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In a recent turn of events, Sega of America has issued a grim warning to its workforce, signaling the impending layoff of 61 employees slated for March 8, 2024. The revelation, unearthed through California's WARN Act, a mandatory protocol for employers to notify affected staff 60 days prior to mass layoffs, was first shared by the vigilant @WhatLayoff on Twitter. The distressing notice discloses that 49 employees in one of Sega's Irvine offices and 12 in the other are set to bear the brunt of the layoffs, leaving both offices grappling with an uncertain future. Curiously, the announcement provides no insights into the rationale behind this sweeping employment decision or which specific departments within the company will be affected. The ambiguity surrounding the circumstances only adds to the sense of uncertainty and unease among Sega's workforce. As fate would have it, the distressing news comes hot on the heels of Sega's recent game release, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, developed by the acclaimed Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio. The very individuals impacted by the layoffs played a crucial role in the success of this latest game. Speaking of success, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth has garnered praise with "very positive" reviews on Steam, amassing nearly 50,000 peak concurrent users, as reported by SteamDB. The irony of the situation is palpable, considering the recent intense promotional efforts put forth by the Sega of America team for this title. This disheartening development is just the latest ripple in a wave of mass layoffs and closures that have recently engulfed the gaming industry. Industry giants and smaller players alike have not been spared, with Microsoft, Riot Games, Sony, Bungie, Epic Games, Tencent, Amazon, Frontier, Team17, and several Embracer studios (including Eidos Montreal, Volition, Cryptic Studios, New World Interactive, Free Radical, 3D Realms/Slipgate Ironworks, and Lost Boys Interactive) all witnessing significant workforce disruptions. It's worth noting that Sega faced a similar situation in 2023 when an undisclosed number of employees were let go at its European arm, following the cancellation of various projects, including the multiplayer shooter "Hyenas." The gaming industry finds itself in one of the most turbulent periods in recent memory, with the human cost becoming increasingly apparent.

In the realm of fighting games, Tekken 8 for PC leverages the formidable power of the platform to soar to new heights. Bandai Namco doesn't just offer a mere facelift; instead, they present a contender vying for the throne of the fighting game genre. Tekken 8 brings 16 stages and 32 fighters to the PC platform, including intriguing new additions like the mysterious Queen and the caffeine-addicted Azucena. The return of Jun Kazama adds to the excitement, creating an impressive and customizable experience. The game's essence remains intact, with real martial arts-based combat, elaborate combos, and strategic elements. New dynamics, such as recoverable damage and special states like Heat mode and Rage mode, add layers of strategy, making fights faster and less defensive. While the controversial Rage mode may raise eyebrows, the game maintains complexity, offering a technical and fast-paced experience that separates the seasoned players from the casual. Bandai Namco addresses a growing demand for solo and local multiplayer experiences with a robust catalog of offline modes. The Story mode continues the Jin Kazama vs. Kazuya Mishima rivalry, introducing a plot focusing on Jin's acceptance of his demonic side. The individual mini-stories for each fighter and the Arcade Mission mode provide diverse single-player experiences. The Ghostly Super Combat mode stands out as a successful addition, allowing players to teach an AI their own movements, creating an addictive and personalized training experience. The offline offerings, including a gallery, jukebox, and Tekken Ball mode, contribute to a comprehensive package. Tekken 8 offers a diverse and customizable gaming experience, catering to players of all skill levels. The game's trajectory suggests it's the most accessible installment, making it easier for newcomers while maintaining depth for veterans. The difficulty curve is balanced, with online play presenting the real challenge. Tekken 8's visuals on PC, powered by Unreal Engine 5, deliver stunning lighting and particle effects. The fighters are detailed and solid, showcasing the game's transition to a new level of graphical fidelity. The short but intense fights, combined with interactive scenarios, contribute to a visually captivating experience. The music, changing with each round, complements the fights, and the voices in respective languages add authenticity. Despite minor flaws like big-headed avatars in certain modes, Tekken 8 remains a spectacle, renewing its status as one of the best fighting games. It strikes a balance between honoring its legacy and embracing modern gaming trends. Tekken 8 on PC is a polished and well-crafted fighting game that successfully navigates the delicate balance between accessibility and depth. While some modes might not match up to the competition, the overall experience, coupled with breathtaking visuals and dynamic gameplay, solidifies its position as a top-tier title in the genre. Get ready to dive into the next level of the Iron Fist tournament on your PC! Final Score:

