Category: Gaming

Netflix and FIFA have announced a partnership to launch a soccer simulation game in conjunction with the upcoming FIFA World Cup 2026. The new game will be part of Netflix’s expanding TV games lineup, offering both solo and online play options accessible directly from users’ mobile devices. Developed and published by Delphi Interactive, the game aims to bring football fans closer to the action, allowing them to immerse themselves in the excitement of the tournament from the comfort of their homes.

The collaboration marks a significant shift, as FIFA had previously been associated with EA’s soccer games, a partnership that ended in 2023. In addition to the Netflix project, FIFA is also working on another game titled FIFA Heroes, set to offer a more arcade-style experience compared to EA’s flagship series.

“We want to bring football back to its roots with something everyone can play with just the touch of a button,” said Alain Tascan, President of Netflix Games.

Source: The Verge

Arcade1Up, known for its home arcade machines, recently faced rumors of closure, but the company has now clarified its future. Basic Fun, a toy company, has acquired ‘select assets’ from Arcade1Up, signaling a shift in the brand’s direction. While Arcade1Up is not shutting down, the details of its upcoming ventures remain uncertain.

With this acquisition, the focus shifts to the potential technological implications for home arcade enthusiasts. The transition to Basic Fun could bring new strategies and innovations to the home arcade sector. Enthusiasts are eager to see how this change will impact the development of arcade systems and Infinity Tables, popular products from Arcade1Up.

While the specifics of the brand’s future plans are currently undisclosed, the move to Basic Fun opens up possibilities for potential technological advancements and product enhancements. The integration of Arcade1Up’s expertise with Basic Fun’s resources may lead to exciting developments in the realm of home arcade entertainment.

Source: The Verge

Larian Studios, the developer behind games like Baldur’s Gate 3, recently addressed the use of artificial intelligence in their game development process. In an interview with Bloomberg, Larian’s CEO Swen Vincke clarified the studio’s approach, emphasizing that AI is used as a supplement rather than a replacement for human creativity.

Vincke highlighted that Larian has been expanding its team of concept artists, writers, and storytellers, actively engaging in collaborative processes such as writer rooms, voice acting sessions, and translation services. The studio currently employs 23 concept artists and is actively recruiting more to enhance the ideation and production phases.

While acknowledging the potential of machine learning tools to streamline workflows, Vincke made it clear that AI is intended to empower creatives and improve their daily work routines, ultimately delivering higher-quality games. He stressed that Larian has no plans to incorporate AI components in its upcoming releases or reduce team sizes in favor of AI-driven processes.

Vincke underscored the ongoing internal dialogues within the studio, emphasizing the goal of enhancing employees’ work experiences through technology.

Source: The Verge

Microsoft has released a significant update for its 2024 Xbox Wireless Headset, introducing Bluetooth Low Energy (LE) Audio capabilities. The addition of Bluetooth LE Audio is expected to enhance the headset’s performance, potentially leading to improved battery life, reduced latency, and clearer voice chat experiences, especially when used with Microsoft’s Xbox handheld devices like the Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X.

Unlike Bluetooth Classic, which tends to sacrifice audio quality during two-way voice communication due to higher bandwidth requirements, Bluetooth LE Audio promises a seamless experience without compromising sound quality. This update aligns with Microsoft’s previous emphasis on ‘super wideband stereo,’ ensuring a high-quality audio experience for users on Windows 11.

Moreover, the introduction of Bluetooth LE Audio enables users to leverage Microsoft’s shared audio Insider Preview feature, allowing simultaneous audio streaming to two sets of headphones or a combination of headphones and speakers on a PC. While this feature is not yet available for Xbox Ally models, Microsoft has indicated its future implementation.

Although the Bluetooth LE Audio update is exclusive to the 2024 version of the Xbox Wireless Headset, users can enjoy these enhancements at no additional cost. This update follows Microsoft’s recent price adjustment on the headsets, which saw a $20 increase from $99 to $119. Overall, this update not only improves the functionality of the headset but also hints at potential convergence between Xbox and PC platforms.

Source: The Verge

Sucker Punch Productions, the studio behind popular game franchises like Ghost of Tsushima and Infamous, is undergoing a leadership transition. According to a recent announcement by Sony, Jason Connell and Adrian Bentley will assume leadership roles at the studio starting January 1st.

Connell, previously the co-creative director for the Ghost of Tsushima franchise, and Bentley, the studio’s technical director overseeing engineering and production teams, will be taking over the leadership of Sucker Punch. This change comes as co-founder Brian Fleming steps down, passing the studio’s leadership to a new generation.

