Tag: Jason Schreier

  • Xbox Layoffs Incoming: Insider Tips Major ‘Reset the Business’ Move

    Xbox Layoffs Incoming: Insider Tips Major ‘Reset the Business’ Move

    Key Takeaway

    – Microsoft’s Xbox division is expected to undergo major layoffs after the fiscal year ends on June 30.
    – Xbox will also “significantly” cut its marketing budget and other areas.
    – CEO Asha Sharma stated Xbox revenue has dropped nearly half a billion dollars over the past five years.
    – The exact scale of the layoffs and which areas will be deprioritized remains unclear.


    Another Day, Another Layoff News

    This time, it’s Microsoft employees who are on the chopping block, or so it seems, according to insider information. Specifically, the Xbox division is said to be heading towards mass layoffs, a first under the new leadership of CEO Asha Sharma. Blooomberg’s Jason Schreier has recieved information from people familiar with Microsoft’s strategy, pertaining to upcoming layoffs in the Xbox division. He claims that while the exact scale is unclear, the closing of Microsoft’s fiscal year on June 30 will be followed by major layoffs.

    Xbox Marketing Budget Cuts

    Furthermore, Xbox is also said to “significantly” slash its marketing budget, along with cuts in some other areas as well. This comes shortly after Asha Sharma’s Bloomberg Tech interview, where she candidly spoke about the Xbox business not being in a healthy spot. She mentioned that some changes will have to be made, but did not talk about any restructuring. The Bloomberg report, however, does cite an email sent by her to employees outlining some revenue numbers. It said, “…our annual revenue has declined nearly half a billion during that time (the past five years). Going forward, this cannot continue.”

    Revenue Decline and Future Investments

    It further talks about how things have grown over the past five years and that making the right investments moving forward is crucial. As mentioned earlier, it is unclear what the scale of the layoffs will be and what will get deprioritized. The news follows Ubisoft’s major shakeup, wherein two more studios have been shut down, and another has gone through layoffs, affecting around 380 employees. Blooomberg, Insider Gaming

    Sources
  • God of War: Laufey Rumored for Early 2027 PS5 Launch

    God of War: Laufey Rumored for Early 2027 PS5 Launch

    Key Takeaway

    – God of War: Laufey is expected to release in the first half of 2027, per multiple reliable insiders.
    – The game focuses on Faye/Laufey instead of Kratos, with a more action-oriented gameplay style.
    – Development has reportedly been ongoing for 5-6 years, making a 2027 release relatively quick by modern AAA standards.
    – Notable insiders NateTheHate and Jason Schreier have both dismissed claims of a later launch, like 2028.
    – The shift away from Kratos has sparked mixed reactions, including criticism from series creator David Jaffe.


    Glimpsed During State of Play 2026

    A extended glimpse at an anticipated Santa Monica Studio project were included during State of Play 2026. Despite how polished the PS5 exclusive game looked, Sony has not confirmed a God of War Laufey release date. However, several reliable insiders believe the title could ship as early as the 1st half of 2027. This was a big moment for fans waiting to see what comes next from the studio.

    NateTheHate’s Predictions Validated

    In March 2026, NateTheHate correctly leaked that the narrative would focus on Faye/Laufey, rather than Kratos. He also expected the gameplay to be more action-oriented than mainline entries like Ragnarök. Both predictions were validated during the roughly 20-minute presentation at the June 2nd State of Play. The insider now has even more confidence in his God of War Laufey release date estimate. On social media, his June 4th post reaffirms a 1st half 2027 launch. NateTheHate is not alone in thinking that buyers won’t have to wait long for the PS5 exclusive.

    Jason Schreier Dismisses Delay Rumors

    Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier, another reputable source, dismissed theories that the Corey Barlog title might not be ready until 2028. On Bluesky, he responded to the possibility by saying, “Definitely not.” Shortly before that statement, Schreier reassured gamers that it wasn’t “years away.” This gives more weight to the 1st half 2027 window. Indications are that the new God of War game has been in the works for 5-6 years.

    Historical Release Gaps and AAA Development

    The longest gap between release dates took place with Ascension in 2013 and the 2018 soft reboot of the franchise. Ragnarök then surfaced in 2022, 4 years later. AAA game development has gradually become more laborious, reportedly frustrating Sony. By modern standards, the Laufey epic debuting in 2027 would be quick compared to other titles. How successful the God of War Laufey will be when it arrives is a point of contention.

