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Assassin’s Creed 4 Voice Actor Threatened With Legal Action By Ubisoft Following Remake Slip Up

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  • Matt Ryan, the voice of Edward Kenway, teased Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Remake not too long ago.
  • Following this tease, the voice actor refused to comment on the game.
  • He stated that Ubisoft threatened to sue him after the previous tease, leaving him with no option but to remain silent.

Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Remake has been one of the industry’s worst-kept secrets this year. Between teasers from sources like Edward’s voice actor and several social media pages, the game is basically known to the public already.

However, Ubisoft still appears to be keeping the remake a secret. According to Edward’s voice actor, the publisher even threatened legal action following his recent teaser.

Why it matters: Studios don’t typically respond so strongly to indirect messages from voice actors or developers.

Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag Remake
Matt Ryan Seems To Be Reprising His Role In The Remake

A recent TikTok video on Twitter shows a fan asking voice actor Matt Ryan about the upcoming remake.

He was quick to dodge the question and responded that he did not know much. The voice actor also stated that he got in trouble with Ubisoft for his previous statement, with the publisher threatening to sue him.

Matt Ryan explained that he did not know his previous statement was being recorded. This was why he so openly teased Assassin’s Creed 4 Remake, but the voice actor is no longer willing to discuss the subject.

I don’t know mate. The company threatened to sue me, so I say nothing.

-Matt Ryan

Although there were no doubts, Ubisoft’s reaction basically confirms that the remake is real. Threatening to sue a voice actor is a particularly strong reaction since game development casts have been known to spill such secrets in the past.

Assassin's Creed 4 Black Flag
Assassin’s Creed 4 Black Flag Originally Launched 12 Years Ago

Perhaps Ubisoft is planning a grand reveal for an upcoming event like Gamescom Opening Night Live on August 19, potentially warranting such a strong reaction.

What do you think about Ubisoft’s response to the voice actor teasing Assassin’s Creed 4 Remake? Do you think the remake will be shown soon? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

New Sony Patent Could Drastically Reduce Size of AAA Games

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  • Sony’s new patent aims to shrink AAA game sizes by rethinking texture rendering.
  • AAA games reach 100 GB due to high-quality textures, and Sony aims to solve this issue.
  • The company proposes using intermediate files to reference textures instead of accessing them directly during gameplay.

AAA games have come a long way in the last decade, but as a drawback, the storage size required for them has also increased significantly. There has been no major fix to this issue so far, but a patent suggests that Sony might be working on one right now.

We have discovered a new Sony patent that talks about a unique method to drastically reduce the size of AAA games. The company wants to change the way high-quality textures are stored and rendered in AAA games to trim the overall file size.

Sony suggests using intermediate files, like SVG or other compressed formats, to reference textures instead of accessing them directly during gameplay.

 rendering of image content … [Can Use] intermediate files which reference one or more stored textures, rather than directly accessing the textures. An intermediate file may be any file, such as an SVG, which indicates at least a portion of a texture that is to be used when rendering the object (or element).

Why it matters: Sony’s new patent could revolutionize game development by removing size constraints.

The figure shows an image generation method and an example of texture sampling.

The patent called ‘IMAGE RENDERING SYSTEM AND METHOD’ discusses a method to reduce the size of AAA games so that developers can further push the boundaries of visuals and other technical features in the future. 

Sony argues in the patent that game sizes have reached over 100 GB these days, which is limiting developers and becoming a problem for gamers. So, using intermediate files instead of relying on detailed and size-heavy textures can solve this issue.

One big contributor to this increased storage requirement is the use of increasingly large, complex, and/or detailed textures for generating images of a virtual environment and elements within it.

The image shows a system and method for rendering images for display.

Sony also claims that drastically reducing the size of AAA games can further improve their performance and lower loading times, leading to richer visuals needing lower system requirements.

Sony has also secured numerous other patents in the past, including one for a 3D grid-shaped controller that physically deforms to provide immersive gameplay and another for a universal demo creation system that enables players to quickly try out chunks of gameplay.

