Category: Gaming

Ubisoft has announced a major reorganization that includes the cancellation of the Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time remake. The company is shifting its focus towards developing large open-world games and live service titles, with a notable emphasis on ‘player-facing Generative AI.’ This strategic shift reflects Ubisoft’s commitment to evolving its portfolio and enhancing player experiences.

As part of the restructuring, Ubisoft will adopt a new operating model centered around five Creative Houses, each dedicated to specific genres and franchises. The move aims to streamline development resources and foster innovation within the organization. Notable changes include Vantage Studios focusing on annualizing key franchises like Assassin’s Creed and Far Cry, and a dedicated house for immersive fantasy worlds encompassing brands such as Prince of Persia.

Additionally, Ubisoft is actively developing four new franchises, signaling its ongoing commitment to creative expansion and diversification. The decision to cancel the Prince of Persia remake, while potentially disappointing for fans, underscores Ubisoft’s strategic realignment towards projects that align more closely with its future vision and goals.

Source: The Verge

Deck Nine Games, the developer behind the popular Life is Strange series, is set to conclude the storyline of Max Caulfield and Chloe Price in the upcoming game, Reunion. The original game introduced players to Max Caulfield and her time-reversing abilities, alongside her best friend Chloe Price. Reunion, described as the ’emotional conclusion of the Max and Chloe saga,’ will task players with preventing a devastating fire at Max’s college within a three-day timeframe.

Reunion follows the 2024 release of Double Exposure, which continued Max’s narrative. In this new installment, players will control both Max and Chloe, each with their own distinct abilities: time manipulation for Max and persuasive skills for Chloe. While this game marks the end of Max and Chloe’s specific arc, the Life is Strange series may potentially explore new storylines in the future, following an anthology format.

Source: The Verge

Google has discontinued the Stadia Bluetooth tool, a utility that allowed the conversion of the Google Stadia controller into a Bluetooth gamepad. This move by Google has prompted Christopher Klay, known for developing the Stadia Enhanced browser extension, to preserve a copy of the tool on a personal GitHub page. Klay and others in the community are now hosting a functioning version of the Google Stadia Bluetooth tool, ensuring that users can continue to repurpose their controllers.

This initiative by community members highlights the dedication of tech enthusiasts towards extending the lifespan and functionality of devices even after official support has been discontinued. By leveraging platforms like GitHub, individuals like Klay are able to salvage valuable tools and make them accessible to a wider audience, demonstrating the collaborative nature of the tech community.

For users who wish to continue using their Google Stadia controllers as Bluetooth gamepads, the availability of the preserved tool offers a practical solution to maintain the usability of their hardware beyond Google’s decision to discontinue support.

Source: The Verge

Former Nintendo of America President Doug Bowser is joining Hasbro’s board of directors shortly after his retirement from Nintendo. This move comes as Hasbro aims to expand its presence in the video game industry, leveraging its popular intellectual properties like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons.

While the specifics of Bowser’s responsibilities at Hasbro remain undisclosed, the company’s Chief Marketing Officer, Jason Bunge, expressed Hasbro’s intention to launch its first video game this year, marking a significant milestone in its gaming strategy.

Bowser’s departure from Nintendo was announced in September 2025, with Devon Pritchard assuming his former position as the new head of Nintendo of America. Bowser’s transition to Hasbro signals a strategic alignment between his expertise in the gaming sector and Hasbro’s ambitions to capitalize on the growing opportunities in video game development.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft has been conducting trials of its ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service for several months, leading up to potential testing of the free streaming option with Xbox Insiders. The company recently updated its Xbox app with loading screens indicating ‘1 hour of ad-supported playtime per session.’ This aligns with internal tests where users can enjoy one-hour sessions, totaling up to five hours of free play each month.

Insiders revealed that the upcoming ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming will feature about two minutes of preroll ads before streaming games for free. This version will allow players to stream owned titles and sample eligible Free Play Days games over weekends. Additionally, users can access Xbox Retro Classics games with preroll ads.

Microsoft is preparing for an official announcement and public testing of the ad-supported Xbox Cloud Gaming service in the near future.

Source: The Verge

Bungie, the acclaimed developer behind popular titles like Halo and Destiny, has announced the official release date for its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon. Initially scheduled for September, the game will now debut on March 5th on Xbox Series S/X, PS5, and PC, priced at $39.99.

