Tag: Xbox Game Studios

  • Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Obsidian’s Avowed 2 Safe Despite Xbox Layoffs, Leaker Says

    Key Takeaway

    – Obsidian Entertainment’s *Avowed 2* is in production and likely safe from Microsoft’s studio closures.
    – Multiple Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, face closure risks under CEO Asha Sharma’s cost-cutting reset.
    – A leaker’s “joke” about *Avowed 2* being canceled caused panic, but was quickly denied.
    – Microsoft has a history of canceling high-profile Xbox games amid poor profitability.
    – Despite positive reviews, *Avowed*’s Game Pass debut and disappointing sequel sales may delay *The Outer Worlds 3*.


    As CEO Asha Sharma “resets” Microsoft’s gaming business, several Xbox Game Studios are in danger. However, Obsidian Entertainment will likely avoid closure. Co-founder of the company, Chris Avellone, recently reiterated that Avowed 2 was in the works. While a rumor of a sudden cancellation emerged, a leaker has now denied the report.

    Leakers Joke Causes Confusion

    Shpeshal_Nick, aka XboxEra’s Nick Baker, has an uneven track record but correctly predicted Game Pass additions like Persona 5. A social media post caused confusion before he corrected readers. Shpeshal_Nick shared an article about the Avowed sequel, with a South Park “And It’s gone” meme above it.

    Fan Panic Was Understandable

    After supporters of the Obsidian RPG began to panic, the leaker put their fears to rest. His initial post was a “joke”, but the reaction of these fans is understandable. With Sharma contending with meager profits, Xbox Game Studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, may be at risk. Microsoft also has a history of axing high-profile Xbox games.

    In the case of Ninja Theory, the Hellblade maker had just announced Senua at the June 7th Games Showcase. Regardless, Bloomberg is one of several sources reporting that the company now faces closure. The scenario shows how volatile the situation at Microsoft’s gaming division is.

    Obsidian’s Eora Universe Expands

    Obsidian Entertainment hasn’t officially unveiled Avowed 2, but it previously hinted at its existence. In February 2026, it teased that more titles would take place in the RPG’s fantasy world of Eora.

    Avellone Speaks Out

    Outspoken game designer and writer Chris Avellone is also confident in the sequel. When discussing the potential closures and layoffs on social media, he said, “There most certainly is an Avowed 2 in production.” It’s believed that Fallout: New Vegas writer George Ziets is leading development.

    Avellone admitted he was a “little surprised” that the Xbox game is getting a follow-up. Although its predecessor enjoyed positive reviews, a day-one Game Pass debut may have cannibalized sales. Yet, after the second entry posted disappointing numbers, Obsidian’s The Outer Worlds 3 is not expected anytime soon.

    Sources
  • Deal: Viking Action-Adventure Game 75% Off on Steam

    Deal: Viking Action-Adventure Game 75% Off on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    – 75% off on Steam ($12.49) until June 16, 2026.
    – Praised for beautiful visuals, sound design, and storyline.
    – Heavily narrative-driven with many cutscenes.
    – Combat criticized as too simplistic.
    – 86% positive Steam reviews; Metacritic score of 81.


    Released on May 21, 2024

    Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is an action-adventure game developed by Ninja Theory, known for DmC: Devil May Cry, and published by Xbox Game Studios. With a story that takes place after the events of Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, this game is currently 75% off on Steam. Indeed, according to SteamDB, it is available for $12.49 instead of $49.99 through June 16, 2026.

    Exploring Iceland with your inner voices

    Once again, you take on the role of Senua, who fights against tyranny and her own demons in Iceland during the 9th century. To save this world, you’ll need to explore various environments while being guided by voices, solve puzzles, and discover items that will help you learn more about its history. The atmosphere is dense and you feel like your really there.

    Combat mechanics and their peculiarities

    But as you explore this universe, you’ll also have to face enemies with unique strengths and weaknesses. You’ll need to use the right strategy and vary your attacks. There’s also a feature that lets you slow down time to defeat them. This gives you a fighting chance even when the odds are stacked against you, which is pretty neat.