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III attempts to continue the explosive legacy of its predecessors, but sadly, the stakes have never felt more underwhelming. In this direct sequel to last year's Modern Warfare II, the relentless pursuit of high-octane action takes a noticeable nosedive. The campaign, although a reimagining of 2011's Modern Warfare 3, lacks the energy that defined its predecessors. The signature linear setpieces are nearly absent, replaced by lazy adaptations of multiplayer maps with uninspiring solo objectives. The introduction of "Open Combat Missions" is a decent concept on paper, allowing players to choose objectives in familiar maps, but it ultimately sacrifices the essence of what makes a Call of Duty campaign captivating. The 14 missions in total, with six being the Open Combat Missions, suffer from brevity and dullness. While some missions attempt to capture the spirit of past titles, they often feel like recycled ideas. The narrative takes a questionable turn, grappling with themes that leave a sour taste, especially in the current socio-political climate. Modern Warfare III's multiplayer suite introduces Zombies mode and War Mode, promising a complete Call of Duty experience. However, Zombies mode disappoints, resembling the DMZ mode from the campaign and losing the essence of traditional round-based gameplay. War Mode, a 6v6 objective-based mode, proves forgettable, with overwhelming chaos making it hard to follow. The classic multiplayer mode, including Team Deathmatch, remains solid, benefiting from improved movement mechanics. However, the lack of substantial additions, with recycled maps and a short list of new weapons, makes it feel more like an expansion for Call of Duty: Warzone than a standalone release. The rushed development, evident in the game's stripped-down content and lack of innovation, raises concerns about Activision's treatment of its development teams. Modern Warfare III feels like a forced product, a result of an unrealistic release schedule aimed at maximizing profits rather than delivering a quality gaming experience. In summary, Modern Warfare III is a disappointing addition to the Call of Duty franchise, offering little in terms of innovation or captivating gameplay. Activision's focus on monetization and a hasty release schedule has resulted in a lacklustre campaign and multiplayer experience, making it difficult to justify the premium price tag. Final Score:

Microsoft's gaming empire is soaring to new heights, and the latest financial conference call has shed light on the powerhouse performance of the Xbox business. CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood took center stage during this livestreamed extravaganza, unleashing a barrage of impressive stats and exciting announcements. Nadella proudly trumpeted a monumental achievement – a staggering 200 million monthly active users for Microsoft's gaming business in the first quarter of fiscal year 2024, spanning the months from September to December 2023. This meteoric rise can be attributed to the marriage of Xbox and the gaming behemoth, Activision, Blizzard, and King, in the wake of the colossal $68.7 billion acquisition. The records didn't stop there, as Nadella revealed unprecedented milestones across all platforms. Xbox, PC, and mobile collectively boast over 200 million monthly active users, a testament to the magnetic pull of Microsoft's gaming ecosystem. The strategic acquisition has seamlessly integrated hundreds of millions of gamers, aligning with the company's ambitious goal of expanding its reach across diverse platforms. Call of Duty, the juggernaut franchise, played a pivotal role in this triumph, contributing significantly to the surge in monthly active users. Nadella wasn't shy about expressing his enthusiasm for the future, particularly in the realm of cloud gaming. He teased the audience with a tantalizing glimpse into the gaming delights that await in the calendar year 2024, declaring that he has "never been more excited" about Microsoft's upcoming lineup of games. The journey into cloud gaming continues to be a beacon of innovation, offering players unprecedented flexibility in experiencing their favorite games. Nadella proudly reported a remarkable 44% year-over-year increase in streaming, highlighting Microsoft's commitment to evolving the gaming landscape. In the content-driven universe of gaming, Nadella reiterated the paramount importance of compelling content. He exuded confidence in the upcoming game roster, teasing new first-party titles like the highly anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Additionally, significant updates are on the horizon for stalwart franchises such as Call of Duty, Elder Scrolls Online, and Starfield, promising a year filled with gaming delights. But the future isn't the only focus; CFO Amy Hood provided insightful guidance for the current quarter (January to March 2024). Microsoft anticipates robust gaming revenue growth in the low forties, with approximately 45% attributed to the seismic impact of the Activision Blizzard acquisition. Xbox Content and Services revenue are set to surge in the low-to-mid fifties, driven by a substantial 50% net impact from the acquisition. As for hardware revenue, while a year-on-year decline is expected, Hood kept the suspense alive by withholding specifics on the magnitude of the dip. In the ever-evolving saga of Microsoft's gaming dominance, this financial conference call has added another thrilling chapter, leaving gamers and investors alike eagerly anticipating the next level of gaming excellence from the tech giant.

