layoffs Archives

Winsage

August 13, 2025

Microsoft Stock Gains as Edge Promotes Over Chrome Browser Use

Microsoft's stock price has risen on the Nasdaq exchange as the company encourages users to switch from Google's Chrome browser to its Edge browser. On Tuesday, shares of Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ: MSFT) saw a modest increase as the company reiterated its recommendation for Windows users to abandon Chrome, promoting Edge as a more secure alternative. Users attempting to close Chrome receive a notification encouraging them to switch to Edge. Chrome users outnumber Edge users by a ratio of approximately six to one. In the latest pre-release version of Edge, new flags prompt users to pin Edge to their taskbar and make it their default browser if Chrome usage exceeds 90%. Microsoft is also transitioning users from Windows 10 to Windows 11 and is facing criticism and a class action lawsuit regarding the discontinuation of security support for Windows 10. Despite these challenges, Microsoft continues to support popular gaming titles and maintains a "Strong Buy" consensus rating from analysts, with a 26.03% increase in share price over the past year and an average price target indicating an 18% upside potential.

Winsage

August 12, 2025

“Browse Securely Now”: Microsoft Stock (NASDAQ:MSFT) Gains as it Calls Users to Pass Up Chrome

Microsoft is encouraging users to switch from Google’s Chrome browser to its Edge browser by displaying messages that promote Edge's security features. This strategy has resulted in a slight increase in Microsoft's stock price. Users installing Chrome now see a message stating, “Browse securely now. Microsoft Edge runs on the same technology as Chrome, with the added trust of Microsoft.” Additionally, pre-release versions of Microsoft’s Canary browser include taskbar flags that prompt users to pin Edge when closing Chrome, with one flag suggesting to pin Edge if Chrome usage exceeds 90%. A class action lawsuit is pending against Microsoft for withdrawing security support for Windows 10. Despite challenges in Windows support, Microsoft has confirmed ongoing support for popular games like Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5. Analysts have a Strong Buy consensus rating for MSFT stock, with 34 Buy ratings and one Hold in the past three months, and an average price target suggesting an 18% upside potential for investors.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Nancy Drew Series Still #1 in PC Games

Nancy Drew debuted in 1930 during the Great Depression, providing an escape for families and inspiring readers with her ingenuity and bravery. She transitioned into video games in the late 1990s, with HeR Interactive launching over 30 titles starting in 1998, allowing players to embody her character without seeing her physical form. However, after 2015, the franchise faced challenges, including layoffs and a decline in game quality, as the company shifted focus to attract younger mobile audiences. Despite these changes, the games are now appealing to a broader audience, including adults. Nancy Drew symbolizes the potential for female protagonists to inspire through intelligence and determination rather than violence.

AppWizard

August 11, 2025

Bithell Games laying off 11 staff

Bithell Games is reducing its workforce by parting ways with 11 employees due to difficulties in securing new projects. This decision follows the launch of their title, Tron: Catalyst, in June. Founder Mike Bithell highlighted the challenges faced by smaller studios in finding financial backing for future projects. He emphasized communication with affected staff and offered severance packages to ease the impact of the layoffs. Bithell praised the skills of his team and encouraged other developers to consider the laid-off employees for future opportunities. Despite the layoffs, the studio's existing self-published games will remain available, and ongoing support for them will continue.

AppWizard

August 8, 2025

Microsoft halts work on Avalanche’s Contraband

Microsoft has halted development on Avalanche Studios' game, Contraband, which was originally unveiled in 2021. After five years of development, the project is now "on hold," and Avalanche Studios has confirmed that active development has stopped while they evaluate the project's future. This decision reflects broader challenges within Microsoft's Xbox division, which has experienced layoffs, project cancellations, and studio closures, including Avalanche Studios shutting down its locations in New York and Montreal in 2024.

Winsage

August 6, 2025

Microsoft hopes to knock socks off with Windows XP Crocs

Microsoft is preparing to launch limited edition XP-themed Crocs, featuring a design inspired by the Windows XP Bliss desktop background and adorned with decorative charms like Clippy and the Internet Explorer logo. These Crocs are currently available for purchase by Microsoft employees before a wider release. Each pair comes with a drawstring bag, and the price point is unspecified. The collaboration has generated discussion among Microsoft employees on LinkedIn, although the company has not officially confirmed the release. Crocs, founded in 2002, have seen fluctuating popularity and are known for their practicality, while Windows XP has gained retro appeal despite criticism over newer versions.