Sony has expressed confidence in the new leadership duo, emphasizing their commitment to developing captivating new adventures for players worldwide. Fleming will remain at Sucker Punch until April to facilitate a smooth transition.

Source: The Verge

Hollow Knight: Silksong, the acclaimed game from Team Cherry, will be expanding in 2026 with a free content update titled ‘Sea of Sorrow.’ Following the successful release of Silksong earlier this year, this expansion promises new areas, bosses, tools, and more for players to explore and enjoy.

With over 7 million copies of Silksong sold and millions more players on Xbox Game Pass, fans are eagerly anticipating this expansion. Additionally, the original Hollow Knight is set to receive updates, including a Nintendo Switch 2 Edition that incorporates enhancements from Silksong and graphical improvements for an enhanced gaming experience.

Team Cherry is committed to updating all versions of the original game across different platforms, with specific enhancements tailored for Steam Decks and ultrawide monitors. PC players can even participate in public beta testing to experience these updates firsthand before the official release.

Source: The Verge

Bungie, the studio behind the popular Destiny franchise, has announced that its upcoming extraction shooter, Marathon, will now launch in March 2026, a delay from the originally planned September release. The game will be priced at $39.99 and will include a roadmap of free gameplay updates throughout the year, as detailed in a blog post.

Following feedback from an alpha test in June, Bungie has worked to enhance Marathon by introducing features like proximity chat and solo queue. The studio has emphasized its commitment to iterating on the game based on feedback from a dedicated community of players since the initial alpha playtest in April.

To address concerns about the fear of missing out (FOMO), Marathon’s ‘Rewards Passes’ will have no expiration date, allowing players to purchase previous passes. Bungie has also stated its dedication to upholding competitive integrity in the game, ensuring that success will not be determined by the amount of money spent.

Source: The Verge

Amazon Prime Video has released the second season of the popular Fallout series one day ahead of schedule. The new season will premiere on Tuesday, December 16th at 9PM ET / 6PM PT, with eight episodes set to air weekly on Wednesdays, culminating in the season finale on February 4th, 2026.

According to Amazon, the upcoming season will explore the aftermath of Season One’s dramatic conclusion, guiding viewers across the Mojave wasteland to the post-apocalyptic setting of New Vegas.

The first season of Fallout has garnered significant attention, with over 100 million viewers tuning in. Despite an initial hiccup with an AI-generated recap that contained inaccuracies, the show has been well-received by audiences.

Excitement for the series continues, as Amazon has already greenlit a third season. Executive producer Jonathan Nolan hinted at a potential start to filming next summer, although an official debut date for the next season has not been disclosed.

Source: The Verge

In a surprising turn of events, the Nex Playground, a console primarily designed for children, has outperformed the Xbox in sales this holiday season. Despite its initial obscurity, the Nex Playground is on track to quadruple its sales from last year, becoming the second best-selling console in the US according to research firm Circana.

The surge in sales can be attributed to Black Friday discounts and a temporary wave of popularity. Unlike the Xbox, which did not receive a holiday discount, the Nex Playground saw a significant price drop from $249 to $199, further boosting its appeal to consumers.

One key factor driving the Playground’s success is its appeal to parents looking for a console that encourages physical activity among children while reducing screen time conflicts. The colorful cube has resonated with families seeking a balance between gaming entertainment and physical movement.

Having sold over 300,000 units in just twelve days leading up to November 22nd, the Nex Playground is projected to reach 600,000 units sold for the year. This growth marks a significant milestone for a company that underwent a transformation from near bankruptcy to projected sales of over $150 million this year.

Despite facing challenges in meeting the unexpected surge in demand, the Nex Playground’s success underscores the market’s appetite for innovative gaming solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs. The real test will be sustaining its momentum beyond the holiday season and solidifying its position in the competitive console market.

Source: The Verge

Remedy Entertainment has announced the sequel to their acclaimed game Control, titled Control Resonant. The new title is set to launch in 2026 and will feature a shift to an action-RPG format, with the game taking place in an open Manhattan.

The protagonist of Control Resonant is Dylan Faden, the brother of Jesse Faden from the original game. Dylan finds himself embroiled in a supernatural crisis, battling cosmic entities that threaten the very fabric of reality. The game promises a fresh narrative where Dylan must harness his newfound powers to save Manhattan and locate his sister.

