Author: GizNews

  • New Study Reveals Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Contains Alcohol

    New Study Reveals Interstellar Comet 3I/ATLAS Contains Alcohol

    Key Takeaways

    1. Comet 3I/ATLAS is an interstellar comet that originated from a different planetary system, unlike most comets in our solar system.
    2. When comets approach the Sun, their icy exterior warms up, creating a coma as gases escape into space.
    3. Advanced technology, such as the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), was used to observe and identify molecular compositions in comets.
    4. Comet 3I/ATLAS has a unique chemical makeup, with significantly higher levels of methanol compared to hydrogen cyanide, indicating it formed under different conditions.
    5. The study of gas emissions from the comet, including extended outgassing, helps scientists understand the chemistry of other solar systems compared to our own.

    Most of the comets we examine originated in the early solar system. In contrast, Comet 3I/ATLAS is unique because it was created in a different planetary system and drifted into ours, classifying it as an interstellar comet. When a comet approaches the Sun, the heat warms its icy exterior, turning the ice into gas that escapes into space. This process creates a luminous cloud around the comet, known as a coma.

    Observations Made with Advanced Technology

    The Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), which includes many radio telescopes, was used by astronomers to conduct these observations. They detected spectral fingerprints of certain molecules at specific wavelengths and were able to identify them. The molecules that were measured include methanol and hydrogen cyanide, both of which are commonly found in comets. Typically, the ratio of methanol to hydrogen cyanide in other comets is considerably lower. However, Comet 3I/ATLAS shows an astonishing 70–120 times more methanol than hydrogen cyanide, making it one of the richest in methanol ever studied. This strange chemical makeup indicates that this comet must have formed under distinct physical conditions.

    Gases Escaping the Comet

    ALMA also examined how various gases escape from the comet. Hydrogen cyanide is emitted directly from the comet’s nucleus. In contrast, methanol is released from both the nucleus and tiny icy particles in the coma, which behave like mini-comets. Solid methanol ice sublimates into gas, which leads to additional molecule release in a process referred to as extended outgassing. This finding has enabled scientists to delve deeper into the chemistry of other solar systems and make comparisons to our own.

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  • Satellite Launches Impact Earth’s Atmosphere and Ozone Layer

    Satellite Launches Impact Earth’s Atmosphere and Ozone Layer

    Key Takeaways

    1. The number of satellite launches has surged, with thousands of satellites now in orbit for various global services.
    2. Satellites typically operate for 5 to 15 years before being deorbited through a process called atmospheric reentry.
    3. The burning of satellites during reentry releases harmful pollutants, including metal particles and black carbon soot, contributing to atmospheric pollution.
    4. The emitted chemicals can damage the ozone layer and affect the Earth’s atmosphere, raising concerns about environmental impact.
    5. Scientists advocate for recycling materials from deorbited satellites and initiatives like the European Space Agency’s ClearSpace-1 mission aim to address space debris sustainably.

    The number of satellites sent into space has increased significantly in the last few years. Mega-constellations, which are extensive networks of satellites working collectively, are being launched to offer worldwide internet, communication, navigation, and Earth observation services.

    Surge in Satellite Launches

    Every year, there are hundreds of launches, with thousands of satellites now positioned in orbit. These satellites typically function for 5 to 15 years before they are deorbited. The deorbiting process guides them back into the Earth’s atmosphere, where they heat up to extreme temperatures, burn, and eventually disintegrate. This whole process is known as atmospheric reentry.

    Environmental Concerns

    Recent studies have revealed that the material that burns during this process leads to atmospheric pollution. Metal particles and various chemical compounds are emitted into the middle atmosphere. Satellites are made with significant amounts of aluminum, which creates alumina particles when it burns and can linger in the middle atmosphere for extended periods. Rocket engines that burn hydrocarbon fuels also generate black carbon soot. Additionally, unusual metals like copper and lithium have been found.

    Moving Towards Sustainability

    The chemicals released can have an impact on different sections of the Earth’s atmosphere, causing damage to the ozone layer, heating the stratosphere, and altering the polar atmosphere. There’s also a risk of debris crashing down to Earth.

