Microsoft Plans Xbox Layoffs, May Close Arkane and Cancel Blade Game

·1 views

Microsoft is preparing to announce a significant round of layoffs across its Xbox gaming division as early as next week. The cuts are expected to result in studio closures or spinoffs, potential studio mergers, and game cancellations. At least five studios are reportedly under consideration for closure, including France-based Arkane Studios, known for the Dishonored series. Arkane's in-development Marvel's Blade game is also at risk of being canceled as part of the broader cost-cutting measures. The full scope of the restructuring has not yet been officially confirmed by Microsoft.

Read the full story at The Verge

This is an AI-generated summary. ShortSingh links to the original source for the complete article.

Discussion (0)

Netflix uses AI-generated Gene Wilder voice for Willy Wonka reality show

Netflix has confirmed that its upcoming reality competition series Wonka's The Golden Ticket will premiere on September 23rd. The show follows a trend of turning fictional scenarios into real-world competitions, similar to the platform's Squid Game reality series. A teaser trailer revealed that the voiceover is AI-generated, recreating the late Gene Wilder's voice using technology from audio company ElevenLabs. Netflix worked with Wilder's family, who gave their consent for the project. The production also extends Netflix's existing partnership with the Roald Dahl company, established in 2021.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Rockstar Games workers seek union recognition ahead of GTA VI release

Employees at Rockstar Games have formally requested voluntary recognition of their union, the IWGB Game Workers Union, according to a press release. The push for recognition comes after Rockstar laid off more than 30 workers last year, a move the union described as union busting. IWGB members say they have been organizing since 2019 and now represent a significant share of staff across the studio's UK locations, including Edinburgh, Dundee, Lincoln, Leeds, and London. The unionization effort is gaining momentum as the highly anticipated GTA VI approaches its launch. Workers say Rockstar has already made some improvements to working conditions since the union began growing in size.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyThe Verge ·

Google shuts down Tenor API, forcing apps like Discord and WhatsApp to find alternatives

Google has shut down the Tenor API, ending third-party access to the GIF search service it acquired in 2018. Platforms such as X, Discord, Bluesky, and WhatsApp, which relied on the API to power their in-app GIF pickers, must now migrate to alternative services. The Tenor website and its GIF library will remain accessible to regular users. Google will continue using Tenor internally across its own products, including Google Messages.

0 comments Read more at The Verge

TechnologyTechCrunch ·

Threads Expands Live Chats With Translations and New Host Tools

Meta's Threads platform has introduced a set of new features to its Live Chats functionality. The updates include real-time translation capabilities, giving users the ability to communicate across language barriers. Additional tools have also been added specifically for hosts to better manage their live conversations. Alongside these feature additions, Threads is broadening access to Live Chats, making the feature available to more users.

0 comments Read more at TechCrunch