GTA 6 Parent Company To Cancel Games And Lay Off 5% Of Staff
After saying earlier this year that its impending cost reduction program wouldn’t include layoffs, GTA parent company Take-Two has revealed that it will be cutting its workforce by approximately 5% throughout this year. The company also said it would be cancelling some unspecified projects as part of the cost reductions.
According to a filing with the United States SEC, the Take-Two board of directors has just approved its cost reduction plan. The plan will focus on “eliminating several projects in development and streamlining its organizational structure, which will eliminate headcount and reduce future hiring needs.”
Take-Two estimates that enacting the plan will cost it around $160 to $200 million, with costs relating to title cancellations, employee severance, and reductions in the company’s office space. The plan is expected to affect around 5% of Take-Two’s workforce, approximately 600 employees.
Take-Two hasn’t said whether specific departments or subsidiaries might be affected by the layoffs and project cancellations. Take-Two recently acquired Borderlands developer Gearbox from Embracer Group, another major video game company that’s been engaging in cost-cutting measures after a period of rapid expansion.
CEO Strauss Zelnick and president Karl Slatoff both sold a significant amount of Take-Two stock on April 12, ahead of the announcement of the finalized cost-cutting plan. According to documents filed with the SEC, Zelnick and Slatoff each sold off roughly $13 million worth of Take-Two stock at the end of last week. The sales were made as part of a Rule 10b5-1 trading plan, which allows for insiders at publicly traded companies to sell their stocks.
In a similar cost-cutting measure in March last year, Take-Two laid off an unspecified number of employees, mostly working in non-developmental positions within Private Division and other divisions of Take-Two.
The games industry at large has seen huge numbers of layoffs in the last year, with 2024 so far proving to be even worse for it than 2023 was.
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Junji Ito’s Next Horror Manga Collection Is Discounted At Amazon
Artist and writer Junji Ito is a horror icon, with decades of weird, mind-bending stories full of upsetting imagery. Ito’s recent popularity has resulted in a Netflix series adapting some of his stories into anime, and another series, based on his excellent collection Uzumaki, is supposed to be dropping on Adult Swim, uh… sometime.
While you wait, you can preorder Alley, the latest collection of Ito stories to make their way to the U.S. Snag it on Amazon and you’ll get it at a discount when it releases on July 23.
$22.50 (was $25)
Alley is the name of one of the stories in the collection, and if you watched Junji Ito Maniac: Japanese Tales of the Macabre on Netflix, you might have seen it. These hardbound collections typically include a bunch of stories, most of them unrelated to one another and covering a variety of topics, from murder to madness to monsters.
Amazon is currently offering Alley at $22.50, 10% off its list price of $25. It’s Prime-eligible, and you’ll automatically get the lowest price offered between when you preorder and the book’s release.
There are a bunch more Ito books available with all sorts of stories, and they’re all available on Amazon–many at a discount. For anyone just getting into Ito’s work, you’ll want to start with Uzumaki, in which a whole town slowly descends into madness as they obsess over spirals. Tomei should be on your radar next, about a woman who compels an intense love in people who meet her that always turns horrific. Finally, grab Gyo, a book centering on the very strange story of ocean creatures gaining robotic legs and invading the surface world.
Best Junji Ito Deals on Amazon
Call Of Duty 2024, Rumored To Be Black Ops 5, Is Coming To Game Pass – Report
According to a new report, Microsoft will put this year’s new Call of Duty on Game Pass, though there continue to be numerous unanswered questions about all of this.
The Wall Street Journal reported this, though the story had no information about whether or not there may any additional fees, or if the price of Game Pass will go up. The Verge previously reported that Microsoft was thinking about raising the price of Game Pass Ultimate once again.
The site also reported that the new Call of Duty game, which could take place during the Gulf War, is expected to launch in late October. It’s expected to be available for separate purchase across Xbox, PlayStation, and PC.
Video game analyst Daniel Ahmad said on social media, “This is the right move for Microsoft because it’s a multiplatform title that is being sold for $70 outside of the subscription and because it’s a live service title with in-game purchases.” Ahmad added, “That model can also work for other first-party games.”
This is the right move for Microsoft because it’s a multi-platform title that is being sold for $70 outside of the subscription and because it’s a live service title with in game purchases.
