Xbox Showbiz and Celebrity Breaking News

Barbie.” Currently, you can pre-order a Barbie-themed Xbox that you can play in your Barbie painted home (part of the movie’s partnership with Backdrop paint) and sleep in a bed with Barbie pillows (as part of their partnership with online retailer Kitsch). And don’t forget to protect all that with a home insurance policy courtesy of Progressive, whose new commercial takes place in Barbie’s Dreamhouse! And that’s just the few that pop up on TV, Twitter and Instagram feeds in the last 48 hours. It’s not precisely known how many active “Barbie” partnerships are currently out there, but “Barbie” mania is upon us — and it’s impressing everyone in Hollywood.

Annapurna Interactive announced Blade Runner 2033: Labyrinth in its showcase (June 29) with an atmospheric teaser trailer, filling in for a dark era of the franchise’s fictional history.Following the trailer, game director Chelsea Hash spoke with IGN to shed a little more light on the game.Set in 2033, Labyrinth is a narrative-heavy exploration of what it means to be a Blade Runner post-Blackout. The Blackout was an event triggered by two replicant androids, which shut down every electronic device in the city of Los Angeles and deleted all data held in storage.Tyrell Corporation had no choice but to shutter and so all remaining replicants were the last to ever be made.

PUBG Players, a new season is upon us, and with it some major changes to the game! Alongside Season 24 Of PUBG: Battlegrounds every player now drops in with a Tactical Gear Pack. After opening the pack you then get to choose between the following devices. A Blue Chip Detector, Drone, EMT Gear, Repair Kit, Spotter Scope, or a Tactical Pack.

Blizzard has released a new major update for its newest title Diablo 4 for PS5, Xbox, and PC.

Halo have been invited to take part in the “world’s biggest” performance of its now-iconic Gregorian chant, with “no previous singing or gaming experience” required.The original Gregorian chant debuted in 2002, as part of the first Halo game’s theme.  Composed by Marty O’Donnell, the piece went on to become synonymous with the long-running Halo series, with many elements from the first theme turning up in subsequent games.Today (June 28), gamechoir has sent out a call for fans of the game to come together in creating the “world’s biggest” performance of the series’ Gregorian chant.The digital event will begin with a live-streamed vocals lesson on YouTube, which will take place on July 10 at 18:45 BST. From there, singers will be encouraged to practice using a professionally-recorded backing track, before submitting their “high, medium or low voice” performances to gamechoir.Following that, gamechoir will broadcast the final piece on August 17.Marty O’Donnell, the composer behind Halo‘s theme, has encouraged fans — “singer or not” — to take part in the Halo chant, and admitted he “never imagined” people would still be singing the chant over 20 years later.“Video games and video game music have the power to bring people together,” shared O’Donnell.

Xbox leadership wanted Microsoft to make an acquisition bid for Sega, while a “watchlist” also marked the likes of Bungie, IO Interactive, and Niantic as studios to consider buying.Currently, Microsoft is in court to defend its proposed £50billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard, which the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is fighting to block.As part of the case, a number of internal emails from Microsoft have been unearthed.

2020 acquisition of ZeniMax was, at least in part, to stop Sony from paying the company to skip Xbox releases of its games, according to a statement by head of Xbox Phil Spencer during the FTC v. Microsoft hearing.“When we acquired ZeniMax one of the impetus for that is that Sony had done a deal for ‘Deathloop’ and ‘Ghostwire’… to pay Bethesda to not ship those games on Xbox,” said Spencer.

Microsoft also revealed Xbox trailed in the share of existing consoles in use with only 21%.In related news, Beth Wilkinson, Microsoft’s lead attorney, said the case was going to determine whether Microsoft’s Activision acquisition happens or sends the companies into a multiyear “administrative nightmare” that sinks the transaction altogether. The company hopes to close the deal by July 18.The hearing also unearthed fresh details on games that have otherwise been extraordinarily light on news, such as Bethesda’s upcoming “Indiana Jones” title.

deposition transcript for the FTC vs Microsoft and Activision Blizzard King case, Sony Interactive Entertainment’s CEO Jim Ryan explained why the company wouldn’t be able to share key info about its upcoming PlayStation console with Activision were Activision to be bought by Microsoft (via Stephen Totilo).“We simply could not run the risk of a company that was owned by a direct competitor having access to that information,” Ryan said, alluding to the possibility that if Sony shared info with Activision to help it craft console-exclusive features for hypothetical PlayStation 6 launch titles, Activision’s (would-be) parent company, Microsoft, would examine the details of the still-in-development PlayStation 6 and have unfair knowledge of what its rival was cooking up. This knowledge would possibly enable Microsoft to integrate its competitor’s console’s benefits into its own next-generation hardware.Ryan also said he believed Activision under Microsoft would not be incentivized to take advantage of unique PlayStation features, as Activision would be focused first and foremost on making its game experiences great on Microsoft’s systems (Xbox and PC).

