cancellation

Winsage
July 27, 2025
In July 2025, Microsoft released non-security updates for Windows 10 (KB5062649) and Windows 11 (KB5062663 for versions 22H2 and 23H2; KB5062660 for version 24H2), introducing AI functionalities, improvements in Settings, and a redesigned BSOD. Companies like Brave and AdGuard are blocking Windows Recall due to privacy concerns. Microsoft is developing a tool for transitioning from older to newer computers and published a guide for Windows 10's end of support on October 14, 2025. The Windows Insider Program released Build 27909, focusing on minor fixes, and introduced an audio-sharing feature. Microsoft disclosed a security breach in SharePoint affecting the US nuclear weapons department and provided fixes. The Surface Laptop 7 was launched with Intel's Core Ultra 200 Series processors and optional 5G connectivity. The Files app received a preview update with a new Omnibar. Meta is transitioning WhatsApp on Windows to a progressive web app, and Firefox released version 141.0 with AI-powered tab groups. Microsoft is testing a cross-device play history feature for Xbox and reversed its decision on Xbox game pricing. EA announced a new Battlefield installment, and Nvidia added new titles to GeForce NOW. Various discounts and a free game, Legion TD 2, were featured in the Weekend PC Game Deals.
Winsage
July 21, 2025
Microsoft has announced the cessation of sales for digital films and television shows on its Xbox and PC platforms, effective July 18. No refunds will be issued for previously purchased content, but customers can still redownload their existing shows and movies through the Movies & TV app. The company no longer offers new entertainment content for purchase on Microsoft.com, Microsoft Store on Windows, and the Microsoft Store on Xbox. This decision marks a departure from its previous strategy of positioning the Xbox One as a multimedia hub. Microsoft is encouraging users to explore third-party streaming services available on the Microsoft Store. Additionally, Microsoft recently announced layoffs affecting over 9,000 employees, and there have been cancellations of several gaming projects and changes in leadership at various studios.
AppWizard
July 10, 2025
Star Wars Battlefront 2 rose 123 spots in the US best-selling games chart in May 2025, reaching the 12th position after being 135th in April. This surge is attributed to the celebration of Star Wars Day and increased calls for a sequel, with peak concurrent players on Steam hitting 35,892, up from 10,489 in 2021. The game became the fifth best-selling game on PC, surpassing titles like Black Ops 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2. Despite this resurgence, EA is focusing on franchises like Battlefield, The Sims, Skate, and Apex Legends, raising doubts about the development of Star Wars Battlefront 3.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Developer Romero Games has confirmed it is still operational despite facing funding issues and the cancellation of its in-development project due to withdrawn funding. The studio is exploring new opportunities with other publishers and has reassured employees that it is not shutting down. They are evaluating several opportunities from interested publishers and are committed to preventing further disruptions.
AppWizard
July 8, 2025
Romero Games announced that funding for its first-person shooter, revealed in 2022, was withdrawn, coinciding with significant layoffs at Microsoft affecting 9,000 employees and leading to multiple project cancellations. The studio clarified on social media that it remains operational and is reassessing its staffing and operations amid concerns about its stability. While the publisher responsible for the funding withdrawal has not been disclosed due to confidentiality agreements, speculation arose regarding the timing of the decision. Former employees expressed fears of the studio shutting down or being sold. Romero Games hopes to attract interest from investors to support their ongoing development efforts.
AppWizard
July 6, 2025
Deus Ex recently celebrated its 25th anniversary. In an alternate reality, PC gamers are celebrating a different 25th anniversary for a first-person Command & Conquer game that could have been created by Warren Spector, who initially conceived a game called "Troubleshooter" in 1994. Spector aimed to create an open-ended near-future simulation featuring a supercop named Jake Shooter. He managed to persuade Westwood Studios to invest in a version of his game set in the Command & Conquer universe, intending to combine genre elements and player choice. However, he later joined Ion Storm after receiving an invitation from John Romero, leading to the development of Deus Ex, with Jake Shooter evolving into JC Denton.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Matt Firor is stepping down as president of ZeniMax Online Studios after 18 years. He will be succeeded by studio head Jo Burba, executive producer Susan Kath, and game director Rich Lambert. Firor expressed confidence in the new leadership team, which has been involved in significant expansions for Elder Scrolls Online. The transition occurs alongside restructuring at ZeniMax, including the cancellation of an MMO project called Blackbird. Firor joined ZeniMax in 2007 and his departure signifies a major change for the studio.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Electronic Arts (EA) has announced that the game Anthem will be taken offline on January 12th, 2026. Players will no longer be able to purchase in-game currency, but any accumulated premium currency can still be used until the game's closure. EA has stated that there will be no immediate layoffs associated with this decision, although future job impacts remain uncertain. Anthem, developed by BioWare and launched in early 2019, struggled to gain a significant audience and faced a troubled development process, leading to the cancellation of an enhancement project known as Anthem Next.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Romero Games, co-founded by Brenda and John Romero in 2015, announced that funding for their latest project has been abruptly terminated, resulting in layoffs within the company. CEO Brenda Romero stated that the publisher canceled funding for their game and other unannounced projects at various studios, a decision made at a high level within the publisher. While the specific publisher has not been disclosed, former employees suggest Microsoft may be responsible, coinciding with Microsoft's layoffs affecting 9,000 employees and project cancellations at several studios. The future of Romero Games is uncertain, with indications from some employees that the studio may close. The studio was previously working on a first-person shooter, which had been described as a significant new direction for them.
AppWizard
July 4, 2025
Romero Games has lost funding for its in-development project, leading to potential layoffs or significant changes within the organization. The studio was developing a first-person shooter using Unreal Engine 5, which had received backing from an undisclosed major publisher, speculated to be Microsoft. Studio head Brenda Romero announced the funding cancellation in a message, emphasizing that the team's dedication and performance were not at fault, as they consistently met all milestones and received positive feedback. The news has had an emotional impact on the team, many of whom have long-standing relationships.
Search