PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) is preparing for a notable upgrade on Xbox Series X and S, with two new graphics modes slated for release later this month. As first reported by Pure Xbox, these updates will enable players to choose between 60 frames per second (FPS) or 120 FPS, significantly enhancing both the visual fidelity and fluidity of gameplay.
Intel showcased its innovative EMIB-T packaging solution at the Electronic Components and Technology Conference (ECTC 2026). This advanced technology aims to overcome existing limitations in AI and high-performance computing (HPC) sectors, positioning itself as a critical player in the evolving landscape of chip manufacturing. As first reported by Wccftech, EMIB-T enables the creation of ultra-large die complexes, achieving over ten times the capacity of traditional reticle dies and supporting data rates exceeding 12 Gb/s with HBM4e DRAM.
In a significant move reflecting rising labor tensions in the gaming industry, employees at Bethesda Softworks are organizing a protest against recent mass layoffs scheduled for next week. The demonstration is set to take place on the company’s headquarters grounds, demonstrating the workforce’s frustration and concerns about job security in an increasingly volatile market.
Bethesda Game Studios union members are gearing up to protest against the recent wave of layoffs affecting Microsoft’s Xbox division. The announced demonstration comes in response to a series of job cuts that many employees feel were implemented without adequate transparency or consideration for the workforce.
As first reported by PC Gamer, the conversation around the lasting legacy of id Software has gained traction, especially as the studio continues to influence the gaming landscape. Since its formation in 1991, id Software has not only shaped the first-person shooter genre but has also introduced groundbreaking technology that redefined game development practices.
Asha Sharma, the current CEO of Xbox, has been appointed as an adviser to the US Federal Reserve on a task force dedicated to jobs and productivity, as first reported by VGC. This marks a significant recognition of her leadership and expertise within the gaming industry, as she becomes the only active CEO included in this advisory group.
A notable indie roguelike action RPG has just released a significant expansion, drawing comparisons to well-regarded titles such as Hades and Diablo. This latest update is designed to enhance gameplay mechanics, introduce new content, and expand the universe of the game, which continues to receive acclaim from critics and players alike.
Fort Lauderdale, Fla. , Players eager to explore the new single-player campaign of Tempest Rising can now play the first two missions through a demo available on Steam. This opportunity coincides with TactiCon, an event dedicated to tactical and strategy games, where fans can experience the game’s content firsthand. As first reported by GamesPress, the demo showcases what players can expect from the upcoming expansion titled “The Veti’s Wrath,” set to launch later this year.
IRVINE, California , July 9, 2026 , Bonfire Studios has officially announced the start of the Closed Beta for Arkheron, their upcoming competitive PvP action game. Set to launch on July 15, players will have a two-week window to explore the latest updates and enhancements made since the game was showcased at Steam Next Fest in February.
Intel is set to unveil its next-generation mainstream Xeon CPU lineup, codenamed Dunlow, which will utilize the Nova Lake-S architecture. As first reported by Wccftech, this new lineup promises impressive specifications, including configurations that support up to 28 cores while maintaining a power envelope of 95 watts. This marks a considerable evolution from the last mainstream Xeon family, which was based on the Raptor Lake architecture and featured only up to 8 cores in the Xeon E-2400 series.
Microsoft’s recent restructuring efforts have raised eyebrows among fans of its flagship title, Minecraft. As first reported by GameSpot, the company has begun implementing significant budget cuts across multiple studios, which may lead to further studio closures in the coming year. While Mojang, the developer behind Minecraft, has seemingly avoided the brunt of these cuts, underlying shifts in Microsoft’s strategy could signal a concerning future for the revered game.
Recent allegations from the union representing Bethesda employees reveal that the company’s human resources department pressured staff to dismantle a display honoring colleagues who were recently laid off. This incident has sparked concerns over the company’s treatment of workers and the overall morale within the studio.
Recent developments at Xbox highlight significant challenges in the firm’s strategy surrounding its Game Pass subscription service. Following a series of layoffs that have seen thousands of employees cut from historic studios such as Bethesda, Obsidian, and id, the effectiveness of the Game Pass model has come under scrutiny. As first reported by Wccftech, this shift in focus has led to the divestiture of four, and possibly five, studios, raising questions about the sustainability of Xbox’s gaming approach.
The first round of previews for The Blood of Dawnwalker has arrived, and the early impressions are generating considerable buzz. As first reported by Pure Xbox, this upcoming title is eliciting comparisons to the beloved RPG series The Witcher, thanks to its open-world design and rich narrative elements.