That model can also work for other Xbox first party games. https://t.co/860Xgq1SUf
— Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) May 17, 2024
Microsoft paid more than $74.5 billion to acquire Activision Blizzard and the Call of Duty franchise. This was by far Microsoft’s biggest acquisition ever.
Ever since Microsoft’s deal to buy Activision Blizzard was announced in January 2022, many have wondered if new or catalog Call of Duty games would arrive on Game Pass. That still hasn’t happened, though. The Call of Duty franchise is a sales juggernaut, with its games regularly ranking as among the best-selling games of the year. Putting new Call of Duty games on Game Pass could interrupt this in some way, many have theorized, and Microsoft itself was said to be debating what to do.
The new Call of Duty game for 2024 has not yet been announced, but a reveal could happen anytime now, if historical trends follow. 2023’s Modern Warfare III, for example, was announced in August 2023, though many believe this year’s game will be announced sooner. In fact, the mystery event following the Xbox Games Showcase in June could be for the next Call of Duty.
Call of Duty 2024, expected to be Black Ops 6, is reportedly set to launch in late October – presumably October 25, 2024, per multiple reports.
The game is expected to be available for separate purchase on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, along with Day 1 on Game Pass for Xbox & PC pic.twitter.com/u0Ktz4E3W8— CharlieIntel (@charlieINTEL) May 17, 2024
For more, check out GameSpot’s rundown of everything we know about the next Call of Duty. Whatever the game turns out to be, it will join Call of Duty: Warzone, Call of Duty: Warzone Mobile, and Call of Duty: Mobile on the market at the same time.
Leap Into The Lore Of Assassin’s Creed Ahead Of Shadows With These Discounted Books
If the full reveal of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has you excited for the next entry in Ubisoft’s long-running stealth-action series, several cool books focused on the Assassin’s Creed universe are on sale for solid prices at Amazon.
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One of the most compelling books on sale is the Assassin’s Creed: Atlas. This hardcover volume clocks in just shy of 200 pages and is filled with previously unpublished maps, drawings, and unique facts about locations featured throughout the series. Typically sold for $40, you can pick up the book for just $20.
For something a bit more comprehensive, look at Assassin’s Creed: The Essential Guide. This is another hardcover book, but it’s over 200 pages long and encompasses everything from story timelines and character profiles to concept art and more. It’s also dirt cheap at $19 (down from $35).
If you want to go back to where it all started, the 15th Anniversary edition of The Making of Assassin’s Creed is on sale for over $20 off.
You’ll even find a 10-book collection of Assassin’s Creed novels that should really keep you busy. At $58, you’re getting each novel for less than six bucks a pop.
Best Assassin’s Creed Book Deals
You have a lot to choose from when it comes to Assassin’s Creed Shadows. We’d recommend taking a look at GameSpot’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows preorder guide for a full breakdown of current offers, though here’s a quick look at most of the editions below. The only edition you won’t find in the list is the GameStop-exclusive collector’s edition, which big Assassin’s Creed fans will want to check out before preorders sell out.
Final Fantasy Trading Card Game Decks And Booster Boxes Are Pretty Cheap Right Now
Several official Final Fantasy trading card game starter decks, booster boxes, and anniversary collections are discounted on Amazon right now. While these discounts are great for anyone looking to get into the Final Fantasy TCG or expand their existing card collection, they’re also worth checking out for fans who don’t plan on playing a TCG, since each card features art from throughout the series, making them a fun collector’s items.
For those who want to dip into the game for the first time, picking up one of the pre-made starter decks is a great choice. There are quite a few premade decks available at Amazon, with the most affordable being the Final Fantasy Type-0 themed deck that you can snag for $15 (typical price on Amazon: $20). The Final Fantasy XII, XIII, and XIV starter decks are also good options, as each is available for just $20. And if you want a bundle made for two players, there’s the $35 Final Fantasy XV Two-Player Starter Set, which comes with two decks based on the characters Noctis and Ardyn from Final Fantasy XV. Each Final Fantasy TCG starter deck includes 50 cards, a fold-out paper playmat, and a rulebook.
