Tech Summary News

• Mid-budget video game Last Epoch offers a smooth gameplay experience with deep endgame loot system
• Last Epoch faced server issues upon release due to a surge in player numbers, but garnered positive sentiment for developers’ dedication
• Helldivers 2, another mid-budget game, faced similar server problems but was praised for its fun gameplay
• Mid-budget games like Last Epoch and Helldivers 2 prioritize vision and creativity over AAA game formulas
• Despite imperfections, mid-budget games offer unique experiences and value for money, contrasting with high-priced AAA titles

https://defector.com/i-love-a-good-mid-budget-video-game

• Dragon’s Dogma 2, the long-awaited sequel to the D&D-inspired RPG, promises thrilling fantasy adventures and dragons, and is set to release on the Switch.
• A colorful sidescroller, Ufouria: The Saga offers a feltwork art style and new areas to explore on Windows.
• Wholesome virtual board game, Cats and Sewing Puzzles, allows players to chill with cats and features single-player and cooperative play on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and Windows.
• Horror game Trials from the Outlast franchise offers single-player and cooperative gameplay in a twisted asylum setting on PS5.
• Interactive narrative As Dusk Falls explores the aftermath of a failed robbery in Arizona, with unique outcomes based on player decisions, available on Switch and Windows.

https://kotaku.com/march-game-releases-dragons-dogma-mario-battlefront-1851298837…

• Tech giants are focusing on future innovations, such as robot dogs and wearable smartphones.
• Mobile World Congress in Spain showcased concept smartphone designs and AI advancements.
• Companies like Motorola and Lenovo are experimenting with bendable smartphones and transparent laptop screens.
• Tecno introduced expandable screen phones and Humane launched AI Pin for questions and photography.
• Samsung unveiled Galaxy Ring for health tracking, while Xiaomi entered the electric vehicle market with SU7.

https://www.cnbc.com/2024/03/01/latest-tech-gadgets-smart-rings-robot-dogs-bendable-phones.html…

• EA and Square Enix faced Leap Year snafus, reminiscent of the Y2K scare.
• EA’s Sports WRC and Square Enix’s Final Fantasy VII Rebirth experienced temporary inoperability due to a timezone issue on February 29th.
• Players had to adjust system settings to resolve the problems, highlighting the impact of small oversights.
• The issues seem to have been resolved, but it underscores how unexpected issues can arise.
• Comments reflect surprise at the oversight, comparing it to Y2K and pointing out the rarity of Leap Year-related problems.

https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/03/ea-square-enix-stumble-into-leap-year-snafus…

• Dr. Aarish Syed Ishaqi, the first buyer of Vision Pro in NYC, shared his review after weeks of use
• Ishaqi arrived early at the Apple store to get the $3,500 mixed reality headset, meeting Apple CEO Tim Cook
• Ishaqi found the Vision Pro heavy and unbalanced, with some users experiencing neck strain
• He primarily used the device for entertainment like watching movies and playing games
• Ishaqi sees potential in medical applications of the device but acknowledges some downsides and hopes for improvements

https://fortune.com/2024/02/29/first-customer-buy-apple-vision-pro-nyc-reveals-thoughts-feedback-review/…

• California software engineer causes uproar by wearing Apple Vision Pro headset during wedding, upsetting wife
• Jacob Wright, a tech engineer, wore the $3,500 headset during wedding photoshoot in Utah
• Wife, Cambree, expresses discomfort with headset, guards it during ceremony to prevent husband from wearing it
• Wright faces backlash for wearing the headset during the reception, with jokes about divorce and wife’s expression
• Apple Vision Pro gains attention in tech world, with incidents like pedestrian crossing street with headset on

https://nypost.com/2024/03/01/lifestyle/california-groom-jacob-wright-wears-apple-vision-pro-at-wedding-creeps-out-wife-cambree/…

• Windows 11 is introducing a new feature that allows users to use their smartphone cameras as webcams natively on the platform.
• The feature is similar to Apple’s “Continuity Camera” and can be set up through the Windows 11 Settings app and the Link to Windows app on Android.
• Users can switch between front and back cameras, pause the stream, and apply effects through the connected camera feature.
• The smartphone will appear as a native webcam option in Windows 11, accessible across various applications.
• The feature is currently in limited preview in Windows 11 Insider Channels and will be rolled out generally in the coming months.

