Xbox users have voiced their strong criticism against Activision and Microsoft for a “controversial” full-screen ad featuring Modern Warfare 3. The ad, which has been described as “vomit-inducing” by some gamers, has sparked a heated debate within the gaming community.
My goodness, “vomit-inducing” is quite the response. This ad surely must be in poor taste. I reckon it must be incredibly violent, perhaps touching a taboo subject?
Holy cow! Look at this! Where’s my Klonopin, Xanax, Valium, and cannabis? I need to make a happy cocktail of potent pharmaceuticals and THC to get this vision out of my head. Where are my dogs? I NEED TO BE COMFORTED RIGHT NOW!
No seriously, the controversy centers around a splash screen that appears on your Xbox upon startup.
Xbox users took to social media and online forums to express their “frustration” and “disappointment” with this “intrusive” ad. Many gamers criticized Activision and Microsoft for allowing such a “disruptive” ad to be integrated momentarily into their experience, forcing them into the unimaginable conundrum of deciding to purchase the game or opting out to the dashboard. The term “vomit-inducing” quickly gained traction as players conveyed their disdain for the ad.
Maybe I’m old and jaded, but the reaction to this is a bit much. No one likes ads, but seriously, chill out, it’s not the end of the world. We’ve all seen ads before, some delivery methods are better than others, but “vomit-inducing”? Please…
The gaming world is buzzing with excitement as the upcoming PlayStation 5 Slim makes its online debut, revealing fresh information about the optional disc drive for the Digital Edition of the console. This new development comes with a twist that has ignited discussions within the gaming community.
Images of the Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 PS5 Slim bundle were shared by the charlieINTEL Twitter account, and it didn’t take long for eagle-eyed observers to spot a noteworthy disclaimer: “Internet connection required to pair disc drive and PS5 console upon setup.”
Additional images of the Modern Warfare III PS5 Slim Bundle
Back says “150GB minimum.” Also says 90GB+ download required to play.
The smaller PS5 design boasts an increased storage capacity of 1TB for both the PS5 and PS5 Digital Edition, up from the original 825GB. One of the highlights of the new model is the option to add an Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive to the PS5 Digital Edition.
For those opting for the PS5 Digital Edition, the Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc Drive can be purchased separately for $79.99 | €119.99 | £99.99 | 11,980 JPY. Once the current PS5 model’s inventory is depleted, the new PS5 Slim will become the sole option available.
Here’s a breakdown of the recommended retail prices for the new PS5 model starting in November:
U.S.
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – $499.99
PS5 Digital Edition – $449.99
Europe
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 549.99 EUR
PS5 Digital Edition – 449.99 EUR
UK
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – £479.99
PS5 Digital Edition – £389.99
Japan
PS5 with Ultra HD Blu-ray disc drive – 66,980 JPY (includes tax)
PS5 Digital Edition – 59,980 JPY (includes tax)
Notably, the price of the PS5 Digital Edition has increased with the introduction of the slim version. The original PS5 Digital Edition was priced at $399.99, while the slimmer PS5 Digital Edition costs $449.99. This means that the slimmer PS5 with a disc drive is $50 more expensive than its digital counterpart.
The new PS5 model comes with a horizontal stand, and a separate vertical stand compatible with all PS5 models can be purchased for $29.99 | €29.99 | £24.99 | 3,980 JPY.
However, a significant point of concern has arisen with the disclosure that the optional disc drive requires an internet connection during setup. This has sparked fears related to game preservation. John Linneman of Digital Foundry, a long-time advocate for physical game media, described this move as “highly concerning and very strange.” He noted that “hardware connectivity shouldn’t be determined by a server that may not always be available.”
Uhhhh…if this is the case, that is highly concerning and very strange. Hardware connectivity shouldn't be determined by a server that may not always be available. https://t.co/NT4KU6ShrN
The worry centers on the potential issues that may arise years down the line, especially if Sony ever decides to deactivate its authentication servers. While there’s a possibility that Sony might release an update to remove this requirement, as of now, an internet connection is mandatory.
In an era where digital game downloads are on the rise, concerns about game preservation have gained prominence. Microsoft’s recent Xbox leak also hinted at a future without disc drives. This move signals a significant shift from traditional game distribution methods.
As the gaming community eagerly awaits the arrival of the PlayStation 5 Slim, the controversy surrounding the internet requirement for the optional disc drive has added an unexpected twist to this highly anticipated release. Gamers and enthusiasts will be keeping a close watch on further developments as the release date approaches.
Microsoft’s latest financial report for the first quarter of the 2024 fiscal year (July to September 2023) has left the business world buzzing. The tech giant is celebrating impressive results, with significant revenue and income gains across multiple divisions. Let’s dive into the details of their remarkable performance.