Final Fantasy TCG Starter Decks
While a starter deck is a great entry point to the Final Fantasy TCG, a few are priced much higher than the rest–notably the Final Fantasy VII deck for $44. If you plan on spending that much, you might as well pay just a few bucks more for one of the big Final Fantasy TCG Anniversary Collection Sets, which feature over 240 cards per box. Each Anniversary Set covers a specific Final Fantasy TCG expansion or card run, like the $49 Opus 2022 Anniversary Collection, or the $65 2024 Anniversary Collection.
Final Fantasy TCG Anniversary Collection Sets
If you want to go all-in, there are also Final Fantasy TCG booster display boxes available that net you over 430 cards per box. The cards are spread across 36 booster packs from specific expansion sets. While these sets tend to be the most expensive Final Fantasy TCG offerings on Amazon, a few are relatively affordable right now. The Opus 3 booster box is down to just $57 (normally $60), while the Opus 5 box is $60 (down from $80). Other booster boxes go for quite a bit more, like the $120 Opus 7 box or the $130 Dawn of Heroes box–but considering you’re getting over 400 cards per box, those prices are pretty reasonable.
Be aware that stocks and prices may fluctuate, so make sure you grab them while they’re still available.
Final Fantasy TCG Booster Display Boxes
Revisit The Cuphead Show’s Gorgeous Animation With This Upcoming Art Book
After finding success as a stellar run-and-gun game featuring challenging and expressive bosses, Studio MDHR’s Cuphead went on to earn three seasons as a Netflix animated series. The 36-episode series was well-reviewed, offering a fun new take on the adventures of Cuphead and his brother Mugman while keeping all the classic cartoon charm intact. An upcoming book, The Art of the Cuphead Show, takes a closer look at the Netflix adaptation, and it’s currently available for preorder at Amazon. Whether you’re a fan of the show or the original game, consider giving it a closer look ahead of its September 3 release.
$50
The 256-page hardcover book is filled with art from The Cuphead Show. Along with vibrant images, you’ll get an in-depth look at the series as writers, designers, artists, and more members of the staff provide behind-the-scenes commentary. All three seasons of the show are featured in the book, so fans should find plenty to love here.
Dark Horse Books is the publisher behind The Art of the Cuphead Show, so we’d expect it to be produced to high standards and filled with high-quality artwork. If it’s anything like The Art of Cuphead, an art book focused on the video game that was also published by Dark Horse Books, it’ll be a real treat. The Art of Cuphead is a phenomenal gaming art book; if you’re a fan of the game and don’t have it on your shelf, you can grab a copy of Cuphead’s art book at Amazon for $33 (was $50). Flipping through The Art of Cuphead would be a good way to bide your free time while you wait for The Art of the Cuphead Show.
The Cuphead art books are far from the only books Studio MDHR’s popular game has spawned over the years. If there are young Cuphead fans in your house, you should check out the Cuphead middle grade novels and graphic novels. There are even Cuphead Show books for beginning readers and a Little Golden Book.
More Cuphead books
If you want to add some Cuphead collectibles to your shelf, Youtooz has a series of vinyl figures that look pretty awesome. We’d also recommend checking out the adorably chunky Club Mocchi Mocchi Cuphead plush and Cuphead: Fast Rolling Dice Game, a fun family-friendly board game for kids and adults.
Cuphead figures and plushies
Xbox Reveals Modular Proteus Controller For Gamers With Disabilities
As part of Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Microsoft announced the modular $300 Proteus Controller, a Designed for Xbox controller created by peripherals company ByoWave. The controller comes as a kit with multiple “snap and play” parts that can be configured to fit disabled gamers’ needs.
The kit comes with a number of pieces that can be connected in various configurations, with ByoWave’s store page claiming over 100 million variations can be achieved on the controller. Each kit comes with two Power Cubes–the building blocks of a controller that each house a battery and allow for Bluetooth connectivity–and two Analog Cubes, which provide the left and right analog sticks.
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The controller is designed to work out of the box with the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 and 11. The Proteus is expected to start shipping in Fall 2024, and is retailing for $300, though ByoWave is offering a discount to $255 for a limited number of preorders.
In the same blog post for Global Accessibility Awareness Day, Microsoft also announced it would be releasing an firmware update for its Adaptive Controller to add support for more accessibility peripherals. “Each port now supports up to 12 buttons, a second stick, and a hat switch,” Xbox says of the update, which will start rolling out to Xbox Insiders soon, with a general release over the next few months.