Do you think the new system to handle textures of AAA games will help reduce their size significantly? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

PlayStation Partners With Oblivion 4 Remastered Dev After Recent Layoffs

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  • PlayStation has partnered with Virtuos Games after the recent layoffs.
  • The studio recently worked on The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered.
  • It is likely to support the development of remakes, remasters and even PC ports.

The gaming industry has seen thousands of layoffs over the last two years. While many companies like Microsoft are doing layoffs to focus more on AI, others are doing so because of poor releases.

Among many studios, Virtuos Games was also part of recent layoffs as the studio had to cut hundreds of jobs. However, it has now been announced that the studio has partnered with PlayStation as a support studio.

Why it matters: Virtuos Games is undoubtedly one of the most successful support studios in the industry, and it will help PlayStation big time with future releases. 

PlayStation Strategic Partnerships With Virtuos Games
PlayStation Announces Strategic Partnerships With Virtuos Games.

Just recently, it was announced that PlayStation is partnering up with RichTap and Virtuos Games as strategic partners, and both studios will help PlayStation achieve its goals.

While it’s unknown what Virtuos Games will be doing for PlayStation, it is likely to support Remakes, Remasters, and even PC ports. The studio is known for developing high-quality PC ports.

The studio may also co-develop a new triple-A IP for PlayStation, but little has been disclosed about it. Therefore, it is best to wait for more information regarding their work.

Oblivion Remaster
Oblivion Remastered Was A Recent Hit From The Studio.

It still appears to be a solid deal between PlayStation and the Elder Scrolls 4 Remastered developers. The recent title from the studio was a huge hit, ranking as the third best-selling game this year in the US.

Nonetheless, what do you think about this? Do you think PlayStation needed a studio like Virtuos Games to release better PC ports? Share your opinions with us in the comments or join the Tech4Gamers forums.

Sony Is Funding Multiple New PS5 Games In China Hero Project Phase 4

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  • Sony has come forward with new announcements and game showcases at its pre-China Joy 2025 event.
  • The company is funding multiple games as part of the PlayStation China Hero Project Phase 4, including a new third-person shooter.
  • The main event will showcase an ambitious lineup of games, including Unending Dawn and Tang Legends: Silent Strings.

The Chinese gaming market has made huge strides in the last few years, and Sony has played a big role in bringing that talent to the surface. Now, Sony is about to begin Phase 4 of its China Hero Project, which means even more appealing Chinese titles are on the way. 

As part of its pre-China Joy 2025 event, Sony has made new announcements and game reveals. The firm is funding multiple new PS5 projects as it enters Phase 4, with many other projects to be revealed in the near future.

Why it matters: After seeing staggering success in the first three phases, Sony is officially entering the PlayStation China Hero Project Phase 4. We will likely see the company fund many projects and turn them into PlayStation exclusives in the coming months. 

Sony is financing multiple new projects as part of the China Hero Project Phase 4.

Sony is funding a high-speed third-person shooter, Exiledge, which blends character action with gunplay elements. It was announced as one of the China Hero Project titles in Phase 3, but is now receiving full backing from Sony and is rumored to be a PS5 exclusive.

The company is also funding Daba: Land of Water Scar, which is an action title centered around the tale of a ‘humanoid clay puppet.’

On the other hand, Sony also announced a strategic partnership with the Metal Gear Solid Remake and Oblivion Remastered developer, Virtuous.

We can also expect more gameplay trailers and announcements throughout the weekend, as much more will be revealed through the rest of the event.

Sony has also funded Lost Soul Aside, which is expected to launch on August 29, 2025, for PC and PlayStation 5. The main event will also highlight projects like Unending Dawn, Tang Legends: Silent Strings, Phantom Blade Zero, and more.

Do you think Sony’s PlayStation 5 will soon have a slew of Chinese hits as part of its exclusive portfolio in Phase 4? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

PS6 To Use AMD Orion Zen 6 CPU + RDNA 5 (UDNA) GPU Coupled With 24GB of RAM

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  • Sony plans to release the PlayStation 6 in 2028.
  • A new portable console is also being developed, using a less powerful version of the same architecture to ensure game compatibility.
  • The portable handheld console will target 1080p resolutions and will be able to play PS4, PS5, and PS6 games.