According to Remedy’s creative director Mikael Kasurinen, Control Resonant is not a traditional sequel, signifying a departure from the previous game’s format. The sequel will introduce a novel shapeshifting melee weapon, hinting at revamped combat experiences. While not classified as an open-world game, Control Resonant promises a grander scale than anything Remedy has attempted before, with a focus on enhancing combat, exploration, and storytelling.

Kasurinen emphasized that the game is designed for standalone play, allowing players to experience a unique adventure regardless of their familiarity with the original Control.

Source: The Verge

Following a recent court ruling against Apple in the ongoing legal battle with Epic Games over App Store fees, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney shared insights on the implications for developers. The appeals court decision challenges Apple’s ability to impose what Sweeney referred to as ‘excessive fees’ on in-app purchases, marking a significant shift in the app ecosystem.

Sweeney highlighted that the ruling restricts Apple’s ability to levy certain fees on developers, emphasizing the positive impact on the developer community. The court’s decision supports allowing app developers to include external payment links, a move that could empower developers and enhance competition within the app marketplace.

Notably, the court suggested that Apple could still charge developers reasonable fees for facilitating in-app purchases through external links. This signals a potential change in how Apple monetizes transactions conducted outside its payment system, aiming for a fair compensation model for the use of its intellectual property.

Sweeney also discussed the concept of developers contributing towards Apple’s review processes, proposing a system where developers pay fees for custom linkouts to cover the costs of Apple’s operational efforts. This approach could lead to a more transparent and equitable fee structure, benefiting both developers and Apple.

Source: The Verge

Tomb Raider fans have reason to look forward to the future, as Crystal Dynamics and Amazon Game Studios have announced plans to launch two new games in the iconic franchise. The upcoming releases, Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis in 2026 and Tomb Raider Catalyst in 2027, promise to offer players fresh adventures.

Legacy of Atlantis, scheduled for 2026, is described as a remake using Unreal Engine 5 technology, similar to the successful revamp seen in Tomb Raider Anniversary. This version will bring new life to the original Tomb Raider game, originally released in 1996 for the PlayStation.

Looking ahead to 2027, gamers can anticipate the release of Tomb Raider Catalyst, which introduces a new storyline featuring a revamped Lara Croft. The character in Catalyst appears to pay homage to Lara’s original concept as Laura Cruz, a South American woman, before her transformation into the British adventurer fans recognize today.

While specific details about the gameplay remain limited, the announcement of two consecutive game launches has generated excitement among Tomb Raider enthusiasts eager to explore the world of Lara Croft once again.

Source: The Verge

The Game Awards have returned, highlighting the latest advancements in gaming technology. The event features a variety of commercials, entertaining appearances by the Muppets, and the highly anticipated announcement of the Game of the Year. This year, the frontrunner for the coveted title is Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, which has received an impressive 12 nominations, leading in categories such as Direction, Art, Music and Score, Narrative, and Audio Design.

While the Game Awards traditionally celebrate outstanding games and industry achievements, they also serve as a platform to showcase technological innovations within the gaming sector. Games like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 demonstrate the evolving capabilities of gaming technology, pushing boundaries in graphics, storytelling, and sound design. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, events like the Game Awards provide a glimpse into the future of gaming technology and the creative possibilities it offers to developers and players alike.

Source: The Verge

Casey Hudson, known for directing acclaimed titles like Mass Effect and Knights of the Old Republic, is returning to the Star Wars universe with the announcement of a new single-player narrative game, Star Wars: Fate of the Old Republic. Unveiled at The Game Awards, the project marks Hudson’s highly anticipated comeback to the Star Wars franchise.

Developed in partnership with Lucasfilm Games by Arcanaut Studios, Fate of the Old Republic promises an immersive journey for Star Wars fans. The game’s focus on a single-player narrative experience positions it as a spiritual successor to the beloved KOTOR series, leveraging Hudson’s expertise in crafting compelling stories and engaging gameplay.

With Hudson’s involvement, the project carries significant weight, given his track record of delivering captivating narratives in the gaming industry. Fans can anticipate a blend of Hudson’s creative vision with the rich Star Wars lore, offering a fresh yet familiar experience.

Source: The Verge

Apple’s legal battle with Epic Games has taken a significant turn as the tech company lost its appeal of a district court ruling in the ongoing antitrust dispute. The original ruling accused Apple of intentionally disregarding an order allowing developers to link to external payment options, resulting in restrictions on Apple’s ability to charge commissions on in-app purchases using these external links. While the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals largely upheld the contempt findings and limitations imposed on Apple, it suggested exploring options for Apple to levy reasonable fees for such transactions.

