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Video Games coverage focuses on sweeping Xbox restructuring, layoffs affecting multiple studios and major projects, alongside updates for several high-profile games and upcoming releases.

Xbox restructuring and studio layoffs

Xbox-related cuts and organizational changes dominate the news, affecting World's Edge, Undead Labs, The Coalition and Halo development teams.

  • World's Edge reportedly loses nearly half its staff and a project

    Two reports say Age of Empires studio World's Edge lost nearly half of its staff during Xbox cuts, with one report also saying a new game project was cancelled. The studio is reportedly moving to Activision.

    EurogamerRock Paper ShotgunTechRaptor

  • Undead Labs becomes independent while laying off a significant number of developers

    State of Decay studio Undead Labs reportedly became independent from Xbox after restructuring, while laying off a significant number of staff. Another report says the cuts are not expected to affect State of Decay 3.

    Rock Paper ShotgunEurogamerKotaku

  • Gears of War: E-Day story director laid off shortly before launch

    Multiple reports identify story director Juan Vaca as among those affected by Xbox layoffs, with the cuts coming roughly two weeks before Gears of War: E-Day's launch.

    EurogamerTheGamerGamespotGamingBolt

  • Halo shifts to Activision amid further cuts

    Xbox is reportedly moving the Halo franchise to Activision as part of cuts affecting 268 more jobs. Separate reports describe Halo Studios as having very few developers left, while former staff have criticized the effective closure of the studio.

    EscapistTheGamerEurogamerGamespot

  • Xbox's studio footprint continues to contract

    A report says Xbox has fallen from 23 studios to 12 over five years and may not be finished with reductions.

    TheGamer

Game announcements, updates and industry developments

Several established franchises received notable updates, while some games and projects posted sales, platform or development news.

  • Star Wars Zero Company reportedly reaches one million sales

    Reports estimate that Star Wars Zero Company has sold one million copies, with nearly 70 percent of sales reportedly coming through Steam. One report questions whether its furloughed development team could now be reinstated and paid.

    EurogamerIGN

  • Baldur's Gate 3 receives a new region

    A report says Baldur's Gate 3 has added a new region containing more than 30 fights and more than 70 items.

    Polygon

  • Counter-Strike 2 adds new gameplay and cosmetic features

    Updates to Counter-Strike 2 reportedly add a 3v3 mode, music, chicken eggs, chicken pets and silent reloading, while players continue to request stronger anti-cheat measures.

    GamesRadarPC GamerTheGamer

  • Rocket League adds post-match one-on-one challenges

    A Rocket League update reportedly lets players settle post-match disputes through one-on-one matches.

    TheGamer

  • Rayman Legends Retold could revive the franchise

    A brand producer reportedly said Rayman Legends Retold could restart the Rayman franchise; a Rabbid Easter egg has also been found in the game.

    GamingBoltTheGamer

Business, technology and player concerns

Reports also cover potential advertising, generative AI experimentation, malware and the continued commercial momentum of major releases.

  • Xbox explores advertisements during game downtime

    Xbox is reportedly exploring advertisements that could appear after boss fights and cutscenes.

    Game Rant

  • Microsoft reportedly tests face-driven generative game design

    A report says Microsoft wants to record a user's face and provide it to generative AI to help design a game based on the user's expression.

    Rock Paper Shotgun

  • Steam game hit by another bout of mod-based malware

    A Steam game about mistreating ragdolls reportedly suffered a second incident involving malware distributed through mods this year.

    Rock Paper Shotgun

  • Stellar Blade developer describes its earlier financial crisis

    Stellar Blade's developer reportedly said the studio once had enough money to pay salaries for only about three months, before the game became successful.

    Eurogamer

  • GTA 6 marketing expands in Miami

    A large Vice City sign has reportedly appeared at the Miami Heat arena as GTA 6 marketing grows. WWE has also abandoned a trademark pursuit involving Vice City ahead of the game's launch.

    DestructoidIGNGame Rant

Generated from RSS headlines collected by The Daily Read. Check the linked reporting for full context.

Finished reading?
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  3. MARVEL Rivals Sparks Another Controversy Over Discord Bans TheGamer
  4. Rayman Legends Retold Could “Restart The Franchise,” Per Brand Producer GamingBolt
  5. STEAM's FREE-to-Keep Promotion Confirms Yet Another FREE Giveaway for October 2026 Game Rant
  6. Baldur's Gate 3 Just Got a New Region With 30+ Fights And 70+ Items Polygon
  7. The Best Video Game Movies and TV Shows IGN
  8. STARCRAFT Shooter “Won’t Be Exclusive” to XBOX, Says BLIZZARD GamingBolt
  9. FINAL FANTASY 7 Remake being split in 3 was a risk, director says GamesRadar
  10. Re://Adventures Tier List – Best Units & Traits Destructoid
  11. Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To ACTIVISION: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised” Gamespot
  12. XBOX Officially Exploring Ads After Boss Fights and Cutscenes Game Rant
  13. Avengers: Endgame Encore Leaks Reveal New Ending and Additional Scenes That Connect to Avengers: Doomsday,... IGN
  14. STAR WARS Zero Company finds success in passing 1m sales, so can the furloughed development... Eurogamer
  15. ‘Vice City’ Trademark Abandoned by WWE ahead of GTA 6 launch IGN
  16. I wasn't ever going to pick up Metroid Prime 4 Beyond, but this record low... GamesRadar
  17. "How does he keep doing it": Fan makes incredible Lego POKEMON out of the most... GamesRadar
  18. It's me, I am the whale PC Gamer
  19. Gears of War: E-Day director laid off days after completing development as XBOX cuts reach... GamesRadar
  20. Well Dweller Becomes One Of The Best-Reviewed Games Of 2026 TheGamer
  21. PC Gaming Show Toyko Direct 2026 picks PC Gamer
  22. Avengers: Endgame’s New Footage Has Leaked Online, And Plays Right Into A Popular Conspiracy Kotaku
  23. Frodo's Back! Set Photos From The LORD OF THE RINGS: The Hunt for Gollum OFFER... IGN
  24. Gabe Newell made STEAM after going "f*** these publishers," Counter-Strike co-creator believes GamesRadar

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