Sony has been developing consoles for over 30 years, and the PS2 has been its best-selling console so far. After a few months, their current-gen console, PS5, will be 5 years old. Today, Sony’s Shuhei Yoshida announced that the PlayStation 6 would arrive in 2028, although the launch date is yet to be revealed.

Regarding the PS6 desktop, it will use a UDNA architecture, which is the combination of RDNA and CDNA. Moore’s Law is Dead, previously, that there will be two new generations of APUs.

The first one of these APUs will be Orion, the SoC that will power the future PS6 desktop. If we assume the console will arrive in 2028, this APU will provide a mix of a Zen 6 CPU + RDNA 5 (UDNA) GPU, which is essentially the next generation of hardware we now have.

It is said to feature up to 24GB of RAM, which is 8GB more than the PS5 currently has. This may sound like a small amount, but keep in mind that RAM and VRAM share this capacity.

PS6 Portable

The future PS6 Portable will be powered by the APU named Canis. Sony wants to release a new portable device following the failure of the Vita. Although its specifications are unknown, it is rumoured to feature the same Zen 6 and UDNA CPU configuration, but will be far less powerful.

Using the same architecture will allow Sony to make the consoles more similar, reducing development time and enhancing compatibility between the two.

The PS6 portable will be intended to play games at 1080p resolution, which will allow it to play PS4, PS5, and even PS6 games. Seen in this light, and assuming the price is competitive, it has the potential to sell exceptionally well, given that it will outperform the Switch 2 in terms of performance and will be able to play next-generation titles.

Another detail is that MLID states the PS6 Portable might be revealed in 12-18 months, indicating that it would be released earlier than expected.

Konami Marks Record Q1 Profits For Second Year In A Row

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  • Konami records another profitable Q1 with a 14% increase in revenue from last year.
  • Its Digital Entertainment business largely led the company’s profits.
  • It is expecting even better results with the launch of Metal Gear and Silent Hill f.

Konami is one of the biggest names in the gaming industry. Known for some of the world’s biggest franchises, the company continues to achieve great results in terms of revenue and profits. This year, it has once again generated great numbers.

According to Konami’s latest financial report, it achieved record Q1 profits for the second year in a row, this time even beating last year’s numbers. Its Digital Entertainment business essentially drives that.

Why it matters: Konami has already had a successful year so far based on the profits, but the company is expecting even better numbers considering they will be releasing Metal Gear Solid Snake Eater and Silent Hill f. 

Konami marks a successful Q1 with increased profits.

Based on the company’s Q1 earnings, it recorded highs for the first quarter for two consecutive fiscal years in total revenue, business profit, operating profit, and profit before income taxes, thanks to its digital sales.

The revenue increased by 14.2% year-on-year basis, while the business profit saw an increase of 17.0%. The digital sales that led the profits include titles like eFootball, eBaseball, and Konami’s slot machines.

The consolidated results saw record profits for the second year in a row.

The company is expecting an even bigger increase for the rest of the year as it has multiple esports tournaments planned with huge collaborations. Also, they will finally be releasing the Metal Gear remake, which is already a huge franchise.

Based on how well Silent Hill 2 Remake did, Konami is expecting Silent Hill f to follow suit. They have also already announced the original Silent Hill Remake, which has begun development. So, all in all, Konami seems to be on the right path. 

What are your thoughts on Konami achieving record Q1 profits for a second year in a row? Let us know your opinions in the comments or join the discussion at the Tech4Gamers forum.

Mafia: The Old Country Focuses on Knife Combat with Limited Ammo

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  • Mafia: The Old Country will have a linear, story-based structure instead of a large open world.
  • The gameplay is changing to focus on knife fights and limited ammunition, rather than constant gunfights.
  • The knife combat is based on real Sicilian fighting styles, featuring various knives.

Mafia: The Old Country is going back to the series’ original style. Instead of a big open world, it offers a more linear story and more straightforward gameplay. This new direction is most apparent in its combat, which emphasizes the brutal intimacy of knife fighting and the tension of limited ammunition.

Why it matters: The Mafia franchise is known for its guns-blazing action, so it’s interesting to see the developers introduce knife fights amidst gun fights.

