Whenever you talk about Microsoft Gaming or Xbox, one name that will always pass by your head is Phil Spencer. Starting his career as an intern at Microsoft, the man might have gotten the tag of one of the most successful CEOs in the history of the company’s gaming brand.
Although this success was never an overnight process, Spencer himself is a huge gamer by heart. That’s why all his decision-making regarding the business aspect of the company has been beneficial. He always perceived things from a gamer’s point of view. And his huge play times in certain Aaa titles are proof of that.
Phil Spencer Might Have Played these Games More Than You Phil Spencer has played this game for over 270 hours so far.
People might think that with these busy schedules, personalities like Phil Spencer might not have enough time to try out the games on his own platform.
Although this success was never an overnight process, Spencer himself is a huge gamer by heart. That’s why all his decision-making regarding the business aspect of the company has been beneficial. He always perceived things from a gamer’s point of view. And his huge play times in certain Aaa titles are proof of that.
Phil Spencer Might Have Played these Games More Than You Phil Spencer has played this game for over 270 hours so far.
People might think that with these busy schedules, personalities like Phil Spencer might not have enough time to try out the games on his own platform.
- 5/31/2024
- by Nilendu Brahma
- FandomWire
Start making friendship bracelets and hold onto the railing when ascending a flight of stairs because Violet Karim’s webcomic Death of a Pop Star is getting a film adaptation from Diablo Cody and Mason Novick!
Death of a Pop Star revolves around Sophie, a gifted but somewhat naive pop star on the verge of superstardom. As she’s about to take her blossoming career to the next level, Sophie tumbles down a flight of stairs and wakes up in Hell. Luckily for Sophie, the Grim Reaper is a fan and, unbeknownst to Sophie, strikes a deal to bring her back to life. However, when management notices the numbers don’t add up, the Reaper must return to the surface to correct his mistake or risk the wrath of the underworld. Things become more complicated when Sophie realizes she didn’t fall down those stairs; someone pushed her! Together with...
Death of a Pop Star revolves around Sophie, a gifted but somewhat naive pop star on the verge of superstardom. As she’s about to take her blossoming career to the next level, Sophie tumbles down a flight of stairs and wakes up in Hell. Luckily for Sophie, the Grim Reaper is a fan and, unbeknownst to Sophie, strikes a deal to bring her back to life. However, when management notices the numbers don’t add up, the Reaper must return to the surface to correct his mistake or risk the wrath of the underworld. Things become more complicated when Sophie realizes she didn’t fall down those stairs; someone pushed her! Together with...
- 5/28/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
Franchises have become the lifeblood of an entertainment industry obsessed with name recognition and familiarity. That can sometimes be a bad thing. It can be difficult for new ideas, new names, and new voices to break through at a time when it sometimes feels like the same handful of properties are getting remade, rebooted, or simply continued.
While gaming is not immune to the franchise problem, the best video game franchises have always offered so much more than a name on the box. The best video game franchises don’t just aim to capitalize on the success of a hit original; they aspire to outdo what came before and move the rest of the industry forward. Some of the best video game franchises weren’t even hits out of the gate, and most of them didn’t even offer their best entries until several years into their existence. They are...
While gaming is not immune to the franchise problem, the best video game franchises have always offered so much more than a name on the box. The best video game franchises don’t just aim to capitalize on the success of a hit original; they aspire to outdo what came before and move the rest of the industry forward. Some of the best video game franchises weren’t even hits out of the gate, and most of them didn’t even offer their best entries until several years into their existence. They are...
- 5/27/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Activision Blizzard is one of the biggest companies currently owned by Microsoft and handles some of the biggest franchises, such as Call of Duty, Diablo, Overwatch, and World of Warcraft. While there is a lot to be said about those games, it hasn’t stopped Activision Blizzard from expanding.
Even now, the company is looking to grow not only its list of games but also its studio portfolio. We now know of a new studio developed by the company that is going to tackle a beloved genre of games, a prospect that is equally exciting and worrying.
Activision Blizzard Sets Up Elsewhere Entertainment for Specific Goals The new studio from Activision Blizzard doesn’t have a logo yet.
Over the years, the company has released games that span across genres. From casual titles such as Hearthstone to super competitive ones like Overwatch, Activision Blizzard is a very versatile company. It...
Even now, the company is looking to grow not only its list of games but also its studio portfolio. We now know of a new studio developed by the company that is going to tackle a beloved genre of games, a prospect that is equally exciting and worrying.
Activision Blizzard Sets Up Elsewhere Entertainment for Specific Goals The new studio from Activision Blizzard doesn’t have a logo yet.
Over the years, the company has released games that span across genres. From casual titles such as Hearthstone to super competitive ones like Overwatch, Activision Blizzard is a very versatile company. It...
- 5/17/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
After Blockbuster could have bought Netflix, there were always examples of how big companies had opportunities to make very profitable acquisitions that later backfired. In a recent interview with FandomWire, Gary Kusin, the former president of GameStop, discussed how Activision Blizzard had previously offered EA the acquisition of World of Warcraft.
Kusin even shared the number that the creators of Diablo were asking for this entire IP, which generates millions of dollars per month. This kind of opportunity is very rare in the industry.
EA Almost Bought World of Warcraft, According to Gary Kusin, the Co-founder of Gamestop World of Warcraft was almost acquired by EA, according to Gary Kusin, former GameStop president.
With companies like Xbox acquiring multiple studios at once, such as Bethesda or, more recently, Activision Blizzard, it is a very common practice for big corporations to offer relatively successful studios the possibility of acquisition. This kind...
Kusin even shared the number that the creators of Diablo were asking for this entire IP, which generates millions of dollars per month. This kind of opportunity is very rare in the industry.
EA Almost Bought World of Warcraft, According to Gary Kusin, the Co-founder of Gamestop World of Warcraft was almost acquired by EA, according to Gary Kusin, former GameStop president.
With companies like Xbox acquiring multiple studios at once, such as Bethesda or, more recently, Activision Blizzard, it is a very common practice for big corporations to offer relatively successful studios the possibility of acquisition. This kind...
- 5/12/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
After Microsoft’s closure of the Activision Blizzard merger last year, Xbox is now one of the biggest publishers in the gaming industry, a far cry from just 10 years ago, when it had a paltry five studios developing mostly Halo, Gears, and Forza games.
However, things have massively changed now, as the brand has 36 game development studios under its umbrella, as well as ownership of legendary IPs like Call of Duty, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Diablo, and many more. With names like these representing Xbox in the future, where does Halo -the trendsetter that kickstarted the platform in 2002 – fit in?
Xbox Still Finds Halo Important, But May Have Other Priorities Even though Halo Infinite accrued positive reviews, fans were divided on the campaign’s direction.
In a June 2023 interview with The Guardian, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer assured fans that the keystone Halo franchise will remain important to Xbox among all...
However, things have massively changed now, as the brand has 36 game development studios under its umbrella, as well as ownership of legendary IPs like Call of Duty, Elder Scrolls, Fallout, Diablo, and many more. With names like these representing Xbox in the future, where does Halo -the trendsetter that kickstarted the platform in 2002 – fit in?
Xbox Still Finds Halo Important, But May Have Other Priorities Even though Halo Infinite accrued positive reviews, fans were divided on the campaign’s direction.
In a June 2023 interview with The Guardian, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer assured fans that the keystone Halo franchise will remain important to Xbox among all...
