Latest news with #RedDeadRedemption
Metro
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Metro
Xbox cancels Perfect Dark reboot and lays off half of Forza Motorsport developer
The Perfect Dark reboot is dead (Microsoft Game Studios) Microsoft has shut down developer The Initiative and cancelled the Perfect Dark reboot as Turn 10 sees their headcount cut by 50%. As predicted, today is not a good day for Xbox or the games industry in general. Although it'll probably be a good one overall for Microsoft, who will no doubt see their share price increase as they cut over 9,000 jobs worldwide. It's still unclear how many of those cuts will affect Xbox, and divisions like Bethesda and Activision Blizzard, but news is slowly leaking out about layoffs at King, ZeniMax, Rare, and more. The biggest causality so far is new studio The Initiative, who were formed seven years ago and were working on a reboot of Perfect Dark. That will never be completed though, as the entire company has been shut down. Perfect Dark was announced in 2020 and while there are long-standing rumours of it being a troubled production, the gameplay trailer from 2022 did look encouraging. However, the fact that The Initiative has been around for seven years, and still wasn't anywhere close to releasing a game, speaks to the poor management that Microsoft has often been accused of when it comes to its first party studios. The Initiative has always seemed particularly bad though, with reports that over half the staff had left by 2022, reducing the head count to around 50. Expert, exclusive gaming analysis Sign up to the GameCentral newsletter for a unique take on the week in gaming, alongside the latest reviews and more. Delivered to your inbox every Saturday morning. There was also the strange annoucement that Tomb Raider developer Crystal Dynamics was being brought in to help with Perfect Dark – meaning there were actually two studios working on the game. That's very strange, as The Initiative was founded by a number of very experienced developers, including former Crystal Dynamics head Darrell Gallagher, Red Dead Redemption writer Christian Cantamessa, and God Of War senior producer Brian Westergaard. Microsoft hasn't confirmed any of the layoffs yet, but Windows Central has obtained a copy of the internal email sent round by Xbox Games Studio head Matt Booty: 'Following Phil's note, I want to share more about the changes to the Studios business units. 'We have made the decision to stop development of Perfect Dark and Everwild as well as wind down several unannounced projects across our portfolio. As part of this, we are closing one of our studios, The Initiative. These decisions, along with other changes across our teams, reflect a broader effort to adjust priorities and focus resources to set up our teams for greater success within a changing industry landscape. We did not make these choices lightly, as each project and team represent years of effort, imagination, and commitment. Our overall portfolio strategy is unchanged: build games that excite our players, continue to grow our biggest franchises, and create new stories, worlds, and characters. We have more than 40 projects in active development, continued momentum on titles shipping this fall, and a strong slate headed into 2026. For those directly affected, we are working closely with HR and studio leadership to provide support, including severance, career transition assistance, and where possible, opportunities to explore roles on other teams. To everyone across our studios: thank you. Your creativity and resilience continue to define who we are. I believe in the strength of our teams and the direction we're taking on the path ahead.' Booty's comments confirm previous rumours about the cancellation of Everwild, but Windows Central suggests that Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 has lost half of its 100-odd staff. It's also suggested that QA (quality assurance) positions at Activision and Blizzard have been badly affected, along with Xbox marketing and sales, and game producers and managers. State Of Decay 3 developer Undead Labs has also been hit by layoffs but apparently the game, which has rarely been shown in public, has not been cancelled. The site suggests that anything shown at the Xbox Summer Showcase, including Clockwork Revolution, is 'safe' but there's still very little that is certain, with Microsoft unlikely to publicly confirm exact layoff numbers at Xbox. Turn 10 make Forza Motorsport, not Forza Horizon (Microsoft Game Studios) Email gamecentral@ leave a comment below, follow us on Twitter. To submit Inbox letters and Reader's Features more easily, without the need to send an email, just use our Submit Stuff page here. For more stories like this, check our Gaming page. Arrow MORE: Soon you'll be able to pay for DLC and microtransactions in instalments Arrow MORE: The 10 best summer video games to play if you're missing the heatwave Arrow MORE: PS6 console will be all about AI but not in a bad way, reveals AMD