The decision to delay Marathon came after extensive alpha test feedback, leading Bungie to introduce new features such as proximity chat and the ability to solo queue into games. Set in a futuristic sci-fi universe in the year 2850, Marathon immerses players in the role of a Runner scavenging in a challenging environment.

In Marathon’s PvPvE setting, players face off against both AI-controlled creatures and other human players on various planets. The game’s unique mechanics involve dropping gear upon death but retaining loot upon surviving, enabling players to progress and acquire more powerful items over time.

Despite launching after ARC Raiders, another successful extraction shooter, Marathon aims to captivate gamers with its engaging gameplay and innovative features.

Source: The Verge

Epic Games, the developer behind the popular game Fortnite, has announced new rules governing in-game transactions for creators. This decision comes shortly after Epic Games permitted creators to incorporate in-game purchases into their experiences. As of January 20th, creators are prohibited from offering in-island transactions that impact prize wheels within their ‘islands,’ a term used by Epic Games to refer to user-generated content.

The update explicitly states that no transactions, whether direct or indirect, should influence prize wheel outcomes. Specifically, enhancements like luck boosts, in-game items for spin purchases, or any form of spins on prize wheels, including single spins, extra spins, or spin bundles, are now prohibited.

This move by Epic Games aims to maintain fairness and integrity within the Fortnite creator community by standardizing the rules around in-game monetization features. Creators will need to adjust their content to comply with the new guidelines to ensure alignment with Epic Games’ policies and regulations.

Source: The Verge

Krafton, the developer behind the popular PUBG franchise, recently shared insights into its strategic direction during a town hall meeting. The company is emphasizing a disciplined approach to building long-term Franchise IPs while bolstering its core gaming business.

With 26 games currently in development, Krafton aims to prioritize the growth of new titles poised to become Franchise IPs, alongside expanding the popular PUBG franchise. The company has enhanced its creative leadership and game development frameworks to support this initiative.

The development pipeline comprises 12 upcoming games, including titles like Subnautica 2 and Palworld Mobile, set for release within the next two years. Krafton remains committed to fostering user-generated content within PUBG, enabling players to create and share their own content within the game’s ecosystem.

Moreover, Krafton’s forward-looking strategy includes an ‘AI First’ approach, exploring potential applications of its game technology in areas such as physical AI and robotics as part of long-term exploratory endeavors.

This concerted effort underscores Krafton’s commitment to innovation and long-term growth in the gaming industry, positioning the company for continued success and expansion in the evolving gaming landscape.

Source: The Verge

Amazon has announced the closure of the servers for its MMO, New World: Aeternum, with a shutdown date set for January 31st, 2027. The game has already been delisted and is no longer available for purchase since January 15th, marking a significant shift in Amazon’s gaming strategy.

Last year, Amazon revealed its decision to move away from MMOs and place a stronger emphasis on party games. This strategic shift led to the cessation of new content updates for New World: Aeternum, with the game’s servers scheduled to remain active until 2026. However, the long-term fate of the game has now been clarified with the official shutdown date.

Players who own New World: Aeternum can continue enjoying the game until it is permanently taken offline. Amazon has also announced the discontinuation of the Marks of Fortune in-game currency, effective July 20th, 2026, without providing refunds for any remaining currency. Despite the absence of new content, Amazon has committed to monitoring and addressing bugs and performance issues to ensure a smooth gaming experience during the wind-down period.

Source: The Verge

Nvidia has released a new app update featuring DLSS 4.5 and Nvidia Surround settings. DLSS 4.5 incorporates Nvidia’s second-generation Super Resolution transformer model, aiming to enhance image quality and reduce artifacts compared to DLSS 4. This update, now available to all RTX owners, has been trained on an expanded dataset to deliver sharper images and improved stability in DLSS Performance or Ultra Performance modes.

DLSS 4.5 also introduces new modes like 6x Multi Frame Generation and Dynamic Multi Frame Generation for RTX 50-series GPUs, though these features are slated for release in spring 2026. Additionally, the latest Nvidia app update (version 11.0.6) integrates all remaining Nvidia Surround settings from the legacy Control Panel, including bezel correction and hotkeys. This move aligns with Nvidia’s strategy to consolidate Control Panel and GeForce Experience functionalities into a unified app.