Robust Overall Growth
In this quarter, Microsoft achieved a substantial 13% increase in revenue and an even more impressive 27% boost in net income. These gains can be attributed to several key factors, including Microsoft’s thriving cloud services, Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) revenue, and an outstanding performance by their Xbox division, which reported its highest-ever Q1 revenue and its biggest non-holiday quarter to date.
Gaming Division’s Mixed Results
Although the Xbox hardware revenue declined by 7%, there’s positive news on the gaming front. The launch of the new Xbox Series S console, which offers increased storage capacity from 512GB to 1TB, wasn’t enough to offset the hardware decline. However, Xbox content and services revenue surged by 13%, leading to an overall 9% increase in gaming revenue. While specific Game Pass subscription figures weren’t shared, the service continues to show promising growth.
Starfield and Game Pass Success
The highly-anticipated release of the game Starfield made a significant impact. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella noted that they set a record for the most Game Pass subscriptions added in a single day upon Starfield’s launch. Over 11 million people have played the game, with the PC version contributing to half of the total playtime.
With the recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft is well-positioned to further expand its PC Game Pass subscriber base. In October, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer acknowledged a slowdown in console subscriptions, making PC Game Pass a crucial area of focus.
Financial Highlights
Here’s a snapshot of some other financial highlights and lowlights from Microsoft’s Q1 report:
Windows OEM revenue increased by 4%.
Overall device revenue declined by 22% in Q1.
Microsoft Office commercial products and cloud services revenue grew by 15%.
Microsoft 365 Consumer subscriptions increased by 18% year-over-year, partly thanks to a new $2 per month basic subscription service.
Microsoft Teams boasts over 320 million monthly active users.
Cloud business revenue generated an impressive $24.3 billion in revenue this quarter, representing a 19% increase.
Revenue from Azure and other cloud services surged by 29%.
Future Growth Prospects
Looking ahead, Microsoft anticipates substantial growth in gaming revenue, driven by its recent acquisition of Activision Blizzard. They expect mid to high 40% growth in overall gaming revenue and a mid to high 50% increase in Xbox content and services in the second quarter of the 2024 financial year.
With these remarkable results and a promising future outlook, Microsoft continues to demonstrate its prowess as a tech industry leader and a formidable force in the world of gaming. As the tech giant ventures into the next quarter, all eyes will be on how they leverage their new gaming assets to shape the future of the industry.
In a deal that took multiple years and hurdles, Microsoft has officially welcomed Activision Blizzard into its family of gaming giants. The acquisition, which was finalized on October 13, 2023, will surely reshape the gaming landscape, creating new opportunities and exciting prospects for gamers, developers, and investors alike.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard marks the largest deal in gaming history. The tech giant paid a staggering $68.7 billion for the company, making this move a clear signal of Microsoft’s commitment to the gaming sector. With this acquisition, Microsoft gained control of popular franchises like Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, and more.
Microsoft even had an epic announcement trailer waiting in the wings
The acquisition is not just about owning beloved gaming IPs but also about expanding the Xbox ecosystem. Microsoft is determined to make Xbox Game Pass, their subscription-based gaming service, the ultimate destination for gamers. With the addition of Activision Blizzard’s titles, subscribers can expect an even more diverse and impressive lineup of games.
The merger also presents opportunities for the growth of cloud gaming and game streaming services. Microsoft’s Azure cloud infrastructure and Activision Blizzard’s game development prowess can lead to innovative and immersive cloud gaming experiences. Gamers will have more flexibility in how they play, with cloud gaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly known as Project xCloud) potentially offering a seamless experience.
This acquisition is sure to ignite competition and innovation in the gaming industry. Other gaming giants, like Sony and Nintendo, will need to respond strategically to Microsoft’s newfound strength. The result could be an exciting period of technological advancements, content creation, and new gaming experiences.
However, the merger is not without its concerns. Some gamers worry about the potential for exclusivity, which could limit access to beloved franchises on non-Microsoft platforms. The regulatory landscape will also be a key factor in determining how this acquisition affects the industry. Even the EU and UK trade commissions have approved the acquisition, the FTC is still fighting the deal internally, but they can no longer halt the deal.
Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard is a game-changing move with far-reaching implications for the gaming world. While challenges and concerns are bound to arise, there is no denying that this merger has the potential to bring exciting innovations, gaming experiences, and opportunities for gamers and developers alike. The future of gaming is evolving, and with this acquisition, Microsoft is determined to lead the way.
In a recent report, Disney’s CEO is under pressure to consider a more significant transformation in the gaming industry. The report suggests that Disney is facing calls to be bolder in its approach to the gaming market. This indicates that the company may be contemplating a significant shift in its gaming strategy and perhaps acquiring a major publisher. While Disney has had a presence in the gaming industry for years, this newfound urgency to evolve is catching the attention of many.
