Uncategorized

Xbox Divests from Double Fine, Arkane, Undead Labs, Compulsion, and Ninja Theory Amid Mass Layoffs

After weeks of uncertainty, Microsoft have finally revealed what their big Xbox business “reset” involves. Spoilers: it’s not great! CEO Asha Sharma has announced that they will lay off 3200 people over the course of their next financial year, beginning today with around 1600 redundancies. In addition, Microsoft are parting ways with five of their best-known studios: Psychonauts developers Double Fine, State of Decay developers Undead Labs, Senua developers Ninja Theory, South of Midnight developers Compulsion, and Dishonored developers Arkane.

Further details are few, but here are the broad strokes: Compulsion and Double Fine are going indie again, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have found unnamed new owners. Arkane’s status is unclear: the studio’s bosses are currently haggling with a works council of employees over various “strategic options”.

Read more

Uncategorized

SGDQ Showcases the Beneficial Effects of Gaming During Difficult Periods

# Discover the Excitement of Summer Games Done Quick: A Charitable Speedrunning Event

If you’re looking for a thrilling sports event that boosts your mood and connects you with a worldwide community, your search ends here with **Summer Games Done Quick (SGDQ)**. Currently ongoing and running until Saturday, July 11th, this annual speedrunning charity event raises funds for **Doctors Without Borders**, delivering medical aid where it’s most needed across the globe.

## What is Summer Games Done Quick?

SGDQ features an assortment of video game speedruns, where talented players strive to finish games as quickly as they can, often utilizing distinctive methods and tactics. The event’s allure lies in its inclusiveness; there are games catering to all preferences and tastes. Whether you enjoy classic **JRPGs** or the fast-paced action of platformers, there’s something that will pique your interest.

### Varied Game Lineup

Any day at SGDQ presents a diverse selection of game runs. For instance, the current roster includes a run of **Dragon Quest XI** for JRPG lovers, while enthusiasts of dynamic gameplay can anticipate a **Super Mario Odyssey** run set for 7:15 PM Eastern. If you wish to explore less conventional gaming experiences, consider tuning into **Don’t Stop, Girlypop!**. With a detailed schedule available online, you can easily organize your viewing times to catch your favorites, including eagerly awaited runs like **Hollow Knight: Silksong** and the ultimate presentation of **Clair Obscur: Expedition 33**.

### Distinctive Gameplay Experiences

As you go through the schedule, keep an eye on the listed categories, as they often signify innovative gameplay formats. This year, for example, includes a **randomizer run of Kingdom Hearts II: Final Mix**, ensuring an unpredictably exciting viewing experience. Moreover, themed segments, such as the “silly block” starting Thursday morning, highlight quirky and charmingly flawed games, adding variation to the event.

## The Community Connection

The essence of SGDQ is embodied in its lively community, which transcends gaming boundaries. The event thrives on the camaraderie fostered through shared moments during live streams on platforms like **Twitch** and **YouTube**. Broadcasting around the clock, SGDQ creates a space where viewers can bond over exhilarating runs, share laughter at unexpected instances, and embrace the joy of gaming culture. Memorable in-jokes and community-generated memes frequently arise, further nurturing the feeling of belonging.

### A Uplifting Element in Gaming

In an era where the gaming industry faces numerous issues and controversies, SGDQ shines as a symbol of positivity. The event underscores teamwork and goodwill, reminding participants and viewers that it’s not solely about the games but the individuals who share a love for them. Every moment spent at SGDQ fosters a sense of hope and optimism within the gaming community, reaffirming the strength of togetherness.

## Conclusion

Summer Games Done Quick presents a special chance to experience thrilling gameplay while supporting a noble cause. Engaging with this event goes beyond merely watching speedruns; it’s about joining a global network committed to giving back. So tune in, support the runners, and delight in the joy of gaming collectively. Don’t miss your opportunity to witness gaming history while making a significant difference!

Uncategorized

Xbox Divests Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, Undead Labs, and Ninja Theory; Arkane Considers Strategic Options

**Microsoft’s Major Overhaul and the Outlook for Xbox Studios**

Today, Microsoft unveiled a considerable round of job cuts, representing one of the most impactful reorganizations in the history of its gaming sector. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma distributed a memo outlining the forthcoming modifications and future directions for several key studios within the Xbox framework.

Among the highlighted topics, it was disclosed that Double Fine Productions, famed for the critically celebrated game *Psychonauts 2*, along with Compulsion Games, the developers of *South of Midnight*, will be reverting to independent status. This transition marks a significant alteration, as both studios were formerly acquired by Microsoft but are now poised to operate autonomously once more.

Conversely, Ninja Theory, known for their contributions to *Hellblade*, and Undead Labs, the team behind the *State of Decay* series, have entered into agreements that will lead to their new ownership. According to Sharma’s memo, these studios will receive financial support from Microsoft to finalize their upcoming endeavors: Ninja Theory’s *Senua* and Undead Labs’ *State of Decay 3*. This investment is intended to secure the successful advancement and development of these projects during the larger restructuring initiatives.

Moreover, in a significant update in France, Arkane Studios, acclaimed for their forthcoming *Blade* game, has initiated a necessary consultation with its Works Council. This action is part of their examination of possible strategic avenues moving ahead, reflecting the precarious environment many studios are navigating in the aftermath of layoffs.

As the gaming industry evolves with these alterations, the repercussions of Microsoft’s choices remain to be completely realized. The restructuring prompts inquiries regarding the future trajectory of Xbox and its related studios, alongside the effects on their ongoing projects and creative aspirations.

**Developing story…**

Uncategorized

This Week in PC Gaming: Featuring Stardew Valley Update, Vampire Games, a New Gamebook RPG, and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.

Happy this week, all! Also: huge apologies to the World Cup organisers and teams for any matchside cosmic sabotage brought on by our struggle to feed the Maw. Truth be told, Mexico should have had last night’s game in the bag, if only I’d topped up the Maw’s feeding trough on Friday with another handful of Slay the Spire 2 stories. In its hunger, the creature broke containment, and fell upon the sacred realm of association football, kindling all manner of pandemonium.

You may have noticed that half of Mexico’s goal shots vanished in flight, for example, leaving behind a turquoise haze and the aroma of burning locusts. You may have noticed that Jude Bellingham had six more legs than is customary, for a champions league player. Or perhaps you didn’t notice any of that because you were too busy thinking about this week’s forthcoming PC game releases. Here are a few I’ve got my eye on.

Read more

Uncategorized

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls Faces PSN Region Locking Issues Similar to Helldivers 2, Affecting 132 Countries as Indicated by Steam’s Backend

PlayStation might have opted to stop putting their single player big hitters on PC going forwards, but they’re still committed to porting their online games in the name of juicing player counts. All good, since they’ve stopped frustrating folks by insisting that PC players link up a PSN account. Ah, bollocks. Based on the fact Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls‘ Steam backend lists it as not being available for purchase in 132 countries, Sony didn’t learned their account linking lesson with Helldivers 2 after all.

Read more

Uncategorized

“Insights from Blood Bowl’s New Publisher: Lessons from Warhammer for the World Cup”

Last week brought the news that strategy game publisher Slitherine have penned a deal with Cyanide Studios to continue developing Blood Bowl 3 (which will soon become Warhammer Blood Bowl. The tabletop-inflected sport is broadly similar to American football, though there are opportunities for even greater violence on the pitch.

As the Americans are currently one of the nations hosting the World Cup, and using that opportunity to clutter it up with things like hydration breaks and half-time shows, I thought it best to ask Slitherine what the yanks could lift from Blood Bowl while they’re at it.

Read more