Forbes
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
15 Western And Cowboy Games You Don't Want To Miss
There are some great cowboy games to play these days. It's pretty difficult to not dream of being a cowboy. Thankfully, cowboy games allow us to live out those fantasies, whether those fantasies lie in shoot outs in saloons or simply riding a horse through the Wild West. The most popular western games are well known, with games like Red Dead Redemption and its sequel dominating the market, but there's also a bunch more that can help you satisfy your cowboy cravings. From big action RPGs to indie hits and a few stranger offerings, there are a lot of cowboy games out there. It might not be easy to find those cowboy video games, so we've corralled this list of the best that you won't want to miss out on. Top Western Games Most cowboy and western games fit into two categories, or are in some way a combination of those two categories. Those categories are shooters, where you get to act out the life of a gunslinger, or adventure games, where you can role play the life of a cowboy in the wild west. That said, there are alternatives to those times of games, with more tactical games and side-scrollers both represented within the western video game genre. Cowboy games also come at a variety of price points and hardware requirements, too, so no matter what you're playing on, there's definitely going to be something that you'll be able to pick up. This list covers the best of the best based on critical and fan consensus and a bit of personal bias. Platforms: PC Made in 1985 by MECC, this is an educational strategy where the player controls a wagon travelling the Oregon trail in 1848. Surprisingly tense despite its educational nature, making it great for those looking to learn, it is a game that puts value in smart choices and makes you feel the consequence of bad ones. FEATURED | Frase ByForbes™ Unscramble The Anagram To Reveal The Phrase Pinpoint By Linkedin Guess The Category Queens By Linkedin Crown Each Region Crossclimb By Linkedin Unlock A Trivia Ladder Platforms: PC, PS3, Xbox 360 It might not be a true western game, but Bethesda's 2010 classic will make you feel like a real cowboy. One of the most beloved RPGs of all time, Fallout: New Vegas sets you off in an open world dystopia, and for those that like a heightened challenge, has a seriously difficult hardcore mode. Platforms: 3DS, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One How about something that isn't quite so action heavy? Released in 2013 by Image & Form, SteamWorld Dig is a 2-D platformer that sees players digging for treasure and resources as a cowboy robot. Addictive due to its randomly generated map, SteamWorld Dig is great for players who don't need gunfights to have fun. Platforms: PC, PS3, Switch, Xbox 360 If shootouts are what you're after then look no further than Techland's 2013 release, Call of Juarez: Gunslinger. You take on the role of Silas Greaves, a bounty hunter with a bit of a mean streak and a penchant for a gunfight shooting everyone in sight. This one is great for action fans. Platforms: PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox, Switch If you're someone wanting something Western with a twist, then Oddworld Inhabitants' 2005 action-adventure Oddworld: Stranger's Wrath is perfect for you. Another game in which you play as a bounty hunter, Stranger's Wrath will drop you into a dangerous world unlike any other in the cowboy genre that you won't forget quickly. Platforms: PC, Switch For a much more light-hearted approach to the wild west, you're going to want to play Asymmetric's 2013 game, West of Loathing. A turn-based RPG with a clear focus on comedy, this is a great game for those that aren't fussy about graphics but who are very keen on fun and adventure. Platforms: SNES, PS4, Switch, Sega Genesis Coming from Konami in 1991, Sunset Riders is a classic side-scrolling arcade shooter within the western genre. With four playable characters, each with unique weapons and play styles, this co-op shooter has plenty of replayability and is also perfect for anyone looking for a challenge, as getting shot even once will cost you a life. Platforms: PC For a horror twist on cowboy games, look no further than Hyperstrange's 2022 stealth FPS, Blood West. A slower, more methodical game, Blood West sees you play as a revived gunslinger, investigating and slaying monsters. It's one for genre fans, but if stealth is your thing, this is a lesser known gem. Platforms: PS4, Wii, Wii U, PC, Switch A remaster of a Super Nintendo title, Wild Guns Reloaded is an arcade shooter released by Natsume Atari in 2013. Telling the classic cowboy revenge story, Wild Guns Reloaded is perfect for players who want to experience simple but skillful gameplay in a very classic style. Platforms: PS2, Xbox Cowboys and vampires, what more could you ask for? High Moon Studios' 2005 survival horror game delivers all that and more, setting players