Xbox Studios Face Closure, EA Launches In-Game Ads, Dead by Daylight
Jun 15, 2026 · 1mo ago
The gaming industry is bracing for another wave of massive disruption as Microsoft prepares for a sweeping organizational reset. Electronic Arts is introducing a controversial new way to monetize its titles, and one of multiplayer horror's biggest hits is celebrating a decade of survival.
Xbox Studios Face Closure as Microsoft Considers Major Restructuring
Microsoft is reportedly planning a massive "Xbox reset" that could result in the closure of several prominent game development studios . Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, is reportedly set to be shut down, though staff are hoping to find an external buyer . Other studios, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions, are currently in active negotiations with Microsoft to spin off and become independent entities to avoid being shuttered .
This turmoil coincides with major leadership departures, as Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have both stepped down from their roles . Amid these challenges, reports indicate that Microsoft is weighing options to spin Xbox off into its own separate subsidiary or restructure the division entirely to return it to profitability . Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently expressed frustration over Xbox's monetization, noting that platforms like YouTube monetize Xbox content better than Microsoft does .
Electronic Arts Launches EA Advertising to Put Ads Directly Into Gameplay
Electronic Arts has officially launched a new in-game advertising platform designed to integrate brand marketing directly into active gameplay . The publisher has already secured partnerships with major brands including Visa, Red Bull, Xfinity, Lowe's, Peacock, and Mountain Dew . While EA claims the platform will deliver ads in a non-disruptive manner, the initiative is aimed at scaling advertising capabilities across its global portfolio, particularly within sports titles like EA Sports FC and Madden NFL .
Dead by Daylight Celebrates 10th Anniversary With Terrifier DLC and Movie Director
Behaviour Interactive has detailed a massive roadmap for Dead by Daylight as the asymmetrical horror game celebrates its tenth anniversary . The studio announced a sweeping visual overhaul, upcoming modding support, and a crossover with Scooby-Doo . Art the Clown from the Terrifier franchise will join the roster in November 2026, and Icelandic filmmaker Thordur Palsson has been confirmed to direct the upcoming live-action Dead by Daylight movie adaptation .
UK Social Media Ban for Under-16s Will Exempt Multiplayer Video Games
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced plans to introduce a ban on social media platforms for children under the age of 16, targeting services like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram by spring 2027 . While the ban will apply to certain online communication services, the UK video games trade body UKIE welcomed the government's decision to classify video games separately from social media . This distinction ensures that online multiplayer gaming services will not be swept up in the ban, preserving access for younger players .
Zelda Ocarina of Time Remake Leak Points to Faithful Switch 2 Release
A briefly published and subsequently removed description on Nintendo's official website suggests the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time for the Nintendo Switch 2 will remain highly faithful to the 1998 original . The leaked text promised "timeless gameplay," implying that developer Nintendo is opting for a 1:1 recreation of the classic Nintendo 64 experience rather than a complete mechanical overhaul .
