Webtagr - Technology News Summarizer

Xbox Hardware 'Dead'? Former Xbox Founder Sounds the Alarm

2025-06-30

Laura Fryer, a founding member of the Xbox team, voiced concerns about Microsoft's multi-platform gaming strategy in a recent YouTube video, suggesting the Xbox hardware business is effectively 'dead'. She criticized the ROG Ally partnership, calling it a rebranded Asus PC with limited consumer appeal and indicative of a slow exit from the hardware market. While Microsoft champions its 'Xbox Anywhere' cross-platform strategy, Fryer views it as mere marketing lacking substance. She questions Microsoft's long-term vision, the pipeline of future hit games, and expresses anxieties about Xbox's future.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game

Microsoft Raises Xbox Prices Globally, Games to Cost $80

2025-05-01

Microsoft has announced a global price increase for its Xbox consoles, with games also set to cost $80 later this year. The Xbox Series X and Series S have seen price hikes of $100 and $80 respectively in the US, while the UK saw smaller increases. Other European countries experienced price increases similar to the US. Microsoft cites market conditions and rising development costs as the reason for the increase. This follows a similar price hike for Sony's PS5, signaling a wider trend of rising prices in the video game industry.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game

Nintendo Switch 2's Game-Key Cards Spark Game Preservation Debate

2025-05-01

Nintendo's new Game-Key Cards for the Switch 2, which act as download keys rather than containing the full game, have sparked a debate among game preservationists. Concerns center around the potential for unplayable games if Nintendo's servers ever shut down. While some criticize Nintendo for neglecting preservation efforts, others argue that frequent game updates render cartridges obsolete, and the shift to digital distribution is inevitable. The discussion highlights the ongoing tension between physical media and digital distribution in the gaming world.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game

Cyberpunk 2077: First Switch 2 Game Confirmed to Use DLSS

2025-04-21

Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition is the first game officially confirmed to utilize Nvidia's DLSS upscaling technology on the Nintendo Switch 2. DLSS, or Deep Learning Super Sampling, uses AI to boost resolution without significant performance loss. The Switch 2 version will offer Quality and Performance modes in both docked and handheld, each with varying frame rates and resolutions. The Switch 2's custom NVIDIA processor and GPU, featuring RT Cores and Tensor Cores, enable DLSS and real-time ray tracing, promising a visually stunning experience.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game Cyberpunk 2077

Microsoft's AI-Powered Quake 2 Remake Sparks Backlash

2025-04-06

Microsoft unveiled an AI-generated version of Quake 2 using its new Muse model. Accessible via web browser, the demo suffers from blurry visuals and a short memory (0.9 seconds of gameplay), falling far short of the original experience. While Microsoft emphasizes it's a tech demo, social media users criticized the resource-intensive approach and its perceived disrespect towards game developers. This event sparked a broader discussion about AI in game development, with concerns about job displacement and plagiarism alongside optimism about increased employment and innovation.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game

Lego Brings Game Development In-House: End of Third-Party Reliance?

2025-03-16

Lego Group announced it's bringing video game development in-house, marking a significant shift in the toy giant's gaming strategy. While Lego has previously collaborated with third-party studios on numerous games, this internalization signifies greater control over its future game products. This move is particularly notable given the success of the Lego mode in Epic Games' Fortnite. However, Lego isn't entirely abandoning collaborations; partnerships like the 2K Drive racing game and rumored Lego football game suggest a continued exploration of diverse partnerships.

(www.videogameschronicle.com)

Game Lego in-house