- 5/2/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
Just about five months after the first Dlc called The Awakened King, Remnant 2 received its second expansion in the form of The Forgotten Kingdom. The latest Dlc was released on April 23, 2023, across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
Remnant 2 The Forgotten Kingdom
The latest expansion content is also made available on Xbox Game Pass subscription service for free at launch. The Forgotten Kingdom brings in a lot of fresh content and changes, building up on the game as well as the first Dlc.
Living Stone return in The Forgotten Kingdom
During a recent interview with Windows Central, the game’s Principal Designer, Ben Cureton, and Cindy To, the Principal Level Designer, spilled the beans on what the developer did differently with the latest expansion. One of the major changes Gunfire Games made is the change of colors making the environment more lively and vibrant. To said,
“We really wanted...
Remnant 2 The Forgotten Kingdom
The latest expansion content is also made available on Xbox Game Pass subscription service for free at launch. The Forgotten Kingdom brings in a lot of fresh content and changes, building up on the game as well as the first Dlc.
Living Stone return in The Forgotten Kingdom
During a recent interview with Windows Central, the game’s Principal Designer, Ben Cureton, and Cindy To, the Principal Level Designer, spilled the beans on what the developer did differently with the latest expansion. One of the major changes Gunfire Games made is the change of colors making the environment more lively and vibrant. To said,
“We really wanted...
- 4/25/2024
- by Amarylisa Gonsalves
- FandomWire
Hack-and-slash games have been very popular among gamers for quite some time now. These games feature a type of gameplay that focuses on combat with melee-based weapons like swords or blades. Blizzard Entertainment’s Diablo series is well-known for popularising this genre but these series lacked something that fans have been craving for years. The hack-and-slash game is fun but it really needs a first-person camera to make things much more exciting. Many players have attempted to make this possible using various mods but Blizzard has never acknowledged this idea.
Diablo IV
Well, no one can tell if Blizzard will release a first-person Diablo game in the future but there is another upcoming game that can serve as a substitute: Voin. Created by indie game developer Nikita Sozidar and publisher tinyBuild Games, this fast-paced hack-and-slash game looks amazing and players should definitely check it out when it gets released.
A...
Diablo IV
Well, no one can tell if Blizzard will release a first-person Diablo game in the future but there is another upcoming game that can serve as a substitute: Voin. Created by indie game developer Nikita Sozidar and publisher tinyBuild Games, this fast-paced hack-and-slash game looks amazing and players should definitely check it out when it gets released.
A...
- 4/24/2024
- by Farhan Asif
- FandomWire
Storm Warning
“Stormy,” a documentary about former porn star Stormy Daniels, has been picked up by Blue Ant Studios for international distribution.
The launch was announced on Monday, the same day that former U.S. president Donald Trump begins a criminal trial in New York for allegedly covering up hush money payments to Daniels.
“Stormy,” offered as two one-hour episodes or a two-hour feature, is produced by Emmy-nominated producers Erin Lee Carr and producer-director, Sarah Gibson (“Orgasm Inc: The Story of One Taste”) who previously made the documentary, “Britney vs. Spears.”
The film is executive produced by Judd Apatow of Apatow Productions alongside Sara Bernstein and Meredith Kaulfers from Imagine Documentaries. Emelia Brown also serves as producer. “Stormy” is currently streaming on Peacock in the U.S.
Hcm Prizes
“The Gospel of the Beast,” directed by Sheron Dayoc, was named winner of the Golden Star Award for best Southeast Asian...
“Stormy,” a documentary about former porn star Stormy Daniels, has been picked up by Blue Ant Studios for international distribution.
The launch was announced on Monday, the same day that former U.S. president Donald Trump begins a criminal trial in New York for allegedly covering up hush money payments to Daniels.
“Stormy,” offered as two one-hour episodes or a two-hour feature, is produced by Emmy-nominated producers Erin Lee Carr and producer-director, Sarah Gibson (“Orgasm Inc: The Story of One Taste”) who previously made the documentary, “Britney vs. Spears.”
The film is executive produced by Judd Apatow of Apatow Productions alongside Sara Bernstein and Meredith Kaulfers from Imagine Documentaries. Emelia Brown also serves as producer. “Stormy” is currently streaming on Peacock in the U.S.
Hcm Prizes
“The Gospel of the Beast,” directed by Sheron Dayoc, was named winner of the Golden Star Award for best Southeast Asian...
- 4/15/2024
- by Patrick Frater
- Variety Film + TV
After Diablo 4 made its debut last year, opinions are all over the place and it makes fans wonder in what way Diablo 5 will raise the bar. The Diablo series has been around for decades and has built a dedicated fanbase over the years. The series is known for its dark fantasy themes, hack and slash gameplay, and deep character customization. The first game, simply titled Diablo, was released in 1996. It was followed by Diablo 2 in 2000, which expanded on the gameplay mechanics and introduced multiplayer features. Diablo 3 had a rocky debut in 2012, but since
The post Are We Getting Diablo 5 Soon? first appeared on TVovermind.
The post Are We Getting Diablo 5 Soon? first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/12/2024
- by Ashlee Manalang
- TVovermind.com
The fan-favorite post-apocalyptic video game series Fallout is the most prominent it has ever been, with an ambitious live-action television adaptation coming to Prime Video while publisher Bethesda SoftWorks continues to guide the games moving forward.
However, while Bethesda brought Fallout to new heights in 2008 with Fallout 3, the action RPG franchise goes back further by over a decade. Following Bethesda’s acquisition of the Fallout franchise, major changes were instituted that bristled purist fans of the initial games in the series for the alterations to gameplay and presentation.
Here is how Fallout began in 1997 before it was acquired by Bethesda in 2004 and eventually transformed into the gaming franchise millions of players know it as today.
The Origins of Fallout
The Fallout franchise was created by Tim Cain, a producer and programmer at Interplay Productions, with Cain initially starting development in relative isolation in 1994. A tabletop gaming enthusiast, Cain built Fallout...
However, while Bethesda brought Fallout to new heights in 2008 with Fallout 3, the action RPG franchise goes back further by over a decade. Following Bethesda’s acquisition of the Fallout franchise, major changes were instituted that bristled purist fans of the initial games in the series for the alterations to gameplay and presentation.
Here is how Fallout began in 1997 before it was acquired by Bethesda in 2004 and eventually transformed into the gaming franchise millions of players know it as today.
The Origins of Fallout
The Fallout franchise was created by Tim Cain, a producer and programmer at Interplay Productions, with Cain initially starting development in relative isolation in 1994. A tabletop gaming enthusiast, Cain built Fallout...
- 4/10/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Plot: Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, Fallout is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there’s almost nothing left to have. 200 years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind — and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird and highly violent universe waiting for them.
Review: Back in 1997, I was a high school kid playing video games on my Nintendo 64 and my PC. I loved games like Command & Conquer: Red Alert, the original Diablo, and Fallout. Fallout grabbed me from the opening cinematic, showing a 1950s-style television and retro music as the camera pulled back to showcase a nuclear-blasted apocalyptic landscape. I was hooked, and in the decades since, I have waited patiently for someone to deliver a worthy adaptation. As video...
Review: Back in 1997, I was a high school kid playing video games on my Nintendo 64 and my PC. I loved games like Command & Conquer: Red Alert, the original Diablo, and Fallout. Fallout grabbed me from the opening cinematic, showing a 1950s-style television and retro music as the camera pulled back to showcase a nuclear-blasted apocalyptic landscape. I was hooked, and in the decades since, I have waited patiently for someone to deliver a worthy adaptation. As video...