A new trailer shows off the intense knife fights in Mafia: The Old Country. In these up-close battles, enemies sometimes drop their guns to take on Enzo Favara in a fair fight, with blades. Players will slash, dodge, and push for advantage instead of button‑mashing.

The team behind the game looked into authentic Sicilian knife styles and fighting techniques known as Paranza Corta. Enzo uses different kinds of knives; some can be thrown, others are better for sneaky attacks.

Each knife works a little differently. Some of the biggest fights are planned boss battles, full of danger and drama.

The setting matters. In rural Sicily during the 1900s, guns were hard to find, and every bullet counted. Players have to rely on knives or sneak up on enemies to save ammo.

One trailer snippet shows Enzo taking down a room with only four bullets, then using a throwing knife to finish the last target. Guns still matter, but stealthy moves pay off more. Enzo can miss shots or run out of bullets, so players need to decide fast: switch weapons or jump into close combat.

Mafia: The Old Country
Players must conserve ammo, making stealth and melee attacks a necessary part of Mafia: The Old Country.

Unlike Mafia III’s open world, The Old Country tells a more focused, movie-like story. It puts the spotlight on stealth, chasing on horseback, and intense one-on-one knife fights instead of constant gun battles. The developers say they wanted violence to carry weight, not cheap spectacle.

Are you excited to play Mafia: The Old Country when it launches on August 8? Let us know in the comments below, or join the discussion on the Tech4Gamers forum.

Silent Hill F Was Almost Set In A Real Japanese Location Called Silent Hill

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  • Silent Hill F is set in fictional Ebisugaoka, a town inspired by the Japanese Gifu Prefecture.
  • The game was almost set in the town of Shizuoka, which literally means ‘Silent Hill’ when translated.
  • However, Konami decided against using this location due to Mount Fuji’s presence in the background.

Konami’s upcoming horror game, Silent Hill F, is set to launch on September 25th. The game promises a return to the series’ signature horror thrills with an added dose of action gameplay after the success of Silent Hill 2 Remake.

Silent Hill F takes players to the fictional setting of Ebisugaoka, which was inspired by various real Japanese locations. However, according to the developers, the game was almost set in the real Silent Hill.

Why it matters: This location would have served as an interesting nod to the series’ actual title. At the same time, fans living in the town would have been pleased to see representation in the IP.

silent hill f
The Main Concept For The Game Is Finding the Beauty In Terror

Speaking to Famitsu, scenario writer Ryukishi07, famous for his work on Higurashi, explained that the team initially hoped to write Silent Hill F around Japan’s Shizuoka Prefecture.

This choice was made deliberately since Shizuoka literally translates to ‘Silent Hill.’ Unfortunately, the 12,000-foot-tall Mount Fuji is clearly visible in Shizuoka, raising concerns about the mountain overshadowing other parts of Silent Hill F.

Ryukishi explained that the team believed Mount Fuji’s presence would overwhelm everything else in the setting, which is why the developers ultimately decided against Shizuoka.

This decision was made after the team visited Shizuoka as a potential location for the game. Ultimately, Ryukishi07 landed on a fictional location inspired by the Gifu Prefecture.

Discussing the setting, Ryukishi07 previously noted that Silent Hill F’s setting was picked due to its highly unique townscape. The author previously also used Japan’s Gifu Prefecture for the fictional setting of Higurashi.

What do you think about Silent Hill F and its fictional location so far? Do you think Japan’s real Silent Hill would have been a better choice? Let’s discuss in the comments and on the Tech4Gamers Forums.

Cronos: The New Dawn Release Date Leaked, Releasing on Sep 5th, 2025

Update: During the Nintendo Direct, the game’s trailer was released, revealing its release date of September 5, confirming the leak. 

Original Story:

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  • Bloober Team’s upcoming highly anticipated title, Cronos: The New Dawn, has had its release date leaked. 
  • According to True Achievements, the game is set to release on September 5th, 2025. 
  • The title was revealed to be released in either the third or fourth quarter of 2025, so this release date aligns with that. 

