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Source: Future Publishing / Getty / White Xbox Series X
Didn’t care for the black Xbox Series X console? Well, there might be a white option on the way.
Exputer has shared leaked images of a white All-Digital Xbox Series X sporting the “robot white” look of Series S. The Verge reports it has seen documents confirming the photos are genuine.
While there should be excitement for the white All-Digital Xbox Series X, it can also mean that Xbox’s console refresh, the leaked “Brooklin” console, could have its wig pushed back.
The Verge reached out for comment but has not gotten word back.
The Brooklin console was also disc-less, but instead of box-shaped, it sports a new circular design plus a much-needed increased internal storage of 2TB, Wi-Fi 6E, Bluetooth 5.2, improved efficiency, 15% reduced PSU power, and a $499 price.
Xbox was allegedly gunning for a November release date, but speaking on the leak, Xbox chief Phil Spencer threw some cold water on those expectations.
“It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed, and there’s so much to be excited about right now and in the future,” Spencer said in a September post on X, formerly Twitter. “We will share the real plans when we are ready.”
Exputer also reports that the All-Digital Xbox’s new coat of white paint and lack of disc drive are not the only upgrades. Some internal components, including the heatsink, which cools the console, will see an upgrade.
As for the price, Exputer reports the console will cost $50-$100 less than the current $499 Xbox Series X console.
Gamers Have Thoughts
The news of the white All-Digital Xbox Series X is sparking reactions. “Charging more while getting less. A tale as old as time. At least the ps5 slim still has a drive for $500, “one person wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
“Why wouldn’t you just get a PC at this point? The whole thing about consoles is the physical media with them and their exclusives. And the Xbox won’t have either anymore if this is true,” another post read.
Again, this isn’t confirmed, but if Xbox does verify its existence, we are intrigued to see how it will be received.
Hit the gallery below for more reactions.
1. Damn, flat out no.
2. Well, someone is excited
6. It might be cheaper
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Source: Anadolu / Getty / Xbox
Xbox has been in the news A LOT as of late, primarily due to fanboys losing their sh*t about the company’s new direction, but this latest development is something many gamers are on board for.
Spotted on VG247, the Microsoft gaming division is reportedly looking to make a big splash in the handheld gaming department after seeing Sony’s surprising success with its cloud-based/remote-play PS5 companion device, the PlayStation Portal.
On a recent episode of the Xbox Two podcast, Windows Central managing editor Jez Corden claims the Microsoft gaming company already has working prototypes.
Per VG247:
Speaking on the Xbox Two podcast, Jez Corden said that he knows that “[Xbox] have got handheld prototypes right now.” He clarified that they are “new prototypes” and not old ones that were supposedly previously in the works, and he also made sure to point out that it’s “not a cloud handheld” it’s “a fully native Xbox handheld.” This was pointed out on the podcast too, but it should be noted that just because Xbox is working on a handheld prototype, if it is, that doesn’t mean it will ever actually release. Projects like these are cancelled all the time, so don’t go writing any comments complaining it never came out when it was never guaranteed in the first place.
A “Fully Native” Handheld Sounds Clutch
This news isn’t all that surprising because Xbox is pushing the plan to make Xbox Game Pass available on devices other than Xbox Series X, S, or PC.
You can now run the subscription gaming platform on handhelds like Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, Logitech G Cloud, the Lenovo-Legion Go, or your smartphones via a cloud gaming app still in beta.
However, a dedicated device would be a clutch, especially if paired with an Xbox Game Pass.
Gamers are reacting positively to the rumor of a “fully native” handheld console.
“I want a Xbox Handheld – its time As much as I like my ROG Ally, portable hardware that plays all my Xbox games with a simplified UI and not having to worry about system settings with improved battery life In other words a pick up and play experience,” Kinda Funny (XCast) and Gamertag Radio host Parris Lilly wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
You can see those reactions in the gallery below.
1. From your lips to God’s ears.
2. We hear you Parris
3. It would be nice
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Source: Xbox / Xbox Partner Preview
Yes, we know the Xbox community is still trying to get it all together, but this latest Xbox Partner Preview should give them hope that their Xbox Series X and Series S consoles are not just expensive paperweights.