PUBG: Battlegrounds, the iconic battle royale that reshaped the gaming landscape, is gearing up for an expansive evolution into a full-fledged franchise, according to a recent Krafton press release. In a bold move, Changhan Kim, the CEO of Krafton, expressed the company's ambitious plans to elevate PUBG into a gaming juggernaut by ensuring a "continuous investment in PUBG IP and market expansion." The visionary CEO envisions crafting an unparalleled platform ecosystem through the strategic franchising of PUBG IP, paving the way for a robust lineup of mainline and spin-off titles under the new franchise umbrella. The blog post, albeit machine-translated, reveals Krafton's intent to implement a long-term brand strategy, expanding the product lineup and boosting development efforts through both internal and external studios. This move is poised to revolutionize the gaming industry, with Krafton actively integrating cutting-edge AI technology into game production. Kim sees deep learning technology as a 'game-changer' that will not only redefine the gaming landscape but also enhance production efficiency. With Krafton's acclaimed AI R&D capabilities, players can anticipate groundbreaking user-centered experiences. PUBG: Battlegrounds, renowned for delivering a classic and realistic battle royale experience, has consistently evolved over the years, keeping fans engaged with major updates and thrilling events. Krafton's decision to transform this experience into a franchise could establish it as an industry giant, with the confirmation of a spin-off titled Black Budget slated for release in the latter half of 2024. As we look forward to the future of PUBG, recent updates from the CEO reveal a commitment to restoring focus on larger maps and slower survival gameplay, complemented by the confirmation of Krafton's new open-world Korean-fantasy game. Additionally, the company is actively hiring for the development of an unannounced AAA title. Having debuted on December 20, 2017, PUBG has transcended platforms, captivating players on PC, Android, iOS, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Stadia, Xbox Series S, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5. With millions of copies sold globally and the record for the most active players on Steam for any paid game, PUBG's legacy is firmly established.

In an unexpected twist, some BT customers have found themselves involuntarily enrolled in and billed for Xbox Game Pass, sparking concerns over unauthorized charges and lapses in consent. Despite not requesting the gaming subscription, affected customers were slapped with an additional £10 per month on their internet bills, prompting a flurry of complaints on BT's online forums for several months. While those who voiced their grievances to the BBC reported receiving refunds, they also expressed worry over the unsettling experiences. BT swiftly issued an apology and cautioned customers to remain vigilant against similar issues. A spokesperson acknowledged the problem, stating, "We're very sorry that the customers mentioned in this article have had Xbox Game Pass Ultimate added to their account without their knowledge." The company urged customers to report any suspicious changes to their accounts promptly, promising support to secure their accounts. The root cause of the unauthorized charges remains murky, and the full extent of the problem is uncertain. Reports suggest that customers have been facing this issue since at least October 2023, with one person discovering the extra charge as recently as Tuesday. A BBC employee affected by the problem was informed by a customer service adviser that it was a "known issue." Some customers only became aware of the error through their bills, while others received emails thanking them for activating their subscription, creating an illusion that they had willingly subscribed. One affected customer, Sue from London, expressed her concerns, stating, "I thought that's so odd because I don't even have an Xbox. I actually thought I'd been hacked." While Sue received a refund, she remains worried about less vigilant individuals. Matt from East Sussex echoed these concerns, emphasizing the need for swift resolution. "It is worrying to hear that it is still happening," he said, despite receiving a refund and immediate subscription cancellation after contacting BT. Craig in Aberdeen shared a similar sentiment, revealing that a BT webchat representative acknowledged an issue between BT and Microsoft causing random activations. Craig expressed concern about potential widespread occurrences, emphasizing the immediacy of charges as stipulated in the terms and conditions. As BT customers grapple with these unauthorized Xbox Game Pass charges, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining vigilance in an increasingly digital landscape.