Cronos: The New Dawn is one of the most anticipated horror games. After Bloober Team’s brilliant work on the Silent Hill 2 Remake, the fandom has been waiting for its next project quite patiently. 

While there were a lot of concerns regarding the developer’s competence after the Silent 2 Remake’s release, no such worries remain. Bloober Team’s upcoming game is a survival horror that is said to release either during Q3 or Q4 of 2025. However, it seems like the release date has been leaked, and it is coming on September 5th, 2025

Why it matters: Cronos: The New Dawn has already received a lot of positive reception. It is being compared to the likes of Resident Evil, Silent Hill, and Dead Space.

Cronos: The New Dawn Release Date
Bloober Team’s Upcoming Survival Horror Title’s Release Date Has Been Leaked

The developer has been quiet about the release of Cronos: Then New Dawn, but it has been confirmed that it is set to release this year. To be precise, it is set to release anytime during Q3 or Q4 of 2024

The game’s release date has been leaked by the True Achievements FAQ section. The website has also revealed all of its achievements. Bloober Team’s upcoming survival horror title boasts 47 achievements and is set to release on September 5, 2025

When does Cronos: The New Dawn release on Xbox?

Cronos: The New Dawn will be released on September 5th, 2025.

On the official Xbox page, the release date isn’t mentioned. However, True Achievements is a reliable platform when it comes to leaked releases specifically related to the Xbox store. It also aligns with the release window of the game. 

So far, the game looks pretty good, so if the release date is set to 5th September, it is unlikely to be delayed. It should also be noted that in the same month, on 25th September, Silent Hill f will be released, so the horror genre fandom is eating well

What are your thoughts on the leaked release date? Are you excited for September? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below, or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion

Hideo Kojima Says All AAA Games Look The Same And The Industry Needs Something New

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  • Hideo Kojima thinks most AAA titles have the same concept and ideas with minimal differences.
  • The Japanese developer criticised trailers at Summer Games Fest, saying they all involved fighting a monster.
  • Kojima emphasized the need to introduce new things into the industry.

Hideo Kojima is one of the most influential contemporary voices in the gaming world. creating one generational game after another. The legendary game designer has amassed a lot of goodwill in the industry thanks to elevating projects like Death Stranding 2.

But, in the current gaming climate, it does feel like Kojima is the only one trying to do something new, and according to the Japanese developer, the industry is becoming too stagnant.

Why This Matters: The lack of new ideas in a medium like gaming could lead to the death of the industry we love so much, especially the AAA space. 

Hideo Kojima Death Stranding 2
Death Stranding 2 has elevated the genre that the original introduced.

In a new interview with Ssense, Hideo Kojima stated that almost every AAA game looks the same to him due to a lack of variety in blockbuster titles being developed today. While talking to the magazine, Kojima expressed disappointment about the abysmal environment of the industry.

The legendary game designer pointed out that the bloated and extensive AAA titles that major studios are releasing are the main reason for their closure. In addition, he also said that almost every trailer at the Summer Games Fest involved a medieval monster or an alien.

Even the visuals and the systems are pretty much the same, it is important to put something really new in there for the industry.”

When asked about the remake of Metal Gear Solid: Snake Eater, Kojima laughed at the prospect of playing it, vehemently saying no and throwing further shade at the lack of ideas in the gaming industry nowadays.

hideo kojima physint
Kojima’s Physint is going to be another medium-bending project.

Currently, the Japanese developer appears to be the only person trying to do something new, as evident by his decision to change Death Stranding 2, as it appeased too many testers. He has reiterated many times that he aims to create something new and will continue this trend with the upcoming Physint, mixing film and gaming.

Do you think creators like Kojima are a dying art in the industry? Tell us in the comments below or head to the Tech4Gamers forum for discussion.

Games Pass Makes New Record: Hits $5 Billion For The First Time

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  • Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, has revealed in an earnings call that Xbox Game Pass has made a new record. 
  • He said that the subscription service, for the very first time, has reached an annual revenue of $5 billion. 
  • Nadella also revealed that Microsoft was the top publisher for both Xbox and PlayStation in Q4, FY 2025.