On Wednesday, March 6, the 30-minute Xbox Partner Preview showcase was all about games. It highlighted many games coming to the Xbox Series X, Windows PC, and Game Pass this year and much later.
Xbox owners and Game Pass subscribers saw game trailers for titles such as Final Fantasy 14 Online, which is finally making its way to Xbox consoles after living exclusively on PC and PlayStation consoles.
Other announcements came from Capcom, 11 Bit Studios, which had a strong presence during the presentation, EA Originals, and many more.
A few standouts to use were The Alters from 11 Bit Studios, which finally shows us what Capcom’s Kunitsu-Gami: Path of The Goddess is all about, and the upcoming Metroidvania-style game Tales of Kenzera: Zau, which is giving us the purest of Black Panther vibes despite not even being a Marvel game.
So if you missed it, hit the gallery below for all of the announcements.
1. Unknown 9: Awakening – Announcement Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Are you ready to believe in the Unknown? Become Haroona, embrace your powers, and embark on a quest for the truth. Unknown 9: Awakening comes out this summer on Xbox.
2. Sleight of Hand – Announce Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Infiltrate the hardboiled, rain-slicked city of Taboo, where ritual magic and cursed artifacts set apart those with power from those without. Sleight of Hand is a 3rd-person Stealth-Action Deckbuilder about taking down the coven you used to run with.
3. The Alters – Gameplay Reveal Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
See The Alters gameplay explained! Explore an emotional sci-fi game that features a unique blend of adventure, survival, and base-building elements. Play as Jan Dolski, a simple worker who creates alternative versions of himself in a desperate attempt to escape from a planet where even sun rays can prove deadly.
4. Creatures of Ava – Reveal Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Let your empathy guide you as you play an exciting action-adventure, creature saver game. Understand and tame the creatures of Ava and let them lead you through a variety of ecosystems – all in the hopes of saving the planet from a life-consuming infection.
5. Now on Roblox: Chucky’s on the loose! | Xbox Partner Preview
The world of horror meets gaming in GRIEFVILLE, where a new era of nightmares begins with the addition of Chucky, the iconic doll himself.
6. The Sinking City 2 – Announce Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
We are excited to officially unveil The Sinking City 2, a Lovecraftian survival horror set in an otherworldly rendition of Arkham in the 1920s United States. Coming to Xbox Series X|S in 2025.
7. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legends of the Zone Trilogy – Launch Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Play the original S.T.A.L.K.E.R. trilogy on Xbox today!
8. Monster Jam Showdown – Announcement Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Fire up your engines and get ready to take part in the most groundbreaking game of the year! #MonsterJamShowdown is coming in 2024!
9. Persona 3 Reload: Expansion Pass | Xbox Partner Preview
She once made a choice to live.
Now, she’ll need to find the answer.
The final chapter of Persona 3 Reload, Episode Aigis – The Answer – arrives in September 2024!
Purchase the Expansion Pass on March 12th to unlock the first wave of DLC. Available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC.
10. The First Berserker: Khazan – Gameplay Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
The First Berserker: Khazan is a hardcore Action-RPG based on the Dungeon & Fighter franchise, an ongoing franchise of 18 years with more than 850 Million users worldwide.
Khazan, the Great General of the Pell Los Empire, who overcame death, and sets out to reveal the incidents that led to his downfall and seek vengeance on his enemies.
The First Berserker: Khazan awaits you with hardcore stylish action with a unique mashup of reality and anime-inspired graphics!
11. Tales of Kenzera: Zau – Gameplay Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Brave the beautiful & treacherous lands of Kenzera with the God of Death in Tales of Kenzera™: ZAU, and reclaim your father’s spirit.
12. Frostpunk 2 – Date Reveal + Preorder Trailer | Xbox Partner Preview
Frostpunk 2 is coming to PC on July 25th! Pre-order now on the Microsoft Store and get a one-week access to the Beta in April. https://www.xbox.com/games/store/p/9P…
Frostpunk 2 is a city-survival game set 30 years after an apocalyptic blizzard ravaged Earth, transforming our world into a harsh, icy wasteland. In the game you must face a new deadly threat that appears on the horizon – human nature and its unsatiated thirst for power.
13. FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – A Life-changing Story Awaits | Xbox Partner Preview
A life-changing story awaits in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online!
Play the Open Beta now and get ready for the full release on March 21, 2024.
The Starter Edition will be available through Game Pass Ultimate Perks! Claim between March 21 and April 19, 2024.
14. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – Gameplay Trailer “Kagura” | Xbox Partner Preview
A new tale of the Kami awaits…
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be released in 2024 on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.
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Source: Obsidian Entertainment / Xbox / Grounded / Nintendo Direct
The video game world, specifically the Xbox community, was in shambles after leaks about the company’s shift in business direction hit the timeline. Nintendo confirmed the first two games that were Xbox exclusives coming to the Nintendo Switch platform.
While many were still sleeping, a Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase focused on games from studios not under the Nintendo umbrella and finally confirmed Xbox’s worst-kept secret.
Obsidian Entertainment’s narrative adventure game Pentiment will be coming to the Nintendo Switch and the PlayStation 4 and PS5 on February 22.
Also coming from Obsidian Entertainment is the co-op survival adventure game that takes its cues from the film Honey I Shrunk The Kids is Grounded.
Since its launch on the Xbox consoles and PC, there have been over 20 million players, and that base will likely expand when Grounded launches on the Nintendo Switch and PlayStation consoles on April 16 and will feature crossplay.
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There were plenty of other announcements from the Nintendo Direct as well.
Star Wars Battlefront Classic Collection is also coming back, allowing fans of the franchise to play modernized versions of 2004’s Star Wars Battlefront and the 2005 sequel Star Wars Battlefront II both online and offline.
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Another game shown during the direct was Contra: Operation Gulaga, a complete reimaging of the 80s classic Nintendo game featuring co-op gameplay, arriving on the Nintendo Switch console on March 12.
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But wait, there’s more. You can see the other announcements, including Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, World of Goo 2, Penny’s Big Breakaway 2, and more, in the gallery below.
1. Suika Game – Multiplayer Mode
A new Multi-Player mode has been added to Suika Game! You can enjoy it right now with your nearby loved ones on Nintendo Switch!
2. Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On!
The Pocket Card Jockey so well-received on Nintendo 3DS has galloped its way onto Nintendo Switch, and it’s more fun than ever! Easy to learn, but filled with surprising depth, you’ll put together the best hands you can to help your horses take home the gold!
Pocket Card Jockey: Ride On! is available now on Nintendo Switch.
3. Pepper Grinder
Pepper Grinder, an action-packed drill-bit digventure from independent developer Ahr Ech and Devolver Digital, is coming to Nintendo Switch March 28. Play the free demo now!
Evoking classic platformers, Pepper – a seafaring soul with a passion for prospecting – must spin up her trusty sidearm to reclaim what nefarious Narlings stole. Armed with Grinder, Pepper burrows through terrain & water, controls machines, and pulverises all enemies blocking the way towards recovering her missing fortune – with interest!
4. Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure is a soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to defend yourself from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
This crabby soulslike washes ashore April 25.
5. Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed
Join Mickey Mouse on his magical quest and get ready to wield the power of paint and thinner once again.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is coming to Nintendo Switch later this year!
6. Another Crab’s Treasure
Another Crab’s Treasure is a soulslike adventure set in a crumbling underwater world plagued by a mysterious curse. As Kril the hermit crab, you’ll need to wear the trash around you as shells to defend yourself from enemies many times your size. Embark on an epic treasure hunt to buy back your repossessed shell, and discover the dark secrets behind the polluted ocean.
This crabby soulslike washes ashore April 25.
7. SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY!
Hey, New Kid! Grab up to three friends, in this four-player co-op, and battle your way through the snow-piled town of South Park to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life – a snow day!
Equip and upgrade devastating melee and ranged weapons. Deploy special abilities and powers that will bring hordes of enemies and epic bosses to their knees.
SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! is coming to Nintendo Switch March 26.
8. Penny’s Big Breakaway
Ready, Set YO! – Join Penny & Yo-Yo for a kinetic 3D-platformer adventure like no other! Get ready to take the stage in Penny’s Big Breakaway!
Showcase your catalog of tricks in this easy-to-play, difficult-to-master 3-D platforming game.
Penny’s Big Breakaway is available now on Nintendo Switch!
9. World of Goo 2 – Trailer #1
World of Goo 2 is arriving for Nintendo Switch in 2024!
Now with more Goo! Use living liquid creatures to build bridges, grow towers, terraform terrain, and more in a beautiful, dangerous, and evolving world when World of Goo 2 arrives 5/23.
10. NES, Super NES, Nintendo 64 – February 2024 Game Updates
Five more classic games from Rare – including Killer Instinct and Blast Corps – are now available through Nintendo Switch Online and Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack!
11. Endless Ocean Luminous – Announcement Trailer
Descend into an underwater world to explore and discover in Endless Ocean Luminous, arriving only on Nintendo Switch May 2nd.
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Source: Xbox / Dune: Part Two
Despite the Xbox community being in shambles following rumors of exclusives possibly landing on the PS5 and Nintendo Switch, the company continues to deliver exclusive Xbox Series S consoles and controllers.
On Tuesday, Xbox announced another partnership with Warner Bros. Pictures for the studio’s latest film, Dune: Part Two.
Like its previous collaboration with Wonka, which saw a custom Series X console inspired by a Wonka chocolate bar, a controller taking its cues from the character’s jacket, and an edible chocolate controller, Xbox gamers can get their hands on custom hardware inspired by the highly anticipated follow-up to 2021’s Dune.
While not being “sweet” or featuring any edible components, the Dune: Part Two does feature what Xbox describes as the “first-ever floating controller.”
The controller comes in a seemingly marble finish with the Dune: Part Two logo written on it. The controller also has a stand with the same finish that looks like it is magically floating over a sand base.
That’s not at all; a custom Series S console rests in a “specially designed console holder inspired by the Ornithopter,” making it a “true collector’s item for fans.”
Source: Xbox / Dune: Part Two
But wait, there’s more. Microsoft Flight Simulator fans can also boot up the game and pilot the Royal Atreides Ornithopter over the deserts of Arrakis in the latest expansion for the game.
Xbox is also bringing two life-size Royal Atreides Ornithopter gaming simulators to the London Microsoft Experience Center on Oxford Circus starting February 16 and the New York Microsoft Experience Center on Fifth Avenue starting February 26.
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How Do You Get The Dune Series S & Controller?
Unfortunately, you can’t buy these items. Still, you can enter a free contest to win the custom hardware by following Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and retweeting the official Xbox sweepstakes tweet.
The contest will run from February 13, 2024, through March 25, 2024.
Good luck.
1. Xbox x Dune: Part Two Collaboration
Source:Dune: Part Two
Xbox x Dune: Part Two Collaboration xbox,dune: part two
2. Xbox x Dune: Part Two Collaboration
Source:Dune: Part Two
Xbox x Dune: Part Two Collaboration xbox,dune: part two
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Source: JUNG YEON-JE / Getty / Xbox
The Xbox community is in shambles after several leaks over the weekend, indicating a significant shift when it comes to the company’s “exclusive” titles is coming.
Multiple reports from The Verge, XboxEra, and Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb claim Xbox will put exclusive titles like Bethesda releases, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Starfield, and even Gears of Wars are coming to the PlayStation 5, adding a lot of fuel to those Xbox going multiplatform fires.
According to The Verge’s reporting, a source close to Bethesda told the outlet that MachineGames, which is owned by Bethesda’s parent company, ZeniMax Media, is “considering” releasing the upcoming Indiana Jones game on the PS5 console after its launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S in 2024.
We got our first look at Indiana Jones and the Great Circle during the recent Developer_Direct presentation, and it met with some mixed reactions, with some excited about the game and others mum on the idea of the game being in first person.