- 4/10/2024
- by Alex Maidy
- JoBlo.com
Each act in the Diablo series represents servers for specific geographical zones, and Diablo 4 upholds this trend. The franchise began in 1996 and continues to thrive in the modern gaming landscape. The core gameplay mechanics of the Diablo series have aged remarkably well. There are myriad ARPGs, but titles from the Diablo series still stand out as ones that have left a lasting impression on players. The Diablo series has also expanded into other media, including novels, comics, and an animated series. It remains one of the most iconic and influential franchises in the history of video games. Each
The post How Many Acts Are in ‘Diablo 4’? first appeared on TVovermind.
The post How Many Acts Are in ‘Diablo 4’? first appeared on TVovermind.
- 4/9/2024
- by Ashlee Manalang
- TVovermind.com
Xbox is moving forward with its plans of unveiling a major ‘technological leap’ in the coming months. The new President of Xbox, Sarah Bond, seems to have dedicated a lot of time and resources towards fulfilling that promise.
Ever since her appointment to the post since Kareem Choudhry’s retirement, she has been quite busy in the company’s attempt at creating the next-generation hardware. With the console market hitting its peak back in 2008, Xbox’s resilience about their console and their strategy of becoming a gaming company has paid dividends as for the first time in the company’s history, they have become a bigger organization than Microsoft.
What Is Xbox Building Towards? Xbox is building towards its new hardware.
Xbox has been famously associated with several rumors including the company going cross-platform, integrating with Steam, and so on. However, at the latest Xbox Direct, Phil Spencer had squashed...
Ever since her appointment to the post since Kareem Choudhry’s retirement, she has been quite busy in the company’s attempt at creating the next-generation hardware. With the console market hitting its peak back in 2008, Xbox’s resilience about their console and their strategy of becoming a gaming company has paid dividends as for the first time in the company’s history, they have become a bigger organization than Microsoft.
What Is Xbox Building Towards? Xbox is building towards its new hardware.
Xbox has been famously associated with several rumors including the company going cross-platform, integrating with Steam, and so on. However, at the latest Xbox Direct, Phil Spencer had squashed...
- 4/9/2024
- by Arkaneel Khan
- FandomWire
Newly promoted Xbox President Sarah Bond has her sights set high in terms of both the next hardware and also in terms of enriching the Game Pass library after the recent addition of Diablo 4. Microsoft recently held a Podcast that was streamed in late February updating fans on the near future of the business
It was in the same podcast that Xbox Head Phil Spencer revealed that four console-exclusive titles will be making their way to PlayStation 5. Bond announced that Activision Blizzard titles will be making their way to Game Pass, starting with the latest Diablo title. Now that the latest Diablo title is included in Game Pass, it has already become a bigger and better title on the Series X|S consoles.
Sarah Bond Ensures Older Xbox Titles Remain Online and Backward Compatible
Sarah Bond’s immediate goals include preserving older console titles while also keeping them online.
Bond...
It was in the same podcast that Xbox Head Phil Spencer revealed that four console-exclusive titles will be making their way to PlayStation 5. Bond announced that Activision Blizzard titles will be making their way to Game Pass, starting with the latest Diablo title. Now that the latest Diablo title is included in Game Pass, it has already become a bigger and better title on the Series X|S consoles.
Sarah Bond Ensures Older Xbox Titles Remain Online and Backward Compatible
Sarah Bond’s immediate goals include preserving older console titles while also keeping them online.
Bond...
- 4/9/2024
- by Ayoub Hassan Adur
- FandomWire
The Xbox Legacy feature allows players to enjoy previous titles released for generations of consoles that came before. However, it has been mired with issues when it comes to the achievement system. The Xbox Game Pass, which allows players to enjoy a number of the console’s titles on PC, also forces PC players into the Xbox achievement system.
Fans have felt hard done by this for quite some time as there is a prevalent argument that PC players do not care about their achievements in-game. This argument doesn’t make sense at all as PC players too enjoy a sense of completion and progression which can be easily felt with a working achievement system.
Former Activision Blizzard President Feels Xbox Should Upgrade Its Achievement System
Activision Blizzard’s former President, Mike Ybarra, recently took to X to point out the issues of the existing reward and achievement system and...
Fans have felt hard done by this for quite some time as there is a prevalent argument that PC players do not care about their achievements in-game. This argument doesn’t make sense at all as PC players too enjoy a sense of completion and progression which can be easily felt with a working achievement system.
Former Activision Blizzard President Feels Xbox Should Upgrade Its Achievement System
Activision Blizzard’s former President, Mike Ybarra, recently took to X to point out the issues of the existing reward and achievement system and...
- 4/1/2024
- by Arkaneel Khan
- FandomWire
Kerry King has announced his debut solo album, From Hell I Rise, arriving May 17th, along with the lead single “Idle Hands.” The guitarist has also unveiled the members of his post-Slayer band.
The official announcement comes years after King symbolically left his iconic chain onstage at the end of Slayer’s final concert in 2019 at The Forum in Los Angeles. At the time, King was quick to inform fans that he would be forming a new solo band to carry on the sound and ethos of Slayer — whose retirement King felt was “premature”.
“I knew early on that I wasn’t done,” remarked King in the press release for the album, “and I had no intention of not continuing to play.”
“Idle Hands” is the first song out of “two full albums” worth of material that King claims to have accumulated in the years since Slayer’s retirement — a...
The official announcement comes years after King symbolically left his iconic chain onstage at the end of Slayer’s final concert in 2019 at The Forum in Los Angeles. At the time, King was quick to inform fans that he would be forming a new solo band to carry on the sound and ethos of Slayer — whose retirement King felt was “premature”.
“I knew early on that I wasn’t done,” remarked King in the press release for the album, “and I had no intention of not continuing to play.”
“Idle Hands” is the first song out of “two full albums” worth of material that King claims to have accumulated in the years since Slayer’s retirement — a...
- 2/5/2024
- by Jon Hadusek
- Consequence - Music
Microsoft reported second-quarter earnings that were boosted in part by its acquisition of game maker Activision Blizzard.
Total Xbox content and services revenue increased 61 percent year-over-year thanks to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard and total gaming revenue increased 49 percent. Total revenue for More Personal Computing, the segment that includes the financials from Activision Blizzard, was $16.9 billion, up 19 percent. The company set all-time records for monthly active users on Xbox, PC and mobile, which now more than 200 million monthly active users, including Activision Blizzard King.
As of the second quarter, the net impact from Activision on Microsoft included $2 billion in revenue, however, the cost of revenue totaled $930 million and operating expenses total $1.59 billion, leading to an operating loss of $440 million. Next quarter, the company said it expects Activision Blizzard to continue driving revenue growth and for the unit to be accretive to its operating income for the full year, when excluding certain costs.
Total Xbox content and services revenue increased 61 percent year-over-year thanks to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard and total gaming revenue increased 49 percent. Total revenue for More Personal Computing, the segment that includes the financials from Activision Blizzard, was $16.9 billion, up 19 percent. The company set all-time records for monthly active users on Xbox, PC and mobile, which now more than 200 million monthly active users, including Activision Blizzard King.
As of the second quarter, the net impact from Activision on Microsoft included $2 billion in revenue, however, the cost of revenue totaled $930 million and operating expenses total $1.59 billion, leading to an operating loss of $440 million. Next quarter, the company said it expects Activision Blizzard to continue driving revenue growth and for the unit to be accretive to its operating income for the full year, when excluding certain costs.
- 1/30/2024
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Microsoft has laid off around 1,900 employees at Activision Blizzard and Xbox after the software and technology giant recently acquired the Call of Duty and Diablo video game publisher, The Hollywood Reporter has confirmed.