Watch out Samsung and Sony - Amazon has dropped the price of its new Fire TV and it could be one of the next biggest budget competitors on the market. Amazon's Fire TV 2-Series features a 720p 32-inch screen and gives you quick access to plenty of popular apps include Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney Plus and more.

currently attempting to buy Activision Blizzard, the company formed by the merger of “Call of Duty” powerhouse Activision and “World of Warcraft” and “Diablo” maker Blizzard, in a $69 billion deal. Now that purchase has been put on hold by a federal judge, due to FTC antitrust concerns. Nevertheless, in anticipation of the deal, “Diablo IV, which is also available for video game consoles, can only otherwise be played on PCs that run on Microsoft’s Windows operating system.

Joe Otterson TV Reporter Peacock and AEG have entered into a mutliyear agreement that will see major parts of LA Live in downtown Los Angeles renamed after the NBCUniversal streaming service. Starting July 11, the Microsoft Theater will be known as the Peacock Theater, while the Xbox Plaza outside will be renamed Peacock Place. The deal, which was brokered by AEG Global Partnerships, also makes Peacock the exclusive streaming partner of LA Live. “Like Peacock, L.A. Live is at the epicenter of premium original entertainment, exhilarating sports, one-of-a-kind experiences and extreme fandom,” said Kelly Campbell, president of Peacock and direct-to-consumer for NBCUniversal. “Through Peacock Theater and Peacock Place, we’ll have the opportunity to bring all the elements of our brand to life with the millions of fans who visit L.A. Live each year, while partnering with the incredible team at AEG to further cement Peacock as the ultimate destination for audiences.”

L.A. Live, Anschutz Entertainment Group’s downtown Los Angeles sports and entertainment district, will bear streamer Peacock’s name throughout, starting July 11.   

Anna Tingley If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, Variety may receive an affiliate commission. Step aside, Madden: NBA 2K is officially the most popular video game in the U.S., according to new research conducted by OHgamblers. The sports gaming experts analyzed Google searches and search terms related to the games, and found that NBA 2K has become the most-searched game in 31 states over the last 12 months.

Shoppers could get expensive tech products for less than £10 including a PS5, an Xbox Console, Samsung TV or the popular GHD original Hair Straighteners, as Wowcher launches a 'Mystery' tech deal.

Yakuza title, Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, has been announced at the Xbox Games Showcase with a trailer that is very reminiscent of Austin Powers.The latest trailer caught up with Like A Dragon protagonist Ichiban Kasuga washing ashore — covered in sand and completely naked — with no memories.Luckily, there were perfectly positioned props like a newspaper, sun cream, a surfboard and an umbrella to stop us from seeing anything that would bump the showcase’s age rating up — as Polygon noted, the whole thing is reminiscent of a few of Austin Powers’ most iconic scenes.The reveal trailer was less than two minutes long so we didn’t get a good sense of why he is stuck on this beach, but it appeared to be Miami Beach due to the American accents and towering skyscrapers close to the coast. Once more, the developer seized the chance to shake things up in the established RPG series, as this will be the first entry to be set outside of Japan.We won’t be waiting long for an answer to at least a few of Ichiban Kasuga’s panicked pleas.

Starfield Direct let fans feast their eyes on a vast range of planets and their odd environments, humorous character traits, flexible skill systems and more — placing an emphasis on Bethesda‘s role-playing systems within the game.Previously, Bethesda’s presentations introduced us to Starfield‘s “NASA punk” aesthetic, where “everything is well used, worn and lived in.”Today (June 11), another look at the game explained that the game’s planets will fall into one of two categories: colonised or barren. The former is where players will meet friends and foes, spurring their quest through the stars onwards, and the latter are resource-heavy and possess risks and rewards.

cinematic trailer on Sunday for “Star Wars: Outlaws,” the first open world “Star Wars” video game which will be launched next year. The trailer, which aired during the Xbox Games Showcase, introduces fans to Kay Vess, a young smuggler desperate for a way out as she is hunted by the criminal syndicates that have prospered under the Galactic Empire’s reign and who are the true power on the backwater planets where Kay struggles to survive.