    To combat this issue, scientists have suggested that instead of incinerating satellites, the materials from deorbited satellites should be recycled and utilized again to minimize waste. The European Space Agency is working on the ClearSpace-1 mission, which aims to capture space debris and safely remove it. The materials recovered from this process can also be valuable, potentially creating new streams of income. Humanity now faces a choice: continue with current methods or develop a sustainable circular space environment.

    Phys.org

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  • Invincible vs Skips PC Open Beta and Upcoming Fighting Games

    Invincible vs Skips PC Open Beta and Upcoming Fighting Games

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Open Beta: Invincible VS is set to release on April 30th, with an open beta from April 9th to April 11th, but only for consoles.

    2. PC Beta Exclusion: The decision to exclude PC from the open beta has disappointed many gamers, with no clear explanation provided.

    3. Piracy Concerns: Open betas on PC are often cracked and played offline, leading to piracy and unfair advantages in competitive play.

    4. Impact on Competitive Scene: Many fighting game tournaments use consoles, so the absence of a PC beta may not significantly affect the competitive community in the short term.

    5. Future Implications for PC Support: The decision raises concerns that more fighting games may avoid PC releases due to piracy and data-mining issues, despite the advantages that the platform offers.

    Invincible VS, a fighting game linked to Amazon’s Invincible series on Prime Video, is scheduled to be released across multiple platforms on April 30th. However, the open beta will take place from April 9th to April 11th, but it will only be available on consoles. This is disappointing news for gamers on PC, and there has been no clear reason provided for this decision. Those familiar with the fighting game scene understand the reasons behind it.

    The Problem with Open Betas on PC

    To put it simply, when open betas and test versions are made available on PC, they often get cracked and played offline long before the official game launch. This not only leads to piracy of the final product but also disrupts the competitive environment. Players can gain an unfair advantage by accessing a pre-release version. For instance, during the Tekken 8 Closed Network Test, several competitive players used cracked versions, as did some in Street Fighter 6. These are two of the biggest fighting games of this generation, both with competitive scenes worth millions, which suffer from integrity issues because of this.

    Impact on the PC Community

    Fortunately, legitimate PC gamers may not face significant issues from a slight two-week postponement. Since consoles are typically the standard for tournaments in the fighting game community, many players may still have access to consoles to join the Open Beta, maybe even during tournament brackets if Offline VS is allowed. Some beta versions are primarily for testing network performance—this was the case for Tekken 8’s Closed Network Test, although cracks eventually allowed offline gameplay.

    Concerns for the Future

    Looking ahead, though, the decision raises some alarm for PC gamers who enjoy fighting games. Although PC is often seen as the superior platform for these games—thanks to features like high refresh rates, G-Sync, and reduced input lag—developers have a history of struggling with PC support. Concerns about data-miners may lead more fighting games to bypass PC altogether until the official release. However, enhancing cross-play functionality has shown to increase sales and engagement across different platforms, which might encourage some developers to take a different route.

    Another notable licensed fighting game coming this year, Avatar Legends, has been quite accommodating to PC players, even having its Closed Global Alpha exclusively on Steam. Thus, it seems that not all developers are overly concerned about potential issues on PC, but those who are genuinely worried about content leaks or cheating might resort to stricter measures.

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  • Project Helix Games: Xbox Indie Director Highlights Steam Advantage

    Project Helix Games: Xbox Indie Director Highlights Steam Advantage

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is launching Project Helix dev kits in 2027 to attract more indie game creators.
    2. Steam remains the primary platform for indie visibility, but Microsoft aims to increase sales through Helix support.
    3. Compatibility with Steam and other platforms is uncertain, potentially limiting Xbox storefront access for some games.
    4. Microsoft suggests a “build once and ship everywhere” strategy to enhance game distribution across multiple devices.
    5. Indie developers could benefit from launching on various platforms, with many Xbox partners already achieving significant sales.

    With the release of Project Helix dev kits expected in 2027, Microsoft is looking to pull in more indie game creators. Steam is seen as the go-to platform for smaller projects to gain quick visibility. Nevertheless, Guy Richards, Director of ID(Independent Developers)@Xbox, believes that backing the new console could lead to increased sales.

    Discussion at GDC 2026

    During the GDC 2026 event, Richards spoke with The Game Business about indie developers’ involvement in Project Helix. There are still many questions surrounding the system, which the executive failed to clarify. It remains uncertain if Xbox exclusives will be a factor or if all games will be compatible with Windows. However, creating games for PCs will guarantee that they work with the hardware.

