Latest Multi-platform Game News & Updates
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🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformA New Report Claims Xbox Had Already Planned To Close Ninja Theory Despite Senua Announcement
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/17/bf72c4a4/senua-screenshot-face.jpg.webp) The big developing news this week is Xbox’s reported plans to cut several studios from its game division(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/15/compulsion-games-and-other-xbox-studios-reportedly-at-risk-of-being-shut-down), with Compulsion Games (South of Midnight), Double Fine (Psychonauts), and Ninja Theory (Hellblade) specifically cited as being at risk of closure. Ninja Theory was especially surprising given it had revealed a third Hellblade title called Senua(https://gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/senua-is-an-action-adventure-game-in-the-hellblade-universe) during the Xbox Games Showcase less than two weeks ago. However, a new report alleges that this had always been the plan. Game File(https://www.gamefile.news/p/xbox-studio-contraction), a newsletter written by veteran reporter Stephen Totilo, reports that Xbox had already planned to either sunset or split with Ninja Theory before the announcement of Senua, per an anonymous source said to be familiar with Microsoft's plans. This was done with the idea that announcing a new game would attract investors to fund the studio following an Xbox divorce or studio closure. Game File also reports that it is unknown if Ninja Theory’s leadership was involved in this plan. Neither Xbox nor Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, or Double Fine has publicly confirmed any of the reports regarding their status over the last couple of days. However, The Verge(https://www.theverge.com/games/950204/xbox-ninja-theory-shutdown-hellblade-senua) reported earlier this week that Ninja Theory has already been closed and is currently seeking a buyer. The reported studio closures follow Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty's plans for a "reset' of the Xbox division(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/11/report-xbox-preparing-for-significant-layoffs-as-new-ceo-asha-sharma-details-xbox-0), which would involve significant layoffs. Senua was announced as the third Hellblade game, but is billed as a full-on action-adventure title with an increased emphasis on combat. It is scheduled to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
🎮 Multi-platformAll active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift codes
Pokémon Champions codes let you redeem free items and even Pokémon. These are all the active Pokémon Champions Mystery Gift codes
🎮 Multi-platformReturn to Silent Hill #1 on Hulu, and it's so much worse than I thought it would be
Return to Silent Hill is finally available to stream on Hulu, but you should watch Jacob's Ladder instead.
🎮 Multi-platformDispatch Has Found The Funniest Possible Way To Fix Its Switch Censorship
Dispatch(https://www.gamespot.com/games/dispatch/) players on Switch consoles can grab a new "HR Violations Pack" patch for the game--one that spices things up by removing some of the game's censorship. Available for US, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand players, the patch enables an option to see "breasts, butts, and birds (AKA, obscene gestures)." Developer AdHoc has also provided alternative options for censoring content in the game, as the Switch version originally used intrusive black bars. Players can now apply a mosaic filter instead, or if you're a John Cena fan, you can cover up characters with strategically placed jorts. According to the studio, certain "hard requirements" from Nintendo remain in effect, so seeing genitalia outright is still not happening, and certain erotic audio effects won't be heard. So what exactly happened to Dispatch when it was first released on Switch consoles? According to an explanation AdHoc gave GameSpot, it was pressed for time, and it made use of a single Switch build that complied "with Nintendo's strictest regional rating," resulting in heavy-handed censorship in the game. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-GrannyBlackout.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-GrannyChaotic.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-GrannyMosaic.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-GrannySwitch-Partial.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-SonarBlackout.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-SonarChaotic.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-SonarMosaic.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-SonarSwitch-Partial.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-ToxicBlackout.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-ToxicChaotic.jpg?w=1024) !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/HR-Violations-Pack-ToxicMosaic.jpg?w=1024) A closer look at Dispatch's new Switch censorship options "Approaching launch and running out of time and resources, we were surprised to learn that our game would require some level of censoring in all regions, not just the few we were already planning for," AdHoc wrote. "In a difficult spot, we decided to use a single Switch build that complied with Nintendo's strictest regional rating. This led us to deliver a more censored version of Dispatch than Switch players were expecting." AdHoc added many people wishlisted and preordered the game based on what they'd see in trailers, previews, and reviews of the game on its original PC and PS5 launch platforms, with the studio admitting that it should have informed Switch owners of the censored experience that they were going to get. "For that, we're truly sorry," AdHoc wrote. "But you stuck with us. And the good news is that the success you all brought Dispatch gave us the opportunity to make this right, so we invested development time into creating the Switch version you all should have gotten in the first place." The new censorship options will also appear on other platforms, as well as on the Xbox version launching later in the summer. The Switch release of the critically acclaimed game was met with many complaints and requests for refunds(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-shifts-blame-for-dispatch-switch-versions-censorship-as-players-request-refunds/1100-6537794/) once players discovered the censorship, and last year, AdHoc said that players had the right to be "pissed"(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dispatch-dev-admits-people-have-a-right-to-be-pissed-about-switch-2-launch/1100-6537826/) when it announced that it was working on rectifying the situation. Beyond that controversy, Dispatch emerged as one of last year's best games(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/games-want-you-to-play-forever-but-dispatch-tells-you-when-to-stop/1100-6537045/)--even if it was snubbed during the awards season(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-game-awards-2025s-biggest-snubs/2900-7272/). Thanks to the positive reception, Dispatch Season 2(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/dispatch-may-get-season-2-thanks-to-super-response-from-players/1100-6536110/) might already be in development.