    What players think about this title

    Many players have praised its beautiful visuals. They also highlight the game’s sound design and its storyline. But be warned, as this is a game with a lot of narration and cutscenes. In addition, the combat has been criticized for being too simplistic. Nevertheless, players have left more than 9,330 reviews on Steam, and 86% of them are positive. Finally, on Metacritic, it received a Metascore of 81 despite a user score of 6.9. So it’s mostly a hit but not perfect for everyone.

    Important pricing and details

    The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability. Steam is the only platform offering this steep reduction, so if your interested you should grab it before the offer ends.

    • Price: $12.49 (75% off from $49.99)
    • Sale ends: June 16, 2026
    • Metascore: 81
    • User score: 6.9
    • Positive reviews: 86% of 9,330+ reviews


    Sources

  • Forza Motorsport and Horizon 5 Support Continues After Turn 10 Layoffs

    Forza Motorsport and Horizon 5 Support Continues After Turn 10 Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft reassured the Forza community that Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5 will continue to receive updates and support despite recent layoffs.
    2. Turn 10 Studios, the developer of Forza Motorsport, experienced significant staff reductions, with reports indicating nearly half of its workforce was let go.
    3. The reassurances came after players expressed concerns about the future of the Forza series due to a lack of communication from the official account.
    4. Major layoffs at Microsoft’s gaming divisions affected around 9,000 employees, impacting various studios including Raven Software and Sledgehammer Games.
    5. Remaining team members at Turn 10 Studios will focus on collaborating with Playground Games for the development of Forza Horizon 6, expected to launch in 2026.


    Microsoft has reassured the Forza community that its popular racing games, Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5, will keep getting updates and support. This comes amid worries about job cuts at Microsoft’s Xbox Game Studios, including Turn 10 Studios, which is the developer for Forza Motorsport.

    Community Reassurance

    The company reached out to Forza players through a post on X from the official Forza Motorsport account:
    “Dear Forza Community, we know that many of you have questions about what’s next for the Forza franchise, and we appreciate the support of our incredible community. We want to assure players that Turn 10 and Playground Games will continue to support Forza Motorsport and Forza Horizon 5.”

    It’s important to highlight that this message was shared after players began expressing worries regarding the future of the Forza series, especially since the official Forza Motorsport account had not posted since June 30. Additionally, there were reports indicating that nearly half of the staff at Turn 10 Studios, which handles Forza Motorsport games, were let go.

    Major Layoffs

    These reassurances come after a tumultuous period in July 2025 for Microsoft’s gaming divisions, where significant layoffs impacted several studios and around 9,000 employees worldwide as part of a larger restructuring initiative. Jason Schreier from Bloomberg reported that Raven Software, which supports the Call of Duty franchise, also faced cuts, alongside 50% of Turn 10’s workforce being affected.

    Other teams experienced similar outcomes, including Sledgehammer Games, High Moon Studios, and King’s mobile division, which saw about 200 employees being let go.

    Shift in Focus

    Turn 10 Studios gained more attention on July 3, the day of the layoffs, when ex-content coordinator Fred Russell took to Facebook to say that the Forza Motorsport team was “no more” and that the studio had “shuttered the Forza Motorsport space.” He described it as “a very sad day for one of the best car racing video games.”

    Russell also mentioned that the remaining team members at Turn 10 would now focus on working with Playground Games for the development of Forza Horizon 6, which is anticipated to launch in 2026.

    In reaction to Russell’s comments, former designer from Turn 10 Studios, Chris Harding, said that “120 people” were laid off from the Forza Motorsport team. However, it should be noted that this number hasn’t been confirmed by Microsoft.

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  • Leonard Boyarsky Reacts to Microsoft’s Acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment

    Leonard Boyarsky Reacts to Microsoft’s Acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Obsidian Entertainment was acquired by Microsoft in 2018, surprising the creators of The Outer Wilds while they were working on a game critiquing corporate power.
    2. The acquisition did not impact Obsidian’s creative freedom, allowing them to maintain their vision for The Outer Worlds.
    3. Microsoft’s support has provided stability for Obsidian, helping them grow from 200 to over 300 staff members by 2025.
    4. The Outer Wilds 2 is set to release on October 29, 2025, with aims to expand gameplay, new planets, and factions.
    5. The Outer Wilds 2 Premium Edition will cost $99.99 and includes early access and a DLC Pass, while Xbox Game Pass subscribers will have day-one access.