https://www.windowscentral.com/software-apps/windows-11/youll-soon-be-able-to-use-your-high-resolution-smartphone-camera-as-a-webcam-natively-on-windows-11…

• Terminator Survivors announced for PS5, a solo or co-op survival game set after Judgment Day
• Players emerge from a shelter to rebuild society amidst a world intent on their destruction
• Game features scavenging for materials, encountering Terminators, and establishing a base
• Early access on PC in October 2024, PS5 release date to follow
• Community reactions vary from skepticism to cautious optimism

https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/02/terminator-survivors-announced-for-ps5-a-solo-or-co-op-survival-game…

• Nacon’s open-world Terminator: Survivors game heading to Steam early access in October
• Developed by Nacon Studio Milan, set four years after Judgment Day
• Players must establish society in a post-apocalyptic world, facing Skynet’s machines and rival factions
• Trailer released, more details to come before the launch
• PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S release to follow

https://www.eurogamer.net/nacons-open-world-terminator-survivors-heading-to-steam-early-access-in-october…

• Sennheiser Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds offer fantastic audio quality with fewer bugs and improvements
• The earbuds maintain Sennheiser’s signature sound profile, offering detail, warmth, and an impressive soundstage
• Priced at $299.95, the earbuds come with forward-looking features and customizable EQ settings
• The earbuds feature adaptive noise cancellation, transparency mode, and a redesigned antenna for improved connectivity
• The Momentum True Wireless 4 earbuds prioritize sound quality over spatial audio, offer extended battery life, and support multiple Bluetooth codecs

https://www.theverge.com/24086715/sennheiser-momentum-true-wireless-4-earbuds-review…

• Toys for Bob, the Crash Bandicoot developer, is splitting from Activision and Xbox to become an independent studio
• The company is excited to take its future games to the next level as an independent and nimble studio
• Toys for Bob was already in the early stages of developing its next game but couldn’t share details yet
• The studio plans to explore a possible partnership with Microsoft going forward
• The decision to go independent was supported by both Activision and Microsoft

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/03/crash-bandicoot-dev-toys-for-bob-splits-from-activision-and-xbox-goes-independent…

• Open source HDMI driver denied by HDMI Forum, affecting Linux users’ ability to achieve high resolutions and speeds
• AMD’s attempt to create an open source HDMI 2.1 driver blocked by HDMI Forum’s restrictions
• AMD engineer Alex Deucher’s efforts to comply with HDMI Forum requirements unsuccessful
• Membership in HDMI Forum requires a minimum fee of $15,000, hindering public implementation of HDMI specifications
• DisplayPort emerges as the preferred option for Linux users seeking optimal output, prompting AMD to consider closed-source drivers or alternative solutions

https://arstechnica.com/gadgets/2024/02/hdmi-forum-to-amd-no-you-cant-make-an-open-source-hdmi-2-1-driver/…

• Saber Interactive completes a $500 million buyback deal from Embracer Group
• Embracer’s restructuring program leads to the sale of Saber Interactive to a private investor group
• Saber will continue developing the Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic remake
• The buyback deal is a significant move for Embracer following a failed $2 billion deal
• Saber Interactive, originally acquired in 2020, is set to release multiple games this year

https://www.gamesindustry.biz/report-saber-interactive-buys-itself-back-from-embracer-in-500m-deal…

• Software engineer wears Apple Vision Pro to his wedding, causing surprise and amusement
• The groom, Jacob Wright, wore the $3,500 headset during post-ceremony pictures and reception
• The bride, Cambree, was initially displeased but later found the situation funny
• The Vision Pro headset sold out quickly after its release, with users experiencing public curiosity and even legal issues
• Apple CEO Tim Cook lauded the Vision Pro as a revolutionary device with advanced features and a high price point

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-13141821/software-engineer-apple-vision-pro-wedding.html…

• Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth faces graphical problems including lighting, textures, and resolution struggles, as highlighted in a Digital Foundry report.
• The game, while visually appealing in terms of art direction and identity, falls short on a technical level with issues such as flat lighting, blurry shadows, and low-quality textures.
• Despite running well in terms of frame rate, with a locked 30fps in Graphics mode and consistent 60fps in Performance mode, the dynamic resolution results in occasional blurriness.
• Criticisms include the mix of low and high-resolution assets, leading to inconsistent visual quality, especially compared to its predecessor, Final Fantasy 7 Remake.
• Players express mixed opinions on the graphical issues, with some enjoying the game regardless, while others question the optimization and visual discrepancies, prompting discussions on game development priorities and consumer expectations.