off in a western-steampunk hybrid world as a vampire cowboy looking to rid the world of evil. This one is perfect for people looking for something unique from a western game. Platforms: Wii, Wii U, 3DS A game with a completely unique look and feel within the cowboy genre, Horberg Productions' 2012 platformer Gunman Clive provides an aesthetic unlike any other western game out there and sees players fight to save the mayor's daughter. One for people who love quirky art styles, but there is a lot to enjoy here. Platforms: PS4, Xbox One, PC Mimimi Games' 2020 release Desperados 3 is a RTS game that has players hunting down bandits while utilising stealth and a collection of characters with different skill sets. Slower paced than a lot of the games on the list, it's great for people who like their action to not be quite so explosive. Platforms: GameCube, PC, PS2, Xbox 360, Xbox Developed by Neversoft and released in 2005, Gun is an ambitious action-RPG with an impressive voice cast. Playing as Colton White, Gun takes players on a classic cowboy adventure: looking to get revenge for a deceased loved one. Great for anyone looking for both action and story depth. Platforms: PC, Switch, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360 Rockstar's 2010 title is a revolutionary open world game that sees players assume the role of John Marston, a cowboy who needs to hunt down his former gang so he can enjoy a more peaceful life. This one is perfect for those open world fans and a must play for any cowboy fans. Platforms: PC, PS4, Xbox One If Red Dead Redemption revolutionised the western video game genre, its sequel perfected it. A fantastic and huge open world with another deep and gut-wrenching story, Rockstar's 2018 title can only be considered a masterpiece and provides just as much fun and sorrow as its predecessor. If you've played the first one, this one will blow you away with a bigger open world, greatly modernised gameplay and a story that certainly rivals if not outperforms the original. There simply is no finer cowboy game, and chances are until the next game in the series arrives, this one won't be unseated. Quite simply one for all gamers, and cowboy fans, no matter what your tastes are. Bottom Line Although the time of the wild west may be over, you can still live out those fantasies through western video games. With options available regardless of the genre of game you're looking for, there's something for everyone, and they'll all leave you feeling like a true cowboy.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Red Dead Redemption cast take notes from the Persona 4 school of early announcement teasers with Arthur Morgan's actor now seemingly confirming Red Dead news
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. It's seemingly increasingly likely that Red Dead Redemption fans have something to be excited about, as another actor from the series has teased an upcoming announcement of some sort. Late last week, John Marston actor Rob Wiethoff broke the internet while streaming Red Dead Redemption as he teased that he's "got such exciting news" he can't currently share. Whatever it is, he suggested we should probably find out soon: "By the end of this week, hopefully sooner... definitely before Friday." How mysterious. Obviously, everyone immediately began speculating that it could be something Red Dead Redemption-related, whether that could possibly be a next-gen update for RDR2, a Switch 2 port, or something else entirely. Curiously, he also mentioned that he "won't be the only one sharing" the news, and now, Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Morgan actor, Roger Clark, claims he's also in the know. Asked on Twitter if he knows "what the Red Dead news is Rob mentioned," Clark simply says "yes," sharing a GIF of a dog giving a smug smile. Although he's not revealed exactly what the news is, it looks like he might have given something away by the fact that he was specifically asked about some "Red Dead news," and still responded with a metaphorical thumbs up. Even though fans quickly made the assumption, Wiethoff never actually said out loud that his announcement would be related to the series, so it appears that Clark may have inadvertently confirmed that. It really feels like the pair are taking notes from the Persona 4 cast, of which three actors (from the original game and the Golden re-release) ended up speaking publicly about not returning to the JRPG's remake… before Persona 4 Revival was actually announced. Needless to say, the remake's reveal wasn't exactly a shock when it was finally shown, but it was very good news nonetheless. Now, it's Red Dead Redemption fans' time to wait and see what the two actors are teasing. If Wiethoff's original statement holds up, we'll hopefully find out by the end of the week. 15 years later, Red Dead Redemption's John Marston is playing the open-world cowboy game for the first time and reveals why "John is screaming at people for no reason" when riding a horse.