    In a development that feels like it’s straight from their own narrative, the creators of The Outer Wilds found themselves being taken over by a large company while they were working on a game that humorously critiques corporate powers.

    Leonard Boyarsky, one of the minds behind The Outer Wilds and its sequel set for launch later this year, shared his thoughts on this surprising situation in a recent chat with Edge magazine’s Issue 414. He remarked, “It was quite a shock,” when Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment in 2018, putting Obsidian and its associated teams under the management of Xbox Game Studios.

    Creative Freedom Maintained

    Boyarsky did mention that this acquisition did not alter their vision for The Outer Worlds, clarifying to Edge that Microsoft’s engagement “didn’t and hasn’t impacted Obsidian’s creative freedom at all.” This freedom enabled the team to craft a game that critiques corporate avarice, with gameplay elements resembling sponsorships of factions akin to real-world large companies. He pointed out that the themes of the game mirror human behavior:

    “Sadly, the corruptive nature of power has always been a problem throughout history, and I doubt it will change anytime soon.” Boyarsky added, “We aim to concentrate on themes that are much more universal and not just tied to our current era.”

    Stability for Growth

    Tim Cain, the co-director who also helped create Fallout back in 1997, echoed similar sentiments in past discussions, noting that Microsoft’s acquisition brought stability to the team without hindering their creativity. This support has helped Obsidian Entertainment grow from 200 staff members in 2018 to over 300 by 2025.

    Now looking ahead, this ironic story has sparked aspirations for a more ambitious sequel. The Outer Wilds 2 was first revealed during E3 2021 at a joint event with Xbox and Bethesda.

    Release Information

    The game is set to launch on October 29, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC. Boyarsky expressed that the goal is to “go much bigger and deeper,” expanding on the gameplay of the first game while adding new planets and factions.

    The Outer Wilds 2 Premium Edition will be available for $99.99, giving players up to five days of Early Access along with a DLC Pass for two upcoming story expansions. Additionally, subscribers of Xbox Game Pass will have day-one access to The Outer Wilds 2.

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  • Satya Nadella Justifies Microsoft Layoffs as AI Surpasses Gaming

    Satya Nadella Justifies Microsoft Layoffs as AI Surpasses Gaming

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft laid off over 15,000 workers in 2025, marking it as a challenging decision for CEO Satya Nadella.
    2. Despite layoffs, Microsoft reported strong financial performance with a record revenue of $245 billion and a profit of $109 billion.
    3. The company’s gaming division saw a 5% growth in Q3 2025, driven by Xbox Game Pass and new game launches like Call of Duty Black Ops 6.
    4. Significant project cancellations in the gaming division include the Perfect Dark Reboot and other high-profile titles, as Microsoft shifts focus to AI.
    5. Internal tensions arise as laid-off employees are reportedly replaced by AI tools, raising concerns about the future of innovation in the gaming sector.


    Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, recently spoke about the company’s major layoffs that impacted over 15,000 workers in 2025, referring to them as “the most difficult decisions we have to make” in a post on Microsoft’s official blog.

    Financial Performance

    Even after the cuts made in June 2025, which saw 9,100 employees let go, Nadella claimed that the company is “thriving.” He pointed out a record revenue of $245 billion, which marks a modest 16% increase from last year, and a profit of $109 billion, representing a 24% rise compared to the previous year.

    Gaming Division Insights

    In addition, Microsoft’s gaming sector, Xbox Game Studios, reported a growth of 5% in Q3 2025. This growth is attributed to Xbox Game Pass and popular first-party games like Call of Duty Black Ops 6, which recorded 3.8 million players on its launch day.

    Project Cancellations

    Nonetheless, the Xbox division has faced significant downsizing, including the scrapping of projects like the Perfect Dark Reboot and Everwild, which had been under development for almost ten years. Other cancellations include the well-received MMORPG Blackbird from ZeniMax Online Studio, an unannounced FPS from Romero Games, and the shutdown of The Initiative Studio.