The appeals court supported the district court’s concerns, acknowledging Apple’s attempts to circumvent the injunction by inhibiting developers from using effective calls to action without paying excessive commissions and hindering customers’ ability to use external links. However, the appeals court disagreed with the complete prohibition on Apple collecting fees for in-app purchases, noting that the district court’s blanket ban on commissions was overly severe. The panel recommended a more nuanced approach that aligns with the injunction’s spirit while ensuring fair compensation for Apple.

Source: The Verge

Android users in the United States can now download the popular game Fortnite directly from the Google Play Store. This development follows the game’s recent reinstatement on Apple’s App Store earlier this year, marking a significant comeback after being removed from Google’s app store half a decade ago due to disputes between Epic Games and both tech giants.

An official tweet from Epic Games confirmed the relisting of Fortnite on Google’s app store, attributing the move to ‘Google’s compliance with the U.S. District Court’s injunction,’ a clear nod to the legal battles and potential resolutions in progress. However, the specific timeline for Fortnite’s return to the Play Store outside the US remains undisclosed, with gamers advised to ‘stay tuned’ for further updates.

This development coincides with Judge James Donato’s recent directive for Epic and Google to provide a status update by December 19th on Google’s adherence to the court order. Additionally, an evidentiary hearing scheduled for January 22nd will further evaluate the ongoing settlement negotiations between the two entities.

Source: The Verge

Activision has announced a shift in its Call of Duty release approach, stating that future games in the franchise will no longer see consecutive launches of Modern Warfare or Black Ops titles. The company’s decision comes after the recent releases of Modern Warfare II, III, Black Ops 6, and Black Ops 7. Going forward, Activision aims to provide players with a distinct gaming experience each year, as mentioned in a blog post.

The recent release of Black Ops 7 faced a mixed reception, particularly in Europe where it had a lackluster debut, according to The Game Business. Treyarch’s Senior Director of Production, Yale Miller, expressed concerns before the launch, fearing that Black Ops 6 and 7 might be perceived as too similar.

Activision has emphasized a commitment to driving significant innovation rather than incremental changes in future titles. While specific plans have not been disclosed yet, the company promises to reveal more when the time is right. The post also indicates confidence in the future of the Call of Duty franchise, hinting at upcoming surprises that will push both the series and the genre forward.

With the gaming landscape evolving, this shift in strategy from Activision coincides with increased competition. Battlefield 6 by EA, for instance, quickly gained traction by selling over 7 million copies within its initial three days, positioning itself as a strong contender in the shooter game market. Similarly, Arc Raiders has seen success with over 4 million copies sold.

Source: The Verge

Analogue, known for its nostalgic 3D emulators, is set to release limited edition transparent ‘Funtastic’ 4K N64 models inspired by the early 2000s series. These colorful variants will be available in highly limited quantities starting on December 10th, priced at $299 each, slightly higher than the standard model.

The transparent hues, meticulously color-matched to the originals, include fire, watermelon, grape, ice, jungle, clear, and smoke. Additionally, a special gold model, reminiscent of a rare Toys R Us edition, will be offered alongside the transparent ones.

Accompanying these releases are matching 8BitDo 64 controllers, also in limited supply. For those preferring a more classic look, the standard black and white models will be restocked at $269.

Source: The Verge

Discord, the popular communication platform for gamers, has introduced a new feature that allows users to purchase and gift digital items for games, starting with Marvel Rivals. This new commerce function enables users to conveniently search, purchase, wishlist, and send cosmetics without exiting the Discord platform.

Marvel Rivals now offers a dedicated store page accessible directly within the game’s official Discord server. This integration allows users to browse and acquire in-game items without the need to launch the game client. Furthermore, users can create wishlists of specific items visible on their profile, facilitating friends’ ability to view and purchase them. Discord’s co-founder and chief technology officer, Stan Vishnevskiy, emphasized the significance of the wishlist and gifting features for both the platform and game developers.

According to Vishnevskiy, a substantial portion of purchases, up to 20% daily and exceeding 30% on holidays, are gifts. By expanding this gifting functionality beyond Discord’s confines, the platform aims to enhance revenue opportunities for developers. While Discord stands to receive a share of the revenue from these purchases, the specific revenue split remains undisclosed. Vishnevskiy highlighted the objective of offering incremental revenue and value to developers, emphasizing a focus on simplifying the purchasing process and potentially attracting new players.

Source: The Verge