Winsage

August 4, 2025

Windows Central Podcast: 10 years of Windows 10, and Copilot Mode!

This week's episode of the Windows Central Podcast celebrates the 10th anniversary of Windows 10, discussing its evolution over the past decade. The hosts, Dan and Zac, also address Microsoft's strong financial performance alongside recent layoffs. They explore new Copilot features in Microsoft Edge and Copilot Vision on smartphones, as well as the current state of the Surface line, including limited-edition laptops. The anticipated integration of GPT-5 into Copilot is discussed, along with the latest Windows 10 security updates, Adobe's new ARM-native beta applications, and a deal on the Asus ZenBook A14. The podcast also touches on the future impact of artificial intelligence on daily life and the tech industry.

AppWizard

July 31, 2025

Space Marine 2 publisher says even he ‘didn’t believe that we could hit 7 million unique players,’ but it’s proof that players are hungry for sicko games: ‘When the execution is right, it ends up resonating with many more people’

Pullup Entertainment has seen a quarterly revenue increase of over 130% compared to the previous year, driven by titles like Farming Simulator and Space Marine 2, as well as contributions from in-house studios such as Deck 13 and Dovetail Games. CEO Geoffroy Sardin noted that the game development industry is facing challenges with projects that have limited return on investment struggling to secure financing, leading to a necessary adjustment towards growth. He highlighted the financial risks and long development cycles associated with triple-A games, suggesting that this environment favors mid-budget and indie games. Sardin emphasized the advantages of double-A and indie games, which allow for greater budget control, creativity, and faster market entry. Pullup's success is attributed to its focus on creating targeted games for specific player demographics, particularly within the passionate PC gaming community. Sales data from Steam indicates a growing interest in double-A and indie games in 2023, with recent releases like Roadcraft exceeding expectations.

AppWizard

July 29, 2025

‘Maybe I’ve directed my last game,’ Dead Space creator Glen Schofield says after being unable to secure funding for his new project: ‘With the industry on pause, AAA feels like it’s a long ways away’

Glen Schofield, a veteran in the video game industry, has announced his decision to step away from game direction after struggling to secure funding for a new horror project he had been developing for eight months. Despite assembling a talented team and setting a budget, he faced challenges due to the industry's shift towards higher share prices and artificial intelligence solutions. Schofield's previous title, The Callisto Protocol, did not meet expectations, leading to financial repercussions for its publisher and layoffs at his studio. He expressed a desire to return to his artistic roots while reflecting on the stagnant state of the industry. His daughter, Nicole, who contributed the original idea for the halted project, was also part of the team.

AppWizard

July 24, 2025

Surgent Studios unveils Dead Take live-action horror game for the PC

Abubakar Salim is the founder of Surgent Studios and the creative director of the upcoming live-action horror game, Dead Take, which will launch on Steam and the Epic Games Store on July 31. Surgent Studios, established in 2019, previously released the side-scrolling Metroidvania game Tales of Kenzara: Zau in April 2024, which did not achieve commercial success. Following funding issues for a project called Project Uso, the studio faced layoffs in July 2024. In January 2025, Surgent Studios secured funding from Pocketpair Publishing, allowing them to focus on Dead Take, inspired by Salim's experiences in the entertainment industry. Dead Take features a live-action film-like aesthetic created with Unreal Engine 5 and follows an actor named Chase Lowry, who searches for his missing friend in a mansion reminiscent of horror classics. The gameplay includes escape-room-style puzzles and fragmented video files revealing Hollywood's unsettling truths. The game explores themes of ambition and betrayal, with a cast that includes Neil Newbon, Ben Starr, Jane Perry, and Alanah Pearce, along with cameos from industry veterans. Salim emphasizes psychological horror over graphic violence, focusing on the emotional challenges within the industry. Players are encouraged to engage with the game using pen and paper and headphones for a richer experience.