https://www.pushsquare.com/news/2024/02/final-fantasy-7-rebirths-graphical-problems-are-clear-in-digital-foundry-report…

• Toys for Bob, the Activision Blizzard studio known for Skylanders and Crash Bandicoot, is going independent
• The studio is exploring a potential partnership with Microsoft for its new game development
• Founded in 1989, Toys for Bob was acquired by Activision in 2005 and has worked on various popular titles
• Following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Toys for Bob split from Activision to return to its roots
• The studio aims to take its future games to the next level while maintaining close relationships with Activision and Microsoft

https://www.eurogamer.net/activisions-skylanders-crash-bandicoot-studio-toys-for-bob-going-independent…

• Toys For Bob, the studio behind Crash Bandicoot 4 and the remastered Spyro collection, has left Activision to become an independent game development studio
• The studio heads, Paul Yan and Avery Lodato, announced the move in a blog post, citing a desire to return to their roots of being a small and nimble studio
• Toys For Bob is exploring a possible partnership with Microsoft, but details about their next game are still in the early stages
• The online party platformer Crash Team Rumble will no longer receive updates as a result of this transition
• Founded in 1989, Toys For Bob has a history of successful games, including Star Control and Skylanders, but faced challenges after being tasked with supporting Call of Duty and experiencing layoffs following Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard

https://kotaku.com/spyro-crash-bandicoot-toys-for-bob-activision-indie-1851298773…

• Latest Tech MWC 2024 showcases products available for immediate purchase, including the OnePlus Watch 2, Humane’s AI wearable, and Samsung Galaxy Book 4.
• OnePlus Watch 2 offers a $50 credit for trade-ins, while Humane’s AI wearable projects onto your hand and comes with a free three-month subscription.
• Samsung Galaxy Book 4 laptops have reduced prices and trade-in credits, with customization options available at an extra cost.
• Honor’s Magic 6 Pro and Xiaomi 14 Ultra are UK exclusives with advanced features like eye-tracking tech and impressive cameras.
• Upcoming products include user-repairable Lenovo laptops, TCL Nxtpaper phones with ink paper mode, and the Energizer Hard Case P28K with a 28,000 mAh battery.

https://www.cnet.com/deals/heres-the-latest-tech-from-mwc-2024-you-can-buy-today/…

• PlayStation VR2 release date was set for February 2023, but a year later, the headset faces challenges due to a lack of first-party exclusives and disinterest from Sony.
• The PSVR2 hardware boasts impressive features like OLED displays and haptic controllers, but its success hinges on exclusive content, which has been lacking.
• Third-party support for PSVR2 has been mixed, with some games receiving lukewarm receptions and Sony’s first-party studios showing little interest in developing VR games.
• The PSVR2’s sales have been underwhelming, with reports of slow holiday season sales compared to Meta Quest headsets, leading to a bleak outlook for its future.
• Sony is exploring PC VR compatibility for PSVR2 to access a wider library of games, potentially broadening its appeal, but the overall VR market faces challenges in user retention and AAA support.

https://www.ign.com/articles/a-year-since-its-release-sony-seems-to-have-abandoned-playstation-vr2…

• Fans claim the Tomb Raider Trilogy is better on Epic Store, but devs say that version was incomplete
• The best version of the remastered collection was initially on the Epic Games Store but was later patched out
• The Epic version had significant improvements such as better lighting, skyboxes, and textures compared to other platforms
• Aspyr, the studio behind the remaster, acknowledged the differences and updated the Epic Store version to match the others
• Fans are now waiting for an upcoming patch to see if the improvements from the initial Epic version will be included

https://kotaku.com/tomb-raider-remastered-trilogy-epic-store-better-patch-1851297727…

• Windows 11 update features improved Copilot, Widgets, and more
• New features include Generative Erase in Photos, Voice Shortcuts, improved Snap layouts, and changes to Widgets
• Copilot enhancements enable new skills like battery saver mode and Wi-Fi network display
• Updates include advancements in video editing, Widgets customization, and Snap feature intelligence
• Accessibility improvements with Voice Shortcuts, Narrator enhancements, and Phone Link system for Android devices

https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/29/24085496/microsoft-windows-11-update-copilot-widgets-snap-layouts-features…