    Mixed Response and Fan Receptance

    The industry has seen a mixed response to the State of Play showcase. Series creator David Jaffe is one of the most vocal critics, claiming the game shares little in common with prior entries. Other fans are resistant to any narrative that doesn’t center around the main protagonist, Kratos. This could effect sales if the community remains divided. Still, the hype from the trailer is strong for many.

     

  • GTA 6 Release Date Delay Possible Due to Incomplete Content

    GTA 6 Release Date Delay Possible Due to Incomplete Content

    Key Takeaways

    1. Jason Schreier believes GTA 6 might release on November 19th, but it’s not guaranteed due to ongoing development work.
    2. Schreier contradicts claims that the game is “content ready,” stating it is still not complete and requires further refinement on levels and missions.
    3. Tom Henderson’s previous assertion that the game was further along in development conflicts with Schreier’s insights on its current status.
    4. Rockstar is still focused on creating assets for a large open world, but Schreier expresses more optimism compared to past delays.
    5. The game’s launch could be delayed again, as the publisher has until March 2027 to finalize it, emphasizing the importance of a successful release for Take-Two Interactive.


    Even though some experts are sure about the November 19th release date for GTA 6, there are still doubters. Jason Schreier from Bloomberg was on the latest Button Mash podcast (the important talk starts after 4:00) to talk about what’s happening with Rockstar Games. He thinks the game might come out as planned, unless something unexpected happens. But, he disagreed with an earlier leak that claimed the next GTA is “content ready.”

    Predictions and Reality

    Schreier is known for being a reliable source, having correctly guessed a past delay for GTA 6. He mentioned that this could happen again, saying the game is “not content complete.” Besides just refining their work, he pointed out that the creators are still working on “finalizing levels and missions.”

    Contradicting Claims

    The new information goes against what Tom Henderson from Insider Gaming had said. Back in November 2025, he mentioned that the game was further along in development. When a game is called “content ready,” it means that game mechanics and similar features are ready for a final version. Important parts like the story and missions should also be beyond just ideas.

    Current Development Status

    It seems Rockstar is still busy creating assets for a large open world. Still, the situation might not be as bleak as some gamers think. The Bloomberg reporter feels more positive compared to previous delays that let players down. He shared that in those earlier cases, his sources were more negative.

    Rockstar first revealed GTA 6 in 2022, but it was probably being developed for years before that. Fans are rightfully annoyed with the slow progress of the game. However, the insider encouraged patience during the podcast, as the developers aim for perfection. Given how much Take-Two Interactive relies on a successful launch, the studio is not willing to take chances.

    Despite being more hopeful than in 2025, Schreier can’t dismiss the possibility of another delay for GTA 6. He mentioned that the publisher’s fiscal year doesn’t finish until March 2027, which gives them some extra time.

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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date Still Unknown After Xbox Showcase

    Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Date Still Unknown After Xbox Showcase

    Key Takeaways

    1. Hollow Knight: Silksong Announcement: The game was showcased during the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, but no specific release date was provided.

    2. Release on New Handhelds: Silksong will be available on the new ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handheld devices when they launch in Holiday 2025.

    3. Uncertainty Among Fans: Veteran journalist Jason Schreier hinted that the showcase would not clarify the release date, leaving fans with an unclear timeframe.

    4. Lack of Detailed Updates: Fans were hoping for more in-depth information, but the recent showcases, including the Summer Game Fest, did not provide significant updates.

    5. Possible Future Events and Promotions: Team Cherry may rely on Nintendo for further marketing, with rumors of a Switch 2 event in June and a chance to play Silksong at an Australian event in September.


    Hollow Knight: Silksong showed up at the Xbox Games Showcase 2025, but some fans might feel a bit let down by the news. The Metroidvania game was revealed when Microsoft introduced its new ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally X handhelds. This title will be available on these devices when they release in Holiday 2025. However, players are still waiting for a specific release date for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

    Anticipation and Predictions

    Veteran gaming journalist Jason Schreier sparked discussions before the Microsoft showcase with his remarks about Silksong. He posted on Bluesky, suggesting that the event wouldn’t clarify the release date. Whether he was accurate remains uncertain, but fans are left with only an unclear timeframe. Back in April, during the Switch 2 Direct, Nintendo had already announced that Team Cherry’s much-anticipated project would launch in 2025.

    Hopes for More Updates

    Even though fans quickly analyze any new videos or screenshots of Silksong, many were likely expecting more detailed information. Now, viewers are curious about when they might catch another glimpse of the game. Despite some speculation, there was no Silksong news at the recent Summer Game Fest either.