Per XboxEra’s reporting, Starfield, the massive Xbox exclusive, is also coming to the PlayStation 5, allegedly sometime after the release of the Shattered Space DLC. The website also claims Microsoft has invested in more PlayStation 5 dev kits to make the interstellar RPG’s jump to the PS5 happen.
“The other one that I’ve heard that’s definitely under consideration—it doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen, but it’s in talks—is Gears of War,” Grubb said on a recent episode of Game Mess Mornings.
Other games like live service pirate adventure Sea of Thieves and Tango Gamework’s surprise hit Hi-Fi Rush are also rumored to jump from Xbox consoles to the PS5.
As you can imagine, the news sent the Xbox community spiraling on X, formerly Twitter, with Spaces titled, I’m not an Xbox fanboy anymore.”
We’re dead serious. Well-known Xbox enthusiast Tim Dogg started it, and we paid a visit to it, and it was A LOT, to say the least.
Phil Spencer Hears You
Hilariously, while all this was happening, Xbox Chief Phil Spencer was happily playing Diablo IV, according to Tim Dog, but he finally broke his silence on Monday, Feb 5.
In a very Spencer-like response, he wrote on X:
“We’re listening and we hear you. We’ve been planning a business update event for next week, where we look forward to sharing more details with you about our vision for the future of Xbox. Stay tuned.”
Oh boy.
He honestly needs to say something now, but we’re just going to have to be patient and wait on Phil.
Justified Anger or Just Overeacting?
Until that day comes, and Phil drops the news many Xbox fans are dreading, there are plenty of reactions, some hilarious, also quite delirious.
Are these reactions to this news warranted? We guess. Listen, we get it; some people buy these consoles due to brand loyalty and love the idea you can have certain titles on them.
Believe it or not, some gamers bought a PS4 or PS5 because they want to play exclusives like Marvel’s Spider-Man, Horizon Zero Dawn, or God of War.
Xbox console owners were hoping to get the same thing, and hearing games they used in their arguments to prop up their consoles are now possibly heading to the competitor.
Then, some don’t care where they play their games; they want a machine that can run them flawlessly.
But if this news is accurate, it does seem that Xbox is waving the white flag, and understandably, the people who ran out and bought Xbox Series X and Series S consoles are now giving them the ultimate side-eye.
We shall see if there is any truth to these reports next week when Phil Spencer speaks on it; until then, you can see more reactions in the gallery below.
3. Howling
5. Did they?
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Source: 343 Industries / HALO Infinite
It’s Black History Month, which means companies are doing their best to show how inclusive and down for the Black cause they truly are. Halo Infinite studio 343 Industries’ attempt to celebrate BHM is getting clowned on social media.
Don’t get it twisted; we know there was goodwill in 343 Industries’ attempt to celebrate Black History Month by introducing armor shaders to commemorate the annual celebration of Black excellence.
But, man, we understand why the jokes are flying across the timeline.
Gamers can now add bold green, gold, and maroon colors, typically associated with African country flags, plus kente cloth, the West African traditional textile as a pattern on their Spartan armor.
To announce the new Black History Month-inspired shaders, the Halo account on X, formerly Twitter, dropped a photo of a Spartan with all the custom shaders, which did not land well.
Immediately, comparisons to A-Train, the only Black superhero on The Seven in the hit Amazon Prime series, The Boys, hit timelines.
In that particular episode, Jessie T. Usher’s character got an African-themed super suit to gain the approval of Black people, but 343 Industries’ attempt was nowhere near as egregious in terms of pandering. However, you still can’t unsee it, especially when you compare A-Train’s costume.
The Verge’s Ash Parrish confirmed that with her well-timed response to the Halo account tweet.
Xbox’s Other BLM-Inspired Initiatives
The announcement of the Black History Month-inspired Halo Infinite shaders was just a small part of a more significant initiative that Xbox announced to celebrate BHM.
The Microsoft-owned company announced a partnership with the Gameheads development program and other amazing Black History Month initiatives.
