GameStop is really going all out on social media these days, torching its business partner left and right. But can unionization actually help the studio behind Disco Elysium bounce back from a rough couple of years? And hey, what are the first impressions of the lucky folks who’ve received their Xbox Ally Rog handheld in the mail? These burning questions and more in today’s edition of Morning Checkpoint, where we dive into the latest gaming news and culture.
Let’s take a trip down memory lane with an excerpt from Shawn Layden’s speech at E3 2019. Lance McDonald, a Souls archeologist, recently reflected on Layden’s words, highlighting what makes PlayStation so appealing. It’s been six years since Layden delivered that speech, and it seems to have left a lasting impact on McDonald.
In other news, the Payday studio has made the tough call to scrap its D&D project in favor of focusing solely on the Payday franchise. Project Baxter, which promised a co-op urban crawl through a reactive Dungeons & Dragons world, has been canceled as the studio shifts its attention to its multiplayer heist series. CEO Adolf Kristjansson explained that this decision was necessary to strengthen the studio’s position in the gaming market.
Meanwhile, devs at the Disco Elysium studio, ZA/UM, have decided to unionize following a tumultuous period that included the cancellation of a sequel, layoffs, and internal conflicts. The Independent Workers Union of Great Britain will now represent the group as they engage with studio management to address workplace issues. Poppy Ingham shared her thoughts on the challenging past couple of years at ZA/UM, emphasizing the uncertainty and chaos that plagued the studio.
In a bold move, GameStop has declared that it will maintain lower prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, at least for the time being. The company seized the opportunity to capitalize on Microsoft’s price hike announcement for Game Pass, aiming to win back disaffected gamers. By offering the subscription for $19.99 per month, GameStop hopes to attract customers who may have soured on the trading practices of the past.
On a less positive note, Dune: Awakening developer Funcom is facing layoffs despite the game’s successful launch. The desert survival crafting MMO garnered significant attention upon release, but the studio is now restructuring its teams to focus on a forthcoming console launch. Although the transition will require letting go of some team members, Funcom remains committed to delivering a top-tier gaming experience.
And in a stroke of luck, one Reddit user received their Xbox Ally X handheld ahead of schedule, courtesy of Amazon France. The early recipient praised the console for its ergonomic design, responsive controls, and impressive battery life. The user marveled at the device’s sound quality and cooling system, highlighting its standout features.
In the world of Marvel Rivals, Season 4.5 is on the horizon, introducing Daredevil as a new playable character and testing cross-platform progression. The update, titled Heart of the Dragon, is set to launch on October 10, offering players the chance to carry their account unlocks across different platforms. While only a select few will initially have access to this feature, it will eventually be rolled out to all players.
As we wrap up today’s roundup, remember to stay tuned for more exciting developments in the gaming world. Whether it’s industry shake-ups, new releases, or unexpected surprises, the realm of gaming never fails to keep us on our toes. So buckle up, gamers, because the adventure is just beginning.