To access the new features, users can either let the app update automatically or manually download it from Nvidia’s website, alongside the necessary Game Ready driver for DLSS 4.5 activation.

Source: The Verge

Meta, formerly known as Facebook, is streamlining its operations by shutting down three VR gaming studios as part of its metaverse division restructuring. Twisted Pixel Games, Sanzaru Games, and Armature Studio are among the affected developers, signaling a shift in Meta’s focus within the virtual reality space.

The closures come as Meta plans to reduce about 10 percent of its Reality Labs metaverse division, aligning resources with its strategic objectives. Twisted Pixel Games, known for Marvel’s Deadpool VR, Sanzaru Games with the Asgard’s Wrath franchise, and Armature Studio involved in the Resident Evil 4 VR port, are facing closures according to internal memos.

Supernatural, the VR fitness app developed by Meta, will no longer receive new content development, although ongoing support for the existing product will continue. Former employees from the affected studios have confirmed the layoffs on social media, highlighting the impact of Meta’s restructuring decisions on the gaming industry.

Meta’s acquisitions of these studios in recent years, including Within, Twisted Pixel, Armature, and Sanzaru, aimed to strengthen its position in the VR market. However, these closures reflect the company’s evolving priorities, with a shift towards wearable technology investments over metaverse development.

This move by Meta underscores the dynamic nature of the tech industry and the competitive landscape of virtual reality. As one of the key players in shaping the future of the metaverse, Meta’s strategic realignment may have broader implications for the VR gaming sector and the evolving metaverse ecosystem.

Source: The Verge

A UK employment tribunal has rejected a request from 34 fired Rockstar Games employees for interim pay while awaiting a full hearing regarding their dismissals, as reported by Bloomberg and IGN. The Independent Workers’ Union of Great Britain (IWGB) accused Rockstar of ‘union busting’ after the company terminated 31 UK employees and three Canadian employees last year.

During the two-day hearing, IWGB president Alex Marshall expressed confidence in the case, stating, ‘Despite being refused interim relief today, we’ve come out of last week’s hearing more confident than ever that a full and substantive tribunal will find Rockstar’s calculated attempt to crush a union to be not only unjust but unlawful.’ The union alleges that Rockstar fired the employees for leaking company information in a Discord channel.

Responding to the situation, a Rockstar Games spokesperson said, ‘We regret that we were put in a position where dismissals were necessary, but we stand by our course of action as supported by the outcome of this hearing.’ Notably, Rockstar is currently in the process of developing Grand Theft Auto VI, which recently faced a delay from its initial May launch to November 19th.

Source: The Verge

Hytale, the Minecraft-inspired adventure game developed by Hypixel Studios, is set to launch in early access on January 13th. The game promises a blend of sandbox freedom and RPG elements, allowing players to explore a procedurally generated world, engage in responsive combat, and build their own creations block by block.

With a commitment from the developers, including a 10-year personal pledge from co-founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, Hytale aims to provide continuous updates and community engagement. The early access release will focus on polished core systems and creator-first tools for player-generated content, minigames, and community servers.

Despite being labeled as ‘true early access’ with expected bugs and unfinished elements, Hytale anticipates a significant player base of over 1 million on launch day. The game will be initially available on PC, Mac, and Linux, with plans for a console release in the future. However, there will be no mobile version during the early access phase.

Source: The Verge

Palworld, the popular monster-hunting action/adventure game, is venturing into the trading card game (TCG) market. According to a report by The Verge, Pocketpair has partnered with Bushiroad, known for Weiss Schwarz and Shadowverse: Evolve, to launch a new TCG featuring creatures from Palworld. The Palworld TCG is scheduled for release on July 30th, allowing players to engage in strategic battles using decks containing beloved Pals like Blazamut, Celaray, and Grizzbolt.

This move comes amidst the 30th-anniversary celebrations of The Pokémon Company, adding more competition to the trading card game market. With Pokémon cards experiencing high demand, the Palworld TCG presents an intriguing alternative for collectors and players alike.

Source: The Verge

GameStop, a prominent player in the gaming industry, is strategically closing over 400 stores across 42 states as part of its cost-cutting measures. The company aims to potentially reach a $100 billion market cap, which would allow CEO Ryan Cohen to earn $35 billion in stock options. GameStop had previously shuttered 590 stores in fiscal year 2024 and is now accelerating this trend by planning additional closures in fiscal 2025. With the imminent end of the fiscal year on January 31st, the company is working to meet its targets by reducing its retail footprint significantly.

