Over 300 quality assurance workers at Microsoft's (NASDAQ:MSFT) ZeniMax Media have达成a tentative contract agreement with the tech giant, marking a first in the video game industry. This agreement comes after Microsoft completed its $7.5 billion acquisition of ZeniMax in 2021. The contract signifies a significant step towards better labor practices within the gaming sector, highlighting improved relations between tech giants and their employees. This development could set a precedent for future agreements in the industry, potentially influencing working conditions and rights for game industry workers globally.

Frosty Games Fest, debuting in 2025, will showcase over 50 video games from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand, streaming live on YouTube and Twitch starting June 7 at 7PM ET. Hosted by regional industry professionals Amy Potter, Kieron Verbrugge, Lucy Mutimer, and Pritika Sachdev, the event highlights both upcoming and recently released titles from Oceania. Notable games include *Sub-Verge*, a psychological puzzle game, and *Winnie’s Hole*, a roguelite inspired by Winnie the Pooh. Additionally, Melbourne-based 10PM Club will premiere the teaser for *REAPRIEVE*, a narrative-driven game about memory deletion. Co-streamers will offer alternative viewing options via Frosty Games Fest’s Bluesky account. This inaugural festival complements the broader gaming announcements at Summer Game Fest 2025.

In today's climate, being a fan of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter can be challenging due to controversies surrounding J.K. Rowling's transphobic statements. Despite this, "Hogwarts Legacy," an action RPG released in 2023, offers fans an immersive wizarding experience set in an open world. Although sales remain strong, some former fans avoid engaging with new content linked to Rowling. For those seeking alternatives, numerous games provide similar experiences. Titles like "The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild," "Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order," and "Persona 5" blend expansive worlds, character development, and engaging narratives. Other recommendations include "Red Dead Redemption 2," "The Witcher III," and "Dragon Age: Inquisition," each offering rich storytelling and gameplay mechanics akin to "Hogwarts Legacy." These games cater to fans of exploration, role-playing, and magical or fantastical adventures, providing diverse options for gamers interested in expansive universes.

Asmodee Games, headquartered in Roseville, plans to resume its strategy of acquiring smaller game publishers and distributors, viewing tariff volatility as a purchasing opportunity. This news was discussed on WJON's bi-weekly board gaming show, Table Talk, which also reviewed Asmodee's previous acquisitions, including Days of Wonder and Fantasy Flight Games. William Pankratz from Games By James highlighted recent game releases such as "Slay the Spire," expansions for "Earth" and "Heat: Pedal to the Metal," and the new game "Pergola." The show concluded with updates on crowdfunding campaigns for "Clash of Clans" and "Morph," encouraging listeners to tune in every other week for more board gaming insights.

Elden Ring Nightreign has officially launched, challenging players to survive on the island of Limveld and defeat the Nightlord. While the game is designed for team play, solo players face significant difficulties due to boss mechanics intended for three players. In response, developer FromSoftware announced patch 1.02, which introduces automatic revival for solo players during boss battles and increases rune acquisition. These changes aim to make solo expeditions more manageable. Runes serve as both currency and experience points, crucial for leveling up to effectively combat bosses. Patch 1.02 is set for release next week, following patch 1.01, which slightly eased solo gameplay. Elden Ring Nightreign is available across multiple platforms for $40, independent of the original Elden Ring ownership.

The NYT Connections game updates daily at midnight, offering players a grid of 16 words to categorize into four groups based on their connections. This abstract focuses on the June 2 edition, providing hints and solutions for the word puzzle. Categories include 'expedition,' 'hold dear,' 'words whose only vowel is "Y,"' and 'names ending in "K" plus word.' The article also mentions a welcoming Discord community for game enthusiasts and emphasizes living authentically, celebrating Pride Month with music recommendations like "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan. With solutions revealed, players are encouraged to engage further through subscriptions, social sharing, and Kris's ongoing blog coverage.