    Satya Nadella explained that these layoffs are part of Microsoft’s strategic pivot towards AI, with 30% of the company’s code now being generated by AI, leading to a saving of $500 million in support centers alone. Microsoft has invested billions into AI, which has become the company’s main focus. Nadella further remarked:

    “Just imagine if all 8 billion people could summon a researcher, an analyst, or a coding agent at their fingertips, not just to get information, but to use their expertise to get things done that benefit them.”

    Internal Tensions and Market Reactions

    This change in strategy has caused some internal conflict, as employees laid off from King are allegedly being replaced by AI tools they helped create. Microsoft’s recent actions have sparked concerns among industry experts and gamers, who feel that the company is putting profits ahead of innovation.

    Despite the cancellations and closures, Microsoft maintains that it has over forty active projects in development. The company’s stock reached a historic peak of $514.15 on July 25, 2025, which seems to have kept investors calm amidst current gaming controversies.

    Industry Concerns

    However, observers in the video game sector are doubtful about Microsoft’s choices and their potential long-term effects, particularly in light of the cancellation of eagerly awaited titles and the departure of prominent talent.

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  • Nintendo Highlights Strong Employee Retention Amid Xbox Job Cuts

    Nintendo Highlights Strong Employee Retention Amid Xbox Job Cuts

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft reduced about 9,000 jobs, significantly impacting Xbox Game Studios and highlighting industry unpredictability.
    2. Nintendo has a much lower employee turnover rate, with less than 2% in Japan and 5.1% in America.
    3. A positive workplace culture and attractive benefits contribute to Nintendo’s high employee retention.
    4. Nintendo’s game development approach involves direct guidance from the company, unlike Microsoft’s global studio acquisitions.
    5. Nintendo faced controversy in 2022 regarding contract-based workers’ benefits and advancement opportunities.


    The reduction of about 9,000 jobs at Microsoft greatly influenced Xbox Game Studios. The gaming industry has become more unpredictable in recent times, impacting both publishers and developers. In contrast, Nintendo has managed to steer clear of this chaos, showing a lower employee turnover rate than the industry norm. New statistics support this, revealing that fewer than two percent of workers in Japan left their positions between April 2024 and March 2025.

    Lower Turnover Rates

    In other areas as well, the turnover rates were much lower than the average of 22.6%. Nintendo of America reported a turnover rate of 5.1%, while the European branch was at 6%. According to Nintendo Everything, once individuals are hired, they tend to remain with the company for a long time. In Japan, employees generally stay with the gaming leader for an average of 14 years, with slightly shorter durations in the U.S. and Europe.

    Workplace Culture and Employee Retention

    Experts have linked Nintendo’s positive workplace environment to the reason why its employees seldom seek other jobs. By concentrating on established successful intellectual properties, team members have a clear grasp of the company’s objectives. Additionally, Nintendo offers attractive benefits such as health insurance and paid time off.

    Different Development Approaches

    When it comes to game development, Nintendo operates differently than Xbox. Most first-party games for the Switch and Switch 2 are developed in Japan, and Nintendo takes a direct role in guiding its developers. On the other hand, Microsoft has acquired studios globally, but often ends up severing ties with many creators shortly after.

    While the spotlight has primarily been on the job cuts at Microsoft, Nintendo has faced its own share of controversy. In 2022, the company dealt with allegations related to contract-based positions at Nintendo of America. Temporary employees raised concerns with the National Labor Relations Board, citing inadequate benefits and limited opportunities for advancement when compared to full-time staff.

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  • Microsoft Focuses on New Fallout Games and Remasters After Changes

    Microsoft Focuses on New Fallout Games and Remasters After Changes

    Key Takeaways

    1. Fallout 3 Remastered is in development, with potential release using Unreal Engine 5.
    2. Fallout 5 is planned but may not be released until 2030 or later.
    3. Xbox Game Studios has faced challenges, including 9,000 layoffs and project cancellations like Perfect Dark.
    4. There are possibilities for remasters of Fallout 2 and a sequel to New Vegas.
    5. The second season of the Fallout TV series is set to premiere in December 2025.