Announcing a partnership with Gameheads to showcase games created by students (ages 11-25) who have gone through Gameheads’ game development program. Gameheads is a California-based non-profit that uses game design and development to engage, prepare and train low-income youth and youth of color for careers in the video games and technology industry. Check out the games, and how you can play them here.
As part of the partnership, Xbox also donated to Gameheads to support their commitment to diversifying the pipeline in the gaming industry & empowering the next generation of game developers.
Sharing a collection of games available on Xbox, made for and by the Black community, including spotlighting Black game developers from the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program who, with Xbox’s support, are increasing Black representation and elevating underrepresented voices in the games they create.
Encouraging players to donate Microsoft Rewards points to both Gameheads and/or Cxmmunity.
Sharing Xbox Ambassador stories, including tips they have for how to stay safe when gaming, and more!
By heading here, you can learn more about how Xbox and Gamesheads are working together to amplify Black voices in the gaming industry.
Still, Xbox, you are going to get these jokes. You can see more reactions to the Blackety, Black Spartan armor in the gallery below.
2. Won’t be shocked to see this at New York Comic Con
3. Howling
5. Someone likes it
6. Intriguing
7. Wait a minute
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Source: Microsoft / Xbox /Activision Blizzard
New year, more layoffs in the video game industry, sadly.
Can we hit the reset button?
The video game industry continues to be hit with layoffs despite companies seeing massive amounts of profit and games selling like hotcakes.
Microsoft is the latest company to take an axe to its workforce, laying off 1,900 employees from Activision Blizzard and Xbox. The Verge reports that most of the layoffs will affect roles at Activision Blizzard, and these cuts will also impact some employees at Xbox and ZeniMax.
The 1,900 layoffs will account for 8% of Microsoft’s gaming division’s 22,000 employees.
The website obtained an internal memo from Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer confirming the horrible news.
Per The Verge:
It’s been a little over three months since the Activision, Blizzard, and King teams joined Microsoft. As we move forward in 2024, the leadership of Microsoft Gaming and Activision Blizzard is committed to aligning on a strategy and an execution plan with a sustainable cost structure that will support the whole of our growing business. Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth.
As part of this process, we have made the painful decision to reduce the size of our gaming workforce by approximately 1900 roles out of the 22,000 people on our team. The Gaming Leadership Team and I are committed to navigating this process as thoughtfully as possible.
The people who are directly impacted by these reductions have all played an important part in the success of Activision Blizzard, ZeniMax and the Xbox teams, and they should be proud of everything they’ve accomplished here. We are grateful for all of the creativity, passion and dedication they have brought to our games, our players and our colleagues. We will provide our full support to those who are impacted during the transition, including severance benefits informed by local employment laws. Those whose roles will be impacted will be notified, and we ask that you please treat your departing colleagues with the respect and compassion that is consistent with our values.
Looking ahead, we’ll continue to invest in areas that will grow our business and support our strategy of bringing more games to more players around the world. Although this is a difficult moment for our team, I’m as confident as ever in your ability to create and nurture the games, stories and worlds that bring players together.
Phil
Blizzard president Mike Ybarra Is Also Bouncing
Among the 1,900 will also be Blizzard president Mike Ybarra, who did his best impression of the Spongebob “might imma head out” meme.
“As many of you know, Mike previously spent more than 20 years at Microsoft. Now that he has seen the acquisition through as Blizzard’s president, he has decided to leave the company,” Microsoft’s game content and studios president, Matt Booty, said in an internal memo.
Also leaving is Allen Adham, Blizzard’s chief design officer.
Booty adds, “As one of Blizzard’s cofounders, Allen has had a broad impact on all of Blizzard’s games. His influence will be felt for years to come, both directly and indirectly, as Allen plans to continue mentoring young designers across the industry.”
The Verge has also reported that a game Blizzard has been working on for over six years has also been canceled. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier says the name of the game was Odyssey.
Schreier notes that Activision Blizzard employees are reaching out to him to learn their fate and waiting to see if they are among the 1,900.
Social Media Reactions To The Layoffs
As expected, the news of the layoffs is not landing well on X, formerly Twitter, with reactions pouring in from those involved in the gaming industry.
