Brain Gaming

Good Evening. Bungie’s original 1994 Marathon is now out on Steam, for free. In case you needed something for the weekend.

—Tim

MAIN QUEST: Xbox Uncertainty Amid Layoffs

The recent wave of layoffs and studio closures within Microsoft's gaming division continues sending shockwaves through the industry, prompting widespread uncertainty and discontent among Xbox employees. The closures of Bethesda studios have raised questions about the future direction of Xbox gaming, especially in when Hi-Fi Rush was on many people’s game of the year. This uncertainty is compounded by internal debates surrounding Microsoft's gaming strategy, including considerations around releasing Xbox-exclusive titles on rival platforms and franchises like Call of Duty in Game Pass. Financial concerns also loom large, with declines in Xbox hardware revenue and a dependence on acquisitions like Activision Blizzard for revenue growth.

Despite these challenges, hope stems from upcoming game releases, such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and the Starfield expansion Shattered Space. However, doubts persist about Microsoft's ability to navigate these obstacles and maintain its position in the gaming market. As Xbox employees brace for what's next, the future remains uncertain, with the company's gaming strategy and financial performance under scrutiny.

HUD

• Sony backpedaled from the PSN account linking requirement for Helldivers 2; however, the game remains delisted in over 170 countries where PlayStation Network is not available. Sony will still require linking for day one of Ghost of Tsushima’s release expected next week.

• Netflix partners with Roblox to introduce Nextworld, a digital theme park offering immersive experiences based on popular Netflix properties like Stranger Things and One Piece.

• Noland Arbaugh is Neuralink’s first patient having received his brain implant ~100 days ago and is “now beating his friends in games” including Slay the Spire, Old School RuneScape, Mario Kart, and Civilization VI. Neuralink’s goal is to enhance the lives of people with quadriplegia.

MAJOR W

• Furukawa, President of Nintendo, took to X to announce that they will discuss the “successor to Nintendo Switch within this fiscal year.” It will also not be during June’s Nintendo Direct.

• Hi-Fi Rush’s Tango Gameworks may be gone, but the game’s users are review-bombing the game with positivity.

F IN THE CHAT

• Elite Dangerous’s latest ship release has community members dishing out negative Steam reviews believing that Frontier Developments broke their promise not to have pay-2-win mechanics.

• Arkane Austin’s closure resulted in a credit being offered for purchasers of Redfall’s Hero Pass that was never released. But those details aren’t finalized either.

CAREER CORNER

• Director, Product Management & Live Service — Netflix (Los Angeles, CA)

• Coordinator, Talent and Performance — Electronic Arts (Multiple, US)

• Account Management Director, Mobile — Epic Games (Multiple, US)

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