    Considering that Fallout 76 was launched back in 2018, the followers of this post-apocalyptic RPG series are eagerly waiting for fresh quests. While Bethesda hasn’t officially announced any release dates, there are whispers that several games are currently in development. On the Friends Per Second podcast, Jordan Middler from Video Games Chronicle confirmed that Fallout 3 Remastered is indeed still being worked on. Additionally, Fallout 5 is on the horizon but might not make it until 2030 or beyond. Middler also mentioned a potential remaster of Fallout 2 and a sequel to New Vegas.

    Xbox Game Studios Challenges

    Part of the discussion focused on the recent issues within Xbox Game Studios. The elimination of 9,000 Microsoft positions has had an effect on the developers, resulting in the untimely cancellation of projects like Perfect Dark. Following the layoffs, Microsoft aims to concentrate on profitable Xbox franchises and intellectual properties, such as Fallout.

    Fallout 3 Remastered Anticipation

    Fallout 3 Remastered is likely one of the first titles ready for players. It’s thought that Obsidian Entertainment is collaborating with Virtuous, the studio that worked on Oblivion Remastered. Nonetheless, early leaks suggested a 2023 release, and Bethesda has not given an official statement. When this title eventually comes out, gamers can look forward to visuals enhanced by Unreal Engine 5.

    For those fans who don’t regard Fallout 76 as a core game, it has been ten years since Fallout 4 was released. Insiders aren’t expecting Fallout 5 to be revealed any time soon. Unfortunately, Middler also doesn’t see any signs of hurried development happening.

    Other Xbox Game Speculations

    What remains uncertain is the timeline for other Xbox titles hinted at during the podcast. Bethesda and Obsidian are exploring different spin-offs and remasters. One project, in particular, could thrill enthusiasts of the 2010 title Fallout: New Vegas.

    At this moment, the TV series will need to keep fans engaged until any new Fallout game becomes available. The second season of the Amazon-produced show is set to debut in December 2025.

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  • Xbox Exec’s AI Job Tips Spark Backlash After Industry Layoffs

    Xbox Exec’s AI Job Tips Spark Backlash After Industry Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft laid off 4% of its employees, totaling around 9,000 individuals.
    2. An Xbox Game Studios executive faced backlash for suggesting laid-off workers use AI tools for emotional support and job searching.
    3. The advice included using AI as a “career coach” to help with job applications and overcoming impostor syndrome.
    4. The gaming community criticized the advice as insensitive, especially given the context of layoffs linked to Microsoft’s AI investments.
    5. The layoffs impacted at least 13 game studios and resulted in the cancellation of three games, significantly affecting the industry.


    Microsoft has recently revealed that it has laid off 4% of its employees, which totals around 9,000 individuals. In the midst of this upheaval, an executive producer from Xbox Game Studios found himself facing backlash after sharing advice for those affected by the layoffs on LinkedIn, and understandably so.

    Insensitive Advice

    His suggestion to utilize AI tools like ChatGPT and Microsoft Copilot to cope with the emotional impact of job loss and prepare for future employment was not well-received by his former colleagues and others. Many viewed the advice as lacking sensitivity towards the situation.

    In a post that has since been deleted from LinkedIn, but was shared on Bluesky by Brandon Sheffield, Matt Turnbull encouraged employees to leverage AI tools to “lessen the emotional and cognitive burden that comes with losing a job.” He added:

    “These are tough times, and if you’re facing a layoff or even getting ready for one, you’re not on your own and you don’t have to face it alone.”

    AI as a Career Coach

    Turnbull proposed the idea of using AI as a “career coach” to assist in “forming a 30-day strategy to regroup, research new job opportunities, and start applying without feeling burnt out.” He went further to suggest using AI for tailoring resumes for various job openings, drafting new “About Me” sections, and contacting potential employers.

    He implied that the ex-employees might be dealing with impostor syndrome and shared a prompt that ignited outrage within the gaming sector and among laid-off employees:

    “I’m feeling impostor syndrome after being let go. Can you assist me in reframing this experience to remind me of my strengths?”