Disney’s gaming division is no stranger to the world of interactive entertainment. They’ve developed various games by partnering with major publishers like EA. However, the pressure to transform may imply a desire to take on a more prominent role in the industry, potentially aiming to rival major players like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. The easiest way towards this goal may be to open up the pocketbook and purchase a major player. Since EA and Disney are already strategic partners, and EA has put out word that they are open to being acquired, so a deal between the two would make sense.
Of course, with the Microsoft Activision acquisition taking up attention and regulatory scrutiny lately, Disney may opt to wait until that deal is settled before stirring up the pot.
The pressure on Disney’s CEO to consider a bolder transformation in gaming is a significant development in the world of entertainment. While it remains to be seen how Disney will respond to this call for change, it’s clear that the gaming community and fans of Disney’s franchises will be watching closely to see how this potential transformation unfolds.
In the tech and gaming world, one of the most significant acquisitions in recent memory is Microsoft’s $69 billion deal to purchase Activision Blizzard. This monumental transaction not only impacts the future of gaming but has also raised eyebrows in various regulatory bodies, particularly the European Union (EU). However, the latest reports suggest that Microsoft’s acquisition may sidestep a fresh EU probe.
To recap, back in January 2022, Microsoft announced its intention to acquire Activision Blizzard, one of the world’s largest and most influential gaming companies. The deal, valued at $69 billion, meant that iconic gaming franchises like “Call of Duty,” “World of Warcraft,” and “Diablo” would become part of the Microsoft family.
The European Union has a history of closely scrutinizing major mergers and acquisitions for potential anti-competitive concerns. In light of Microsoft’s expansive reach in the tech and gaming industry, it was expected that the EU would launch a thorough investigation into this buyout. The primary concern was whether this deal would lead to a monopolistic position in the gaming market and restrict fair competition.
Microsoft had made concessions to the UK’s CMA to push the deal through there. Recent reports have suggested that Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard may not face a new EU probe. Even the the EU approved the deal initially, they do have the option to review the deal again since the terms have changed. However, it appears that will not be the case.
However, the absence of an EU probe does not mean Microsoft is completely in the clear. The deal has yet to clear the UK CMA, but many believe that an approval is imminent.
The Microsoft-Activision Blizzard deal has far-reaching implications for the gaming industry. It’s expected to influence the future of gaming consoles, cloud gaming services, and the availability of popular gaming titles across different platforms.
As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the outcome of this acquisition will undoubtedly shape its landscape for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the tech and gaming worlds closely monitor this monumental deal.
Exciting news has just surfaced from the world of gaming and entertainment as CD Projekt Red, the developer behind titles like The Witcher and Cyberpunk 2077, has announced a groundbreaking partnership with Anonymous Content. This unexpected collaboration is set to bring the magic of CD Projekt Red’s iconic game worlds to life in a whole new dimension – live-action.
CD Projekt Red, renowned for their immersive and richly detailed video game universes, has teamed up with Anonymous Content, a prominent entertainment company responsible for producing critically acclaimed TV series and films. Anonymous Content’s impressive portfolio includes works like “True Detective,” “Spotlight,” and “Mr. Robot.”
While the initial announcement provides only a glimpse into the partnership, it’s evident that CD Projekt Red and Anonymous Content aim to expand the worlds of CD Projekt Red’s games through live-action adaptations. This strategic collaboration promises to unlock the potential for immersive storytelling on screen, allowing fans to experience their favorite game worlds in a whole new way.
The announcement from CD Projekt Red and Anonymous Content did not specify which of CD Projekt Red’s game universes will be explored in the live-action format. However, fans are already speculating that a futuristic Cyberpunk 2077 adaptation that delves deeper into Night City’s gritty underbelly is in the works.
The partnership between CD Projekt Red and Anonymous Content is just one example of how the lines between video games and other forms of entertainment are blurred. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in adapting video games into successful TV series and movies. Productions like “The Witcher” have demonstrated that gaming-inspired content can resonate with both dedicated fans and newcomers to the respective franchises.
This trend not only opens up exciting possibilities for gamers but also showcases the enduring appeal of video game narratives. It allows fans to dive deeper into the lore, characters, and worlds they’ve grown to love over years of gameplay.
Whether you’re a fan of The Witcher, Cyberpunk 2077, or simply intrigued by the prospect of high-quality gaming adaptations, the CD Projekt Red and Anonymous Content partnership promises to deliver immersive storytelling experiences that will captivate audiences around the world.
