Gaming Hardware

Call of Duty Black Ops 7 Reportedly Removing Skill-Based Matchmaking in Major Multiplayer Overhaul

In what appears to be a major policy reversal, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will reportedly remove skill-based matchmaking from casual multiplayer modes. According to sources familiar with the development, the upcoming title will return to connection-based matchmaking and persistent lobbies, addressing years of community criticism.

Major Multiplayer Shift for Call of Duty Franchise

In a significant departure from recent Call of Duty titles, developer Treyarch has reportedly confirmed that Black Ops 7 will launch without skill-based matchmaking for casual play modes, according to industry reports. This move represents one of the most substantial changes to the franchise’s matchmaking systems in nearly a decade and follows years of vocal criticism from the player community.

Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Ubisoft Veteran Disputes Official Narrative on Assassin’s Creed Departure

Longtime Assassin’s Creed executive Marc-Alexis Côté has publicly contradicted Ubisoft’s official statement about his departure. According to his LinkedIn post, the company transferred franchise leadership to someone else in its new organizational structure, despite his continued passion for the series.

Executive Disputes Official Departure Narrative

Marc-Alexis Côté, the former head of Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed franchise, has publicly clarified the circumstances of his departure from the company, directly contradicting the official statement released by the gaming giant. According to reports, Côté stated on his LinkedIn account that he did not choose to leave his position but was instead asked to step aside by Ubisoft management.

Business SoftwareGaming Hardware

Heroic Games Launcher Expands Beyond Steam Deck to Unify PC Gaming Experience

The Heroic Games Launcher, initially popular among Steam Deck users, is gaining recognition as a comprehensive gaming hub for desktop PCs. Sources indicate the application unifies multiple gaming platforms while reducing system resource usage across Windows, macOS, and Linux systems.

Multi-Platform Gaming Solution Gains Traction

According to recent reports, the Heroic Games Launcher is emerging as a significant tool for PC gamers seeking to consolidate their gaming libraries across multiple platforms. While initially gaining popularity among Steam Deck users, analysts suggest the application provides substantial benefits for traditional desktop and laptop gaming setups across all major operating systems.

Assistive TechnologyGaming Hardware

Microsoft’s FSE Gaming Feature Sparks Performance Gains But Limited Access Frustrates Handheld Users

Microsoft’s new full-screen experience feature for Windows gaming handhelds reportedly delivers measurable performance gains, according to testing. However, the feature remains largely exclusive to Asus devices despite workarounds emerging online.

Microsoft’s Gaming-Focused Feature Shows Promise But Limited Availability

Microsoft has developed what sources indicate could be a significant advancement for Windows gaming handhelds with its full-screen experience (FSE) feature, though installation remains challenging for most devices. According to reports, the feature positions all windows as separate apps accessible through a long press of the Xbox button, creating a console-like interface similar to Steam’s Big Picture Mode.

Business AcquisitionGaming Hardware

EA’s $55 Billion Privatization: How This Deal Will Change Gaming Forever

Electronic Arts’ historic $55 billion privatization by Saudi Arabia’s PIF and private equity firms signals a major shift for gamers. Expect fewer creative risks, more live-service games, and intensified monetization across franchises like FIFA, Need for Speed, and The Sims.

Electronic Arts’ $55 billion privatization represents one of the largest gaming industry acquisitions in history, and the real-life effects on gamers could be more profound than many realize. With Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund leading the takeover alongside Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, Electronic Arts will soon operate away from Wall Street’s quarterly earnings pressure but under different financial constraints that could reshape your gaming experience for years to come.

How privatization changes EA’s creative priorities