    Compatibility and Market Options

    If Helix indeed supports Steam and other platforms as rumored, studios might keep collaborating directly with Valve. Games that are not fully integrated into Microsoft’s ecosystem would not be available on the Xbox storefront or app. Additionally, they wouldn’t provide cross-platform features like Play Anywhere.

    Richards presents a solution to compete with Steam by suggesting a “build once and ship everywhere” strategy. At GDC, Microsoft highlighted its Game Development Kit (GDK), which broadens the distribution of published games. Titles would be accessible not just on PCs and the upcoming Xbox console, but also on handheld devices and smart TVs.

    Sales Opportunities for Indie Developers

    The director emphasizes that “launching your game on many different platforms and stores boosts your chances for sales.” Even prior to the Helix’s launch, he points out that a record number of Xbox partners are making at least $100,000 per project. While this amount might be trivial for larger studios, only a small portion of indie games on Steam achieve such success.

    Microsoft faces a challenging road ahead in taking on Valve’s stronghold on PCs. The Steam Machine is a competitor, aiming for the same audience that the new Xbox console is targeting. Some critics argue that Play Anywhere may actually hinder repeat purchases across different devices. Furthermore, certain projects might align better with Steam’s traditional pricing strategy compared to a Game Pass subscription.

    The Game Business, Christopher Dring X account.

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  • Asus 14-inch Gaming Laptop with AMD Strix Halo Launches in US

    Asus 14-inch Gaming Laptop with AMD Strix Halo Launches in US

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asus has launched the TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA in North America, featuring AMD’s Strix Halo platform and the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 APU.
    2. The Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 12 of the 16 Zen 5 CPU cores found in the Max+ 395, with adjusted clock speeds and a reduced L2 cache from 16 MB to 12 MB.
    3. The FA401EA shows about a 25% performance drop in multi-core benchmarks compared to the Max+ 395, but smaller differences in 3DMark TimeSpy scores.
    4. The laptop achieves around 80 FPS in modern AAA games at native resolution in Turbo mode, maintaining a thermal capacity of roughly 80° under load.
    5. The FA401EA offers a GPU improvement over the older FA401WV model and can deliver solid performance while charging at 100 W through USB-C.

    Asus has launched its first gaming laptop with AMD’s Strix Halo platform in North America. The TUF Gaming A14 FA401EA has already been available in other regions for a while. With the North American launch, ETA Prime has tested this laptop along with its new Ryzen AI Max+ 392 APU.

    Ryzen AI Max+ 392 Details

    The Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 12 out of the 16 Zen 5 CPU cores that are in the Ryzen AI Max+ 395. AMD has made some changes to the CPU clock speeds and reduced the L2 cache from 16 MB to 12 MB. However, the Radeon 8060S remains the same, featuring 40 Compute Units (CUs) and a maximum boost clock of 2,900 MHz.

    Performance Analysis

    It’s not surprising that the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 shows about a 25% performance drop compared to its Max+ 395 counterpart in multi-core benchmarks, such as Cinebench 2024. Yet, ETA Prime noted a smaller difference in scores when using 3DMark TimeSpy. Aside from synthetic benchmarks, the FA401EA maintains around a 100 W TDP while under load in its Turbo mode, with a 115 W FPPT when switched to Manual mode.

    Gaming Experience

    The GPU performance aligns with what users generally expect from the Radeon 8060S. According to the video shared, the FA401EA achieves around 80 FPS in modern AAA games at its native resolution while in Turbo mode. Even with pulling 100 W from its APU, the laptop still has thermal capacity, reaching roughly 80° using Asus’ default fan settings.

    In conclusion, the FA401EA offers a noticeable GPU improvement over the older FA401WV model (currently priced at $1,455 on Amazon) despite having 16 GB VRAM dedicated to its Radeon 8060S iGPU. The FA401EA might even deliver solid performance while charging at 100 W through USB-C, unlike its Nvidia-based competitors. For more details, check out ETA Prime’s video below.

