Category: Gaming

Riot Games is making adjustments to the team working on its free-to-play fighting game 2XKO, set in the League of Legends universe. The company is reducing staff size, aiming to improve the game’s performance and engagement levels.

2XKO, which launched on PC in October and recently expanded to consoles, has faced challenges in maintaining player momentum. This move comes as Riot refines its focus on core live games and adapts to the competitive landscape of live service games.

The decision to downsize affects around 80 roles globally, with impacted employees offered support for internal job transitions or provided with notice pay and severance packages. Riot’s executive producer, Tom Cannon, emphasized the team’s commitment to enhancing 2XKO based on player feedback.

This strategic shift aligns with Riot’s evolving operational approach, aiming to optimize resources and prioritize the long-term success of its gaming portfolio.

Source: The Verge

Sony has announced plans for the upcoming PlayStation State of Play showcase, scheduled to air on February 12th at 5PM ET. Following similar events from Nintendo and Xbox, the PlayStation showcase is expected to last over an hour and feature a lineup of “eye-catching third-party and indie games” for the PS5, as well as the latest projects from PlayStation Studios.

Gamers are eagerly anticipating the event, which will provide a glimpse into the evolving gaming landscape and showcase the innovation driving the industry forward.

Source: The Verge

GOG, the popular digital distribution platform for video games, is taking steps to introduce native Linux support, as reported by The Verge. The company has announced its intention to port its Galaxy desktop client to Linux and has confirmed that work on this initiative is already underway. Although no specific timeline has been disclosed, GOG has recognized the growing significance of Linux in the gaming community. In response to a Reddit AMA, a GOG team member stated, ‘We’re at a very early stage right now, but we of course see the rising popularity and importance of this OS for gamers and agree on its value. We’ve started the recruitment process for a Senior Engineer who would help handle it.’ While details remain limited, GOG has assured users that native Linux support will eventually be integrated into its platform.

Source: The Verge

Fortnite developer Epic Games has refuted claims linking a Fortnite account to Jeffrey Epstein, stating it was a ‘ruse.’ The controversy arose when an existing Fortnite account user changed their username to ‘littlestjeff1,’ a name found in Epstein’s email receipts. This led to speculation that ‘littlestjeff1’ was tied to Epstein’s YouTube account, sparking further online scrutiny.

Although a ‘littlestjeff1’ Fortnite account was discovered along with an email referencing V-Bucks purchases, Epic Games clarified that a player altered their name after the YouTube discovery. The company explained that Fortnite trackers only display current usernames and have no evidence of Epstein’s email addresses in their records.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney addressed the situation, affirming that the Fortnite username change was unrelated to the emails from the Epstein files. This revelation dispels the conspiracy theories circulating online about Epstein’s alleged involvement with the ‘littlestjeff1’ account.

Source: The Verge

Analogue, known for its modern remake of the Nintendo 64, has announced a new set of limited-edition transparent color options for the Analogue 3D console. Drawing inspiration from Nintendo’s prototyped colored versions of the classic console, Analogue will release five new color options for enthusiasts.

The Prototype Limited Editions will be available for purchase on February 9th, offering colors like extreme green, ocean, atomic purple, ghost, and glacier. Priced at $299.99 each, these versions provide an alternative to the standard black or white options. Additionally, color-matched 8BitDo 64 Bluetooth controllers will be launched on the same day for $44.99, adding to the customization options for gamers.

The new color variants enhance the visual appeal of the console, showcasing the creativity and nostalgia that drive the gaming community’s interest in retro-inspired tech. The combination of modern technology with classic design elements continues to captivate gaming enthusiasts looking for a blend of old-school charm and contemporary performance.

Source: The Verge

Roblox, the popular gaming platform, is strategically aiming to increase its adult player base after implementing age verification measures last year. According to Roblox’s 2025 year-end earnings report, 45% of its daily active users have completed age verification as of January 31st, with 27% of verified users being adults. These adult players are reported to be spending more on the platform compared to younger users.

To attract more adult players, Roblox plans to expand its offerings in ‘high-fidelity’ genres such as Shooters, RPGs, and Sports & Racing. The company emphasized its focus on enhancing performance and graphics quality to cater to the preferences of older audiences.