Bendy and the Dark Revival, the sequel to Bendy and the Ink Machine, is set for a physical release on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on September 26th, with a digital launch on July 11th for PS5, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch. Players will join Audrey, an animator trapped in Bendy's cartoon world, as she battles dark monsters and solves puzzles to escape the studio. The game introduces new mechanics and abilities for an action-packed experience. Pre-orders for the physical edition, which includes an exclusive pin, are now open. Additionally, Bendy and the Ink Machine will get a physical release on PlayStation 5 on June 27th. Fans must confront horrors like the Ink Demon to uncover the truth and survive.

In Jacksonville, Florida, a man in his late 30s was critically injured in a shooting incident on Saturday night. According to the Sheriff’s Office, the victim suffered a gunshot wound to the neck during an argument that erupted while he and the suspect were playing video games. The suspect, who pulled out a handgun during the altercation, was detained at the scene. All parties are cooperating with investigators. The incident is considered isolated, with no ongoing public threat. The victim was hospitalized for serious injuries.

Nintendo predicts it will sell 15 million Switch 2 units in the current financial year, a target analysts consider conservative. By examining past Nintendo console launches, we can contextualize this forecast. The Game Boy Advance and 3DS hold the top two launch records with approximately 18.1 million and 15.03 million units sold in their first four quarters, respectively. Both were sequels to major hits but didn't surpass their predecessors' lifetime sales. The Switch and Wii are the only consoles to exceed 10 million units in their first year and 100 million lifetime sales. A strong initial sell-out doesn't guarantee long-term success, as seen with the Wii U's decline after a decent start. If the Switch 2 meets its target, it would rank highly among Nintendo launches, though historical trends suggest it might not reach the heights of more innovative predecessors.

[3DSage] recreated the Codec from Metal Gear Solid as a functional prop, blending movie-inspired design with practical technology. This build features an RP2040 microcontroller, MPU6050 motion sensors for interactive control, and a small LCD screen displaying authentic in-game graphics, including simulated static noise. Audio communication is handled by a modified children's walkie-talkie with an upgraded microphone, powered by a custom rechargeable 9V lithium-ion battery. The aesthetic focuses heavily on replicating the military-style appearance of the Codec, using detailed 3D-printed enclosures with textures and multi-color printing. While essentially a sophisticated walkie-talkie, it faithfully mimics the functionality seen in the games, appealing to fans of props like Pip-Boys or tricorders.

The Street Fighter series, originating in 1987, revolutionized gaming with its one-vs-one fighting concept. The iconic Hadōken and Shōryūken became cultural phenomena, symbolizing accessible yet deep competitive gameplay. While the original Street Fighter laid foundational concepts, it was Street Fighter II (1991) that perfected the formula, becoming a cultural juggernaut. Subsequent entries like Street Fighter III and IV expanded on this foundation, with III offering mechanical complexity and IV revitalizing the genre in 2008 amidst changing gaming landscapes. Street Fighter V faced initial criticism but improved over time, while Street Fighter VI successfully blends nostalgia with modern accessibility features, ensuring the franchise's continued relevance in both casual and esports spheres. Despite various reissues and sub-series, the legacy of Street Fighter endures through its impact on digital entertainment and competitive gaming communities.

People Can Fly has canceled two unannounced games, Project Gemini and Project Bifrost, citing publisher disagreements and financial constraints. Project Gemini, intended for publication by Square Enix, was halted due to a lack of communication regarding milestone terms. Project Bifrost, a VR game, was suspended following a cash flow analysis revealing insufficient resources for its continuation. Over 30 developers were laid off last January as a result. CEO Sebastian Wojciechowski expressed regret and gratitude for the team's efforts. The studio, known for titles like Painkiller, Bulletstorm, and Outriders, continues to work on multiple projects, including Gears of War: E-Day and an unannounced PlayStation IP game. Previously, People Can Fly also canceled Project Dagger, an action RPG, after it was dropped by Take-Two Interactive.