GPD has officially launched its first foray into the mini PC market with the GPD BOX, a compact powerhouse designed for gaming and productivity. The base model of this innovative device is priced at $1,491 and features 32 GB of RAM paired with 1 TB of storage. As first reported by Wccftech, the GPD BOX offers configurations that utilize either the Intel Core Ultra X7 356H or the Ultra X7 358H processors, which promise robust performance for various applications.
Bethesda’s upcoming title, The Elder Scrolls 6, is anticipated to be further from release than many fans hoped. As first reported by Push Square, industry insider Jason Schreier stated during a recent Bloomberg Live Q&A that the game is still “two to three years away at least.”
In a striking turn of events following extensive layoffs at Microsoft, id Software, the studio behind the iconic DOOM series, has reportedly seen its workforce shrink by approximately 50%. This development comes in the wake of leadership changes, particularly under new Xbox chief Asha Sharma, who is undertaking a significant restructuring of Microsoft’s gaming division. As first reported by Nintendo Life, this drastic reduction in staff reflects the broader impact of recent job cuts that have affected over 3,000 employees across various teams within Xbox and Bethesda.
Nick Shih, the Performance Team Leader at ASRock, has been unjustly accused of participating in a smuggling operation involving NVIDIA servers destined for China. This allegation surfaced from various Taiwanese news outlets, which claimed that the Keelung District Prosecutors’ Office initiated investigations into smuggling activities related to Supermicro servers equipped with NVIDIA’s latest Blackwell chips.
In a significant shift for IO Interactive, the developer has announced that it will continue the development of Project Fantasy without external funding, following the withdrawal of support from Xbox. As first reported by Wccftech, this decision comes on the heels of a restructuring that has resulted in the closure of the studio in Istanbul, which was established just earlier this year in March.
The gaming industry is reeling from recent layoffs at Xbox, which have significantly affected several divisions, most notably id Software, the studio known for the iconic Doom franchise. As first reported by Eurogamer, the timing of these layoffs is particularly troubling as id Software prepares to launch an expansion-sized DLC titled The Dark Ages. This situation raises questions about the future of the studio and the importance of preserving its rich legacy.
In a troubling turn for the gaming industry, id Software is reportedly facing substantial layoffs just as it prepares to launch the highly anticipated DLC for Doom: The Dark Ages, Revelations. According to recent reports, the studio is experiencing significant staff reductions, which come in the wake of Xbox’s broader strategy to cut approximately 3,200 jobs by the end of the financial year 2027. As first reported by Eurogamer, this reduction in workforce within id Software highlights the ongoing challenges and uncertainties facing several studios under the ZeniMax umbrella, which includes Bethesda’s renowned development teams.
In a significant shake-up during what has been referred to as the Xbox reset, recent layoffs have notably impacted several key studios under the Xbox and Bethesda umbrella, as first reported by Wccftech. While the outlook could have been worse, with no studio closures confirmed, the repercussions of these cutbacks are being felt deeply within some of the most productive teams.
Intel has unveiled a new patent for its XBM memory technology, positioning it as a competitor to HBM4 memory. With the potential to achieve speeds of 32 GT/s, XBM memory aims to deliver significantly higher bandwidth while simultaneously reducing production costs through the use of UCIe links, as first reported by Wccftech.
Obsidian Entertainment, the studio best known for its critically acclaimed titles like The Outer Worlds and Fallout: New Vegas, is set to reduce its workforce by 25%. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring initiative within Xbox, aimed at streamlining operations and reallocating resources effectively. As first reported by Kotaku, the layoffs are expected to impact a significant portion of the team which has been instrumental in creating some of the most beloved RPGs in modern gaming.
Obsidian Entertainment, the renowned RPG studio known for titles like The Outer Worlds and Avowed, has undergone substantial workforce reductions. Reports indicate that the studio has laid off approximately 25% of its staff amid a larger wave of layoffs across Microsoft’s gaming division. This development comes as a part of a broader strategy by Microsoft, impacting thousands of employees across various teams.
Microsoft has taken significant steps toward restructuring, resulting in a staggering 4,800 layoffs company-wide, with Xbox bearing the brunt of the impact,3,200 jobs have been cut within its gaming division alone. As first reported by GameSpot, this unprecedented move has raised serious questions about the leadership strategies employed by CEO Satya Nadella and the overall direction of the company.