This shift towards adult players comes in the wake of legal challenges regarding child safety on the platform. Roblox has responded by not only introducing age verification measures but also implementing various safety features like age-gated content, content labels, an experiences rating system, and enhanced parental controls.

By targeting adult players and enhancing safety measures, Roblox is adapting to meet the evolving needs of its user base while addressing concerns about platform safety and age-appropriate content.

Source: The Verge

Nintendo has announced an impressive lineup of third-party games for the Switch 2 console, set to launch in 2026. The reveal includes highly anticipated titles from renowned studios, expanding the gaming options for enthusiasts.

Bethesda, as part of Xbox’s multiplatform strategy, will bring three prominent titles to the Switch 2: Fallout 4: Anniversary Edition on February 24th, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle on May 12th, and a remastered version of Oblivion later in the year.

Additionally, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the next installment in the remake series, is scheduled for release on June 3rd. Capcom has also contributed to the lineup with Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata, offering players diverse gaming experiences.

Other notable additions include Valheim, a popular survival game coming to the Switch later this year, and Orbitals, a captivating co-op adventure inspired by classic anime, expected in the summer. Paranormasight: The Mermaid’s Curse, an investigative thriller, is another anticipated release.

These new games from third-party developers showcase Nintendo’s commitment to providing a rich and varied gaming ecosystem on the Switch 2, catering to different preferences and genres.

Source: The Verge

Valve’s highly anticipated Steam Machine, Steam Frame, and Steam Controller hardware, initially set to start shipping in early 2026, now face a delay due to the ongoing memory and storage shortages impacting the tech industry. The company plans to revisit the pricing for these products as a result of the limited availability and rising costs of crucial components.

In a recent announcement, Valve stated, ‘We planned on being able to share specific pricing and launch dates by now, but the memory and storage shortages have rapidly increased. We must revisit our shipping schedule and pricing, especially around Steam Machine and Steam Frame.’ Despite the setback, Valve remains committed to shipping all three products in the first half of the year, although concrete pricing and launch dates are yet to be finalized.

The surge in RAM costs post-announcement has posed a challenge to Valve’s initial pricing strategy for the new hardware. When introduced last November, the Steam Machine was positioned to be more accessible within the PC space, while the Frame aimed for a price below the $999 Index headset. The Steam Controller was also set to be competitively priced against other advanced input controllers.

This delay underscores the broader impact of supply chain disruptions on the tech industry, affecting product launches and pricing strategies. Tech enthusiasts eagerly await Valve’s revised launch details amidst the evolving market conditions.

Source: The Verge

Overwatch 2, the sequel to Activision Blizzard’s popular hero shooter Overwatch, has introduced significant changes to the player versus player (PVP) mode, transitioning to five-on-five matches. Additionally, the game features several new characters, including the first Black female hero, marking a milestone for inclusivity in gaming.

Despite canceling planned player versus environment (PvE) content, the developers have expanded the hero pool, offering players more options and strategic diversity. These updates aim to enhance the overall gameplay experience and keep the community engaged.

From a technical perspective, Overwatch 2 showcases advancements in online multiplayer gaming technology. The shift to five-on-five matches and the introduction of new characters highlight the evolution of hero shooter mechanics, setting a new standard for the genre.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft, in collaboration with AMD, is actively developing its next-generation Xbox console, which is anticipated to utilize custom AMD chips and could potentially launch in 2027. AMD CEO Lisa Su confirmed the progress, stating, ‘Development of Microsoft’s next-gen Xbox, featuring an AMD semi-custom SoC, is progressing well to support a launch in 2027.’ This statement indicates AMD’s readiness to facilitate a 2027 launch if Microsoft moves forward with its plans.

Last year, Microsoft and AMD established a ‘strategic multi-year partnership’ for co-engineering silicon, encompassing various devices, including the upcoming Xbox consoles. The collaboration also extends to the construction of the next wave of Xbox Cloud Gaming servers.

Microsoft’s future Xbox is envisioned as a hybrid console and PC, with the Xbox Ally devices serving as a foundation for this innovative concept. According to Xbox president Sarah Bond, the upcoming console will offer a ‘very premium, very high-end curated experience.’