Microsoft closed the $68.7 billion deal for Activision Blizzard in October 2023, and has now shed around 8 percent of the overall Microsoft Gaming workforce, which stands at around 22,000 employees. The next steps for Microsoft included combining the merged companies’ operations, including cutting jobs in overlapping areas as part of the evolution of its gaming arm.
“Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in an internal memo seen by THR.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers); and Activision,...
Microsoft closed the $68.7 billion deal for Activision Blizzard in October 2023, and has now shed around 8 percent of the overall Microsoft Gaming workforce, which stands at around 22,000 employees. The next steps for Microsoft included combining the merged companies’ operations, including cutting jobs in overlapping areas as part of the evolution of its gaming arm.
“Together, we’ve set priorities, identified areas of overlap, and ensured that we’re all aligned on the best opportunities for growth,” Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said in an internal memo seen by THR.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers); and Activision,...
- 1/25/2024
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick is stepping down from his role on Dec. 29, as the company further integrates into Microsoft.
Microsoft closed its $68.7 billion acquisition of the video game publisher in October, after overcoming several regulatory hurdles. The acquisition creates a gaming powerhouse by bringing together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios, and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises and owner of Candy Crush.
In a note sent to employees Wednesday, Kotick, who has been head of the company for more than 30 years, expressed gratitude for his employees and also praised the skills of Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Kotick and the Activision team report to Spencer, as announced when the deal closed.
“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition,...
Microsoft closed its $68.7 billion acquisition of the video game publisher in October, after overcoming several regulatory hurdles. The acquisition creates a gaming powerhouse by bringing together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios, and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises and owner of Candy Crush.
In a note sent to employees Wednesday, Kotick, who has been head of the company for more than 30 years, expressed gratitude for his employees and also praised the skills of Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Kotick and the Activision team report to Spencer, as announced when the deal closed.
“Phil shares our values and recognizes our talents. He is passionate about our games and the people who make them. He has bold ambition,...
- 12/20/2023
- by Caitlin Huston
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Who’s ready for a cinematic evolution? Years after the recent Planet Of The Apes trilogy came to an end – closing out the story of Caesar and the global simian uprising – a new story is about to start. :a[Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes]{href='https://www.empireonline.com/movies/news/kingdom-planet-apes-new-trilogy-300-years-after-caesar-exclusive/' target='_blank' rel='noreferrer noopener'} is coming in 2024, bringing a whole new take on the world, a fresh generation of characters, and an adventure tone set to take the sci-fi saga into brand new territory. And you can read all about it in Empire’s world-exclusive cover feature, in the February 2024 issue. Order a copy online here.
It’s not hitting newsstands until Thursday 21 December – but you can take a sneak peek inside below.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
New apes, new team, new kingdom. Empire gets the inside story on...
It’s not hitting newsstands until Thursday 21 December – but you can take a sneak peek inside below.
Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes
New apes, new team, new kingdom. Empire gets the inside story on...
- 12/20/2023
- by Ben Travis
- Empire - Movies
Even though the Big N has released five more consoles since the Super Nintendo, many Nintendo fans would say the Snes is still the best console that the House of Mario has ever released.
Much of the console’s success has to do with its roster of games, of course. From third-party titles to Nintendo’s own franchises, this was an era—from 1990 to 1996—that showcased the platform’s total dominance over the industry, even as the Sega Genesis proved to be a strong competitor—and we all know who won that console arms race in the end. It’s not difficult to see why: Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past are the very best games in their respective series. And that’s not even counting games made by outside studios, such as Capcom and Konami.
There’s a lot more...
Much of the console’s success has to do with its roster of games, of course. From third-party titles to Nintendo’s own franchises, this was an era—from 1990 to 1996—that showcased the platform’s total dominance over the industry, even as the Sega Genesis proved to be a strong competitor—and we all know who won that console arms race in the end. It’s not difficult to see why: Super Mario World, Super Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past are the very best games in their respective series. And that’s not even counting games made by outside studios, such as Capcom and Konami.
There’s a lot more...
- 11/27/2023
- by Jbindeck2015
- Den of Geek
After a couple of seasonal updates for Diablo IV, Blizzard has finally announced the first expansion for the action RPG with “Vessel of Hatred”. Announced during BlizzCon 2023, the expansion is currently slated for a late 2024 release.
Currently, full details about the “Vessel of Hatred” expansion are still to be released, though Blizzard did drop a few tidbits. The expansion will revolve around players learning the fate of the prime evil Mephisto and his plans for Sanctuary. The new expansion will see players travel to the lush jungles of Nahantu, which no doubt will remind Diablo II vets of the Kurast jungles and its “Mephisto runs”. No word on if we’ll see the return of the Fetish and their blowdarts.
The “Vessel of Hatred” expansion will also “explore fresh ways to play” Diablo IV, which will include a completely new Class that’s “never seen before in the Diablo universe.
Currently, full details about the “Vessel of Hatred” expansion are still to be released, though Blizzard did drop a few tidbits. The expansion will revolve around players learning the fate of the prime evil Mephisto and his plans for Sanctuary. The new expansion will see players travel to the lush jungles of Nahantu, which no doubt will remind Diablo II vets of the Kurast jungles and its “Mephisto runs”. No word on if we’ll see the return of the Fetish and their blowdarts.
The “Vessel of Hatred” expansion will also “explore fresh ways to play” Diablo IV, which will include a completely new Class that’s “never seen before in the Diablo universe.
- 11/5/2023
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Greg Tally and Halle Capone take you behind the scenes into their new horror-comedy, Disco Diablo.
This production is a superb throwback to the fun radio plays of yesteryear, highlighting everything that was groovy about the 70’s disco scene. This podcast play stars Jon A Ravenholt, Erik Rangel, Halle Capone, Kendall Iris Devine, Kinsey Reay, Ron McAdams, David A Quinn, Bree Barnes, Samantha Thach, and let’s not forgot the Dynomite Sound Dude, Gabe Durst.
It’s a dance off with the devil. In the midst of the glittering 1970s disco era, a ragtag group of dancers known as the Dance Hall Dozen must infiltrate the nefarious nightclub, Disco Diablo, to thwart the plans of the diabolical owner and save their souls from eternal damnation.
For more information:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28784971/
The post Behind the Scenes Recording Session for Disco Diablo appeared first on Horror Asylum.
This production is a superb throwback to the fun radio plays of yesteryear, highlighting everything that was groovy about the 70’s disco scene. This podcast play stars Jon A Ravenholt, Erik Rangel, Halle Capone, Kendall Iris Devine, Kinsey Reay, Ron McAdams, David A Quinn, Bree Barnes, Samantha Thach, and let’s not forgot the Dynomite Sound Dude, Gabe Durst.
It’s a dance off with the devil. In the midst of the glittering 1970s disco era, a ragtag group of dancers known as the Dance Hall Dozen must infiltrate the nefarious nightclub, Disco Diablo, to thwart the plans of the diabolical owner and save their souls from eternal damnation.
For more information:
https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28784971/
The post Behind the Scenes Recording Session for Disco Diablo appeared first on Horror Asylum.
- 10/26/2023
- by Michael Joy
- Horror Asylum
Microsoft’s Xbox sales declined by 7 percent, while the gaming system’s content and services grew 13 percent in revenue, the company said on Tuesday as part of its earnings report.
Total revenue for the gaming division grew 8 percent for the latest financial quarter, which follows the tech company becoming a video games powerhouse by closing a $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios — owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers — with Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
During the first quarter, Microsoft...