🎮 Multi-platformMike Myers says 'yes' to Austin Powers 4 as James Bond stalls
Dr. Evil is back in a Verizon commercial, and 007 First Light is selling a ton, so Austin will make a comeback.
🖥 PC, Multi-platformFortnite Will Let You Make The Simpsons Games, And You Can Bet Someone Will Make Hit & Run
Epic Games and Disney have announced that The Simpsons is being added to the Fortnite UEFN program, which means players will be able to make "fully authentic" games based on the iconic animated show. This will include officially licensed characters and settings. Epic and Disney previously partnered to bring Star Wars assets to UEFN, and the things people have made have been astounding(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnite-is-adding-new-star-wars-modes-and-one-of-them-feels-like-battlefront/1100-6539713/). https://twitter.com/FNCreate/status/2067276639562842524 The tools go live later this year, so there is no word yet on any limitations that might exist. For Star Wars, Disney had several blockers, including prohibiting people from using Star Wars assets for political means(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-new-star-wars-map-making-tools-go-live-but-with-some-catches/1100-6538902/). In terms of what people will make with the UEFN tools, one near-certainty is that someone will try to remake 2003's The Simpsons: Hit & Run. Fans have been calling for some of remake or re-release of the game for years, after all. As for a proper remake made outside of Fortnite, one of the producers of The Simpsons said it's possible(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/simpsons-hit-run-revival-never-say-never-producer-says/1100-6538676/). Adding The Simpsons to UEFN makes a lot of sense. After all, last year's Fortnite x The Simpsons crossover was hugely popular, reaching 80 million unique players and pushing Fortnite to player populations not seen in a long time.(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fortnites-simpsons-update-led-to-a-huge-surge-in-players-the-most-in-a-long-time/1100-6535919/) Disney Digital Entertainment boss Ray Gresko told Variety(https://variety.com/2026/digital/news/simpsons-fortnite-games-developers-disney-epic-1236783812), "What we found with the Star Wars IP toolkit is that when you hand developers the assets--the characters, the worlds, the visual language--their passion for the content comes through in the surprising, creative, and engaging experiences they make." He added: "We wanted to see what that looks like with Springfield and we can’t wait to see what creators do with it."
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox's secret weapon could change everything for The Elder Scrolls 6
Microsoft wants its gaming division to pump out hits ASAP, but how will a studio like Bethesda make it happen for TES6?