While an official release date for the next-gen Xbox remains undisclosed, leaked documents from the FTC v. Microsoft case previously suggested a potential 2028 launch, featuring a custom AMD CPU and GPU design. However, these outdated documents no longer align with current plans, hinting towards an earlier release.

Source: The Verge

Take-Two, the parent company of Borderlands 4 developer Gearbox, has announced a pause in the development of the Nintendo Switch 2 version of the game. This decision, shared by Take-Two spokesperson Alan Lewis with Variety, aims to prioritize delivering quality post-launch content and optimizing the game for players. While the pause may disappoint some fans, Take-Two remains committed to enhancing the gaming experience.

In light of this development, Take-Two is focusing on other upcoming releases for the Switch 2, including ‘PGA Tour 2K25’ and ‘WWE 2K26.’ The company expresses enthusiasm about expanding its titles on the platform in the future, indicating ongoing collaboration with Nintendo.

Grand Theft Auto VI remains a key highlight in Take-Two’s future games lineup, with a slated release date of November 19th, 2026. Notably, the company’s earnings report mentions the remarkable success of Grand Theft Auto V, which has sold over 225 million units since its launch in 2013.

While the pause in Borderlands 4 development may raise questions, it underscores the intricate process of game optimization and content delivery. Stay tuned for further updates on Take-Two’s gaming portfolio and its evolving partnerships.

Source: The Verge

In a recent earnings release, Nintendo announced that the original Switch has become the company’s top-selling console, outpacing the iconic DS in lifetime sales. Since its debut in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has sold 155.37 million units as of December 31, 2025, surpassing the 154.02 million units sold by the Nintendo DS launched in 2004.

The shift in the gaming industry’s best-selling console showcases the enduring popularity of the Nintendo Switch and emphasizes the importance of sustained consumer interest and strategic product positioning in the highly competitive console market. To claim the title of the best-selling video game console of all time, Nintendo must continue selling the Switch and surpass Sony’s PlayStation 2, which sold over 160 million units before being discontinued in 2013 after a successful 13-year run.

Despite discussions about the upcoming Switch 2, Nintendo remains committed to selling the original Switch based on consumer demand and market conditions. This strategy highlights the company’s focus on meeting the current needs of its customer base while also planning for the future.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft recently banned Jeffrey Epstein, a registered sex offender, from its online gaming platform, Xbox Live. The ban, which occurred in December 2013, cited reasons such as harassment, threats, and abuse of other players.

Microsoft’s collaboration with New York state in 2012 aimed to prevent sex offenders from interacting with minors on online platforms. While Epstein’s personal involvement in playing Xbox remains unclear, emails suggest his potential interest in Xbox products, including purchasing decisions and account charges.

This incident highlights how tech companies like Microsoft enforce policies to maintain a safe online environment and comply with legal regulations regarding sex offenders. The ban on Epstein underscores the responsibility that technology firms bear in safeguarding their platforms against inappropriate behavior and individuals.

Source: The Verge

Following Google’s introduction of Project Genie, an AI tool enabling users to generate interactive experiences, several major video game companies experienced significant stock price declines. Take-Two Interactive, Roblox, and Unity saw drops in their stock prices just a day after the announcement, with Take-Two closing at $220.30 (down 7.93 percent), Roblox at $65.76 (down 13.17 percent), and Unity at $29.10 (down 24.22 percent).

Project Genie’s AI world model, Genie 3, was trained on publicly available data from the web, according to Google DeepMind’s Diego Rivas. However, concerns have arisen within the creative community about potential plagiarism and the impact on originality in game development.

While Project Genie offers a glimpse into the possibilities of AI-generated content, some game developers remain skeptical about its ability to replicate the quality and playability of original games. The current limitations of the tool, such as the creation of short experiences without defined objectives or sound, raise questions about its practical application in game development.

For an industry already navigating challenges like layoffs, Project Genie’s emergence signals a shift in how tasks like testing and concept creation could be approached. Despite its early shortcomings, the technology presents a new frontier in user-driven content generation within the gaming sector.

Source: The Verge

The latest update from Analogue, the Analogue 3D, now supports Nintendo’s wireless N64 controller, as reported by The Verge. The Analogue 3D, known for its four controller ports that initially only accommodated the N64’s original wired gamepads, has expanded its capabilities to include wireless functionality. This allows players to enjoy a wireless N64 experience, which was previously only possible with the 8BitDo 64 controller.