Total revenue for the gaming division grew 8 percent for the latest financial quarter, which follows the tech company becoming a video games powerhouse by closing a $68.7 billion deal to acquire Activision Blizzard.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios — owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers — with Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
During the first quarter, Microsoft...
- 10/24/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diablo Cody (Juno, Jennifer’s Body) is headed back into the horror genre with the upcoming Lisa Frankenstein, a film written by Cody and directed by Zelda Williams.
Kathryn Newton (Freaky) and Cole Sprouse (“Riverdale”) were recently announced to lead the cast for Focus Features, and today a teaser trailer and release date have arrived.
Lisa Frankenstein comes to theaters on February 9, 2024.
Watch the first-look teaser trailer below…
Carla Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher), Liza Soberano (Alone/Together), Joe Chrest (Stranger Things) and Henry Eikenberry (The Crowded Room) also star.
In Lisa Frankenstein, “Set in 1989, the film follows an unpopular high schooler who accidentally re-animates a handsome Victorian corpse during a lightning storm and starts to rebuild him into the man of her dreams using the broken tanning bed in her garage.”
Here’s a new official plot synopsis: “A coming of Rage love story about a misunderstood...
Kathryn Newton (Freaky) and Cole Sprouse (“Riverdale”) were recently announced to lead the cast for Focus Features, and today a teaser trailer and release date have arrived.
Lisa Frankenstein comes to theaters on February 9, 2024.
Watch the first-look teaser trailer below…
Carla Gugino (The Fall of the House of Usher), Liza Soberano (Alone/Together), Joe Chrest (Stranger Things) and Henry Eikenberry (The Crowded Room) also star.
In Lisa Frankenstein, “Set in 1989, the film follows an unpopular high schooler who accidentally re-animates a handsome Victorian corpse during a lightning storm and starts to rebuild him into the man of her dreams using the broken tanning bed in her garage.”
Here’s a new official plot synopsis: “A coming of Rage love story about a misunderstood...
- 10/13/2023
- by John Squires
- bloody-disgusting.com
As of today, October 13, 2023, Microsoft has officially completed its nearly $70 billion acquisition of publisher Activision Blizzard. Though the two sides reportedly agreed to an acquisition way back in January 2022, the deal has been modified, scrutinized, and debated by a number of regulatory bodies (not to mention other gamers) since then. Following an exhaustive process that required the Microsoft team to make quite a few concessions, the deal is finally complete.
There is so much to say about this deal, and we hope to be able to share much of that information with you in the coming days and weeks. However, you’re not alone if the first question that popped into your mind is “What games and franchises do Microsoft and Xbox now control as part of the Activision Blizzard deal?
The full answer to that question is long and complicated. As noted above, there are a number of provisions...
There is so much to say about this deal, and we hope to be able to share much of that information with you in the coming days and weeks. However, you’re not alone if the first question that popped into your mind is “What games and franchises do Microsoft and Xbox now control as part of the Activision Blizzard deal?
The full answer to that question is long and complicated. As noted above, there are a number of provisions...
- 10/13/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Software and technology giant Microsoft has reached the end of a long and rocky road, closing its $68.7 billion acquisition of video game publisher Activision Blizzard, led by CEO Bobby Kotick, on Friday, 21 months after it had unveiled the mega-deal.
Activision unveiled the close of the transaction in a regulatory filing early on Friday.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers) and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. Kotick and the Activision team will report to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
Activision unveiled the close of the transaction in a regulatory filing early on Friday.
The takeover brings together Microsoft, which owns the Xbox game platform and Xbox Game Studios (owner of Starfield developer Bethesda Softworks and 343 Industries, among other game publishers) and Activision, maker of the Call of Duty, Diablo, Warcraft and Tony Hawk franchises, among others, and owner of Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga maker King.
The largest transaction in the history of Microsoft, led by CEO Satya Nadella, will make it the world’s third-largest gaming company by revenue, behind Tencent and Sony. Kotick and the Activision team will report to Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming.
- 10/13/2023
- by Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Welcome to Streamers on the Rise, where we find streamers who are growing their channels, content, and audiences in extraordinary ways. Each week we’ll talk with a creator about what goes into livestreaming–both on and off camera.
When Rhykker first started streaming, he had an audience of around five people.
It was a decade ago, in Twitch‘s early days, and he was streaming Dungeons & Dragons games. He didn’t care that his audience was small. “It was just me and my buddies having fun and sharing the passion of the hobby,” he says.
Dungeons & Dragons was his main fare until 2012, when Diablo III came out. Rhykker was, of course, a longtime fantasy fan, and Diablo was the perfect game for him. He switched things up and began making YouTube videos about it–everything from in-depth game guides to news coverage about the franchise’s future.
When Rhykker first started streaming, he had an audience of around five people.
It was a decade ago, in Twitch‘s early days, and he was streaming Dungeons & Dragons games. He didn’t care that his audience was small. “It was just me and my buddies having fun and sharing the passion of the hobby,” he says.
Dungeons & Dragons was his main fare until 2012, when Diablo III came out. Rhykker was, of course, a longtime fantasy fan, and Diablo was the perfect game for him. He switched things up and began making YouTube videos about it–everything from in-depth game guides to news coverage about the franchise’s future.
- 8/29/2023
- by James Hale
- Tubefilter.com
The Nintendo 64 is a difficult console to judge. While well-regarded in its time, the system endured plenty of struggles. Sticking with cartridges while the PlayStation embraced CDs drove developers away, and many gamers who grew up on the Nes and Snes also flocked to Sony for a new generation of more mature games.
But more than 20 years after the last official N64 release, the console still has a devoted fanbase who not only go back to classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, but also underrated gems like Mystical Ninja starring Goemon and Snowboard Kids. If you’ve read up on the N64, you probably know all about the ill-fated 64Dd add-on or that Final Fantasy VII was initially slated for the consoles, but these are 15 things about the N64 you probably never knew until now.
15. The N64 Launched with Only 2 Games in the U.
But more than 20 years after the last official N64 release, the console still has a devoted fanbase who not only go back to classics like Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: The Ocarina of Time, but also underrated gems like Mystical Ninja starring Goemon and Snowboard Kids. If you’ve read up on the N64, you probably know all about the ill-fated 64Dd add-on or that Final Fantasy VII was initially slated for the consoles, but these are 15 things about the N64 you probably never knew until now.
15. The N64 Launched with Only 2 Games in the U.
- 8/26/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Microsoft has proposed divesting from Activision Blizzard’s cloud streaming rights in a bid to secure approval of the $69 billion deal from U.K. competition regulators. Under the agreement, Microsoft will not be able to exclusively release popular Activision titles like Call of Duty, Diablo or Overwatch on Xbox cloud gaming or control the terms of licensing to rival services. Instead, Ubisoft will acquire the rights to the company’s existing and future games for the next 15 years.
The proposal is intended to convince the Competition and Markets Authority to permit the merger. The agency blocked the transaction on the basis that it would hurt competition in the nascent cloud gaming market.
After months of wrangling, the CMA on Tuesday finalized its order to block the original merger. Microsoft had taken the unconventional step of looking to revisit the decision, highlighting concessions secured by the European Union to license popular...
The proposal is intended to convince the Competition and Markets Authority to permit the merger. The agency blocked the transaction on the basis that it would hurt competition in the nascent cloud gaming market.
After months of wrangling, the CMA on Tuesday finalized its order to block the original merger. Microsoft had taken the unconventional step of looking to revisit the decision, highlighting concessions secured by the European Union to license popular...