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  • Lenovo Yoga Slim 7a: New 14-inch AMD Laptop with 1,100 nit OLED

    Lenovo Yoga Slim 7a: New 14-inch AMD Laptop with 1,100 nit OLED

    Key Takeaways

    1. Lenovo launched the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition with Intel’s energy-efficient Panther Lake processors and expanded the Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition globally.
    2. The Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11 features AMD’s Ryzen AI 5 430 or Ryzen AI 7 445 processors, with options for 16 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM.
    3. The new laptop comes with up to 2 TB of PCIe 4.0 storage, Wi-Fi 7 capability, and a 70 Wh battery.
    4. Customers can choose from three OLED display options, including a 2.8K, 120 Hz display with 1,100 nits peak brightness. Starting prices are €1,160 in the Eurozone, £1,000 in the UK, and AUD 2,379.
    5. Shipments are expected to start between March 23 and March 25 in the Eurozone and UK, with a lead time of over 8 weeks for Australia. No details on North American availability have been provided.

    Lenovo has unveiled the Yoga Slim 7i Aura Edition globally, featuring one of Intel’s energy-efficient Panther Lake processors. Earlier this week, the company also broadened the reach of the premium Yoga Slim 7i Ultra Aura Edition. Now, Lenovo is presenting AMD-based options under the Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11 label.

    Changes in Processor Options

    The most notable shift from Lenovo’s Intel versions is the switch to AMD’s Ryzen AI 5 430 or Ryzen AI 7 445 APUs. These Gorgon Point processors can be set up with either 16 GB or 32 GB of LPDDR5X RAM operating at a speed of 8,000 MT/s. Additionally, the Yoga Slim 7a Gen 11 comes with the option of up to 2 TB of M.2 2242 PCIe 4.0 storage, Wi-Fi 7 capability, and a robust 70 Wh battery.

    Display and Pricing Details

    Furthermore, the new laptop, which has a 14-inch size, can be customized with one of three OLED screens, including a stunning 2.8K option that boasts a 120 Hz refresh rate and peak brightness of 1,100 nits in HDR mode, similar to the Yoga Slim 7X (currently priced at $899 on Amazon). By default, Lenovo provides a 60 Hz, 1200p display with a brightness of 400 nits. Presently, the starting prices are set at €1,160 in the Eurozone, £1,000 in the UK, and AUD 2,379 depending on the default configurations chosen.

    Availability Timeline

    Lenovo anticipates that shipments will commence between March 23 and March 25 for customers in the Eurozone and the UK. In comparison, the company has indicated a lead time of over 8 weeks for deliveries in Australia. For now, Lenovo has not disclosed any information regarding pricing and availability in North America.

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  • Cyberpunk 2077 Development Completed: What’s Next for Players?

    Cyberpunk 2077 Development Completed: What’s Next for Players?

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cyberpunk 2077 has joined Xbox Game Pass more than five years after its initial launch, prompting discussions about new content.
    2. CD Projekt Red confirmed they are not planning any further DLCs or expansions for Cyberpunk 2077, ending speculation about new content.
    3. The Phantom Liberty expansion introduced new missions, side quests, and gameplay enhancements, with the last update being Patch 2.3 in July 2022.
    4. Development of Cyberpunk 2 is underway, with a planned team size of 350 to 500 developers to ensure timely completion.
    5. Rumors suggest Cyberpunk 2 may include online multiplayer features and will have a setting inspired by a “Chicago gone wrong” theme.

    Cyberpunk 2077 has recently joined Xbox Game Pass, arriving more than five years after its initial launch. This development has sparked discussions about possible new content, especially since there were hints about a second expansion after Phantom Liberty. Although CD Projekt Red has not officially confirmed anything, the hints have fueled fan speculation. However, the company has now announced that they are moving on from Cyberpunk 2077.

    Studio’s Response to Fan Queries

    In response to a question on X regarding the “secret new DLC,” CD Projekt Red made it clear that they do not plan to release any further DLCs or expansions. Their post stated, “If anything changes, we will inform you all!” This statement effectively puts an end to speculation about another expansion. Fans hoping for more adventures in the Cyberpunk universe will need to hold out for the sequel, which is still a few years off.

    Updates and New Features

    The Phantom Liberty expansion, which launched in September 2023, introduced a variety of new missions, side quests, and an entire new narrative arc. Since its release, the game has received several patches that have optimized gameplay and added new features, such as CrystalCoat paint jobs for vehicles and an upgraded photo mode. The last update, Patch 2.3, was rolled out in July of last year.

