News February 18 Microsoft launches platform to improve game accessibility on Xbox and PC Microsoft has updated guidelines that might help developers make their projects more accessible for people with disabilities. Now the studios will be able to send their Xbox or PC games for review and receive feedback on how to improve them.
News February 18 Saudi Arabia’s wealth fund invests over $3 billion in Activision Blizzard, Take-Two, and EA Saudi Arabia continues to show interest in the game industry. The sovereign wealth fund bought stakes in three major publishers, with Activision Blizzard taking almost half of the $3 billion investment.
News February 18 Stadia studios reportedly praised for ‘great progress’ just days before being shut down by Google The employees weren’t aware of Google’s plans to close two first-party Stadia studios. It happened soon after the leadership praised them for making “great progress.”
Game Development February 18 Josh Bycer on horror game design and lessons learned from Silent Hill 4: The Room
News February 18 Game developers discuss politics in games amid controversy around Six Days in Fallujah Six Days in Fallujah is controversial war shooter that continues to cause debate online. After its creators said that the game won’t be a “political commentary,” some developers questioned whether games should touch political topics at all.