    Backlash from the Community

    This post faced fierce criticism from the gaming community and previous Microsoft employees. Eric Smith, a former producer at ZeniMax Online whose project was scrapped, responded bluntly, saying, “Read the room dude.”

    Numerous individuals noted that Turnbull’s comments were tone-deaf, particularly in light of Microsoft’s aggressive investment in AI—speculated to be a contributing factor to the layoffs. The company is set to invest nearly $80 billion on AI infrastructure in 2025 alone.

    The repercussions of these significant layoffs are ongoing, with at least 13 game studios being impacted, along with the cancellation of three games. Turn 10 Studios, for instance, saw 70 team members let go, which represents half of its staff. Meanwhile, ZeniMax Online’s recent MMORPG was canceled after almost seven years of development, coinciding with the departure of its studio founder, Matt Firor.

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  • Ninja Gaiden 4 Pre-Order Options: $999.99 PS5 Edition Available

    Ninja Gaiden 4 Pre-Order Options: $999.99 PS5 Edition Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date and Editions: Ninja Gaiden 4 is set to launch on October 21st, with Standard ($69.99) and Deluxe ($89.99) editions available for pre-order on PC, PS5, and Xbox.

    2. Pricing Error: Walmart mistakenly listed the PS5 version at $999.99, causing social media buzz, while the correct prices are significantly lower at other retailers.

    3. Game Pass Availability: Ninja Gaiden 4 will be available on day one for Xbox Game Pass, expanding access for subscribers.

    4. Deluxe Edition Extras: The Deluxe Edition includes the Yakumo skin, a weapon set, additional cosmetic items, and 50,000 NinjaCoin for unlocking new skills.

    5. Series Continuation: This installment marks the return of the Ninja Gaiden series after a 13-year break, featuring the younger character Yakumo instead of Ryu Hayabusa.


    The latest Xbox Games Showcase has unveiled that Ninja Gaiden 4 will be launched on October 21st. Pre-order details are now accessible, showcasing both Standard and Deluxe editions across PC, PS5, and Xbox platforms. Interestingly, one retailer has caught the spotlight due to what appears to be a pricing error. Walmart has set the price for the base PS5 version at an astonishing $999.99. In contrast, gamers can secure the hack-and-slash adventure at other retailers for the more standard price of $69.99 for the Standard version and $89.99 for the Deluxe edition.

    Pricing Errors and Marketplace Reactions

    Walmart’s listing likely serves as a SKU placeholder, allowing retailers to manage inventory even when prices aren’t established. Although many social media users acknowledge this as a mistake, there’s a growing concern among gamers regarding the rising costs of new games. Nintendo made waves with its announcement that Mario Kart World for the Switch 2 would be priced at $80. Following suit, Microsoft indicated that some first-party Xbox titles will see increased prices as well. Indeed, The Outer Worlds 2 is set to require an $80 investment at its release in October.

    Game Details and Availability

    Ninja Gaiden 4 will also be available on day one for Game Pass, created by Koei Tecmo and published under the Xbox Game Studios banner. The Standard Edition is priced at $69.99, but it’s important to highlight that disc versions are exclusively offered for the PS5. Meanwhile, Xbox titles that support Play Anywhere are increasingly being restricted to digital formats. As for pre-order incentives, the only bonus for the standard version is the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo skin.

    Deluxe Edition Features

    For those interested in the Deluxe Edition priced at $89.99, it includes the Yakumo skin as well as additional cosmetic items, the Divine Chimera Yakumo weapon set, and possibly future downloadable content. Players will also receive 50,000 NinjaCoin, which can be used to unlock new action skills.

    After a lengthy 13-year hiatus, Ninja Gaiden 4 marks the anticipated continuation of the series following the third installment. This time around, players will take control of the younger Yakumo rather than the iconic Ryu Hayabusa. With Koei Tecmo’s titles often featuring intense combat against multiple foes, there’s a mix of excitement and trepidation among fans as they await the Ninja Gaiden 4 release to discover the new obstacles it will present.

    The Wario64 X account has shared updates regarding Walmart’s listing.

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