• Microsoft introduces Copilot plugins for Windows 11, enhancing AI capabilities
• Plugins allow integration with services like OpenTable and Instacart within Copilot
• Users can access system settings and Windows 11 features directly through Copilot
• AI enhancements for Windows 11 apps like Photos and Clipchamp also included
• Updates rolling out for Windows 11 users with 22H2 and 23H2 year-end updates

https://www.engadget.com/windows-11-gets-microsoft-copilot-plugins-and-more-ai-upgrades-180002527.html…

• Toys for Bob, known for Spyro Reignited Trilogy and Crash Bandicoot, will split from Activision to become a privately owned studio.
• The studio aims to focus on developing new stories, characters, and gameplay experiences as an independent entity.
• Toys for Bob expressed excitement about returning to their roots as a small, nimble studio and exploring a potential partnership with Microsoft.
• The move is seen as an opportunity to elevate the studio and its future games to the next level.
• Both Activision and Microsoft have shown support for Toys for Bob’s new direction, ensuring continued collaboration in the future.

https://www.gematsu.com/2024/02/toys-for-bob-to-split-from-activision…

• Theatrhythm Final Bar Line players experience game connection issues on Leap Day
• Square Enix’s rhythm game fails to connect to servers due to date error
• Changing console date fixes the connection problem caused by Leap Day
• Online connection not necessary to play the game
• Potential resolution by 2028; concerns raised about always-online games

https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2024/02/it-looks-like-leap-day-is-causing-havoc-for-theatrhythm-final-bar-line-players…

• Activision studio Toys for Bob is going independent, exploring future partnership with Xbox
• The studio’s leadership announced the decision to break away as an independent team, expressing excitement for new opportunities.
• Amid layoffs in the gaming industry, some companies are opting for independence or private ownership.
• Embracer Group sold Saber Interactive to private investors in a $500 million deal.
• The future of Toys for Bob as an independent studio holds promise for new games and partnerships, potentially with Microsoft.

https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/activision-studio-toys-for-bob-is-going-independent-may-explore-future-partnerships-with-xbox…

• Gearbox studio sale finalization in late stages of being finalized
• Embracer Group considering selling Gearbox as part of restructuring
• Gearbox CEO Randy Pitchford shared decision to sell with employees
• Embracer Group also set to sell Saber Interactive in $500m deal
• Embracer’s restructuring program resulted in layoffs and studio closures

https://www.eurogamer.net/embracer-sale-of-borderlands-studio-gearbox-reportedly-in-late-stages-of-finalisation…

• Palworld Patch 0.1.5.1 released for Steam, upcoming for Xbox, focusing on fixes and balance adjustments
• Xbox version still facing issues with auto-save and lacks dedicated servers compared to PC
• Microsoft collaborating with Pocketpair to enhance Xbox support for Palworld
• Palworld sales surpass 25 million, with controversy surrounding accusations of Pokémon rip-off
• Patch includes various fixes for game crashes, balance adjustments, dungeon issues, Pal-related fixes, and server improvements

https://www.ign.com/articles/palworld-patch-0151-makes-various-fixes-but-the-wait-for-xbox-dedicated-servers-continues…

• Twitter has enabled calls by default, but users can easily disable this feature.
• The new feature allows audio and video calls on Twitter, similar to Meta’s platform.
• Facebook Messenger has had this feature since 2015 for connecting with known individuals.
• Users may not want unsolicited calls on a platform focused on public dialogue and debate.
• To turn off the calling feature on Twitter, users can access message settings and disable it.

https://www.iflscience.com/twitter-calls-are-now-enabled-by-default-heres-how-to-turn-them-off-73169…

• Helldivers 2 features a Dungeons and Dragons-style GM concept named Joel who influences gameplay
• Joel, the GM, adjusts game balance and creates reactive storytelling elements in Helldivers 2
• Arrowhead team draws inspiration from Dungeons and Dragons for Helldivers 2 gameplay elements
• The GM, Joel, makes strategic decisions on major events, daily activities, and enemy attacks in Helldivers 2
• The game’s developers plan to maintain open communication with players and introduce new features like playable mechs

https://www.eurogamer.net/helldivers-2-has-a-dungeons-and-dragons-style-gm-behind-the-scenes…