In a significant shift within the gaming industry, Bethesda Softworks is reportedly redirecting its focus to its most prominent franchises. This news comes on the heels of a major restructuring at Xbox, which is set to result in the loss of about 1,600 jobs this year, with another 1,600 expected to follow in the next 12 months. This information was first reported by Nintendo Life and highlights the uncertain landscape that many developers and studios face.
Microsoft is currently navigating a significant restructuring that has led to mass layoffs, studio sales, and a re-evaluation of its gaming strategy. As reported by GameSpot, this shift raises questions about several ongoing projects, notably Arkane Lyon’s long-anticipated Marvel’s Blade game.
In a bold statement reflecting its ambition for growth, Xbox announced a goal to entertain more than one billion players each day. This announcement comes in the wake of a significant reduction in its workforce, with the company reportedly cutting 15% of its staff. The news raises questions about how Xbox plans to achieve such an ambitious target amidst ongoing restructuring.
Zeroth, the latest offering from Contrary Games, is shaping up to be an intriguing addition to the action RPG genre. Players can now add the game to their Steam wishlists, as first reported by Store. Set in a vibrant yet perilous world, Zeroth presents a unique combination of physics-based challenges, humor, and a distinctive visual style reminiscent of paper-doll art.
As Xbox gamers look ahead to the next few years, two titles may be on the brink of disappearing from the Xbox Store. While there has been no official confirmation, there are indications that Funko Fusion and Star Trek: Legends could face delisting as early as July 2026. This information has emerged as part of ongoing discussions about game availability, particularly for titles that may not have sustained player engagement.
Steam has unveiled a new feature designed to engage users by allowing them to curate an extensive game backlog without spending any money. This innovative addition, informally dubbed the ‘dopamine site’, aims to stimulate users’ motivation to explore a wider range of games. As first reported by PC Gamer, the feature encourages players to create their own collections based on titles they aspire to play.
The impact of music in video games has long been a topic of discussion among gamers, composers, and developers alike. A recent exploration into the first video game songs players remember has sparked conversations about how these melodies shaped our gaming experiences. As first reported by PC Gamer, the nostalgia associated with these tunes highlights the emotional connections players form with their favorite titles.
NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3060 12 GB graphics card is making a surprising return to the retail market, a decision driven by the ongoing global shortage of DRAM. This unexpected relaunch serves as a stark reminder of the difficulties currently plaguing the PC gaming industry, highlighting a shift in the market landscape.
Chicken Battlefield, an intriguing new entry in the roguelite genre, has launched on Steam for the introductory price of $4.79. As first reported by Store, this game invites players to engage in a blend of chaotic strategy and rapid decision-making, making it an attractive option for those who enjoy unpredictable gameplay.
In a move to enhance the value of its subscription service, Xbox has rolled out new perks for Game Pass members throughout July 2026. As first reported by Pure Xbox, subscribers can now access an assortment of bonuses and freebies across several popular titles, including EA Sports FC 26, Where Winds Meet, and Rainbow Six Siege.
Apple has announced a significant upgrade to its chipset packaging with the introduction of the A20 Pro, moving away from its previous InFO-PoP (Integrated Fan-Out Package-on-Package) technology. This transition responds to the growing demands of artificial intelligence applications, which require enhanced performance and efficiency in chip design. As first reported by Wccftech, this shift comes as the need for on-device AI capabilities becomes more prevalent, highlighting the limitations of older packaging technologies.
Apple’s recent approach to sourcing DRAM from Chinese manufacturer CXMT has sparked discussion, particularly regarding its implications for the tech giant’s bargaining power. As first reported by Wccftech, Bank of America analysts have weighed in, suggesting that Apple’s engagement with CXMT may be less about enhancing product performance and more about leveraging negotiation strategies in its dealings with major suppliers.
Apple is set to make a notable shift in its memory technology with the A20 Pro chip designed for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max models. As first reported by Wccftech, the new A20 Pro will utilize 96-bit LPDDR6 memory, moving away from the 64-bit LPDDR5X that has been in place for over a decade. This transition marks a significant change in Apple’s approach to mobile memory, reflecting the company’s effort to enhance performance while addressing rising production costs.
Next week brings a significant influx of new games to Xbox platforms, with notable titles and exciting additions to Xbox Game Pass. The games will be available to players from July 6 to July 10, with some highly anticipated releases making their debut.