    Future of Cyberpunk

    Development of Cyberpunk 2 is underway, and CD Projekt Red has expanded its team, estimating that they will need between 350 to 500 developers to meet their deadlines without delays. There are rumors suggesting that the new game may feature online multiplayer. More solid details indicate that the game’s environment will have a “Chicago gone wrong” vibe, a notion that comes directly from Mike Pondsmith, the creator of the Cyberpunk universe.

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  • Samsung Qi2 Magnetic Power Bank for Galaxy S26 Series Now Available

    Samsung Qi2 Magnetic Power Bank for Galaxy S26 Series Now Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Global Launch: Samsung has introduced the Magnet Wireless Battery Pack worldwide, designed for compatibility with Galaxy S26 and S25 series smartphones.

    2. Design and Fit: The battery pack attaches to smartphones and is specifically tailored to fit the Galaxy S26 series, overcoming challenges posed by the devices’ camera bump.

    3. Power Specifications: It has a capacity of 5,000 mAh and supports wireless charging at 15W, with a USB-C port for faster 25W charging.

    4. Hands-Free Feature: The power bank includes a foldable kickstand for convenient hands-free usage.

    5. Pricing and Availability: It retails for $64.99 in the U.S. and £37.80 in the UK, with availability issues noted as it is sold out at major retailers like Amazon and Best Buy.

    Samsung has begun to offer its new Magnet Wireless Battery Pack worldwide. Just to remind, the Galaxy S26 series, which includes the Galaxy S26 Ultra, was released without built-in magnets. Nevertheless, the recent flagship models still are compatible with Qi2 wireless charging and can connect to Qi2 accessories when used with magnetic cases, most of which are official.

    Design and Compatibility

    The Magnet Wireless Battery Pack is specifically made to attach to the back of smartphones that are compatible. So far, it seems to be the only Qi2 power bank that fits well with the Galaxy S26 and S25 devices, including the larger Galaxy S26 Ultra. The bulky vertical camera bump on these smartphones makes it difficult for many third-party Qi2 power banks to sit flush enough to enable wireless charging.

    Specifications and Features

    In terms of power, it has a capacity of 5,000 mAh, which should provide at least one complete charge for most smartphones. The wireless charging is capped at 15W, even though the Galaxy S26 Ultra can achieve up to 25W with Qi2. For quicker charging options, Samsung has included a USB-C port that can handle up to 25W, and it also features a foldable kickstand for hands-free usage. The dimensions of the power bank are 7.6 x 102.5 x 14.2 mm, and it weighs in at 40g.

    Pricing and Availability

    Customers can buy the Samsung Magnet Wireless Battery Pack directly from Samsung for $64.99. It is also available at Amazon and Best Buy, although it is currently sold out. In the UK, it’s offered by Samsung UK and Amazon UK at a reduced price of £37.80, down from £54. The package includes a 0.2m USB-C cable.

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  • AI System Monitors Drivers’ Faces to Improve Road Safety

    AI System Monitors Drivers’ Faces to Improve Road Safety

    Key Takeaways

    1. The AI program “Jack of Many Faces” identifies drunk, tired, or angry drivers by analyzing their facial movements and expressions in video footage.
    2. The system boasts high accuracy rates, recognizing blood alcohol levels with 90% accuracy and drowsiness with 95% accuracy.
    3. It categorizes drivers into sober, moderate, or severe states, providing a comprehensive assessment of driver safety.
    4. Unlike traditional methods, this technology operates passively and continuously in real-time without requiring physical interaction from the driver.
    5. The system utilizes a combination of color video and infrared night-vision footage to enhance performance in low-light conditions.

    Researchers at Edith Cowan University (ECU) in Australia have developed an artificial intelligence program that can identify drivers who are drunk, tired, or angry just by looking at video footage of their faces. This program, called “Jack of Many Faces,” assesses small facial movements, eye blinking, and general expressions to keep an eye on three key reasons for road accidents.

    High Accuracy Levels

    The team behind the research claims that this system can recognize blood alcohol levels with almost 90% accuracy, while it detects drowsiness with a 95% accuracy rate. It can also classify drivers into three different categories: sober, moderate, or severe. Since high fatigue can sometimes look similar to being drunk, and anger can lead to road rage, observing all three emotional and physical states gives a thorough evaluation of driver safety.