Nintendo’s wireless N64 controller, introduced alongside N64 games on the Nintendo Switch Online platform, provides an authentic recreation of the original N64 hardware. Priced at $54.99, this controller offers a premium experience but is exclusive to Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. For those looking to upgrade their existing wired controllers, 8BitDo’s $39.99 Mod Kit remains a viable option.

The latest firmware update, version 1.2.0, not only introduces compatibility with the wireless N64 controller but also addresses issues like compatibility with 4K displays, audio clipping problems, and enhances the Library feature on the Analogue 3D. Players can now track their total playtime for each game in their collection, further enriching the gaming experience.

Source: The Verge

A recent survey conducted by the Game Developers Conference has revealed a divide among developers in the gaming industry regarding the impact of generative AI, often referred to as gen AI. The survey, which gathered responses from 2,300 game industry professionals, found that 52% of developers perceive gen AI as having a negative impact on the industry, while only 7% see it in a positive light.

The negative sentiment towards gen AI has notably increased over the years, with just 18% of respondents viewing the technology negatively in 2024, a number that rose to 30% in 2025, and has now surpassed the halfway mark. Despite efforts to include diverse perspectives, the survey’s demographic skew towards primarily male, white, and US-based respondents indicates a need for broader industry representation.

While industry leaders like EA and Krafton have acknowledged the capabilities of generative AI, the survey results reflect a more cautious stance among developers. About 36% of respondents reported using gen AI in their work, with the majority leveraging it for research, brainstorming, and administrative tasks. However, fewer developers apply the technology directly to player-facing features, focusing instead on prototyping, testing, debugging, and asset generation.

The survey also shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by developers, including layoffs and studio closures, underscoring the complex landscape of the gaming industry amidst technological advancements.

Source: The Verge

After being acquired by Netflix in 2022, game developer Spry Fox, known for hits like Triple Town and Alphabear, recently bought itself out to regain independence. The move comes as Netflix shifts its focus towards TV-based games, leaving Spry Fox to pursue a broader audience for their upcoming MMO, Spirit Crossing.

Spry Fox’s co-founder, David Edery, highlighted the need to reach a wider player base beyond Netflix members for their highly social MMO experience. Spirit Crossing, a multiplayer game centered around fostering friendship and community, represents a significant expansion for the studio, which was previously known for cozy puzzle games. The decision to go independent again was driven by the desire to increase the game’s accessibility and allow non-Netflix members to participate in the virtual world.

Having previously found success in the ‘cozy’ genre with titles like Cozy Grove, Spry Fox aims to create a more expansive and socially engaging virtual environment through Spirit Crossing. The move underscores the studio’s evolution from mobile game success to a larger-scale multiplayer experience, emphasizing inclusivity and social connectivity.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft has initiated testing of a revamped web interface for Xbox Cloud Gaming, showcasing a design that closely resembles a traditional console layout. The preview UI, currently accessible to Xbox Insiders, introduces updated navigation features, fresh animations, and an overall refreshed aesthetic. This development serves as a glimpse into what potential future Xbox console designs may encompass.

The latest redesign comes on the heels of the previous major overhaul the Xbox Cloud Gaming interface received about two years ago, integrating social features and a user interface reminiscent of the Xbox dashboard. With the addition of various new animations, a revamped library section, and a rounded design, the updated UI further bridges the gap between the cloud gaming experience and that of an Xbox console.

Notable enhancements include a sliding dashboard interface, an animated Xbox icon with dynamic lighting and shape changes, and improved navigation transitions throughout the dashboard. These subtle yet impactful changes significantly enhance the navigation experience within Xbox Cloud Gaming, moving away from the conventional web app loading structure.

According to Patrick Siu, principal product manager at Xbox, the refreshed web interface for Xbox Cloud Gaming lays the groundwork for developing future player experiences. The preview phase offers users a sneak peek into the upcoming design and product flow improvements before a broad rollout.

With implications suggesting that this new interface could potentially influence future Xbox console designs, enthusiasts anticipate how Microsoft might incorporate this layout into its forthcoming hardware. Additionally, users hope to see similar navigation and animation enhancements implemented within the Xbox PC app to further elevate the user experience.

Source: The Verge