Gait Games

Despite Rockstar Games’ silence on the matter, the cat rather seems to be out of the bag about GTA 6 getting its own online component that’ll doubtless serve as GTA Online has for GTA 5. Court docs the studio themselves filed as part of the ongoing final hearing in a legal battle over the firings of 34 developers last year are partly to thank, but now so is the boss of streaming platform Twitch just blurting out when he expects GTA 6 to get a big multiplayer bump.

Read more

As many reservations as I had going into ZA/UM’s Zero Parades: For Dead Spies earlier this year, what with all of the drama and upset that’s surrounded the studio since Disco Elysium‘s release, it pleasantly surprised me. I don’t think I rate it more highly than its brilliant predecessor, but it offered a throughly fun time that felt like it was riding the coattails of Disco, but not in a way that left it any way unable to create its own magic.

Now, it’s getting a free Director’s Cut update to coincide with its console release, with a bunch of new additions and tweaks coming to the PC version.

Read more

Heart Machine, the US-based makers of Hyper Light Drifter, its multiplayer spinoff Hyper Light Breaker, and last year’s Possessor(s), have laid off “nearly everyone” on staff after an unnamed publisher pulled funding for their next, unannounced game.

Read more

FrostPrime, a well-known content creator recognized for his “Slay the Spire” streams, has recently found himself amidst controversy after publicly criticizing fellow Twitch streamer Dan Gheesling. With more than 160,000 followers, FrostPrime was let go by his talent agency, GG Talent Group, after he declined to stop his critiques of Gheesling, who came under fire for taking part in a game show sponsored by the U.S. Army aimed at a younger audience.

The situation began to develop on September 21, when Gheesling’s participation in the game show attracted significant criticism, including from his long-time friend, Northernlion. Northernlion condemned the sponsorship in a subsequent stream, stating that it crossed unacceptable lines due to the military’s imagery and implications. Although he rarely involves himself in Twitch controversies, Northernlion felt the need to speak out because of his close friendship with Gheesling, which has lasted 14 years.

In reaction to the backlash, Gheesling sought to apologize during a later stream, but this led to further criticism. Many within his community, including friends and moderators, distanced themselves from him after his statements. Gheesling maintained an “apolitical” position during this discussion, yet found it difficult to justify how participating in military-sponsored content could be seen as non-political.

FrostPrime has been outspoken against Gheesling’s actions, using Gheesling’s Twitch chat and Discord to share his views. On September 22, he published a YouTube video explaining how he was approached by Eric Harper, the CEO of GG Talent Group, who urged him to refrain from discussing Gheesling. FrostPrime declined, reiterating his long-standing ties with Gheesling and his own moral objections against what he referred to as a “pro-genocide sponsorship.”

The confrontation with Harper intensified, leading FrostPrime to assert that he was essentially forced out of the agency because of his unwillingness to relent. He emphasized his principles, identifying as anti-genocide and pro-Palestine, and declared that he would speak against actions that conflict with his moral values.

Following the fallout, other Twitch personalities started to consider the implications of collaborating with military-sponsored content, sparking a larger discussion on the ethics of sponsorship in gaming and the personal beliefs of content creators.

In a later clarification, FrostPrime noted that while he was “dropped” from GG Talent Group, he had actually requested to leave after a heated exchange with the CEO. He conveyed feelings of being cornered into silence regarding his beliefs, resulting in a mutual agreement for him to separate from the agency. GG Talent Group released a statement affirming their support for FrostPrime’s right to voice his political opinions, but they clarified that he left voluntarily and did not provide evidence for his claims of being bullied into silence.

This incident underscores the intricate relationship between content creators, their affiliations, and the sponsorships that can greatly affect their careers. As the conversation around political content and sponsorship continues to develop, FrostPrime’s situation emphasizes the difficulties faced by creators who wish to preserve authenticity in an increasingly commercial environment.

