a loot box and using a slot machine, emphasizing the chance-based nature of the process.

Valve has not yet responded to the allegations as of the time of reporting.

Source: The Verge

Amazon is shifting its focus away from gaming as it ends a significant publishing agreement. According to a report from The Verge, Amazon is discontinuing its role as the publisher for an upcoming open-world racing game developed by Maverick Games, a studio comprising former Forza developers. This decision marks Amazon’s continued retreat from the gaming sector.

Despite this development, Maverick Games remains committed to the project. Studio leaders Mike Brown and Harinder Sangha have expressed ongoing discussions with potential partners who align with their vision for the game’s future. They are optimistic about sharing further updates later this year.

Source: The Verge

Insomniac Games, the studio behind Marvel’s Spider-Man, is set to release Marvel’s Wolverine on the PlayStation 5 on September 15th. The announcement of a Wolverine game was made in 2021, and fans have eagerly awaited its official release date. Sony unveiled a gameplay trailer last year, hinting at the intense and action-packed experience that players can expect.

The game’s storyline will follow Wolverine as he delves into the mysteries of his enigmatic past, leading him through dangerous adventures in various locations, including Madripoor, Canada, and Tokyo. These locales are expected to serve as intense battlegrounds for the character’s trademark fierce and brutal combat.

In addition to Marvel’s Wolverine, Sony is also preparing to launch Marvel Tōkon: Fighting Souls, a Marvel-themed fighting game scheduled for release on August 6th.

Source: The Verge