Xbox Game Pass, while it offers pretty solid value for money, was recently under some criticism. An analyst who previously predicted that the subscription service would reach 200 million subscribers by 2034 is alarmed that it is in trouble due to its nonexistent growth

Just recently, Microsoft’s final quarter of the 2025 fiscal year’s financial results are out and reveal that the subscription service has just hit a new record of $5 billion in annual revenue for the very first time

Why it matters: Game Pass numbers were said to be stagnant for a long time, but the new report from Microsoft says otherwise. 

Xbox Game Pass
Xbox’s Subscription Service Has Achieved A New Record

In the report, it has been revealed that the overall revenue and net income have increased by 18% and 24%, respectively. However, its hardware sales have seen a massive decline, which was to be expected as the gaming giant has shifted its focus from it for the time being. 

Satya Nadella, the CEO of Microsoft, revealed in the earnings call that in Q4 of the 2025 fiscal year, Microsoft is the top publisher on both Xbox and PlayStation, which is a significant achievement.

He also revealed that the Game Pass annual revenue has reached $5 billion for the first time, and there are 500 million monthly active users across all platforms and devices.

Xbox Series X
Xbox’s Hardware Sales Have Declined By A Lot

We are now the top publisher on both Xbox and PlayStation this quarter. Game Pass annual revenue was nearly $5 billion for the first time.

Despite Xbox’s hardware still struggling, this is a pretty solid achievement. It is also worth noting that the company has something special in store for its fans, and it will likely make a comeback with its next Xbox consoles. 

Recently, its parent company, Microsoft, laid off a whopping 9,000 employees, which resulted in a massive controversy. Shortly after the layoffs, it was revealed that the company is on its way to reaching a $4 trillion evaluation, which it is likely to achieve soon. 

What do you think about Xbox’s recent Q4 results? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below or join the official Tech4Gamers forums for discussion

Xbox Hardware Sales Drop 25% YoY In FY2025, Marking A Fourth Consecutive Year Of Decline

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  • Xbox hardware sales are down by 22% in Q4 2025, marking a decline for the fourth consecutive year.
  • Software sales are up with a 13% increase in content and services, while gaming revenue is up by 10%.
  • Microsoft has no plans to abandon the hardware market despite the declining sales and is actively working on next-gen console(s). 

These are strange times for Microsoft and its gaming division in particular, with such a significant restructuring happening. Their multiplatform strategy has borne remarkable results for the gaming giant, but at the same time has also inadvertently hurt its hardware sales, which were already relatively weak.

Microsoft’s Q4 2025 financial reports revealed a 25% decrease in hardware sales compared to the previous fiscal year.

Why it matters: Xbox’s hardware is already dead in the eyes of consumers and even Microsoft’s executives. The decline in hardware sales is a testament to these claims. 

Satya Nadella Microsoft CEO
Microsoft Approaching A Market Valuation Of $4 Trillion Following Mass Layoffs

Xbox hardware sales have been underwhelming since the launch of the Xbox Series consoles. In the fourth quarter of 2025, there was a notable 22% decline in hardware sales. This continued decrease marks the fourth consecutive year of declining sales for the company.

Recent price hikes for the Xbox Series X|S consoles earlier in May haven’t helped either. The Xbox Series X now costs around $600.

However, the software front has finally uplifted towards success. Content and services are up by 13% whereas the overall gaming revenue is up by 10% which is a considerable increase.

PlayStation
PlayStation Following In Microsoft’s Footsteps As Job Listing Suggests First-Party Ports Planned For Xbox And Switch 2

The success on the software end could be credited to the recent Xbox first-party ports on PlayStation and the overall increase in the abundance of first-party games. Xbox has been dominating the top 10 best-seller list on PlayStation, claiming 6 out of 10 spots.

Despite the decline in hardware sales, Xbox has no plans to leave the console business. They’re actively developing their next-gen consoles in collaboration with AMD, which is speculated to be a PC in a console-friendly shell. Additionally, Xbox has been evolving as a brand, so expect to see new hardware produced in collaboration with third-party manufacturers.

What are your thoughts on this report? Do you see Microsoft having a future in the console space? Let us know in the comments below, or at the official Tech4Gamers Forums.