Layoffs have been a constant drumbeat in gaming industry news since 2022. Even if the cadence of layoffs seems to have slowed in 2026, the severity of those cuts has not lessened. In July, Microsoft made 1600 staff redundant as part of its great reset, and promised investors they would let 1600 more staff go in the next 12 months.

Cuts like those and the ongoing economic pressures plaguing the industry – rising debt rates, a cost of living crisis, and a memory shortage that is making every aspect of making and playing video games pricier – should have the head of any large studio examining their plans for the future. Especially when games are taking longer to make, costing more to make, and up against a much greater volume of competition than even two years ago.

With all that in mind, when I wasn’t talking to Saber Interactive’s chief creative officer Tim Willits about generative AI, I wanted to know what he would do if he ran one of those 200-people big-budget game studios. Because say what you like about Saber (and there’s a lot of things people like to say about Saber), but the developer is doing well at a time when a lot of other studios and publishers are struggling.

Read more

**Xbox Restructuring: The Future of Halo Uncertain Amid Job Cuts**

In a major upheaval in the gaming sector, Xbox revealed on Tuesday that it plans to enact another wave of layoffs, affecting over 250 staff members, including numerous individuals at the famed Halo Studios, previously known as 343 Industries. This move is part of Xbox’s ongoing “reset” plan to reorganize its operations and redirect its focus towards a new vision.

A central aspect of this reorganization is the handover of the cherished Halo franchise to Activision. This alteration signifies that Halo, a fundamental element of Xbox’s identity since its launch in 2001, will no longer be produced by the team that has led it for years. Instead, a new development team at Activision will assume control, relegating the remaining Halo Studios staff to a support capacity in sustaining the franchise.

The news has been met with anguish and disappointment by many former developers tied to Halo. Kiki Wolfkill, a past executive producer for the series, shared her shock and compassion through a moving post on LinkedIn, acknowledging the skill and commitment invested in the franchise by the impacted teams.

Mirroring her thoughts, Marcus Lehto, co-creator of Halo, conveyed his mixed emotions on social media. While taken aback, he recognized the changes and extended well wishes to everyone affected by the layoffs. Bonnie Ross, a key figure in the Halo development community, expressed her sadness, highlighting the extensive impact these job cuts would have on numerous talented individuals across different creative positions.

Horia Dociu, a previous art director for Halo, shared his sadness for the friends and colleagues caught up in the transition. Additionally, Brad Hilderbrand, a former senior PR manager, voiced his concerns regarding the layoffs, pointing out that Halo, once seen as the “crown jewel” of Xbox, now confronts an unclear future as it becomes a mere shadow of its former self.

The layoffs and ensuing development alterations indicate a pivotal shift for a franchise that has influenced gaming culture. As industry veterans move on and the trajectory of Halo is called into question, both fans and former developers are left pondering what lies ahead for this legendary series. With no concrete plans revealed for the forthcoming Halo titles, the gaming community is closely monitoring the situation, hoping for a favorable outcome amid the turbulence of restructuring.

An ambitious Baldur’s Gate 3 custom campaign mod which adds a whole new region to explore between the RPG’s second and third acts is finally out in beta. This extra adventure midway through BG3’s main quest is the result of nearly two years of work from modder SquallyDaBeanz, who’s put together a trip to The Chionthar Wilds full of new missions and dungeons.

Read more

**Title: Xbox’s Significant Reorganization: An Industry Transformation with Widespread Consequences**

Yesterday, Xbox captured attention by revealing the next stage of its comprehensive reorganization efforts, merging several of its studios and implementing job cuts as part of a wider plan to decrease its workforce by approximately 3,200 positions over the upcoming year. This recent wave included the termination of 268 employees, as Xbox continues to adjust its operations and focus. Notable changes entail the relocation of the legendary *Halo* franchise to Activision, while major studios like Rare and World’s Edge, recognized for *Age of Empires*, are also now connected to Activision. Concurrently, Obsidian will be merged into Bethesda, and a union between Turn 10 and Playground Games will take place. Ninja Theory is transitioning into a consulting capacity amid these alterations.

