Microsoft has laid off 650 employees of its gaming division, including Xbox staff. This follows earlier layoffs affecting 1,900 workers and the closure of several studios. Phil Spencer, Xbox chief, clarified that “no games, devices or experiences are being cancelled” in the memo, which explains the cuts are part of restructuring after the Activision Blizzard acquisition. It never ends.

Screen Australia has committed AUD $2 million to boost the local games industry. Supporting 12 in-development games and 27 emerging projects, alongside three game events, the investment aims to nurture independent creators and further the Australian gaming scene.

Satisfactory is now at version 1.0, leaving early access after five years. The major update includes new endgame content, achievements, a story (!), player customisation options, and a million other things. Coffee Stain Studios also confirmed a console version is in development, but no release date for that yet. Check out the 1.0 launch trailer.

Another banger from Noclip: their latest doco explores the creation of Counter-Strike’s Dust2, tracing Dave Johnston’s journey from making maps as a teenager to designing one of gaming’s most iconic maps. It highlights Dust2’s evolution, cultural impact, and enduring legacy.

Sony is pulling their new hero shooter Concord just two weeks after its release on August 23. It famously failed to gain traction, with only 660 peak players. Full refunds are being offered as developers at Firewalk Studios review the game’s future. Big oof.

In a new report from Jason Schreier; Chris Barrett - the former Game Director for Marathon and Bungie OG - was replaced by Joe Ziegler in March 2024 after an internal investigation led to his firing. At least eight female employees had lodged complaints about Barrett’s inappropriate behaviour, prompting the investigation. Despite his departure being initially unexplained, it was later revealed that Barrett’s conduct included inappropriate comments and messages to lower-ranking staff. Barrett left the studio in April 2024, ending his nearly 25-year tenure with Bungie.

Very keen on the look of this. Check out the latest gameplay from Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a turn-based RPG with real-time elements. The video features characters Gustave and Lune exploring the Flying Waters region and battling a creature called Goblu. Launches in 2025 on basically everything.

Check out the reveal trailer of Morsels, an upcoming top-down roguelike in which you play as a mouse using cards to transform into various monsters, switching between characters across runs. Launches on Switch in February 2025.

Pretty wild that Balatro, an indie game from a solo developer, can put out a free update featuring card skins in collaboration with franchises; The Witcher 3, Dave the Diver, Vampire Survivors, and Among Us. Onya localthunk! Friends of Jimbo is available now.

Nekki revealed a new trailer for SPINE, featuring its ‘gun fu’ combat, parkour, and cyberpunk setting. The trailer introduces boss fights, a soundtrack by Le Castle Vania, and dynamic combat seemingly aiming for “Sifu, but guns” (not a bad thing!). Set to release in late 2025.