    Possible Future Promotions

    When Nintendo featured Silksong in its Switch 2 Direct, it marked the first time new footage has been shown in years. Team Cherry might depend on the gaming company for additional marketing in the future. The original Hollow Knight gained significant popularity when it was released on the Switch in 2018. There are rumors that Nintendo could host an event in June focused on upcoming Switch 2 titles, although nothing has been officially confirmed.

    In September, fans will have the chance to play Silksong at an event hosted by the Australian Centre for the Moving Image. Unless the museum has exclusive rights, the clock is ticking to discover the exact launch date for Hollow Knight: Silksong.

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  • GTA 6 Release Delay Possible: What It Means for Gamers

    GTA 6 Release Delay Possible: What It Means for Gamers

    Key Takeaways

    1. The launch of GTA 6 has been postponed from fall 2025 to May 2026 to maintain high-quality standards.
    2. A report suggests that another delay for GTA 6 could be possible, creating uncertainty around the release date.
    3. Other game developers are adjusting their release schedules to avoid conflicts with GTA 6, but may face further disruptions if delays occur.
    4. The gaming industry is closely monitoring Rockstar’s plans due to the potential impact on multiple game launches.
    5. Rockstar has released a second trailer for GTA 6 to help ease the wait for fans.


    Much to the dismay of fans, the launch of GTA 6 has been postponed from fall 2025 to May 2026. Rockstar pointed to its commitment to high-quality standards and the goal of providing the best gaming experience as reasons for this delay. Just as many fans were accepting the new release date, a recent report by Jason Schreier (Paywall), a well-known journalist at Bloomberg, has raised new worries. His findings suggest that Rockstar might be considering yet another delay for the eagerly awaited open-world game.

    Developer Insights

    Schreier’s report, released on May 9, relies on information from insiders close to Rockstar and feedback from various game development studios. He emphasizes that “There’s no guarantee that May 2026 is a sure thing.” This suggests that another delay could happen, and the ongoing uncertainty is already creating real-world impacts.

    Impact on Other Games

    As per Schreier, one studio working on a major multiplayer game has already pushed its launch from fall 2025 to spring 2026 to avoid clashing with GTA 6. Now, that studio is once again dealing with uncertainty. “The companies are caught in a vice,” Schreier notes, highlighting the difficult situation many developers are facing. Should GTA 6 be delayed again to fall, other games that have already been rescheduled may face further disruptions. Insider Gaming shares this concern, indicating that numerous studios are monitoring Rockstar’s release plans with increasing doubt – particularly considering the company’s past delays with titles like GTA V and Red Dead Redemption 2. If May 2026 ends up being delayed, the already crowded fall release schedule could become even messier.

    New Trailer Released

    At least Rockstar has tried to make the long wait a bit easier by releasing a second trailer on May 6. If you haven’t had a chance to check it out yet, here it is:

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  • GTA 6 Launch Delayed to 2026: Analyst Explains Reasons

    GTA 6 Launch Delayed to 2026: Analyst Explains Reasons

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6’s release date has been pushed to May 2026, a change that was somewhat expected internally at Rockstar.
    2. Developer workloads, strict deadlines, and management’s shift in priorities contributed to the delay.
    3. Jason Schreier reported that Rockstar staff had long doubted the feasibility of a Fall 2025 launch.
    4. Online reactions include surprise at Take-Two’s decision to prioritize employee well-being, contrasting with its past practices.
    5. Fans are generally positive about the delay, hoping it will reduce stressful crunch periods experienced during previous game developments.


    Shortly after Rockstar announced that GTA 6’s release date has been pushed to May 2026, new reports indicate that this delay was somewhat expected behind closed doors. Journalist and well-known analyst Jason Schreier noted that the Rockstar developers had not genuinely anticipated a Fall 2025 launch for some time. This was due to excessive workloads, strict deadlines, and a change in management’s views on preventing severe crunch.

    Inside Scoop on the Delay

    On Bluesky, Schreier mentioned, “nobody I’ve talked to at Rockstar has believed Fall 2025 was a real window for a very long time now.” He also pointed out that the shift to 2026 has seemed unavoidable internally for quite a while. To be honest, this aligns with what many fans had guessed, particularly since GTA 6 has been under development for almost ten years now.

