Category: Gaming

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

Microsoft’s Xbox division is undergoing a significant leadership transition, with the departure of Sarah Bond, the president and COO of Xbox, as reported by The Verge. Bond’s exit, alongside CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer, marks a pivotal moment for Xbox’s future direction.

The move comes amid a period of rapid technological advancement in gaming, with a focus on PC and cloud gaming expansion. The appointment of Asha Sharma as EVP and CEO of Gaming and Matt Booty as EVP and chief content officer signals a strategic shift in Xbox’s leadership structure, aimed at navigating the evolving landscape of the gaming industry.

Bond’s decision to step down reflects the ongoing transformation within the gaming sector and the need for fresh perspectives to drive innovation. Her role as a Special Advisor to Asha Sharma during the transition period highlights the importance of continuity and knowledge transfer in ensuring Xbox’s continued success.

With the gaming industry poised for further technological disruptions and platform expansions, Xbox’s leadership changes underscore the importance of adapting to new challenges and opportunities in the ever-evolving tech-driven gaming market.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership transition as Xbox chief Phil Spencer, a key figure at the software giant for nearly four decades, announces his departure. Alongside Spencer, Xbox president Sarah Bond is also leaving Microsoft, leading to a reorganization within the Xbox and Microsoft gaming teams. Stepping into the role of CEO of Microsoft Gaming is Asha Sharma, the current president of CoreAI product at Microsoft.

In an internal memo, CEO Satya Nadella confirmed Spencer’s retirement, acknowledging his pivotal role in transforming Microsoft’s gaming landscape over the past 12 years. Sharma, while lacking direct gaming experience, brings a wealth of consumer-centric expertise from previous roles at Meta and Instacart. She is set to guide Microsoft Gaming through its next phase of growth, focusing on delivering exceptional games, enhancing the Xbox experience, and shaping the future of gaming.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s gaming division has undergone a significant leadership change, with Asha Sharma taking the helm as the new CEO. Formerly leading Microsoft’s AI enterprise teams, Sharma brings a fresh perspective to the gaming industry, emphasizing the importance of innovation and community engagement.

In her first memo, Sharma outlines her vision for Microsoft Gaming, highlighting the company’s commitment to creating exceptional games that resonate with players. Recognizing the legacy of Xbox and its role in connecting gamers worldwide, she pledges to invest in iconic franchises, support creative excellence, and explore new opportunities in gaming.

One key focus under Sharma’s leadership is the return of Xbox to its core fanbase. By prioritizing the interests of long-term players and game developers, Microsoft aims to strengthen its position in the gaming market and deliver immersive experiences that captivate audiences.

Sharma’s emphasis on understanding and preserving the foundation of Microsoft Gaming underscores her dedication to upholding the industry’s standards while driving innovation and growth. With a focus on empowering studios, fostering creativity, and embracing new challenges, Sharma’s leadership sets the stage for exciting developments in the gaming landscape.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s recent changes in its Xbox leadership, with Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond stepping down, may have raised concerns about potential game studio layoffs. However, the company has clarified that this move does not signal any imminent organizational changes affecting its game studios.

Amid the ongoing shifts in the gaming industry, Microsoft’s reassurance about the stability of its game studios comes as a relief to many in the gaming community. The announcement emphasized continuity and confidence in the existing teams’ abilities to adapt and deliver quality content.

The statement highlighted Microsoft’s commitment to supporting its current teams and leaders, aiming to provide them with the necessary conditions to excel in their work. This assurance, coupled with a strong lineup of established franchises and new ventures, reflects the company’s strategic focus on meeting player demands and driving innovation in the gaming sector.

While leadership transitions can often lead to speculation about broader organizational shifts, Microsoft’s message underscores a sense of continuity and stability within its gaming division. As the industry continues to evolve, the company remains steadfast in its support for its creative teams and ongoing development efforts.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft’s gaming division is undergoing a significant leadership change as long-time Xbox chief and Microsoft Gaming CEO, Phil Spencer, along with Xbox president Sarah Bond, are departing the company after decades of service. The news of Spencer’s retirement was revealed in a memo from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella on February 20th, where he mentioned ongoing discussions about succession planning following Spencer’s decision to retire last year.

