🚨📢 BREAKING NEWS: Microsoft changes Game Pass, Roblox goes over 3K headcount, Ubisoft as usual :/
two & a half gamers · 2026-04-24
💡 Quick Take
1. Microsoft is adjusting Game Pass pricing and delaying Call of Duty's day-one inclusion.
2. Xbox is still committed to its mobile store and fostering an open mobile gaming future.
3. Roblox experienced significant workforce and revenue growth in 2025, driven by popular games.
4. Apple's CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, with John Turners taking over hardware engineering.
5. A new VC fund is launching with $50 million to invest in AI-driven games and entertainment startups.
6. T-Games is expanding into Vietnam, marking its first push into Southeast Asia.
7. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a massive global success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2026.
8. A Legend of Zelda live-action movie is slated for release on May 7th next year.
9. Ubisoft has reportedly canceled its life simulator project, Altera.
10. Turkey has passed legislation to increase control over gaming platforms like Steam and social media companies.
📊 Detailed Explanation
1. Microsoft is adjusting Game Pass pricing and delaying Call of Duty's day-one inclusion. This is a strategic move following feedback and a change in leadership at Microsoft Gaming. The price for Game Pass has dropped from $29.99 to $22.99. Importantly, Call of Duty won't be a day-one launch title for about a year after its release, meaning a holiday release would see it added to Game Pass the following year. This suggests a focus on optimizing profitability and potentially recouping investment before wider access.
2. Xbox is still committed to its mobile store and fostering an open mobile gaming future. Despite previous speculation, Xbox's new leadership, Asha Sharma, has affirmed that the Xbox mobile store is not dead. This indicates a continued belief in the importance of mobile competition and a desire for a more open ecosystem in mobile gaming. This is a significant statement given the current landscape of mobile gaming platforms.
3. Roblox experienced significant workforce and revenue growth in 2025, driven by popular games. Roblox saw a 24% increase in its workforce, now exceeding 3,000 full-time staff. Revenue for 2025 reached nearly $5 billion, a 36% jump from the previous year, largely fueled by hits like "Steel Brain Road" and "Grow a Garden." While growth might consolidate, this shows the platform's continued momentum.
4. Apple's CEO Tim Cook is stepping down, with John Turners taking over hardware engineering. After a remarkable 15-year tenure where he oversaw a tenfold increase in Apple's valuation, Tim Cook is stepping down as CEO on September 1st. He will be succeeded by John Turners, the VP of hardware engineering. This transition is seen as expected and marks a significant leadership change for the tech giant.
5. A new VC fund is launching with $50 million to invest in AI-driven games and entertainment startups. This fund, headed by Burak Ilmas and Mike Fisher, signals a strong belief in the future of AI in gaming and entertainment. It's a clear indicator that investment is flowing into this burgeoning sector, with one founder originating from Turkey and previously involved with Bplay Ventures.
6. T-Games is expanding into Vietnam, marking its first push into Southeast Asia. Through a partnership with Bag Master Isekai, T-Games is entering the Vietnamese market. This is highlighted as a significant growth opportunity, with Vietnam being a rapidly developing market with a hungry and eager audience. The speaker anticipates this region becoming a major hub for M&A activity in the future.
7. The Super Mario Bros. Movie is a massive global success, becoming the highest-grossing film of 2026. The film has surpassed $755 million globally, solidifying its position as the top-grossing film of 2026. This success builds on the franchise's strong performance, with the overall Mario brand now exceeding $2 billion at the global box office.
8. A Legend of Zelda live-action movie is slated for release on May 7th next year. Following the success of the Mario movie, a live-action adaptation of The Legend of Zelda is confirmed for release next year. While live-action adaptations can be hit or miss, this is a highly anticipated release for fans.
9. Ubisoft has reportedly canceled its life simulator project, Altera. This project, described as being 18 months in development and similar to Animal Crossing, has been axed by Ubisoft. This is part of a pattern of Ubisoft canceling projects, which the speaker notes is typical behavior for the company, often involving studio closures or cost-cutting measures.
10. Turkey has passed legislation to increase control over gaming platforms like Steam and social media companies. This new bill requires gaming platforms with over 100,000 daily users in Turkey to appoint a local representative and respond to government requests within strict timeframes. Social media platforms are also facing new restrictions, including a ban for children under 15, mirroring trends seen in other markets like Australia.
🎯 Expert Opinion
This week's news paints a fascinating picture of shifts and consolidations within the gaming and tech industries. Microsoft's move with Game Pass, while seemingly a step back for immediate Call of Duty access, is a shrewd play for long-term ecosystem health and revenue optimization under new leadership. The reaffirmation of the Xbox mobile store is particularly interesting; it signals a potential pivot towards a more open, cross-platform future, which could be a significant disruptor if executed well. We're seeing a clear strategy to build out their own channels rather than relying solely on existing app stores, which is a smart move in the evolving mobile landscape.
Roblox's continued growth is impressive, but the mention of impending regulation and scrutiny is a critical point. As these platforms become de facto social spaces for younger demographics, governments worldwide are understandably looking to implement safeguards. This will be a major challenge for Roblox and similar platforms – balancing user experience and growth with compliance and ethical considerations. The success of the Super Mario Bros. Movie and the upcoming Zelda adaptation underscore the immense power of established IP in the entertainment space. This trend is likely to continue, with studios increasingly looking to leverage beloved gaming franchises for cross-media success. However, the success of live-action adaptations remains a high-stakes gamble, and Zelda will be a key test case.
Ubisoft's project cancellations are sadly becoming a recurring theme. While the exact reasons for Altera's demise aren't detailed, it points to a company struggling with strategic direction and perhaps a portfolio that's not aligning with current market demands or internal financial goals. This pattern of "kill and consolidate" is unsustainable long-term and suggests deeper structural issues that need addressing. The emergence of AI-focused VC funds is a clear signal of where the industry believes the future lies. We're on the cusp of significant innovation in AI-driven game development and player experiences, and the companies that can effectively integrate AI will likely lead the next wave. However, the "grapevine" analogy for AI games is apt – the potential is immense, but actual, polished releases are still a bottleneck. Finally, Turkey's new legislation is a microcosm of a global trend: governments asserting more control over digital platforms. This isn't just about age ratings; it's about data localization, accountability, and influence. Platforms operating internationally will need to navigate an increasingly complex web of regulations, and those that can adapt and comply will thrive. The implications for platforms like Roblox, which are central to young people's digital lives, are profound and could reshape how these services operate in key markets.
Kanal: two & a half gamers