New Update: Xbox Introduces Its Initial Portable Devices, Hong Kong Bans a Popular Video Game, and Steady Expectations for Big Walk Event
Just wrapping up this chaotic week, folks! Pat yourself on the back and prepare for the thrilling possibilities the weekend offers.
This week, I've mostly been nursing a post-birthday hangover, filled with Korean BBQ and suburban pub crawls. There wasn't much time for gaming, but sometimes a break can actually reignite our passion, right?
Brace yourself for a media onslaught as this week's headlines have been non-stop. Sexy new gadgets, layoffs, and sales milestones have dominated the news. Let's dive right in!
Microsoft enters the portable gaming scene with the Xbox Ally and Ally X
McFarland (via our site) - After flirting with the idea for ages, Microsoft finally took the plunge and unveiled the Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds this week. Manufactured in collaboration with Asus, these devices cater to both casual gamers and avid enthusiasts. But here's the big mystery: Microsoft hasn't disclosed the prices yet. They're really going to need to nail that landing.
Related: SAG-AFTRA proposes AI protections to protect performers' digital replicas from exploitation
Nintendo's Switch 2 sets a new sales record
McFarland (via our site) - Can you believe it took only 4 days for the Switch 2 to sell over 3.5 million units worldwide, making it Nintendo's biggest console launch ever? The original Switch needed a whole month to reach 2.74 million sales, while the PS5 required 2 months to hit 4.5 million worldwide. Sony's sales figures remain a secret since they're not in the habit of sharing that kind of stuff.
Dragon Age's unfortunate demise: A casualty of corporate meddling at BioWare
Bloomberg (paywalled) - Wondering how Dragon Age was killed off and left BioWare in shambles? It's all down to good old-fashioned corporate meddling, according to a new report. Sources explained that the project, Dragon Age: The Veilguard, kept running into disarray because EA couldn't decide whether it should be a live-service or single-player game. The constant indecision, followed by a pivot away from live-service, caused chaos and impossible deadlines.
Related: Over half of Capcom's development staff is dedicated to character animation and visual effects
Sony tightens its grip with layoffs at Bend Studio
McFarland (via our site) - Sony continues its reign as the Grim Reaper by slashing more jobs within PlayStation Studios. Bend Studio, the developer of Days Gone, has fallen victim, with numerous employees being let go just a few months after the cancellation of a live-service project. Sony hasn't announced the number of layoffs, but reports suggest around 40 people (about 30% of the studio's workforce) were shown the door.
Embracer CEO steps down as executive chair to focus on mergers and acquisitions
McFarland (via our site) - Here's a curveball that's giving satire a run for its money. Embracer CEO Lars Wingefors, famous for years of merger-and-acquisition sprees followed by immediate downsizing, is stepping down as CEO. But hold on tight, because he's apparently going to be appointed executive chair of the board, where he'll reportedly focus on strategic initiatives, capital allocation, and more mergers and acquisitions.
Related: SAG-AFTRA suspends strike and instructs union members to return to work
Hong Kong bans ‘Reversed Front: Bonfire’ for advocating armed revolution
New York Times (paywalled) - National security police in Hong Kong have prohibited a Taiwanese game, Reversed Front: Bonfire, for allegedly promoting armed revolution. Anyone caught downloading or recommending this online strategy title may face severe consequences. The game has been removed from Apple's marketplace in Hong Kong, but it's still available elsewhere.
Developer ESC Taiwan, a group vocal about criticizing China's Communist Party, thanked Hong Kong authorities for the free publicity in a social media post, pointing out that political censorship continues to be a significant issue in the territory.
Related: RuneScape developer under fire for allegedly catering to American conservatism by cancelling Pride Month events
Performer union SAG-AFTRA ends strike and orders union members to return to work
McFarland (via our site) - After a lengthy negotiation process, performer union SAG-AFTRA has finally agreed to end their strike and instruct their members to return to work. The union was initially fighting for better working conditions and AI protections. They feel they've secured sufficient "AI guardrails" in the new agreement.
Related: A mysterious Splatoon spinoff, prototype name Big Walk, was flash-announced on Nintendo Today
Big Walk showcases charming cooperative gameplay
House House (YouTube) - The geniuses behind Untitled Goose Game have returned with Big Walk, a cooperative game that revolves around teamwork, communication, and exploration. It's ridiculously simple but looks incredibly engaging. Players must work together to navigate a beautiful open world, solve puzzles, and engage in various antics using proximity-based communication.
Whether it's voice chat, written text, hand signals, flares, or pictograms, it's bound to open up some amusing situations. The game is set to break our hearts and melt them all at once.
With the weekend approaching, football fans can look forward to exciting American-football games, as the NFL and NCAA-Football seasons continue.Tech enthusiasts might want to check out the new smartphones released this week, offering top-notch entertainment features. Maybe even a good distraction from the latest in sports analysis.Aside from gaming devices, many new gadgets have hit the market this week. From smartwatches to smart home appliances, technology is making our lives more convenient, while also providing hours of entertainment.For sports fans who prefer analysis over active participation, there's been a flurry of news articles this week discussing the impact of technology on sports, such as real-time football statistics, and AI-driven coaching strategies.*While the weekend offers a welcome break from work, it also presents an opportunity to keep up with the latest in both sports and technology, whether it involves rooting for your favorite team or checking out the latest gadgets.
