Highguard has done the most amazing race to the bottom we've ever seen.
It has managed to out-concord Concord!
But that's not all the drama for this week.
Ubisoft has decided to Ubisoft all over themselves yet again, Xbox Wrapped didn't happen because apparently Microsoft ran out of money and people are still developing for the Xbox One...
Welcome to the start of 2026, I suppose.
đŽEverything Announced at Xbox Developer Direct 2026
Xbox Developer Direct 2026 focused on four games, all launching in 2026: Forza Horizon 6, Fable, Beast of Reincarnation, and Double Fineâs surprise new title Kiln. The show leaned into extended gameplay and developer commentary, with Playground Games, Game Freak, and Double Fine all explaining how and why theyâre building these projects. A key message was predictability and varietyâno vague CG teases, just games youâll actually play this year. How do you feel about it? Because we're not very impressed (apart from Fable of course).
And now the Ubisoft news...
đ§âđźUbisoft Team Lead Suspended Over RTO Comments
An Assassinâs Creed level designer reported being suspended for publicly criticising Ubisoftâs newly enforced full returnâtoâoffice policy. The suspension was described as âunpaid disciplinary leaveâ for an alleged breach of loyalty. This incident sparked internal frustration over inconsistent RTO enforcement across Ubisoft studios.
đĽ Ubisoft Cancels Six Projects, Closes Two Studios, Confirms Layoffs
The cancellations included the longâtroubled Prince of Persia: Sands of Time remake. Ubisoft cited financial pressure and restructuring as the reason for the cuts. Global searches for âUbisoft layoffs 2025/2026â surged as the scale of the cuts became clear.
âď¸ Former Assassinâs Creed Boss Sues Ubisoft for CAD $1.3 Million
A former Assassinâs Creed director filed a lawsuit alleging âdisguised dismissalâ intended to avoid severance obligations. The claim argues Ubisoft used restructuring as a pretext for termination. Ubisoft has not issued a public response.
𧨠Ubisoft Layoffs Continue â 55 Staff Cut at Massive & Stockholm
Ubisoft confirmed a new wave of layoffs affecting approximately 55 roles across Massive Entertainment (MalmĂś) and Ubisoft Stockholm. These cuts follow a voluntary exit program from the previous year and are part of ongoing costâreduction efforts. The studios will continue work on The Division and Avatar projects, but fans are increasingly concerned about longâterm stability.
But let's get back to gaming... Kinda.
đšď¸ Xbox One Still Getting 40+ New Games in 2026
Despite being two generations old, the Xbox One is confirmed to receive over 40 new titles in 2026. Many are crossâgen indies, but several AA releases are included. This extends the consoleâs lifespan far beyond industry expectations.
đ Xbox Wrapped 2025 Cancelled Due to Budget Cuts
A new report claims Xbox Wrapped 2025 wonât happen due to marketing budget constraints. Fans are disappointed, as Wrapped has become a beloved annual tradition. Microsoft has not confirmed whether the feature will return in 2026.
đłđż NZ Video Game Sector Grows 38% Despite Global Decline
New Zealandâs gaming industry has grown 38% yearâoverâyear, outperforming global markets. Local studios credit strong government support and increased international contracting. The sector now contributes significantly to NZâs digital economy. NZ represent!
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