New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has confirmed that Microsoft has stopped development of Copilot on console and to begin “winding down” use of the AI service for mobile gaming.
Sharma took to X to reveal that Microsoft will retire features “that don’t align with where we’re headed.”
Gaming Copilot, which was still in the beta phase, was created to be “your personal gaming sidekick with Xbox,” which players could use for assistance any time or place while playing a game and provide gaming recommendations.
“Xbox needs to move faster, deepen our connection with the community, and address friction for both players and developers,” Sharma said in her post. “Today, we promoted leaders who helped build Xbox, while also bringing in new voices to help push us forward. This balance is important as we get the business back on track. As part of this shift, you’ll see us begin to retire features that don’t align with where we’re headed. We will begin winding down Copilot on mobile and will stop development of Copilot on console.”
Gaming Copilot is currently available in the Xbox mobile app, on Game Bar for Windows 11, and on the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds.
The announcement followed the news that the company was facing a major shuffling of its platform technology teams, as Microsoft’s gaming division seeks to rebuild its position and release Project Helix, its next-generation console.
See more gaming news from this week in the roundup below.
GAME UPDATES/DLC
“The Sims” has released a list of some of the 150+ fixes and new features coming in the Base Game update to the game on May 12.
The updates include a new base layer feature in “Create A Sim” with over 380 new Base Layer variants (including all swatches) that can be layered for various outfit combinations of players. Additionally, a new Playmat for infants with 9 swatches, along with 25+ bug fixes for top voted infant and toddler issues will be made available, along with an increased frequency of automatically generated backup saves. Six different fixes addressing various causes of texture loss such as black photos, along with additional QV testing on paintings and photos to catch previously unreported cases will also be implemented.
For more information, visit the “Sims 4” Laundry List here.
PARTNERSHIPS
Microsoft’s Activision is marking Military Appreciation Month with a new initiative tied to the Call of Duty Endowment, including fresh in-game content and expanded efforts to support veteran employment.
The campaign, presented by USAA, centers on the release of the Call of Duty Endowment (C.O.D.E.) Navigator: Tracer Pack, which will be available in “Call of Duty: Black Ops 7” and “Call of Duty: Warzone.”
The pack was developed in collaboration with Chris Cassidy, a retired U.S. Navy SEAL and NASA astronaut, and draws inspiration from his career spanning military service and space exploration.
The downloadable content includes two operator skins, weapon blueprints, charms and other cosmetic items, along with experience boosts. Activision said 100% of its net proceeds from the pack, excluding applicable taxes, will be donated to the Call of Duty Endowment, which funds programs that help veterans secure employment. The Endowment said it has placed more than 169,000 veterans into jobs to date.
Eligible U.S. service members and veterans will be able to redeem the pack for free through a limited-time giveaway in partnership with USAA. Players will also be able to participate in the C.O.D.E. Navigator Challenge, running May 8 through May 21 across multiplayer, Zombies and Warzone modes. The event offers a range of in-game rewards, including cosmetic items and a new melee weapon.
Additional partnerships tied to the campaign include integrations with Lyft, allowing users to round up fares to support veteran employment programs.
NEW VENTURES
Pacific Standard Sound (PSS) has launched Pacific Standard Creative (PSC), a new division purpose-built to serve the evolving storytelling and production needs of game studios, advertising agencies, trailer houses and independent production.
The new division will be helmed by Eric Marks, an industry veteran who has spent more than a decade in the audio and engineering space. He will serve alongside PSS principals Craig Henighan and Will Files.
“In games, sound is still the most underestimated storyteller in the room, and we see an opportunity to close the gap between the cutting-edge cinematic audio that Hollywood audiences expect, and the immersive, interactive experiences that players demand,” said Eric Marks, Founder of Pacific Standard Creative, in a statement. “Today is the result of bringing together elite industry talent with a shared belief that sound can fundamentally transform how interactive stories are experienced, all in the name of delivering the kind of immersive, world-class sound that defines the player experience.”
“We’ve spent our careers pushing the boundaries of what sound can do for the art of storytelling in film and television, and it made perfect sense to partner with a veteran like Eric, and extend the vision for what Pacific Standard Sound can be,” said Craig Henighan and Will Files, PSS founding partners and principals, in a statement. “With Eric leading the charge and the incredible talent he’s bringing with him, we are excited to deliver something genuinely special for a broader group of creatives across the industry.”
PSS offers access to sound designers, editors, mixers and Hollywood-based theatrical and television mix stages.
SALES
“Pragmata,” Capcom’s all-new sci-fi action-adventure game, has sold more than 2 million copies in its first 16 days on the market, the studio announced Thursday.
“Pragmata” has delivered a unique gameplay experience that offers an “innovative fusion of action and puzzle elements” since it’s launch on April 17. Audiences worldwide have enjoyed the video game’s story, which centers on Hugh, a member of an ill-fated investigation team, and Diana, a curious android. Together, the two forge an unlikely bond and must embark on a journey to escape a lunar station controlled by hostile AI.
“Pragmata” is available now for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.
NEW RELEASES
“Winx Club: The Magic is Back” is now available, Maximum Entertainment AB and Rainbow announced Tuesday. The game will be available digitally on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam.
“This enchanting action-adventure brings the beloved fairies to life like never before, blending magical combat, puzzle-solving and cooperative gameplay,” reads the game’s official logline. The announcement coincides with the release of the animated series “Winx Club: The Magic is Back.”
In the game, players will be able to explore iconic Winx universe locations, including the courtyard of Alfea College and the mystical Enchanted Forest, and switch between all six fairies. Players will also be able to play together with two-player options.
Physical editions are also available at select retailers across the EMEA region, North America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Watch the trailer here.
variety.com
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