- 8/22/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
While Barbie turned the world pink in the lead up to its premiere, another major entertainment brand was leaning into the dark side of culture for its marketing campaign — and it worked.
In its first month, more than 10 million people spent more than 700 million hours playing Diablo IV — the latest installment in the franchise of hellish action role-playing games — and it set a record for Blizzard, selling more units than any other title at that stage of release. Blizzard also had a record quarter with more than $1 billion in net bookings, according to its July 19 earnings report, which the company says was driven by the successful Diablo IV launch.
“Diablo IV is the strongest story we’ve ever done in the franchise,” says Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson. “We know for new players story is very important. We’re really proud of it. Don’t be scared of the four.
In its first month, more than 10 million people spent more than 700 million hours playing Diablo IV — the latest installment in the franchise of hellish action role-playing games — and it set a record for Blizzard, selling more units than any other title at that stage of release. Blizzard also had a record quarter with more than $1 billion in net bookings, according to its July 19 earnings report, which the company says was driven by the successful Diablo IV launch.
“Diablo IV is the strongest story we’ve ever done in the franchise,” says Diablo general manager Rod Fergusson. “We know for new players story is very important. We’re really proud of it. Don’t be scared of the four.
- 8/15/2023
- by Ashley Cullins
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Like the WGA before it, one of the main reasons SAG-AFTRA went on strike was a series of disagreements about artificial intelligence technology. But, according to some SAG members, the key to reaching an agreement on this issue is simple: “real consent.”
As a sign of how seriously SAG-AFTRA takes the matter, lead negotiator in studio talks Duncan Crabtree-Ireland joined a San Diego Comic-Con panel on Saturday to explain it alongside fellow SAG members and members of the National Association of Voice Actors (Nava) Zeke Alton, Tim Friedlander, Ashly Burch and Cissy Jones.
“There’s active consent versus passive consent,” Alton, whose work includes the “Call of Duty” and “Diablo” video game franchises, said. “We want active consent.”
“Passive consent is when a company will bury in their terms of agreement, or page 27 of a 30-page contract, something [important],” Jones explained. “We want to make sure that it’s something you actually read,...
As a sign of how seriously SAG-AFTRA takes the matter, lead negotiator in studio talks Duncan Crabtree-Ireland joined a San Diego Comic-Con panel on Saturday to explain it alongside fellow SAG members and members of the National Association of Voice Actors (Nava) Zeke Alton, Tim Friedlander, Ashly Burch and Cissy Jones.
“There’s active consent versus passive consent,” Alton, whose work includes the “Call of Duty” and “Diablo” video game franchises, said. “We want active consent.”
“Passive consent is when a company will bury in their terms of agreement, or page 27 of a 30-page contract, something [important],” Jones explained. “We want to make sure that it’s something you actually read,...
- 7/22/2023
- by Andi Ortiz
- The Wrap
When Diablo 4 launched, many gamers thought it was a fun and addictive experience. The title was a far cry from the lofty heights of Diablo 2, but it more than made up for the mistakes of Diablo 3 and Diablo Immortal. But now that the honeymoon period is over, and after a recent update, some gamers have changed their minds about Diablo 4, calling it a “typical” Activision Blizzard experience. That is not the compliment it used to be.
This week, Blizzard released Diablo 4’s first big patch for its first season, Season of the Malignant, and the patch notes are readily available. To say gamers hate the changes that come with Patch 1.1 would be an understatement of devilish proportions. For those who are having trouble translating the patch note’s jargon, here are the important takeaways:
All classes now deal less damage and take more damage The cooldown reductions of many skills...
This week, Blizzard released Diablo 4’s first big patch for its first season, Season of the Malignant, and the patch notes are readily available. To say gamers hate the changes that come with Patch 1.1 would be an understatement of devilish proportions. For those who are having trouble translating the patch note’s jargon, here are the important takeaways:
All classes now deal less damage and take more damage The cooldown reductions of many skills...
- 7/21/2023
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
Microsoft Corp. has extended its agreement for a $69 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard to Oct. 18, 2023, to surmount remaining regulatory hurdles to creating one of the largest video game developers worldwide.
The original deal contract was set to expire on July 18. After negotiations, the merger deal deadline has been extended in return for Microsoft agreeing to pay Activision Blizzard from $3 billion to $3.5 billion should the merger deal be terminated after Aug. 29, and $4.5 billion if canceled after Sept. 15. Both sides agreed the termination fee will only be paid if the merger deal fails to close.
“The recent decision in the U.S. and approvals in 40 countries all validate that the deal is good for competition, players, and the future of gaming. Given global regulatory approvals and the companies’ confidence that CMA now recognizes there are remedies available to meet their concerns in the UK, the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards of directors...
The original deal contract was set to expire on July 18. After negotiations, the merger deal deadline has been extended in return for Microsoft agreeing to pay Activision Blizzard from $3 billion to $3.5 billion should the merger deal be terminated after Aug. 29, and $4.5 billion if canceled after Sept. 15. Both sides agreed the termination fee will only be paid if the merger deal fails to close.
“The recent decision in the U.S. and approvals in 40 countries all validate that the deal is good for competition, players, and the future of gaming. Given global regulatory approvals and the companies’ confidence that CMA now recognizes there are remedies available to meet their concerns in the UK, the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft boards of directors...
- 7/19/2023
- by Etan Vlessing
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diablo 4 had a lot to live up to, especially given the issues that plagued Diablo 3 and Diablo Immortal’s, well, everything. And at least at launch, Diablo 4 proved it was up to the task. The game is fun and addictive, but Blizzard Activision is nothing if not a company that follows current video game trends. That includes inserting a live service season system and battle passes into Diablo 4.
When Diablo 4 initially launched, the game featured neither season nor battle pass. Players could just explore open locations, participate in group events, and delve into the depths of hell for progressively stronger loot. However, Activision Blizzard promised that seasons and battle passes would eventually launch, and while that day isn’t today, during a recent dev stream, the company told audiences what to expect.
Diablo 4 Season 1: Start Time and Release Date
Shortly after Diablo 4 launched, Activision Blizzard posted a blog mid-to-late July.
When Diablo 4 initially launched, the game featured neither season nor battle pass. Players could just explore open locations, participate in group events, and delve into the depths of hell for progressively stronger loot. However, Activision Blizzard promised that seasons and battle passes would eventually launch, and while that day isn’t today, during a recent dev stream, the company told audiences what to expect.
Diablo 4 Season 1: Start Time and Release Date
Shortly after Diablo 4 launched, Activision Blizzard posted a blog mid-to-late July.
- 7/15/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
BTS’ Jung Kook has arrived at the dawn of his own solo era with the release of his latest single “Seven.” There were other songs shared in the past, like the two one-off singles “My You” and “Still With You,” but this new single is both a statement and a reintroduction as Jung Kook embarks on a new artistic journey.
Jung Kook recruited rapper Latto for his summer single, which he teased a few days before its release with a video clip of a dinner date gone wrong. The official...
Jung Kook recruited rapper Latto for his summer single, which he teased a few days before its release with a video clip of a dinner date gone wrong. The official...
- 7/14/2023
- by Larisha Paul
- Rollingstone.com
The Federal Trade Commission is appealing a ruling by a federal judge in San Francisco that, if it stands, will allow Microsoft’s proposed purchase of video game giant Activision Blizzard to proceed.
On Tuesday, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California shot down the FTC’s request for an emergency injunction against the $68.7 billion deal, which is set to close July 18.