• Helldivers 2 leaks reveal mech gameplay, showcasing players entering and using mechs in battle
• Redditor fozzye18 shared initial gameplay snippet of a player in a mech firing an auto cannon
• More leaked mech gameplay surfaces, including a datamined stratagem explainer video with a dropship deploying the mech
• Official Helldivers 2 trailer already teased mechs, set to be introduced “soon after launch”
• Speculation arises about potential new stratagems like AI soldiers and meteorite strikes, as Arrowhead addresses server issues and plans for post-launch content

https://www.ign.com/articles/helldivers-2-leaks-reveal-mech-gameplay…

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth captures the janky spirit of the original game, offering a gutsy and unique experience
• The game is characterized by its weirdness and variety, featuring a range of minigames with unrefined charm
• The narrative of FF7 explores ambitious themes like environmentalism, dystopian government, trauma, and identity crisis
• Rebirth constantly introduces new ideas, minigames, and mechanics, ensuring players always have something fresh to engage with
• While the focus on minigames may not appeal to everyone, Rebirth stands out as a bold and daring entry in the Final Fantasy series

https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-7-ff7-rebirth-janky-1851294364…

• Alibaba researchers have developed a new AI system called EMO that creates realistic talking and singing videos from photos, advancing video synthesis technology significantly.
• The EMO system uses a direct audio-to-video synthesis approach, bypassing the need for 3D models or facial landmarks, and employs a diffusion model trained on a dataset of over 250 hours of talking head videos.
• EMO outperforms existing methods in video quality, identity preservation, and expressiveness, as confirmed by user studies.
• The system can generate both conversational and singing videos with appropriate facial expressions, synchronized to the audio input.
• While EMO showcases the potential for personalized video content synthesis, ethical concerns about misuse and misinformation persist, prompting researchers to explore detection methods for synthetic videos.

https://venturebeat.com/ai/alibabas-new-ai-system-emo-creates-realistic-talking-and-singing-videos-from-photos/…

• Apple’s future speculation involves the development of generative AI, potentially surpassing existing models like ChatGPT.
• Apple is reallocating engineers from its electric-car project to focus on AI, leading to questions about AI integration in its products.
• Tim Cook hinted at groundbreaking developments in generative AI, emphasizing Apple’s potential to redefine the future in this field.
• Despite perceptions of lagging behind in AI, Apple has been actively working on its own generative AI models and tools.
• Speculation suggests Apple may unveil advancements in AI at its Worldwide Developer Conference, potentially enhancing Siri and introducing generative AI on future devices.

https://www.marketwatch.com/story/will-apple-create-a-better-ai-questions-abound-as-tim-cook-hints-at-whats-to-come-d20c69f6…

• Electronic Arts announces layoffs, cutting around five percent of its employees, impacting almost 700 people
• EA CEO Andrew Wilson emphasizes streamlining operations for better fan experiences
• Second mass layoff in less than a year, following a previous cut of six percent
• EA cancels games and shuts down a development studio, focusing on owned IP and online communities
• EA discontinues licensed IP games, including a Star Wars first-person shooter by Respawn Entertainment

https://mashable.com/article/ea-electronic-arts-layoffs-star-wars-fps-cancelled…

• The design of the **Galaxy Z Flip 6** remains unchanged from the previous model, featuring a familiar look with minor tweaks.
• Leaked CAD renders reveal similarities between the **Galaxy Z Flip 6** and its predecessor, with a focus on a 6.7-inch inner OLED screen and a centrally-aligned punch-hole selfie camera.
• The **Galaxy Z Flip 6** is expected to feature a larger 4,000mAh battery compared to the previous 3,700mAh battery, powered by the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor.
• Samsung is set to announce the **Galaxy Z Flip 6** and the Galaxy Z Fold 6 in early July 2024, with improvements in design, battery life, and performance anticipated.
• Other competitors like Honor and Huawei are also entering the foldable phone market, aiming to challenge Samsung’s dominance with their own offerings.

https://www.sammobile.com/news/breaking-galaxy-z-flip-6-design-leak-months-ahead-launch/…

• Galaxy Z Flip 6 leak reveals potential increase in thickness and battery capacity
• Device retains 6.7-inch inner folding display and 3.4-inch cover screen
• Speculated to feature Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 processor and dual 12-megapixel cameras
• Possible inclusion of a 50-megapixel main camera, colors in light purple and mint green
• Uncertainty regarding new AI features compared to previous Galaxy models

https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/29/24086434/samsung-galaxy-z-flip-6-leaked-renders-onleaks-thickness-specs-cameras…