    Understanding Driver States

    This algorithm is clever, as it can determine whether a driver is tired, just showing a facial expression, or under the influence of alcohol. By distinguishing between these elements, it gains a better insight into the driver’s true physical condition. — Zulqarnain Gilani, a researcher involved in the project, said.

    Unlike traditional breathalyzers and blood tests, which are very accurate but invasive and require cooperation, this new technology works passively and continuously in real-time without needing any physical interaction from the driver.

    Night Vision Enhancements

    To make sure the technology is effective during the night, the research team created a companion model that smartly combines regular color video with infrared night-vision footage. By fusing these two different types of video streams, the system can accurately capture essential facial features in low light, enhancing its performance.

    ECU’s innovative approach could change the way we think about road safety and driver assessments.

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  • Overwatch Creator Explains Departure from Blizzard and Layoffs

    Overwatch Creator Explains Departure from Blizzard and Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Jeff Kaplan’s departure from Activision Blizzard in 2021 was influenced by a meeting with the company’s then-CFO regarding revenue targets.

    2. The excitement surrounding the Overwatch League led to a shift in focus away from developing new content for Overwatch.

    3. Promises made to investors about the Overwatch League’s potential popularity created unrealistic expectations and strained the development team.

    4. Attendance and sales for Overwatch League events fell short of expectations, impacting the game’s development and profitability.

    5. Kaplan’s defining moment came when he was told that failure to meet revenue goals could lead to significant layoffs, ultimately leading to his decision to leave the company.

    Jeff Kaplan, who had been the leading figure of Overwatch since it launched in March 2016, finally shared his thoughts on why he departed from Activision Blizzard in 2021. His decision was primarily influenced by a direct meeting with the company’s then-CFO, which ultimately led to his departure.

    Kaplan’s Role in Overwatch

    If you were a fan of Overwatch during its prime, you would recognize Jeff Kaplan as the game’s spokesperson, sharing news about new heroes, updates, and various developments. In a recent conversation with Lex Fridman on his podcast, Kaplan elaborated on how the excitement surrounding the Overwatch League gradually diverted the game from its original essence.

    Challenges with the Overwatch League

    Kaplan mentioned that issues began to arise with the launch of the Overwatch League in 2017. There was a lot of buzz at the time. He commented, “The excitement around Overwatch League got a bit out of hand. It was overhyped to the teams buying in. They went on a promotional tour, pitching everything under the sun, and it was almost as if they were selling the Brooklyn Bridge, claiming that Overwatch League would surpass the NFL in popularity.”

    These lofty promises to wealthy investors started to hinder Overwatch’s game development. The team found themselves focused on spectator tools, Twitch integration, and team skins instead of creating new heroes, maps, or events.

    Shifting Focus in Development

    Kaplan further reflected, “At that point, plans for Overwatch content were thrown out the window. You’re not developing new world events, you’re ignoring Overwatch 2, you’re just trying to stay afloat.”

    As anticipated, the attendance and pay-per-view ticket sales for the Overwatch League’s live events fell short of those for the NBA or NFL, which created strain on the development team. While merchandise sales provided some relief, they failed to satisfy the expectations set for investors.

    Unrealistic Expectations

    He continued, “Initially, the plan was to hold in-person events with big ticket sales and merchandise sales. But it quickly became clear that we couldn’t manage all in-person events with teams in London and Shanghai. It just didn’t add up, and that plan fell apart very fast.”

    The turning point came during a meeting that remains fresh in Kaplan’s mind. He was summoned to the CFO’s office, where he was given an ultimatum regarding the revenue targets for 2020, which were later extended to 2021. The executive informed Kaplan that failing to meet these revenue goals would result in the layoff of 1,000 employees, and he would bear the blame for it.

    A Defining Moment

    Kaplan shared his feelings about the meeting, stating:

    “The moment that broke me and my career at Blizzard was when I was called to the CFO’s office. He sat me down and told me that Overwatch had to generate (redacted) in 2020, and then each year after that, it had to maintain a recurring revenue of (redacted). Then he said, ‘If it doesn’t reach (redacted), we’ll let go of 1,000 employees, and that’s on you.’ It was the most shocking experience of my career; being in that position felt almost unreal.”

    Kaplan had hoped to continue at Blizzard and even retire there, but that dream was cut short as he left the company on April 20, 2021, just prior to the release of Overwatch 2.

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