Palworld, the latest sensation in the gaming world, continues its meteoric rise, shattering records and surpassing expectations with every passing day. With over seven million copies sold in less than a week, Palworld has soared to new heights, outpacing even stalwarts like Counter-Strike on Steam in peak concurrent player counts. However, this success hasn't shielded Palworld from controversy since its release by Pocket Pair. One hot topic revolves around the game's 'Pals,' creatures that bear a striking resemblance to Nintendo's beloved Pokémon characters. Compounding the debate are allegations that AI was used to generate these virtual companions. A particularly contentious issue surrounds what some players perceive as 'animal cruelty' within Palworld. Players must capture, kill, and put to work a variety of animalistic creatures, raising ethical concerns. PETA Takes Notice In light of these controversies, InsiderGaming, reached out to PETA to gauge the organization's stance on the alleged animal cruelty prevalent in Palworld. In a statement from PETA's VP of Programmes, Elisa Allen, she revealed, "PETA has already heard from many Palworld fans who have no interest in eating 'Pals' and want a vegan guide created for the game. It's 'Veganuary,' after all, and gamers want to help animals by embracing a vegan lifestyle in their virtual worlds and beyond." Notably absent from the statement were comments addressing the controversial aspects of Palworld, such as the potential establishment of slave labor camps and the forced labor of Pals under the threat of death. The debate around Palworld's ethical implications rages on, with players and activists alike wrestling with the moral quandaries presented by this innovative and controversial gaming experience.

In this mission, you’ll return to the airport in Africa, making long-range weapons essential for success. It’s also advisable to equip a launcher, as you’ll need to engage a helicopter during the operation. While this mission features multiple objectives, only one is essential: capturing the CFA official. This heavily armored soldier typically stays inside the main airport building, but will exit when the helicopter arrives and the Arms Dealer makes an appearance. The two will then meet and walk around the airport for a while, providing you with the opportunity to approach them. This mission includes several objectives, but only one is essential: capturing the CFA official. This heavily armored soldier usually remains inside the main airport building. However, he will come out once the helicopter arrives and the Arms Dealer appears. At that point, the two will meet and walk around the airport for a while, creating an opportunity for you to approach them. You have several options for taking out the CFA official, as the airport building features multiple windows that allow for sniping. Alternatively, you can sneak around the area and enter the building to eliminate him directly. Just make sure to stay aware of the locations of the Walker Gears, as they can pose a significant threat while you navigate the base. Another strategy is to wait for the official to meet up with the Arms Dealer before killing both of them, but this approach will result in a considerable point deduction, potentially jeopardizing your chances of achieving an S-Rank. After you eliminate the official, remember to exit the airport to complete the mission. Stay mindful of your surroundings to avoid getting trapped or caught off-guard as you make your escape!

In a paradoxical turn of events, Microsoft has solidified its status as the second-ever company to achieve a staggering $3 trillion market valuation. This financial triumph, however, comes on the heels of the tech giant laying off 1900 workers from its gaming divisions. Microsoft initially breached the $3 trillion mark yesterday, experiencing a temporary dip before surging again and ultimately closing at $3.01 trillion today, translating to $404.87 per share. The company now joins the exclusive club, with Apple being the sole member to achieve this milestone back in December of the previous year. The two tech titans have been engaged in a fierce competition for the title of the most valuable company on Wall Street. Amidst the financial jubilation, the recent surge in Microsoft's stock is attributed to a flurry of AI announcements. The company's commitment to unveiling new products in the realm of artificial intelligence has significantly boosted its stock value, creating a weekly buzz around Microsoft's performance, as observed by The Verge. However, this triumphant moment in the stock market unfolds against the backdrop of Microsoft's decision to lay off 1900 workers from its gaming division. The ripple effect of the company's monumental $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard last year is evident, with a substantial number of affected employees originating from Activision Blizzard divisions, including those associated with a now-canceled survival game. In response to the layoffs, Phil Spencer, the head of gaming at Microsoft, framed them as integral to "a strategy and an execution plan with a sustainable cost structure that will support the whole of our growing business." The departure of Blizzard Entertainment president Mike Ybarra further marks the shifting landscape within the gaming arm of the tech giant. This juxtaposition of financial success and workforce reduction echoes a similar scenario from almost a year ago when Microsoft laid off 10,000 employees across all its divisions, including significant cuts in its gaming sectors. In the company's latest earnings report in October 2023, covering the quarter ending September, Microsoft disclosed $56.5 billion in revenue, reflecting a robust 13% year-over-year growth. Notably, Xbox content and services revenue also surged by 13% year-over-year. As Microsoft gears up to release its full-year earnings for 2023 next week, the juxtaposition of its financial milestones and workforce adjustments paints a complex narrative of success and challenges within the tech giant's diverse operations.