Photo by Anthony ud83dudcf7ud83dudcf9ud83dude42 on Pexels.com
In an era where data breaches and cyber attacks have become all too common, it’s disheartening to learn that even tech giants like Sony aren’t immune to such threats. Recently, Sony confirmed that it had fallen victim to a cyber attack that exposed the personal details of nearly 7,000 current and former employees. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in an increasingly interconnected world.
The cyber attack on Sony is yet another addition to the growing list of high-profile breaches that have taken place over the years, and this is not the first time Sony has been targeted. This attack targeted Sony’s employee database, compromising sensitive information about thousands of individuals who had worked for the company.
The data breach exposed personal information, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and even bank account details of current and former Sony employees. For those affected, this breach could have significant implications, from the risk of identity theft to potential financial fraud.
Sony also took steps to notify all individuals whose information had been compromised, offering them credit monitoring services and assistance in securing their personal information. This prompt response was crucial in helping affected employees safeguard themselves against potential harm.
Netflix has been making waves in the gaming industry, and its latest move will turn heads. Joseph Staten, a veteran video game writer, and designer, has joined the company as Creative Director for an upcoming AAA game.
Staten, who is best known for his work on the Halo franchise, will be working alongside a talented team of game developers to create what is sure to be an exciting and innovative gaming experience.
Staten’s experience in the video game industry is impressive. He has worked on some of the most successful and beloved franchises of all time, including the aforementioned Halo series, Destiny, and Sleeping Dogs. His work has always been characterized by a deep respect for the medium, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for storytelling.
Now, Staten is bringing all of that experience and passion to Netflix. In his new role as Creative Director for the streaming giant’s upcoming AAA game, Staten will be responsible for overseeing the development of the unannounced title, from its initial concept to its final release. He will work closely with the game’s designers, writers, and programmers to ensure that the final product meets the high standards that Netflix has set for itself.
This is an exciting time for Netflix, as the company continues to expand its reach into the gaming industry. In addition to its upcoming AAA game, the company has also been experimenting with mobile games and interactive programming. These moves are part of a larger effort to provide viewers with a more immersive and engaging entertainment experience, one that blurs the lines between television and video games.
As for the upcoming AAA game, little is known about it at this point. However, with Joseph Staten at the helm, fans of the video game medium can be sure that it will be something special. Staten has a proven track record of delivering high-quality games that are both engaging and memorable. It will be interesting to see what he and his team come up with in this new, exciting chapter of his career.
The news of Joseph Staten joining Netflix as Creative Director for its upcoming AAA game is sure to generate a lot of excitement among gamers and industry insiders alike. With his impressive track record and deep passion for the medium, Staten is sure to deliver a game that is both innovative and engaging. As Netflix continues to expand its reach into the gaming industry, it will be interesting to see how the company’s unique vision and storytelling approach translate into the world of video games.
EE, one of the UK’s largest mobile network operators, has announced a 10-year partnership with Xbox to bring cloud gaming to mobile devices. The partnership will enable EE customers to access Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, which includes over 100 games, on their mobile devices via the cloud.
The move represents a major shift in the gaming industry, as it marks the first time that Xbox has partnered with a mobile network operator to bring its cloud gaming service to a wider audience. EE, which is owned by BT, is hoping to tap into the growing demand for mobile gaming, as more and more people turn to their smartphones and tablets for entertainment.
Microsoft and @EE are expanding our partnership with a 10-year commitment in cloud gaming to bring PC games built by Activision Blizzard, following the acquisition, and Xbox to @EE customers. We are committed to bring more games to more people, however they choose to play.
Delighted to be working with @Microsoft to expand @EE’s gaming partnership to include a new 10-year cloud gaming commitment to bring PC games built by @xbox and Activision Blizzard – following the acquisition – to our customers.
The partnership will allow EE customers to play Xbox games on the go, without the need for a console or high-end PC. The service will be available on Android devices initially, with support for iOS devices coming later this year.
The move is part of Microsoft’s broader strategy of focusing on cloud-based services, as the company seeks to expand its reach in the gaming industry. By partnering with EE, Xbox is hoping to reach new audiences and make gaming more accessible to people who may not have access to consoles or gaming PCs.
EE is also hoping to capitalize on the growing trend of mobile gaming, which has seen significant growth in recent years. The partnership is expected to help the mobile network operator to differentiate itself from its competitors, by offering unique and innovative services that appeal to a wide range of customers.
Overall, the partnership between EE and Xbox represents an exciting new development in the gaming industry, as more and more players turn to cloud gaming and mobile devices for their entertainment needs. With the 10-year partnership, both companies are hoping to drive innovation and expand the reach of gaming, making it more accessible to a wider audience than ever before.
Also, these partnerships are in Microsoft’s best interests as it attempts to calm UK CMA as it tries to push the Activision acquisition through.
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