As part of the transition, Asha Sharma, currently serving as Microsoft’s CoreAI president, will step into the role of Microsoft Gaming CEO, while Matt Booty is set to take on the position of EVP and chief content officer. This change in leadership marks a significant moment for Microsoft’s gaming division, signaling a new chapter in the company’s strategy and direction.

Source: The Verge

Nintendo’s highly anticipated Pokémon Day celebration is just around the corner, set to mark the 30th anniversary of the beloved franchise. Scheduled for February 27th at 9AM ET, the upcoming Pokémon Presents stream is expected to unveil exciting developments for fans worldwide. With recent releases like Pokémon Legends: Arceus and the imminent launch of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, the event promises to provide insights into the future of the franchise.

Aside from potential updates on the next mainline Pokémon game, enthusiasts can also anticipate news on spin-off titles such as Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, Pokémon Unite, Pokémon TCG Live, and Pokémon Sleep. The event serves as a platform for Nintendo to showcase its commitment to innovation within the gaming industry.

In a strategic move, Nintendo announced that the classic games Pokémon FireRed and LeafGreen, originally released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004, will be making their way to the Nintendo Switch eShop. Despite minimal changes from the original versions, the games will be available for individual purchase at a retail price of $19.99, adding nostalgic value to the modern gaming experience.

The early reveal of the FireRed and LeafGreen re-release hints at the extensive content expected during the Pokémon Presents stream. Nintendo’s decision to disclose this information in advance underscores the magnitude of upcoming announcements, promising an eventful showcase for fans and industry observers alike.

Source: The Verge

Meta, formerly known for its virtual reality (VR) efforts, is pivoting its Horizon Worlds metaverse platform towards mobile devices. This shift aims to broaden the user base and compete with platforms like Roblox and Fortnite. The decision comes after Meta’s restructuring, including layoffs in the Reality Labs division and the discontinuation of VR-related projects. The focus on mobile over VR aligns with Meta’s strategy to reach a larger audience and leverage its social network connections for synchronous social gaming experiences.

Meta’s Chief Product Officer, Ryan, emphasized the company’s commitment to supporting third-party developers for VR software, acknowledging that most user engagement in VR headsets comes from third-party apps. Despite the mobile focus, Meta remains dedicated to developing new VR hardware tailored to different market segments, hinting at a potential new Quest headset release at a higher price point.

In a recent podcast, Meta’s CTO, Bosworth, discussed the strategic shift towards mobile and third-party developer support. CEO Mark Zuckerberg also suggested that AI-generated games could play a significant role in Meta’s ecosystem, integrating immersive 3D experiences like Horizon Worlds into users’ feeds.

Source: The Verge

Sony has announced the closure of Bluepoint Games, the studio known for its acclaimed remakes of popular titles like Shadow of the Colossus and Demon’s Souls. This decision comes after a recent business review, with about 70 employees expected to be impacted as the studio shuts down in March.

Bluepoint Games, recognized for its technical expertise and delivering exceptional gaming experiences for the PlayStation community, was acquired by Sony in 2021. The studio had previously worked on successful updates to various PlayStation franchises before being directed towards different projects under Sony’s ownership.

Following Sony’s acquisition, Bluepoint Games collaborated on God of War: Ragnarok in 2022 and was reportedly developing an unannounced live service God of War game, which was canceled by Sony in January.

This closure is part of a series of significant changes within PlayStation Studios, with other studios like Firewalk Studios and Neon Koi also being affected in recent years. Bungie, a prominent game developer, underwent layoffs and restructuring as it transitioned into Sony Interactive Entertainment in 2024.

Source: The Verge

Valve’s Steam Deck OLED handheld gaming device is experiencing intermittent stock shortages in various regions due to memory and storage constraints, according to an update on the Steam Deck website. The current unavailability of the product in the US and other parts of the world is directly linked to these supply chain challenges.