• Joel, the Helldivers 2 Developer, controls the galactic war like a D&D Dungeon Master
• Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt reveals Joel’s role in shaping the game’s meta narrative
• Joel intervenes to balance gameplay, such as reinforcing planets or adjusting difficulty
• The Helldivers 2 community memes and reacts to Joel’s behind-the-scenes involvement
• Players engage in ongoing role-playing within the game’s meta narrative, awaiting potential new content and developments

https://www.ign.com/articles/all-hail-joel-the-helldivers-2-developer-steering-the-galactic-war-like-a-dd-dungeon-master…

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is a vast game with numerous subsystems and features, requiring players to navigate through various layers.
• Activities in the game unlock after meeting Chadley at Bill’s Chocobo Ranch, so it’s advisable to follow the story as scripted initially.
• Combat system familiarity from Final Fantasy VII Remake may not fully prepare players for Rebirth, emphasizing the importance of mastering Synergy Skills and Abilities early on.
• Affinity levels with characters can be checked by holding L1, with side quests being a key way to raise affinity with specific characters.
• Regularly using the map, understanding quests, and engaging in mini-games are essential aspects of gameplay in Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.

https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-ff7-starting-tips-1851295457…

• Google introduced a new Wear OS hybrid interface for smartwatches, enhancing battery life and already available on the OnePlus Watch 2.
• The hybrid interface utilizes dual chipsets in smartwatches, offloading tasks to a low-power MCU for improved efficiency.
• The interface includes APIs for Display, Health Services, and Notifications, enabling seamless data transfer between chipsets.
• Potential expansion of the hybrid interface to other smartwatches, including Google’s Pixel Watch 2, depends on OEM hardware compatibility and power strategies.
• While benefits of the hybrid interface may require OEM efforts to implement, Wear OS 4 offers additional power improvements for better battery life.

https://www.androidpolice.com/wear-os-hybrid-interface-interview/…

• Rockstar Games is requesting employees to return to the office five days a week in April due to security concerns during GTA 6 development.
• Concerns arise from previous leaks related to GTA VI development, prompting the need for increased security measures.
• The decision to return to the office aims to enhance productivity and ensure the quality and polish of the upcoming Grand Theft Auto game.
• Rockstar follows other studios like Ubisoft in implementing a return-to-office protocol, despite successful remote game development examples.
• The company emphasizes the importance of in-person work for achieving the desired level of quality and ambition for their projects.

https://www.ign.com/articles/rockstar-games-is-asking-employees-to-return-to-office-amid-gta-security-concerns…

• Electronic Arts, a major video game publisher, is cutting more than 650 jobs as part of a restructuring plan announced on Wednesday.
• The restructuring aims to optimize global real estate, focus on owned IP, sports, and online communities, and streamline company operations for deeper fan experiences.
• The plan includes incurring charges of $125 million to $165 million, canceling a Star Wars first-person shooter game, and sunsetting licensed mobile games like Kim Kardashian Hollywood.
• The decision to pivot from the Star Wars game follows player preferences for Jedi and owned brands, with a focus on new projects and existing game support.
• EA CEO Andrew Wilson expressed the company’s commitment to innovation, collaboration, and providing opportunities for affected employees to transition to new roles or projects.

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/video-game-giant-ea-layoffs-1235839026/…

• Rocket Lab’s Neutron launch readiness is questioned in an internal congressional memo, suggesting misrepresentation for competitive advantage.
• The memo states that Rocket Lab does not have a credible path to launch Neutron by the crucial deadline of December 15, 2024, for Space Force contracts.
• Space Systems Command adjusted procurement strategy to accommodate new launch providers, splitting contracts into Lane 1 for newer rockets and Lane 2 for established providers.
• Uncertainties around the new engine Archimedes’ hot fire tests are highlighted as a major issue affecting Rocket Lab’s timeline for Neutron launch.
• Completion of launch infrastructure at NASA’s Wallops Flight Facility, crucial for Neutron launch readiness, faces challenges with a tight timeline and uncertainties in the RFP schedule.

https://techcrunch.com/2024/02/28/rocket-lab-has-misrepresented-neutron-launch-readiness-congressional-memo-says/…