In a notice to appeal the decision, filed with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, the FTC — as it has since its initial lawsuit last December — argues that the deal, which will give Microsoft ownership of franchises like “Call of Duty,” “Diablo” and “World of Warcraft,” would severely curtail competition with its rivals.
Activision Blizzard is currently “platform agnostic,” the FTC says, and as such the biggest console and operating system makers share confidential information with it about their platforms.
On Tuesday, Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California shot down the FTC’s request for an emergency injunction against the $68.7 billion deal, which is set to close July 18.
In a notice to appeal the decision, filed with the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday, the FTC — as it has since its initial lawsuit last December — argues that the deal, which will give Microsoft ownership of franchises like “Call of Duty,” “Diablo” and “World of Warcraft,” would severely curtail competition with its rivals.
Activision Blizzard is currently “platform agnostic,” the FTC says, and as such the biggest console and operating system makers share confidential information with it about their platforms.
- 7/13/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
Microsoft’s $69 billion bid to become a video game behemoth by buying Activision Blizzard is one step closer to being completed, with a federal judge refusing to block the deal.
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley on Tuesday denied the Federal Trade Commission’s bid for a preliminary injunction, finding Microsoft’s ownership of Activision won’t suppress competition in the video game library subscription and cloud gaming markets. She stressed that evidence pointed to more access by consumers to popular Activision titles.
“This Court’s responsibility in this case is narrow. It is to decide if, notwithstanding these current circumstances, the merger should be halted—perhaps even terminated—pending resolution of the FTC administrative action,” Corley wrote. “For the reasons explained, the Court finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition.
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley on Tuesday denied the Federal Trade Commission’s bid for a preliminary injunction, finding Microsoft’s ownership of Activision won’t suppress competition in the video game library subscription and cloud gaming markets. She stressed that evidence pointed to more access by consumers to popular Activision titles.
“This Court’s responsibility in this case is narrow. It is to decide if, notwithstanding these current circumstances, the merger should be halted—perhaps even terminated—pending resolution of the FTC administrative action,” Corley wrote. “For the reasons explained, the Court finds the FTC has not shown a likelihood it will prevail on its claim this particular vertical merger in this specific industry may substantially lessen competition.
- 7/11/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Diablo IV fans will get their first taste of post-launch content with the arrival of the very first season in “Season of the Malignant”. Coming July 20, the first season includes a brand-new questline with new faces and new enemies, new powers, the first Season Journey, and the first Battle Pass.
Following the tradition of previous Diablo games, seasons give all players an opportunity to start afresh with the new features and gameplay mechanics that have been added. With everyone on an even playing field, players can try out new classes and builds that they have been curious about—or journey through the season with an established favourite class/build—while engaging in the seasonal mechanics for a new experience.
Season of the Malignant sees a dangerous new threat appear in the land in the form of Malignant Monsters. Team up with Cormond, a former priest, to stop the spread of the Malignant at all costs.
Following the tradition of previous Diablo games, seasons give all players an opportunity to start afresh with the new features and gameplay mechanics that have been added. With everyone on an even playing field, players can try out new classes and builds that they have been curious about—or journey through the season with an established favourite class/build—while engaging in the seasonal mechanics for a new experience.
Season of the Malignant sees a dangerous new threat appear in the land in the form of Malignant Monsters. Team up with Cormond, a former priest, to stop the spread of the Malignant at all costs.
- 7/9/2023
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, better known as Bad Bunny, was in the middle of a hectic period in his career when Rolling Stone asked him to be on the cover of its July/August double issue. He was getting ready to perform at Coachella (and to become the first Latino solo act in the festival’s 30-year history), he was preparing to drop his single “Where She Goes,” and he’d been making plans to attend the 2023 Met Gala. As busy as he was, Rolling Stone got to come along for the ride,...
- 7/6/2023
- by Julyssa Lopez
- Rollingstone.com
I’m of the mindset that there has never been an excellent modern video game based on the Alien franchise. Alien: Isolation was an exercise in misery, taking what should’ve been a well-crafted 4-8 hour horror experience and stretching it beyond the 20-hour mark. Aliens: Fireteam Elite was a fun-as-hell co-op shooter, but repetitive gameplay and light content at launch kept it from its potential. The less said about Aliens: Colonial Marines, the better. The point is that there has yet to be a game to land not only the aesthetics the series is known for but the feeling of tension and dread that comes with it. It’s understandably a tricky balancing act, so maybe it was “game over” all along for this franchise in video game form. And then I booted up Aliens: Dark Descent.
When announced a few months ago, many assumed this isometric view game...
When announced a few months ago, many assumed this isometric view game...
- 7/3/2023
- by Reyna Cervantes
- bloody-disgusting.com
Today, Blizzard announced that “Hardcore” realms are coming to the Classic WoW Ptr servers starting on June 29. Though this is a big update for Classic WoW (a game that needs some good news), Hardcore WoW has actually been an unofficial part of the Classic WoW experience for quite some time. During that time, many lapsed WoW fans have discovered that Hardcore offers a legitimate reason to feel excited about diving into Azeroth once more.
The rules of Hardcore WoW are simple. You create a Classic WoW character, you complete quests, you level up, and you participate in all of the other usual Classic WoW content. However, when your character dies once, they are dead forever. It’s basically the World of Warcraft equivalent of Diablo‘s own hardcore mode.
As noted above, players have been participating in unofficial Hardcore WoW runs for quite some time. That is to say that...
The rules of Hardcore WoW are simple. You create a Classic WoW character, you complete quests, you level up, and you participate in all of the other usual Classic WoW content. However, when your character dies once, they are dead forever. It’s basically the World of Warcraft equivalent of Diablo‘s own hardcore mode.
As noted above, players have been participating in unofficial Hardcore WoW runs for quite some time. That is to say that...
- 6/28/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
On Thursday, Microsoft opened a weeklong hearing that will decide whether its $69 billion bid to purchase video game behemoth Activision Blizzard should be temporarily blocked with a warning: If a federal judge grants the injunction that the Federal Trade Commission is seeking, the deal won’t go through.
“If we can’t close by July 18, and the court enjoins the transaction,” Microsoft’s lead attorney Beth Wilkinson said, “nobody can withstand that and we certainly can’t.” She stressed that siding with the FTC in the case will drag the company into a “three year administrative nightmare” that will doom the deal.
The argument set the stage for a mini trial in federal court in San Francisco between Microsoft and the FTC. The agency in December sued to block the merger, arguing that it will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming. If approved, the deal will marry Microsoft,...
“If we can’t close by July 18, and the court enjoins the transaction,” Microsoft’s lead attorney Beth Wilkinson said, “nobody can withstand that and we certainly can’t.” She stressed that siding with the FTC in the case will drag the company into a “three year administrative nightmare” that will doom the deal.
The argument set the stage for a mini trial in federal court in San Francisco between Microsoft and the FTC. The agency in December sued to block the merger, arguing that it will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming. If approved, the deal will marry Microsoft,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Much like Druids, Barbarians struggled during Diablo 4‘s betas. However, long-time Diablo fans knew that the class would find its way once the game really started to open up. Well, that’s exactly what happened. In fact, Barbarians have arguably been the most “nerfed” class in Diablo 4 since the game’s launch.
Those recent alternations leave Barbarians in a strange place. Their build diversity was already lacking, and their most viable early builds were quickly nerfed. However, it turns out that Barbarians are still ridiculously powerful in the Endgame., You just have to know what makes them tick and how to support that strategy. Of course, that’s what we’re here to do.
