Microsoft Culled Age of Empires Studio Before Handing It Over to Activision, With Nearly Half of All Staff Gone

ign.com Sep 24, 2026

Microsoft Culled Age of Empires Studio Before Handing It Over to Activision, With Nearly Half of All Staff Gone

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Sep 24, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft’s recent restructuring of its Xbox division led to the closure of the Age of Empires studio, World's Edge, with nearly 50% of its 268 employees laid off. The studio, which had overseen the franchise’s development, was transferred to Activision, but its next project was cancelled and many staff were dismissed. Employees reported the cuts via social media, citing disappointment and uncertainty about the studio’s future under Activision. The move follows Microsoft’s broader goal of eliminating 3,200 jobs this fiscal year.

💡 Why It Matters

· The loss of World’s Edge threatens the continuity of the Age of Empires series, a flagship franchise for Microsoft’s gaming portfolio.
· The layoffs signal a shift in strategic focus, potentially redirecting talent toward other high‑profile titles under Activision’s umbrella.

Read full article on ign.com

Major PlayStation Portal System Update Rolled Out for September

Sony Interactive Entertainment released PlayStation Portal system software update 7.1.7 on September 24, 2026, focusing on battery health and performance. The update changes charging behavior so the device defaults to 80% capacity, with users able to adjust limits via Settings > System > Battery. Charging above 80% may reduce battery longevity and stability. The firmware also improves overall system performance, screen usability, and requires the latest PlayStation Link device software for connectivity and headset compatibility. Updates for the Pulse Elite headset and PlayStation Link device were also issued.

💡 The new charging protocol protects the Portal’s battery life, extending device usability for gamers on the go. It also ensures seamless integration with PlayStation Link and headset accessories, maintaining a cohesive ecosystem.

ign.com · Sep 24

New Report Sheds Light on What Will — and Won’t — Return…

Bungie announced it will restore most of the vaulted content from Destiny 2, including original campaign missions, raids, and destinations, at no extra cost to players. The company clarified that seasonal content, holiday events, and future updates will not return, citing limited staff and a shift away from live‑service gameplay. The move follows backlash over the original removal of paid content and aims to stabilize the franchise after significant layoffs and the end of regular updates.

💡 Restoring legacy content gives long‑time players a chance to revisit key story moments, potentially reigniting interest in the Destiny universe and setting a foundation for future projects.

gamesradar.com · Sep 24

All +1 Loot to Forge codes (September 2026) and how to redeem…

The article announces the release of new +1 Loot to Forge promo codes for the Roblox game “Loot to Forge.” Players can redeem these codes in the in‑game shop to receive free coins, potions, rerolls, and other rewards that enhance training, forging, and inventory upgrades. The guide explains how to access the shop, enter a code, and claim the benefits, noting that the codes are currently active and may expire soon. The post also mentions general Roblox promo codes for broader use.

💡 By unlocking extra coins and gear, the codes give players a tangible advantage in progressing through the game’s cyclical training and forging stages. This boosts engagement and keeps the community active around the new content.

playstationlifestyle.net · Sep 24

PS5 Users Can Play Beloved PlayStation 2 Game Remaster for Free

Koei Tecmo released a free demo of Dynasty Warriors 3: Complete Edition Remastered on the PlayStation Store, allowing PS5 owners to try the upcoming 2026 remaster without a PS Plus subscription. The demo features the Battle of Hulao Gate with characters Zhao Yun, Guan Yu, Xiahou Dun, Zhen Ji, Zhou Yu, and Sun Shangxiang, and includes difficulty settings. Cloud streaming is available for PS Plus Premium members. Save data cannot transfer to the full game, and some demo elements may differ from the final release.

💡 The free demo gives fans early access to a highly anticipated remake, potentially boosting pre‑orders and shaping community expectations before the October launch.

eurogamer.net · Sep 24

Xbox’s version of PlayStation’s Platinum Trophy achievement seems to leak, and it’s…

Microsoft’s Xbox PC App has been updated with a new “Mythic Achievement,” a potential Platinum Trophy equivalent. The feature includes a laurel‑and‑star symbol and a 15‑second unlock sound. According to Xbox‑watcher Klobrille and TrueAchievements, Mythic Achievements carry zero Gamerscore and are retroactive, though no official confirmation has been released. The update follows remarks from Xbox executive Asha Sharma that a Platinum‑style reward is in development amid a broader achievement overhaul.

💡 Introducing a Platinum‑style reward aligns Xbox with PlayStation’s long‑standing completion badge, potentially reshaping competitive achievement culture and encouraging full game completion among players.

gamesradar.com · Sep 24

4 years after full launch, Quake Champions is a paid game on…

Four years after leaving early access, id Software and Bethesda announced that Quake Champions will transition to a fully paid model on Steam, removing battle passes and all microtransactions. The $10 title now grants access to the complete roster of champions and most cosmetic items, with all characters unlocked for every player. The change follows a period in which the game shifted from a traditional purchase price to a free‑to‑play structure that struggled to attract a large audience; its peak concurrent player count on SteamCharts was 17,332 in June 2018 and has since hovered in the low‑thousands. The developers also confirmed that no further content updates will be released, marking the end of the live‑service era for the shooter today.

💡 Stripping away the free‑to‑play model restores the classic, pay‑once experience that longtime FPS fans expect, giving the franchise a chance to rebuild its community on merit rather than monetisation.