gaming division Archives

AppWizard

May 31, 2025

Nintendo is bringing one of its exclusive games to PC claims Microsoft website

A listing on Microsoft’s Edge Game Assist webpage includes the Nintendo title Xenoblade Chronicles X, which has raised speculation about potential collaborations between Microsoft and Nintendo. Despite this, many believe the inclusion is likely a mistake, as the game is not available on PC. Xenoblade Chronicles X was released for the Nintendo Switch in March and is the last major Wii U title to be ported to the platform. All Xenoblade games are now accessible on the Switch, and Monolith Soft, the developer, is reportedly working on a new role-playing game. The chances of a partnership between Microsoft and Nintendo to bring exclusive titles to PC seem slim.

AppWizard

May 14, 2025

Microsoft cuts 3% of workforce

Microsoft has announced a reduction in its workforce by three percent, equating to approximately 6,840 positions, as part of its strategic efforts to align with market dynamics. As of June 2024, Microsoft employed around 228,000 individuals. A WARN notice has been filed in Washington state, indicating that 1,985 employees will be affected, though it is unclear if this number pertains only to Washington or the entire U.S. In January 2023, Microsoft cut 10,000 jobs (4.5% of its workforce), followed by 1,900 positions in January 2024 within its gaming division, and another 650 employees by September 2024. Further layoffs are expected to be announced in January 2025.

AppWizard

March 28, 2025

Warner reportedly axes Hogwarts Legacy expansion

Warner Bros has halted the development of an expansion for Hogwarts Legacy due to concerns that the amount of content did not justify the proposed price. The expansion was being developed by Avalanche Software in collaboration with Rocksteady Studios. Rocksteady has faced challenges, including layoffs and ceasing support for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which contributed to Warner Bros' admission of underperformance in its gaming division. The company also decided to close three studios, including Monolith Productions, and experienced a leadership change with the departure of gaming division head David Haddad.

Winsage

March 23, 2025

Microsoft Paywalls Its AI Features in Notepad and Paint

Microsoft has announced that access to certain features in Notepad and Paint will now require a paid subscription to a Microsoft 365 account. Users will need this subscription to access new AI enhancements, including an image generator in Paint and AI-driven text rewriting in Notepad. Windows users without a subscription will still have access to core functionalities, but subscription-required features will be grayed out. Ram Bala, an associate professor of business analytics, notes that this aligns with a broader "freemium" strategy due to the high operational costs of deploying AI features. Bala highlights a trend in the tech industry toward usage-based pricing models for AI services. Microsoft has made significant investments in AI, incorporating features across its applications, but some initiatives, like the Copilot feature, have faced delays and privacy concerns.

AppWizard

March 12, 2025

Industry vet Verdu departs Netflix

Mike Verdu has officially left Netflix, where he had been leading its gaming division since 2021 before overseeing generative artificial intelligence initiatives. He was replaced by Alain Tascan from Epic Games. Following Verdu's departure, Netflix has been adjusting its gaming strategy, including shutting down its Team Blue studio and experiencing talent departures, such as Joseph Staten and Chacko Sonny. Additionally, layoffs occurred at Night School Studio, indicating ongoing restructuring within Netflix's gaming operations.

AppWizard

March 1, 2025

Games revenue dipped 53% at Warner Bros during 2024

Warner Bros reported a 53% drop in revenue for its gaming division in 2024, as disclosed in its 10-K filing with the SEC. The overall content revenue declined by eight percent, primarily due to the decrease in gaming revenue, which saw a 29% year-on-year drop in the final quarter of 2024. The decline is attributed to underperforming titles in 2024, following the success of previous releases like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat 1. The company plans to close several studios, including Monolith, Player First, and its San Diego studio, and will focus on four key franchises: Harry Potter, Game of Thrones, Mortal Kombat, and DC Comics. Warner Bros aims to restore profitability to its Games division by 2025 and enhance its contribution to the company's growth.

AppWizard

February 20, 2025

Netflix cuts staff from Night School Studio

Netflix has initiated layoffs at Night School Studio, which will not affect the studio's current content lineup. The layoffs were announced in January and are part of a broader shift in Netflix's gaming strategy, which includes the closure of its triple-A Blue studio. Mike Verdu has transitioned to a new role overseeing generative AI, and Alain Tascan has been appointed to lead Netflix's gaming division. Night School Studio was acquired by Netflix in 2021.

AppWizard

February 19, 2025

Spencer: Xbox isn’t trying to move players away from owning games

Phil Spencer, head of Microsoft's gaming division, clarified that Microsoft is not trying to move players away from game ownership but aims to provide various options for gaming, including traditional ownership and subscription models like Xbox Game Pass. He reassured gamers about the future of hardware and the ability to continue playing their games, emphasizing the company's commitment to maintaining players' libraries through features like backward compatibility and Play Anywhere. Spencer stated that players can purchase any game available on Game Pass, reinforcing the flexibility in gaming experiences. He acknowledged the need for profitability while focusing on maximizing options for gamers. Additionally, he noted that embracing Windows and cloud technology has been crucial for Microsoft's growth, particularly in Asia, where cloud and PC gaming are expanding rapidly.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

Kayleen Walters appointed head of Mojang

Microsoft has appointed Kayleen Walters as the new head of Mojang Studios, while Federico San Martin will manage franchise development. Walters joined Microsoft in 2018 as head of franchise development for Minecraft and was promoted to Vice President of brand and entertainment for Minecraft in 2023. She has over 13 years of experience at LucasFilm in franchise management. Walters succeeds Åsa Bredin, who is leaving Mojang for personal reasons.

AppWizard

February 13, 2025

‘Change is never easy’: Minecraft studio Mojang announces studio head switch

Åsa Bredin has stepped down as studio head of Mojang to focus on personal goals. She had been in the role since 2023 after joining the company two years earlier. Kayleen Walters, currently vice president and head of franchise development at Microsoft, will take over as the new head of Mojang. Walters has extensive experience, including a 13-year tenure at Lucasfilm as vice president of franchise marketing and integrated planning. She will be based in Redmond, Washington, and will frequently travel to Stockholm. Microsoft Studios COO Helen Chiang expressed confidence in the team's ability to adapt to this leadership change.