Starfield Direct (June 11) treated sci-fi fans to its sparkly settings, customisable spaceships and character creation, it also saw the return of one of The Elder Scrolls’ most aggravating characters.Traits, which are an optional aspect, alter how the game reacts to the player’s character. For example, the Freestar Collective Settler trait allies the player with that faction and will allow for greater faction rewards, however, crime bounties towards other factions are significantly increased.However, Hero Worshiped means that a blond citizen will appear randomly and fawn over the character — seemingly never tiring, requiring food or water, or running out of things to say.You can see it in action through the timestamped video below.As spotted in the footage, there’s no doubting it: that NPC is another iteration of the Adoring Fan that appeared in The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

Avowed received its latest trailer in the Xbox Games Showcase that went live today (June 11), revealing the world of Eora is in turmoil.“Explore the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger. As an envoy of Aedyr, you are sent to investigate rumours of a spreading plague with a secret that threatens to destroy everything,” reads a new summary from Xbox Game Studios.“Can you save the island and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them apart?”Eora is the same setting as Obsidian Entertainment’s Pillars of Eternity.

Star Wars Outlaws below.“Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi,” reads the description for Star Wars Outlaws‘ trailer.“Explore distinct planets across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix.

PUBG is changing the rules with its new update! Despite certain maps that had a comeback arena once you were dead in this Battle Royale game you stayed that way. Not anymore you don’t! With this new update, PUBG is bringing a brand new revival system called recall. Recall allows your teammates to bring a player back from the dead.

Microsoft have announced the first batch of free games for game pass subscribers this month. A Indie horror game set in WW1, a adventure puzzle game and a tongue in cheek simulator make up the first few titles available with more set to be announced.

FTC said the company’s Xbox Live signup process collected sensitive data before demanding that young users get parental approval, whereas the appropriate procedure is the reverse (get parents on board before collecting any sensitive data).Soliciting personal information, such as phone numbers, from players under 13 years of age before asking them to get parental approval was only part of Microsoft’s COPPA violation. Another key element, according to the complaint, is that “Microsoft allowed—by default—all users, including children to play third-party games and apps while using Xbox Live, requiring parents to take additional steps to opt out if they don’t want their children to access them.” This allowed children’s information to be shared with third-party developers without parental consent.In addition to the $20 million fine, the FTC proposed that Microsoft be required to keep parents informed (more than is already required) as well as delete child-linked info wherein parental consent is not obtained within two weeks of said data being collected.The FTC’s order has yet to be approved by a federal court, which is required for the fine and associated bolstered Xbox privacy protection terms to be forced onto Microsoft.“Our proposed order makes it easier for parents to protect their children’s privacy on Xbox, and limits what information Microsoft can collect and retain about kids,” said Samuel Levine, director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection.

Bloomberg report shed light on why the game turned out the way it did, and how some of its developers actively hoped Microsoft wouldn’t let it see the light of day in its original form.Development issues began when ZeniMax and Bethesda had Arkane Studios pivot the game’s trajectory, turning a would-be single-player experience into a multiplayer “games as a service” title (“games as a service” is a label used for titles that are designed to generate recurring revenue and, in concept, never have a proper end point). Given that Arkane’s specialty is single-player games with definitive, well-planned end points, one can imagine how such multiplayer mandates weighed on the development team.Constant direction pivots, on top of understaffing, led to a half-baked game not ready for primetime.

Manchester City are aiming to complete a near-perfect season when they face Inter Milan in the Champions League final next week.

The Europa League final between Roma and Sevilla takes place tonight.

Jana Kramer’s ex-husband Mike Caussin was pleased for her when she told him she was set to tie the knot with Allan Russell.

McKinley Franklin editor It’s time to return to the horrific world of Diablo. Blizzard Entertainment has released a new live-action trailer for Diablo IV ahead of its June 6 debut, directed by “Nomadland” Oscar winner Chloé Zhao. The trailer, titled “Saviors Wanted” and co-directed by Kiku Ohe, gives audiences a first glimpse of what’s to come in the fourth installment of the role-playing game series. Zhao’s trailer captures the ominous, cinematic essence of Diablo IV, plagued by conflict, fear and outright destruction. “Saviors Wanted” shows off the dark world of Sanctuary, a land plagued by atrocious monsters and battles fought by the High Heavens and Burning Hells. “With a gripping story that interweaves emotion and humanity into the game’s characters, the promotional film takes viewers on a journey of destruction at the hands of Lilith, the Blessed Mother determined to rule over Sanctuary once more.” 

Selome Hailu After more than a year of fanfare caused by the 2022 merger of Warner Bros. and Discovery, David Zaslav’s WBD has finally launched Max. Branded as “the one to watch,” the new streaming service combines the offerings of HBO Max and Discovery+ into one platform. In April, WBD held an event announcing the name, launch date, ethos and next steps of the brand. Along with unveiling flashy (and controversial) plans like a new “Harry Potter” series, company execs also explained the decision to drop the prestigious HBO name from the title of the service: In short, they want to be clear that the acclaimed but certainly adult-leaning programming HBO is famous for is only a portion of the content available on Max.