As of the latest update on January 11th, GameStop has identified 435 stores for closure, marking a substantial reduction from the 2,325 stores it operated in the US as of February 2025. Concurrently, the company is winding down its international presence, already exiting several countries with plans to depart from France within the coming year.

Despite facing challenges in recent years, GameStop seems to be on a path to financial recovery. However, these store closures will result in job losses for thousands of employees. The company has not provided any comments on these developments.

Source: The Verge

Larian Studios, the team behind Baldur’s Gate 3, recently addressed the use of generative AI tools in their game development process. During an AMA on Reddit, CEO Swen Vincke confirmed that the upcoming title, Divinity, will not feature any AI-generated art. This statement follows backlash from the gaming community after initial reports suggested the studio was exploring AI for concept art and writing.

Vincke explained that while they had experimented with AI tools for various purposes like idea exploration and presentation development, they decided to avoid using generative AI for creating concept art. This decision came after facing criticism online for considering AI-generated assets in their creative process.

In response to concerns, Vincke clarified that any potential future use of generative AI assets would involve data owned by the studio. The team also confirmed that text generation tools were not utilized for writing dialogues or journal entries in Divinity, emphasizing their restricted use for research purposes only.

By openly discussing their stance on AI integration, Larian Studios aims to maintain transparency and address community feedback regarding the use of AI in game development. While leaving the door slightly ajar for possible future utilization, the studio’s commitment to ethical and controlled AI implementation sets a precedent for responsible technology adoption in the gaming industry.

Source: The Verge

Xbox Game Studios’ upcoming title, Towerborne, a side-scrolling action RPG, is set to launch on February 26th. Originally planned as a free-to-play online game, the studio has announced a significant shift to a paid model that offers offline play capabilities.

Trisha Stouffer, CEO of Towerborne developer Stoic, highlighted the transformation required to enable offline play, emphasizing a more robust and player-friendly experience. This decision follows feedback from the gaming community during Early Access and Game Preview, expressing a desire for a complete game experience without ongoing monetization mechanics.

The move to a premium model aims to deliver a polished game upfront, devoid of live-service elements such as pay-to-win systems, catering to players seeking a different gaming experience from the prevalent live service games like Fortnite and Roblox.

With the upcoming 1.0 release, Towerborne promises a full story, new bosses, a revamped difficulty system, and the ability to earn in-game cosmetics through gameplay without the need for additional purchases. Existing early access players will retain access to the game post-launch.

This strategic shift in Towerborne’s monetization approach signifies a departure from the trend of live-service games, offering players a one-time purchase option with offline play convenience, potentially reshaping the landscape of gaming monetization strategies.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft is set to host its annual Xbox Developer Direct event on January 22nd, offering an in-depth look at several highly anticipated Xbox games. The event will feature previews of Forza Horizon 6, which will take players on a vibrant open-world adventure in Tokyo City and beyond. Additionally, the event will provide insights into the upcoming Fable title, promising a fresh start for the beloved franchise.

Game Freak, known for its Pokémon RPG series, will also present gameplay from its action RPG, Beast of Reincarnation. In this game, players will embark on an adventure alongside the protagonist Emma and her loyal canine companion. The Xbox Developer Direct event, starting at 1PM ET on January 22nd, will be live-streamed on Twitch and YouTube, giving fans an exciting glimpse into the future of Xbox gaming.

Source: The Verge

Sony has announced a new Hyperpop Collection for the PlayStation 5, featuring eye-catching neon console covers and controllers in three vibrant color options: techno red, remix green, and rhythm blue. Designed with RGB lighting in mind, the collection aims to bring a burst of color to gaming setups.

According to Sony’s color, material, and finish design team lead, Leo Cardoso, the new colors are inspired by the mesmerizing glow of RGB lights found in modern gaming setups, offering a captivating visual experience for enthusiasts.

The Hyperpop Collection is slated for launch on March 12th, with preorders starting on January 16th at Sony’s PlayStation Direct website and select retailers. The console covers are priced at $74.99, while the matching DualSense controllers will be available for $84.99, albeit in limited quantities.

Source: The Verge