As with our other recent builds, this article will (temporarily) not cover Paragon Boards. That’s largely because Paragon boards are still being optimized and because
Diablo 4: Best Barbarian Endgame Build – Whirlwhind Shout Barbarian
Skills: Whirlwind,...
Those recent alternations leave Barbarians in a strange place. Their build diversity was already lacking, and their most viable early builds were quickly nerfed. However, it turns out that Barbarians are still ridiculously powerful in the Endgame., You just have to know what makes them tick and how to support that strategy. Of course, that’s what we’re here to do.
As with our other recent builds, this article will (temporarily) not cover Paragon Boards. That’s largely because Paragon boards are still being optimized and because
Diablo 4: Best Barbarian Endgame Build – Whirlwhind Shout Barbarian
Skills: Whirlwind,...
- 6/18/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
Whoopi Goldberg still hasn’t received a refund for her copy of Blizzard Entertainment’s latest game, “Diablo IV,” so she’s once again asked nicely in a new clip posted Friday on her Instagram.
“I’m tired of people not doing what they say they’re going to do. I want my game. I want my money back. Please, Blizzard, I love ya’ll, this is a little out of control now,” Goldberg said in part.
For those unaware, Goldberg is a huge gamer, and she says her favorite is Blizzard’s “Diablo” series. But when she purchased the latest game when it came out on June 6, she encountered a problem.
Previous versions of “Diablo” were playable on both Windows and Mac computers. But Microsoft is currently attempting to buy Activision Blizzard, the company formed by the merger of “Call of Duty” powerhouse Activision and “World of Warcraft” and “Diablo” maker Blizzard,...
“I’m tired of people not doing what they say they’re going to do. I want my game. I want my money back. Please, Blizzard, I love ya’ll, this is a little out of control now,” Goldberg said in part.
For those unaware, Goldberg is a huge gamer, and she says her favorite is Blizzard’s “Diablo” series. But when she purchased the latest game when it came out on June 6, she encountered a problem.
Previous versions of “Diablo” were playable on both Windows and Mac computers. But Microsoft is currently attempting to buy Activision Blizzard, the company formed by the merger of “Call of Duty” powerhouse Activision and “World of Warcraft” and “Diablo” maker Blizzard,...
- 6/17/2023
- by Ross A. Lincoln
- The Wrap
The search for legendary creatures may not be recognized as a legitimate science, but even the harshest critics of cryptozoology have to admit that it’s fun to imagine that there might still be a little bit of magic hidden in the modern world. From Sasquatch to the Loch Ness Monster, these mythical beasts have been inspiring stories for centuries, so it makes sense that they’d eventually show up in video games.
And with so many digital cryptids to choose from (you’d be surprised with how many games manage to sneak in a Mothman reference), we’ve decided to highlight six of the most memorable Cryptid appearances in gaming. After all, there’s nothing like a good monster hunt, and I think cryptozoology is criminally underutilized when it comes to genre storytelling – especially when it comes to videogames.
For the purposes of this list, we’ll be defining...
And with so many digital cryptids to choose from (you’d be surprised with how many games manage to sneak in a Mothman reference), we’ve decided to highlight six of the most memorable Cryptid appearances in gaming. After all, there’s nothing like a good monster hunt, and I think cryptozoology is criminally underutilized when it comes to genre storytelling – especially when it comes to videogames.
For the purposes of this list, we’ll be defining...
- 6/15/2023
- by Luiz H. C.
- bloody-disgusting.com
Microsoft’s $69 billion bid to buy video game publisher Activision Blizzard has been temporarily blocked, allowing more time to review whether the deal violates antitrust laws.
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley found on Tuesday that pausing the merger is “necessary to maintain the status quo” and preserve the FTC’s ability to permanently stop the deal.
After announcing plans last year to acquire Activision, maker of Call of Duty, Candy Crush and Diablo, Microsoft has been engaged in a worldwide blitz to secure approval of the purchase poised to make the company a gaming powerhouse. It’s been greenlighted in several countries, including the European Union, Japan and China, but the U.K. blocked it due to concerns that it would allow the company to corner the cloud gaming market in a decision that was appealed by Microsoft.
Corley’s decision to issue the restraining order doesn’t weigh...
U.S. District Judge Jacqueline Scott Corley found on Tuesday that pausing the merger is “necessary to maintain the status quo” and preserve the FTC’s ability to permanently stop the deal.
After announcing plans last year to acquire Activision, maker of Call of Duty, Candy Crush and Diablo, Microsoft has been engaged in a worldwide blitz to secure approval of the purchase poised to make the company a gaming powerhouse. It’s been greenlighted in several countries, including the European Union, Japan and China, but the U.K. blocked it due to concerns that it would allow the company to corner the cloud gaming market in a decision that was appealed by Microsoft.
Corley’s decision to issue the restraining order doesn’t weigh...
- 6/14/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Star Wars, Harry Potter, The Game Awards and Hayao Miyazaki’s films with Studio Ghibli.
Once again, the Hollywood Bowl is back to thrill audiences with evenings for the upcoming “Music from the Stage and Screen.”
The Hollywood Bowl 2023 season offers more than 20 classical programs including Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, returning for his 14th Hollywood Bowl season.
June 24: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert
The 2023 season offers the epic finale to the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, bringing the final chapter to the big screens as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs the dazzling score by Alexandre Desplat
Wizarding World and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © Jkr. (s23)
https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/2303/2023-06-24/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallowstm-part-2-in-concert
June 25: The Game Awards 10–Year...
Once again, the Hollywood Bowl is back to thrill audiences with evenings for the upcoming “Music from the Stage and Screen.”
The Hollywood Bowl 2023 season offers more than 20 classical programs including Gustavo Dudamel, Music & Artistic Director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, returning for his 14th Hollywood Bowl season.
June 24: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 in Concert
The 2023 season offers the epic finale to the Harry Potter Film Concert Series with Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2, bringing the final chapter to the big screens as the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra performs the dazzling score by Alexandre Desplat
Wizarding World and all related trademarks, characters, names, and indicia are © & Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © Jkr. (s23)
https://www.hollywoodbowl.com/events/performances/2303/2023-06-24/harry-potter-and-the-deathly-hallowstm-part-2-in-concert
June 25: The Game Awards 10–Year...
- 6/11/2023
- by Michelle Hannett
- WeAreMovieGeeks.com
Blizzard recently revealed that Sorcerers are Diablo 4‘s most popular class. It’s not hard to understand why. They’re a lot of fun to play, they’re quite powerful, and they can be built in a variety of interesting and viable ways.
We’re obviously here to talk about that last aspect of the class today. While there are several viable Sorcerer builds out there at the moment, we’re going to be focusing on builds that represent each of the class’ three main schools of magic: Lightning, Ice, and Fire. While each of these builds actually mix-and-match elements from all schools, they ultimately focus on one over the others. More importantly, each is viable for Diablo‘s Level 50+ endgame content.
The only things you won’t find in this guide are full Paragon Board breakdowns. That’s largely because Paragon Board information is still being gathered as more...
We’re obviously here to talk about that last aspect of the class today. While there are several viable Sorcerer builds out there at the moment, we’re going to be focusing on builds that represent each of the class’ three main schools of magic: Lightning, Ice, and Fire. While each of these builds actually mix-and-match elements from all schools, they ultimately focus on one over the others. More importantly, each is viable for Diablo‘s Level 50+ endgame content.
The only things you won’t find in this guide are full Paragon Board breakdowns. That’s largely because Paragon Board information is still being gathered as more...
- 6/11/2023
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
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