Yahoo
20-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Red Dead Redemption's John Marston actor tries to calm fans down after having "possibly misled" them with his "exciting news" teaser: "I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games"
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Red Dead Redemption's John Marston actor Rob Wiethoff has attempted to calm fans down again after he teased some "exciting news" coming this week while playing through the 2010 action-adventure he stars in, now reminding everyone that "I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games." Previously, the stars seemed to be aligning for some sort of Red Dead Redemption-related announcement. Not only did Wiethoff say that "cannot think about anything else, especially playing this game" during his stream, but asked if he knew "what the Red Dead news is Rob mentioned," Red Dead Redemption 2's Arthur Morgan actor Roger Clark said "yes," seemingly confirming it really is something to do with the series. Now though, in a new livestream on his YouTube channel (highlighted by @jonbranham_ on Twitter), Wiethoff says that while "I do have something I'm really excited about, I truly am, and I think you will be too," he now realises that he "possibly misled some people when I announced that I have something to announce that I can't talk about right now. "Just please recognize – and I know that you know this, but let me remind you, I guess – I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games. We all know that, I'm just reminding you I do not make announcements for Rockstar Games. Rockstar Games makes announcements for Rockstar Games, and they don't use me to do that," he laughs. "So please know that, and again I still think that a lot of you are going to be really excited about this news, absolutely." Wiethoff says he still "can't share it with you yet, and I'm so sorry" about that, but assuming his original teaser still holds up, we should be finding out whatever it is in the next few days. Again, Clark's previous comment does indicate that there's something related to Red Dead going on, but anyone hoping for something like a remake, port, or new game should probably temper their expectations at this point. 15 years later, Red Dead Redemption's John Marston is playing the open-world cowboy game for the first time and reveals why "John is screaming at people for no reason" when riding a horse.
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Red Dead Redemption star Rob Wiethoff shuts down Rockstar speculation
Source: Rockstar Games Red Dead Redemption series' iconic John Marston actor Rob Wiethoff has finally confirmed that his recent "exciting" reveal has nothing to do with Rockstar Games. His remarks followed public fan speculation that tied his tease to potential news regarding Red Dead Redemption 2 updates or future Rockstar endeavors. But Wiethoff put all speculation to rest, making sure fans wouldn't jump to conclusions. Rob Wiethoff assures no connection between his statement and Rockstar Games On a recent stream while playing Red Dead Redemption, Wiethoff teased impending news he called "exciting" and said would be announced "before Friday." That short tease sparked a flurry of online conjecture, particularly with his intimate connection with Rockstar and the timing with other Rockstar-specific rumors. But then Wiethoff went on to release a straight-up clarification. "I don't make announcements for Rockstar Games," he said. "Rockstar Games makes announcements for Rockstar Games. And they don't use me to do that." He did acknowledge that his tease might have inadvertently done some fueling of fan theory, but that his news has nothing to do with Rockstar or one of their games. His remark was intended to soothe hopes for announcements on Red Dead Redemption 2, GTA VI, or any remastered versions, none of which, he claims, are connected to his own update. Fan buzz and community reaction to the misunderstanding Fans were quick to put two and two together, assuming Wiethoff's revelation was a tease for a possible next-gen iteration of Red Dead Redemption 2 or some unknown Rockstar revelation. That notion was then further fueled when Roger Clark, the actor behind Arthur Morgan's voice, played coy with the hype, appearing to know exactly what Wiethoff was alluding to. As gossip started gaining momentum on the social media and forums, Wiethoff's clarification was important so that it did not build false hopes. His announcement diverted fans to trace official channels from Rockstar for real game-related information. Rob Wiethoff's excitement ignited colossal interest, but his follow-up left no doubt: the news has nothing to do with Rockstar Games. As the speculation dissipates, fans are reminded to keep their feet on the ground and wait patiently for the official Rockstar channel to provide updates on Red Dead, GTA, or whatever is next. Also Read: GTA Online winter update could finally introduce purchasable mansions Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