This update follows Valve’s recent decision to delay the release of the Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller, originally set for early 2026, citing similar memory and storage issues. The company emphasized the need to finalize pricing and launch dates cautiously, considering the volatile nature of these factors.

Valve aims to introduce its new hardware lineup in the first half of 2026, prioritizing the resolution of these supply chain constraints. Additionally, the company no longer offers the 256GB LCD Steam Deck, a change announced in late 2025.

Source: The Verge

Steam users now have the ability to enhance the informativeness of their reviews thanks to a recent Steam Client Beta update. This update, released on Thursday, introduces a feature that allows users to append their hardware specifications to game reviews, providing valuable insights for other gamers.

Previously, Steam users could manually include their PC specs in the text of their reviews. However, the new option to automatically attach this data could lead to more users sharing this information, potentially elevating the usefulness of reviews on the platform. When users share negative feedback or encounter performance issues, the inclusion of hardware specs can shed light on the root cause, helping differentiate between hardware limitations and actual game-related problems.

The process is straightforward; users can opt to include their hardware specs by selecting a checkbox next to their review draft, offering transparency while respecting user privacy for those who prefer not to disclose such details.

Additionally, the beta update introduces an option for users to share anonymized framerate data with Valve. This data, which will be dissociated from Steam accounts, aims to enhance game compatibility and overall Steam performance. Notably, this feature is currently tailored for devices running SteamOS, Valve’s Linux-based operating system featured on the Steam Deck.

Source: The Verge

Sony recently announced the release of a new addition to the acclaimed God of War franchise. The surprise unveiling of God of War: Sons of Sparta introduces a 2D side-scrolling action platformer, now available exclusively on the PlayStation 5.

The game delves into the backstory of Kratos, focusing on his youth and rigorous training at the Agoge alongside his brother Deimos. Players can expect to navigate challenges as Kratos hones his combat skills using a spear, shield, and divine artifacts like the Gifts of Olympus to combat various adversaries.

Developed in collaboration with Mega Cat Studios, Sony’s Santa Monica Studio has brought this immersive experience to gamers at $29.99, with a Digital Deluxe edition priced at $39.99.

Additionally, Sony teased a remake of the original God of War trilogy, with TC Carson reprising his role as the voice of Kratos. While still in the early stages of development, Sony assured fans that significant updates will be provided in the future, promising a substantial reveal when the time is right.

Source: The Verge

Sony is set to showcase an extensive lineup of upcoming PS5 games at its State of Play event on February 12th. Scheduled to begin at 5PM ET, the event is expected to run for over an hour, providing gamers a glimpse into the future of PlayStation gaming.

While the specific games to be featured remain undisclosed, the gaming community is eagerly anticipating the event. With the PlayStation 5 continuing to be a major player in the console market, Sony’s State of Play serves as a crucial platform for unveiling new titles and advancements.

Gamers worldwide will be tuning in to discover the latest releases, updates, and trailers that will shape the gaming landscape in the coming months. As the gaming industry evolves rapidly, events like State of Play offer an opportunity for players to stay informed and engaged with the latest technological developments.

Source: The Verge

Wildlight Entertainment, the developer behind the recently launched multiplayer shooter Highguard, is reportedly laying off a significant portion of its staff just over two weeks after the game’s debut. This news emerged through posts on LinkedIn by affected employees, including statements from former Wildlight level designer Alex Graner and former lead tech artist Josh Sobel, indicating that ‘most of the team at Wildlight’ has been let go.

In response to these layoffs, Wildlight released a statement acknowledging the difficult decision to downsize the team while retaining a core group of developers to focus on game improvements and support. The company expressed appreciation for the collective effort that went into creating Highguard and thanked the players for their support.

This development at Wildlight Entertainment follows similar industry moves, such as Riot Games’ recent reduction of around 80 employees working on a major live service project related to the 2XKO fighting game set in the League of Legends universe.

Source: The Verge