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformCanceled Project Blackbird May Have Been Perfect Replacement For Destiny, Insider Says
One of the big casualties of Microsoft's layoffs in 2025 was Project Blackbird, an action-RPG MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online team at ZeniMax. Described as Destiny 2 meets Cyberpunk 2077(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-details-emerge-about-elder-scrolls-online-teams-reportedly-canceled-mmo/1100-6533760/), the game was reportedly canceled(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-cancels-new-mmo-from-elder-scrolls-online-team-in-latest-wave-of-cuts-report/1100-6532915/) in mid-2025. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, it could have been the game to succeed Destiny 2--now that Bungie has wound down development(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-2-is-getting-last-content-update-soon-as-bungie-moves-onto-its-next-big-game/1100-6540084/) on it--as he believes it could have been a huge hit if it had been released. In a new video on his YouTube channel, Schreier spoke about the current state of Xbox and how he'd heard nothing but good things about Blackbird. "Destiny just died, and if Xbox had a game like Blackbird ready to go to kind of fill that void that Destiny has left, that could have been a hit. I've heard nothing but good things about that game. Granted, a big, very expensive project that spent a lot of time in development and was having struggles of its own, but everything I've heard about that game is so positive. It's really a shame that it was canceled, I think, because I think it could have helped fill a much-needed gap, for Xbox right now." https://youtu.be/wfJ8qreLv8k Currently, Xbox's next big games include Gears of War: E-Day from The Coalition and Clockwork Revolution from InXile Entertainment. Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler--who led development on the two Ori games that Xbox published--also recently gave his informed take on Xbox and how the company leans too heavily on legacy IP(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ori-dev-ceo-says-xbox-was-too-focused-on-protecting-its-legacy-to-build-its-future/) instead of nurturing the talent needed to create the next generation of blockbusters. "Xbox has struggled for a long time to identify, empower, and protect the key creative people and teams who could have kept the brand at the top," Mahler wrote(https://x.com/thomasmahler/status/2066810669962330434?s=46) in an online post. As for why Microsoft killed Blackbird? That could be due purely to financial reasons, as Microsoft has focused more than ever on remaining profitable in recent years. "You could be at the best studio in the world, and decisions happen that impact people. I didn't agree with what happened, but I understood the reasoning behind it. It is just financial," former The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor said in a recent interview(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-killed-mmo-project-blackbird-because-it-was-a-line-item-on-a-ledger-dev-says/1100-6539672/). "We're a number on a ledger, and if that number is large, it is ripe for analysis, shall we say, and that number was always large."
🎮 Multi-platformThe Ocarina of Time remake's release date window is more important than you might think
Nintendo is placing the Ocarina of Time remake's release date window in a slot where it competes with GTA 6
🍄 Nintendo Switch, Multi-platformA Nintendo Switch 2 Pokémon Pokopia bundle is on the way
Nintendo announced a new Switch 2 bundle with Pokémon Pokopia included. It'll be available for a limited time before the Switch 2's price increases.
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformRockstar Announces Free PS5 And Xbox Series X/S Upgrade For Grand Theft Auto V
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/17/f3e859fe/gta-v-michael-chase.jpg.webp) As the entire gaming world waits with bated breath for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI(https://gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/04/grand-theft-auto-vi-revealed-with-first-official-trailer-alongside-2025-release), Rockstar Games has announced a surprise treat for those still playing the last-gen versions of the previous entry, Grand Theft Auto V. Starting tomorrow, June 18, owners of any PlayStation 4 version of Grand Theft Auto V or the digital Xbox One version will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions for free. The news was announced via a Rockstar Newswire(https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/517k8ak75ao327/the-next-big-score) blog, and it coincides with an upcoming update for GTA Online called The Kortz Center Heist, a big new mission launching in July. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA V were first released on March 15, 2022, and originally had no free upgrade path. Instead, the current-gen versions were priced at $39.99 (and included GTA Online). These upgraded versions boast improved resolutions (up to 4K), HDR, ray tracing, improved textures and draw distances, and up to 60 frames per second gameplay. The PS5 version also features 3D audio and DualSense haptic feedback. Story progress from the PS4/Xbox One versions can also be transferred to the current editions. PC players can experience the same improvements by upgrading from the Legacy to the Enhanced edition for free. GTA+ members can also play GTA V’s story mode as part of the GTA+ Games Library. As we march towards the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI, it seems Rockstar wants players to revisit GTA V or play it for the first time in the best way possible. This may not be a new update on GTA VI, but you can remind yourself of what’s in store for that game by watching its latest trailer(https://gameinformer.com/2025/05/06/rockstar-just-unveiled-the-second-grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer) from May 2025.
🍄 Nintendo Switch, Multi-platformNew Dispatch update tones down censorship on Switch
A new Dispatch update removes the hard censorship on Switch and lets you choose how more explicit scenes look