After nearly four years of absence from the App Store, Epic Games is making a triumphant return with the iOS version of Fortnite. However, there's a catch – this highly-anticipated comeback is exclusively for European Union (EU) countries. The official Fortnite X/Twitter account recently dropped the bombshell news, revealing that the beloved free-to-play battle royale is making its way back to iOS through the Epic Games Store. This development is made possible by two key factors: Apple's recent update to its App Store policies, aimed at complying with EU regulators, and the revised EU app store policy that allows iPhone users in the region to download apps from third-party stores. Apple's concession to the EU's Digital Markets Act (DMA) is a game-changer, enabling Fortnite's return to iOS. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney expressed his company's plans to launch the Epic Games Store on both Android and iOS, with a bold vision of becoming the "#1 multi-platform software store." Sweeney emphasized the pillars of this vision: payment competition, 0%-12% fees, and exclusive titles like Fortnite. Fortnite's journey back to iOS was fraught with legal battles. The game was booted from the App Store and Google Play in August 2020 when Epic introduced a direct-pay system into the game, sparking legal confrontations with both Apple and Google. Prior to this return, iOS users eager to play Fortnite on their devices had to resort to streaming the game through platforms like Xbox Cloud Gaming or Nvidia GeForce Now. While the revival is currently limited to the EU, the tantalizing prospect of a broader return looms on the horizon. Apple's evolving app store policies, which now facilitate game streaming services from giants like Microsoft and Nvidia, may pave the way for a wider release in the near future. Gamers outside the EU will have to hold tight until further updates, but the winds of change might bring Fortnite to their iOS devices sooner than expected.

In a seismic shift within the gaming industry, Microsoft has initiated a wave of layoffs, leaving thousands in its gaming teams grappling with uncertainty. The past year has witnessed a slew of job cuts and studio closures, and Microsoft is now making significant adjustments across Activision Blizzard, Xbox Game Studios, and ZeniMax Media. The Numbers Game Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, in an email shared exclusively with Windows Central by an anonymous source, revealed the sobering statistics. Out of the existing 22,000-strong workforce, 1900 employees are being let go. Spencer cited the need for a "sustainable cost structure" as the driving force behind this strategic decision. Phil Spencer's Insight Spencer's email outlined the commitment of Microsoft Gaming and Activision Blizzard to devise a strategy and execution plan that ensures a sustainable future for the entire business. The process involves setting priorities, identifying overlaps, and focusing on growth opportunities. The decision to reduce the gaming workforce, while painful, aims to align the teams for long-term success. Blizzard Entertainment's Turbulence The announcement is accompanied by changes in leadership at Blizzard Entertainment. President Mike Ybarra, a key figure in the company's recent history, is departing Microsoft. Ybarra expressed gratitude for leading Blizzard through transformative times and shaping its future but stated that it's time to become Blizzard's biggest fan from the outside. Game Over for Project Odyssey In a further blow, Blizzard's previously teased survival game, Project Odyssey, has been canceled. Blizzard senior vice president Allan Adham is also parting ways with the company. Reports suggest significant impacts on customer service teams, adding another layer to the unfolding narrative. Industry-wide Turmoil While Microsoft's layoffs are reverberating through the gaming community, they are not an isolated incident. Riot Games recently confirmed 530 job cuts, signaling an 11% reduction in its global workforce. The industry has been no stranger to layoffs, with Bungie and Volition experiencing their share of cuts and closures in recent months. A Harsh Reality Check The gaming industry's landscape has been marred by layoffs over the past year, and Microsoft's latest move is sending shockwaves through the community. The scale of the layoffs, 1900 jobs, raises questions about the necessity and impact of such measures. Particularly striking is the incongruity with Microsoft's recent efforts to open up to labor movements, allowing unionization at ZeniMax Media and collaborating on improving benefits and pay. The Future As Microsoft's gaming division grapples with these substantial changes, the aftermath of this industry-wide shake-up will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of gaming in the coming months. The ripple effects of these decisions on employees, projects, and the industry as a whole remain to be seen.