**A Reverse Acquisition: Perspectives from Industry Experts**

Joost van Dreunen, a faculty member at NYU Stern, described this action as “a reverse acquisition in slow motion,” implying that the very publishers Xbox heavily invested in are now incorporating the studios Xbox set up. Analysts have shown concern regarding Xbox’s evident identity crisis, as noted by Rhys Elliot of Alinea Analytics and James McWhirter from Omdia, both emphasizing a shift in Xbox’s function from a platform to a publisher-first model. McWhirter pointed out that this duality is complicating Xbox’s competitive position against opponents like Sony and Nintendo, suggesting that the Game Pass service aimed at expanding Xbox’s audience may have unintentionally altered spending patterns from upfront game purchases to subscription-based revenue.

In spite of these obstacles, some analysts recognize value in the consolidation of studios within similar genres. For example, merging smaller studios under larger organizations could streamline release strategies and diminish competition between Microsoft titles for the same audience. Newzoo analyst Manu Rosier commented on the possible advantages of structured leadership across genres, which could strategically improve market positioning.

**Importance of *Halo* Transition and Consequences for Other Franchises**

The incorporation of *Halo* by Activision signifies a pivotal moment in Xbox’s reorganization. Van Dreunen referred to this as an acknowledgment of the challenges faced by Halo Studios, effectively converting it into a support unit. With *Halo* now reporting to Activision, there is hope that the franchise will gain from the strong operational capabilities that Activision’s *Call of Duty* franchise utilizes each year. Analysts like Rosier proposed that *Halo* could alternatively release concurrently with *Call of Duty*, thereby sharing the gaming spotlight and alleviating some pressure from the annual shooter release schedule.

Nonetheless, there remains doubt regarding the reasoning behind assigning Rare and World’s Edge to Activision, considering their lack of direct connection to an established shooter portfolio. Elliott expressed regret over what he perceives as a demotion for the *Halo* series, which was instrumental in the initial triumph of the Xbox brand.

**Concerns Over Studio Identity and Prospects for Future Success**

The situation involving Ninja Theory, famed for its celebrated game *Hellblade*, also raises red flags among analysts. With unsuccessful sale negotiations surfacing, worries regarding the studio’s viability and market standing have increased. Van Dreunen stressed the potential impacts of this restructuring on Xbox’s overall efficiency and its capacity to retain talent—a costly lesson that Xbox and other firms should take note of going forward.

Dr. Serkan Toto of Kantan Games echoed these views, forecasting significant turmoil within Xbox’s framework and warning against the possible erosion of identity for studios evolving into broader publisher roles. He underscored the unpredictability surrounding this reorganization and the potential for additional challenges if the current adjustments do not produce favorable results.

**Conclusion**

As Xbox traverses through these transformative changes, the effects on the gaming landscape are profound. The strategic choices made in the forthcoming months will not only redefine Microsoft’s gaming sector but could also establish the precedent for studio management within the gaming industry as it advances. The success of *Project Helix*—a critical initiative under scrutiny—will ultimately assess the efficacy of Xbox’s reorganization and its enduring influence on gamers and the competitive dynamics of the sector.

Control Resonant, much like the inside-out, interdimensional cryptids it has you bashing with a shapeshifting stick, probably shouldn’t exist. At least not in the risk-averse, pennypinching reality that sometimes seems to have enveloped the art of gamesmaking, and that may have installed some scepticism into my own head. The sequel to a liked yet slow-selling shooter, which replaces both the original’s player character and its instantly recognisable, bureauca-brutalist setting, while violently pirouetting into open-world RPG melee brawling. Five words that Remedy, in all their thirty years of existence, have never previously let pass their lips.

Read more

### Nostalgic Remembrances of Barbie Video Games: A Trip Down Memory Lane

During our childhood years, many of us experienced excitement through video games that allowed us to dive into alternate realms, and for some, titles featuring the legendary Barbie character provided a delightful blend of exploration and imagination. One vivid yet elusive recollection persists from my youth—a mysterious Barbie horse game that, although not owned by me, became an invaluable fragment of my gaming journey. This game distinguished itself in my memory as it enabled players to choose and care for virtual horses, a concept that was both enchanting and comforting during my early years.