    Online Reactions

    Naturally, this fresh context has ignited some fascinating conversations online. Some users express surprise at what they consider an unusually “mature” choice by Take-Two to postpone the game for the sake of employee well-being, especially given the publisher’s past reputation for pressuring studios. Others have suggested that the timing of the delay may have been deliberately chosen to prevent unnecessary investor anxiety too soon, allowing the company to manage its share value during crucial earnings calls.

    Fan Reactions and Criticism

    We also observed some lighthearted teasing regarding the new May 26 date, with fans questioning why Rockstar didn’t target a “6/26/26” launch for the sake of style. However, the majority of the feedback has been quite positive, particularly from gamers who recall the stressful crunch periods during the final stages of Red Dead Redemption 2’s development.

    At this point, the 2026 release window for GTA 6 appears to be quite solid. Whether this will help avoid the typical last-minute pressure that Rockstar is known for is still uncertain, but for now, the company seems to be aiming for a different approach.

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  • GTA 6 Release Delayed: Insider Predicts Launch Not Until 2026

    GTA 6 Release Delayed: Insider Predicts Launch Not Until 2026

    Few developers have managed to keep fans so engaged for such a long time without releasing new content as Rockstar Games. It’s been over ten years since the launch of GTA 5, and three years since GTA 6 was announced in February 2022, yet fans have only seen one trailer.

    Anticipation Builds

    Every time Rockstar hints that “the next trailer is coming soon,” excitement among fans sparks back to life. This was particularly evident last December when many fans, after analyzing the first trailer, believed the second one would arrive on December 27. When that date came and went without a trailer, disappointment was quite noticeable.

    Growing Concerns

    There is increasing worry among the community that Rockstar might not meet the fall 2025 release target for GTA 6, with a delay to 2026 looking more and more possible. Gaming insider Jason Schreier recently shared his perspective on the matter. In a Bloomberg report detailing his predictions for the gaming industry in 2025, Schreier mentioned:

    […] But companies often make grand claims. The upcoming Grand Theft Auto is a massive and ambitious project, and the pressure to deliver quality is immense. Developer Rockstar Games has promised to avoid pushing its team into excessive overtime during the last stages of development. I anticipate that it will be postponed to 2026.

    Online Discussions

    Social media platforms, especially Reddit, are buzzing with intense debates about the potential delay of GTA 6. Reports of missed internal deadlines have caused many fans to question the possibility of a fall 2025 launch, with some losing all hope. Nevertheless, there are still optimistic voices within the community, who believe that Rockstar Games will adhere to their timeline. They point out that the fall 2025 release date has been prominently featured on the official GTA 6 website since May 2024.

    Industry Insights

    Interestingly, Jason Schreier also mentioned Ubisoft in his 2025 analysis, highlighting that the company finds itself at a crucial point. The well-known journalist stated that much of Ubisoft’s future success relies on how well Assassin’s Creed Shadows performs.

    Source: Link

  • Blizzard Working on New StarCraft Shooter, Release Uncertain

    Blizzard Working on New StarCraft Shooter, Release Uncertain

    Since the last expansion for StarCraft II in 2016 and the debut of StarCraft: Remastered in 2017, Blizzard’s famous StarCraft series has not seen any new content. However, prominent journalist and author Jason Schreier suggests that this might change soon. In a conversation on the Unlocked podcast, Schreier revealed that Blizzard is reportedly developing a StarCraft shooter again, this time under the guidance of Dan Hay, a former executive director from Far Cry with extensive experience in shooter game development.

    Skepticism Among Fans

    There is a significant amount of skepticism among fans regarding the game’s potential release. Blizzard has previously initiated two StarCraft shooter projects but did not complete them. One of the most notable examples is StarCraft: Ghost, a third-person shooter announced in 2002. Despite high hopes and numerous changes in development teams over twelve years, the project was officially canceled in 2014. Another initiative, codenamed Ares, aimed to create a first-person shooter reminiscent of Battlefield, but it too was scrapped in 2019.

    Renewed Hopes and Speculation

    While the origin of Schreier’s information remains uncertain, it has sparked renewed interest in the possibility of a StarCraft shooter. Discussions are already vibrant on Reddit regarding potential gameplay elements. Speculations cover a variety of scenarios, from gameplay similar to Left 4 Dead featuring Zerg adversaries to real-time battles inspired by Planetside.

    Upcoming Book Release

    Additionally, Jason Schreier’s latest book, "Play Nice: The Rise, Fall, and Future of Blizzard Entertainment," is set to be published on October 8. The hardback edition of the book is available for pre-order on Amazon for approximately $27.