Get ready to don the iconic fedora and crack the whip because Indiana Jones is back, and this time he's taking on a whole new medium – the world of current-generation video games. Bethesda's MachineGames studio, the creative minds behind the acclaimed Wolfenstein series, brings you "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle." After a tantalizing tease in 2021, the full glory of Indy's digital escapade is revealed in a heart-pounding new trailer. Scheduled for release later this year on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass, "The Great Circle" marks a triumphant return for the legendary archaeologist, creating enough buzz to rival the hidden treasures in the Raiders of the Lost Ark warehouse. Set in 1937, between the events of "Raiders" and "Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade," the game unfolds as dark forces seek to exploit the enigmatic power of the Great Circle. Developed as a first-person action/adventure, the trailer promises a pulse-pounding experience, featuring spider-crawling, whip-wielding action, and thrilling plane-hopping escapades. To delve deeper into the creation of this monumental game, Lucasfilm, caught up with game director Jerk Gustafsson. In a candid interview, Gustafsson discusses the awe-inspiring opportunity to craft "The Great Circle," bringing Indy's trademark whip into the gaming realm, and the tantalizing question of encountering a certain slithering reptile. The Great Circle Unveiled: A Mysterious Journey Gustafsson sheds light on the game's premise, revealing that the Great Circle is not just a clever plot device but a real and mysterious connection between historical wonders like Giza, Easter Island, Sukhothai, and Nazca. The mystery surrounding these sites becomes the perfect backdrop for Indy's next adventure. When asked about the collaboration with Lucasfilm Games, Gustafsson explains how the in-house team at MachineGames, in tandem with Todd Howard, conceptualized the story. Ensuring authenticity to Indiana Jones' character and fitting seamlessly into the established timeline, the collaboration with Lucasfilm Games played a crucial role in refining the narrative. Gameplay: Capturing Indy's Essence One of the standout features of the game is its immersive gameplay, designed to embody the essence of Indiana Jones. Gustafsson emphasizes the team's commitment to portraying Indy as a resilient archaeologist rather than a superhero. From grounded and heavy combat to discovering historical artifacts hidden in the earth, the gameplay aims to make players feel like expert adventurers alongside the iconic character. Gustafsson delves into the decision to adopt a first-person perspective, a signature style for MachineGames. The choice aims to provide players with a unique and immersive experience, seamlessly transitioning between first-person gameplay and third-person actions, events, and cinematics. Whip It Good: Crafting Indy's Iconic Weapon No Indiana Jones adventure is complete without his iconic whip, and Gustafsson reveals the intricate process behind bringing it to life in the game. Focusing on combat utility while maintaining versatility, the team aimed for a fully simulated whip, adding a gritty and realistic feel to this essential tool in Indy's arsenal. A Message to Fans: Unveiling the Adventure As fans get a closer look at the game, Gustafsson expresses immense pride in the team's work. He assures players that "Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" is not just a MachineGames experience but a classic adventure nestled between "Raiders of the Lost Ark" and "Last Crusade." And for those wondering about the iconic snake encounters, Gustafsson reassures fans, "Of course — we love snakes. We are game developers, not as easily scared as adventure heroes!" So, get ready to face the challenges, crack the whip, and embark on an unforgettable adventure with Indiana Jones in "The Great Circle."