Kinda Funny’s Andy Cortez perfectly summed up in one post on X how these layoffs can affect the future of the video game industry.
“You’re a student in game dev school. You’re reading about Microsoft laying off 1,900 people after buying Activision Blizzard. You just read about more Embracer layoffs from yesterday. Nearly 6,000 games industry workers are jobless so far this year. It is still January,” Cortez said.
The frightening trend, which saw an estimated 10,500 game industry workers in 2023, is currently on pace to match or smash that number. Video Games Chronicle reports over 5,000 workers will lose their jobs in 2024.
Damn.
You can see more reactions to Microsoft layoffs in the gallery below.
1. Unbelievable
2. Great point
7. Well damn
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Source: Xbox / Developer Direct
Xbox is showing its hand early in 2024.
Following a strong 2023, Xbox is looking to keep the momentum going and announced it will hold its first Developer Direct of the new year, and they will be bringing the heat.
The Developer Direct, which goes down Thursday, January 18 at 12:00 pm PT/3:00 pm ET, will give Xbox fans an “inside look” at highly anticipated titles coming to the Xbox Series S | X.
Like the previous Developer Direct, the game creators themselves will be taking us on a journey to Sweden to give us our first look at MachineGames Indiana Jones, Obsidian’s Irvine studio to learn more about Avowed, Oxide Games’ Maryland home for more insight on Ara: History Untold and finally across the pond to England to see more of Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II.
In the announcement of the Developer Direct, Xbox notes that we can expect updates from Activision Blizzard later in the year while promising the show will be “just a selection of our slate of upcoming games from Xbox.”
Following the Developer Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1 pm PT / 4 pm ET / 9 pm UK to preview 2024’s biggest update.
Xbox Has Gamers Buzzing With Excitement Early In 2024
The reactions to the upcoming Developer Direct are ones full of excitement because these are games that Xbox fans have had high on their lists and now are finally getting to see more of.
“Getting details on Indiana Jones this early into 2024 was not on my bingo card. Machine Games has always been one of my favorite studios and I am expecting them to knock this reveal out of the park,” GamerTag Radio and Kinda Funny creator Parris Lily wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
You can add us to the list as well. We also want to see precisely what MachineGames’ Indiana Jones game looks like. You can see more reactions to the news in the gallery below.
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Photo: Xbox / Developer Direct
2. Possibly
3. A spicy take
4. We all did
6. Will they?
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While the Xbox is a very versatile console, its “box” shape lends itself to other designs outside of gaming. There’s the Xbox Series X Mini-Fridge (or other fun mini-fridges for gamers), which can keep up to eight 12-ounce cans chilly and cold, and now there’s the Xbox Series S Toaster.
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The Xbox Series S Toaster can toast up to two slices of bread at once. It resembles the carbon white digital-only 512GB model of Microsoft’s gaming console, while the toaster even burns the iconic Xbox sphere logo on one side of the toast itself. If you’re looking to get your hands on the Xbox Series S Toast, Walmart has it priced at $39.99.
And you can get free shipping with Walmart+, so you can have it for breakfast at home. Not a member? You can sign up for a free 30-day trial here. Without Walmart+, you still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more (including the Xbox Series S Toaster). Walmart+ includes exclusive perks, such as free grocery delivery, free shipping with no minimum order, access to Paramount+ to watch hit originals such as Halo, Fatal Attraction, Star Trek: Lower Decks, fuel savings at Exxon, Mobil, Walmart or Murphy gas stations, access to early deals and much more.
Walmart
Xbox Series S Toaster
Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S Toaster has a shade selector with six settings, so you can have the level of burn and brown you want, while its digital LED countdown timer adds a bit a high tech function and fun. It has a defrost setting, so you can quickly go from freezer to table with just a push of a button.
Aside from slices of bread, the gaming console replica toaster can toast English muffins, frozen waffles, bagels and other pastries and morning time treats. Clean up is also easy, thanks to its removable crumb tray.
At $39.99, the Xbox Series S Toaster is a great gift for the gamer in your life, or for yourself, if you’re a fan of Xbox or fun breakfast foods, in general.
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