While the specifics are a bit unclear, I remember the gameplay centered on selecting from a small array of Barbie-themed horse names, nurturing these stunning animals by brushing and feeding them, and touring a straightforward course in a first-person view. Unfortunately, my younger self couldn’t decipher how to get the horse to jump, which left me stuck in repetitive care routines rather than moving forward in the game. This same demo disc had an abundance of gaming delights that characterized a crucial phase of my childhood.

Another demo on that disc, *Barbie Super Sports*, presented a different kind of challenge. I quickly grasped the mechanics of snowboarding, weaving through gates and colliding with snowmen; the rush was exhilarating, and unlike with the horse game, I derived pleasure from mastering the tasks. The simple excitement of tackling in-game challenges and the charm of dressing Barbie in various outfits provided a sense of fulfillment, even though I couldn’t buy items with the limited fake currency offered in the demo.

Looking back on those memories, I see how profoundly these games impacted me. For young kids like myself, sitting at a computer marked a step towards adult activities, free from the educational restrictions that defined earlier educational games like *Reader Rabbit*. During those developmental years, the mere experience of “playing on the computer” felt liberating. I attribute the mix of my interest in Barbie games and educational titles like *Amazon Trail* and *Carmen Sandiego* for developing the skills that would later influence my career.

Years later, the yearning for childhood gaming experiences has inspired companies such as Atari and Digital Eclipse to put together collections like *Barbie Rewind*. This compilation features 16 classic Barbie games, some dating back to 1991, capturing the enchantment and ease of the past while making it accessible for a new audience. This collection is set within a Barbie Dreamhouse hub, allowing players to customize and enhance their experience, creating a unified and fun atmosphere.

The titles included in *Barbie Rewind* are as follows:
– Barbie (1991, NES)
– Barbie Game Girl (1992, Game Boy)
– Barbie Super Model (1993, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
– Barbie Vacation Adventure (Unreleased, Sega Genesis, Super Nintendo)
– Barbie Race & Ride (1999, PlayStation)
– Barbie Super Sports (1999, PlayStation)
– Barbie Ocean Discovery (1999, Game Boy Color)
– Detective Barbie: The Mystery Cruise (2000, PlayStation)
– Barbie Fashion Pack Games (2000, Game Boy Color)
– Barbie Pet Rescue (2001, Game Boy Color)
– Secret Agent Barbie: Royal Jewels Mission (2002, Game Boy Advance)
– Barbie Groovy Games (2002, Game Boy Advance)
– Barbie Gotta Have Games (2003, PlayStation)
– Barbie Horse Adventures: Blue Ribbon Race (2003, Game Boy Advance)
– The Barbie Diaries: High School Mystery (2006, Game Boy Advance)
– Barbie in the 12 Dancing Princesses (2006, Game Boy Advance)
– Barbie as the Island Princess (2007, Game Boy Advance)

Although several of these titles are hazy in my memory, the excitement of revisiting retro Barbie games sparks joy in me. Many games from the 2000s became somewhat embarrassing to admit I liked during my school years, despite the joy they could bring. Each game offers its distinct brand of entertainment, whether rescuing animals in *Barbie Pet Rescue* or solving mysteries with *Detective Barbie: The Mystery Cruise*.

Though *Barbie Rewind* may not include every cherished title from yesteryear, it embodies the spirit of those simpler days, allowing contemporary players to share those experiences with younger generations. The collection transcends being merely a set of nostalgic games; it represents a tribute to retro gaming culture and a gateway for revisiting treasured memories with Barbie.

Set to release on November 12, 2026, *Barbie Rewind* will be accessible on several platforms, including Nintendo Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC via Steam. At a price of $30, it offers both gamers and enthusiasts the chance to relive the enchantment of their youth or introduce something distinctly nostalgic to a new generation.

As I crafted this article,