• EA announces layoffs of 5% of its workforce and discontinuation of certain games
• Layoff trend continues in gaming and tech industry
• CEO Andrew Wilson emphasizes restructuring for strategic growth initiatives
• Focus shifts towards owned IP, sports, and online communities
• Respawn’s upcoming Star Wars game among projects canceled

https://deadline.com/2024/02/electronic-arts-plans-layoffs-five-percent-workforce-cancels-star-wars-game-1235841579/…

• Sony announces March 2024 PlayStation Plus games: Destiny 2: The Witch Queen, Sifu, Hello Neighbor 2, and EA Sports F1 23
• Games available to active PlayStation Plus members from March 5 to April 1 for both PS4 and PS5
• Unique cosmetic bundle for The Finals available to PlayStation Plus members
• Destiny 2: The Witch Queen expansion released two years ago, praised for improvements
• Sifu, a challenging beat ’em up game, and EA Sports F1 23, the latest in the annual sports series, also included

https://www.ign.com/articles/playstation-plus-games-for-march-2024-announced…

• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, launching on February 29, ties into spin-off content The First Soldier and Ever Crisis
• The Final Fantasy VII universe has expanded with spin-off games, a movie, and a Remake trilogy
• The First Soldier was a battle royale game set before FF7, now continued in Ever Crisis
• Characters from The First Soldier, like SOLDIER recruits Glenn and Lucia, tie into Rebirth’s story
• To prepare for Rebirth, watch The First Soldier chapters on YouTube or find a summary online

https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-glenn-ever-crisis-first-soldier-1851293589…

• Up to 30% of Apple Vision Pro returns are due to users struggling with spatial computing setup, according to analyst Ming-Chi Kuo.
• Despite vocal tech bro complaints, only 1% of Vision Pro owners returned their headsets, indicating overall satisfaction.
• The Vision Pro’s design challenges users with less intuitive features compared to Apple’s other products like the iPhone and Mac.
• Demand for the Vision Pro is slowing, with improved shipping times and forecasts suggesting it will remain a niche product.
• Apple may delay releasing a lower-priced, mass-produced model until 2027, focusing on enhancing the current Vision Pro design.

https://gizmodo.com/apple-vision-pro-returns-users-didnt-know-set-it-up-1851293527…

• YouTube Create expands to 13 more countries, offering unique features for video editing on Android
• The Create app allows users to record, edit, and sync cuts with music, simplifying the process for creating short-form videos like Shorts
• The expansion of YouTube Create enables creators from various regions to easily develop content on mobile devices
• The app includes traditional editing tools as well as innovative features such as Audio Cleanup and auto-captioning
• Available in countries like Australia, Brazil, Spain, and the US, the YouTube Create app enhances the video creation experience for users

https://9to5google.com/2024/02/28/youtube-create-13-more-countries/…

• **FF7 Rebirth** cutscene skipping can lead to missing out on new parts of the main game
• Final Fantasy VII Rebirth part two releases on February 29, following the demo launched on February 6
• Skipping portions of Cloud’s flashback in Rebirth can result in missing essential story content
• Players can skip parts of the flashback after the demo, but certain scenes like Cloud’s confrontation with Sephiroth are crucial and should not be skipped
• It is important to pay attention to the story in FF7 Rebirth as it holds significance throughout the game, despite the option to skip certain parts

https://kotaku.com/final-fantasy-7-rebirth-ff7-ps5-demo-skip-flashback-1851293862…

• Warzone Mobile launches worldwide on March 21st
• Players can share weapon, XP, and battle pass progress
• Available on iOS and Android with shared progression with PC and console
• Features 120-player Verdansk map and 48-player Rebirth Island
• Offers controller support, customizable HUD, and performance modes

https://www.theverge.com/2024/2/28/24085504/call-of-duty-warzone-mobile-launch-date-worldwide…

• Remedy Entertainment buys full Control series rights from 505 Games for €17m
• Acquisition covers publishing, distribution, marketing rights for Control franchise
• Control 2 and multiplayer spin-off Codor development rights included
• Transition period with 505 Games as publisher until December 31st
• Previous agreement with Microsoft for Alan Wake rights for €2.5 million

https://www.eurogamer.net/remedy-entertainment-buys-control-series-rights-from-505-games-for-17m…