Henry Aldridge

Microsoft has confirmed sweeping changes – including price increases – to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service in the run-up to October’s launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, which will include the removal of day one releases for its overhauled basic tier.

As reported by Windows Central, which says Microsoft has now confirmed the details, the first big Game Pass change comes with the imminent closure of Xbox Game Pass for Console. While this will continue to be available to existing members until their subscription expires (notably, from 12th September, Microsoft will only allow users to stack Game Pass for Console for up to 13 months), new users looking for a basic tier package will need to subscribe to Xbox Game Pass Standard, which launches in September.
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UPDATE 1/10/24: Sony has responded to complaints around a recent PlayStation 5 update festooning the console’s homescreen with promotional art and outdated news, blaming the now “resolved” incident on an unintended “tech error”.

“A tech error with the Official News feature on the PS5 console has since been resolved,” the company wrote on its Ask PlayStation social media feed, adding, “There have been no changes to the way game news is displayed on PS5.”

ORIGINAL STORY 30/9/24: PS5 owners are reporting emotions ranging from mildly miffed to deep-seated annoyance following Sony’s decision to plaster the console’s homescreen with ugly artwork and often irrelevant promotional news stories following its latest update.

The changes – which appear to have been slo…

Annapurna Interactive – the video game publisher behind the acclaimed likes of Outer Wilds, What Remains of Edith Finch, and Cocoon – has reportedly seen a complete exodus of staff following a dispute with the company’s owner, causing “chaos” among developer partners.

According to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, around two dozen employees – including Annapurna Interactive president Nathan Gary and other executives – resigned after negotiations with Annapurna owner Megan Ellison broke down. Gary and his team had reportedly been negotiating to spin off Annapurna Interactive – Annapurna’s video-game publishing wing – as an independent entity, but ultimately failed to reach an agreement with Ellison.

Bloomberg claims the departures have caused “chaos” among Annapurna…

Square Enix’s Splatoon-a-like 4v4 multiplayer shooter Foamstars is transitioning from a premium title to a free-to-play game on 4th October, just eight months after its initial release.

Square announced the news in a brief update on its support website, noting the game – which remains a PlayStation exclusive after its free-to-play transition – will no longer require a PlayStation Plus subscription to play from 4th October.

Players that purchase Foamstars prior to its price change in October will receive a Legacy Gift set providing “exclusive” in-game items, including 12 colour-variant Bubble Beastie skins, one Slide Board design, and the “Legacy” title. “Your continued support of Foamstars would be greatly appreciated”, Square adds.

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