Xbox workers from Bethesda Game Studios and id Software are speaking out about Microsoft’s planned 3,200 job cuts — and warning that the consequences could reach far beyond the people losing their jobs. In this special episode of "Gamer Galaxy," Cher Hwang speaks with three current and recently laid-off Xbox studio workers represented by the Communications Workers of America: Nathan Hahn, a technical producer at Bethesda Game Studios; Andrew Willis, a producer at id Software and union bargaining-committee member; and Elisabeth Whyte, a former senior user researcher at Bethesda whose entire research team was eliminated. The workers discuss why they believe Microsoft’s layoffs threaten institutional knowledge, game quality and the future of franchises gamers love. They also explain their union’s fight for first contracts, layoff protections and fair severance — and why they believe Microsoft’s Game Pass strategy, aggressive profit expectations and embrace of AI are colliding with the realities of making great games.In this conversation:• What happens when entire teams are eliminated• Why id Software workers fear losing critical technical expertise• The union’s allegations regarding Microsoft’s bargaining process• How layoffs could affect Bethesda, Doom, Halo and other Xbox franchises• Why workers say Game Pass created conflicting expectations for studios• The human cost of losing pay, healthcare and job security• Whether AI can—or should—replace game developers• What players can do to support the people making their favorite games Microsoft/Xbox was contacted for comment before this interview but had not responded at the time of recording. Claims concerning Microsoft’s labor practices, management decisions and motivations represent the guests’ accounts and opinions.#Xbox #XboxLayoffs #gameindustry 🚨Follow Cher Hwang:✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/The Xbox player voice feedback post that has passed 4,000 upvotes: https://feedbackportal.microsoft.com/feedback/idea/69b8ec0b-7479-f111-9b47-6045bdbd0989Information for how people can help on the OneBGS bsky. https://bsky.app/profile/bethesdaunion.bsky.socialUnited Video Game Worker's Bsky: https://bsky.app/profile/videogameworkers.bsky.socialChapters List:00:00 Introduction to Xbox layoffs and unionization efforts02:00 Personal stories from affected game industry workers04:06 Impact of layoffs on game development teams06:54 Reasons behind the protests and union negotiations10:55 Microsoft's management and understanding of game studios17:09 The difference between SaaS and game development cycles24:10 Fan support and industry future concerns37:01 The role of AI and automation in gaming industry43:00 Call to action for fans and industry reformCredit: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSenior producer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen KeeferNewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/

On this week's episode of "Gamer Galaxy," host Cher Hwang is joined by Gameway co-founder Emma Walbridge. Gameway is the high-end gaming lounge that's coming to an airport near you, in hopes of offering a more enjoyable experience for passengers of all ages. They talk about how the concept works, why airports bought in, and now asking for more.In this episode, they cover:- Gameway’s concept and business model: A gaming and entertainment lounge inside airports, designed to make travel more fun and less stressful.- Who it’s for and why it works: Especially millennials and Gen Z, but also parents, kids, and nongamers who want a welcoming airport experience.- Founder story and mindset: How Walbridge and her husband went all-in to pitch airports, overcame red tape and construction challenges, and scaled location by location.- Community and accessibility: How Gameway creates connection, supports different kinds of travelers and builds an inclusive space for everyone.- Gaming as mainstream culture: How gaming overlaps with travel, hospitality and everyday life more than people often realize.🚨Follow Cher Hwang:✨ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/🚨Check out Gameway: https://gameway.gg/Chapters List:00:00 What is Gameway?03:54 Inspiration and research behind creating gaming lounges06:04 Design influences and atmosphere of Gameway locations08:02 Target audience and accessibility features09:56 Pricing, booking, and gaming options13:47 Challenges faced in airport construction and expansion16:14 Business growth, expansion plans, and future goals17:53 Emma Walbridge’s background and entrepreneurial journey21:05 The role of women in the gaming and hospitality industries23:59 Why gaming is mainstream and its cultural impact26:59 Educating airports and industry stakeholders about gaming lounges30:12 Advice for aspiring entrepreneurs in gaming and hospitality32:56 The future of gaming in airports and beyond39:04 Balancing family life and entrepreneurship42:04 The community and social benefits of gaming loungesCredit: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSenior producer: Cher HwangEditor: Robert Alvarez, Maria Morales-Salazar

Is the gaming industry facing a temporary correction — or a permanent transformation?In this episode of Gamer Galaxy, Cher Hwang speaks with veteran gaming journalist Dean Takahashi about the Xbox and Microsoft layoffs, the rapid yet painful adoption of artificial intelligence in game development, the future of Xbox Game Pass and the enormous expectations surrounding GTA 6.Could AI make game development faster and more accessible? Or will it be a barrier for studios? Can subscription services such as Game Pass remain sustainable? And could the unprecedented anticipation and pre-launch demand for Grand Theft Auto VI change how publishers approach major game releases?Dean also examines the global transformation of the gaming business, including shifting development hubs, regional gaming markets, cultural diversity, rising hardware costs and the changing employment landscape for developers.In this conversation:• What the Microsoft and Xbox layoffs reveal about the state of gaming• How AI is changing game development—and why workers are concerned• Whether Xbox Game Pass and gaming subscription models are sustainable• GTA 6 pre-launch demand, expectations and potential industry impact• Why game development and employment are shifting globally• The effect of rising hardware and development costs#GTA6 #Xbox #ArtificialIntelligence #Microsoft #videogames #gamer #layoffsCHAPTERS03:06 Dean Takahashi’s 30 years of covering games05:00 Pandemic Impact and Industry Reset08:23 Competition09:58 Unionization and Developer Concerns12:24 Game Engines and Cost-Cutting Measures13:44 Layoffs and Union Issues16:28 Microsoft’s Acquisition Strategy and Financial Challenges17:55 Microsoft’s Focus on Core Franchises22:16 Gamer Influence and Industry Transparency31:05 Gamers’ Concerns About AI and Industry Changes33:52 Western vs. Asian Attitudes Toward Gaming Technologies41:24 GTA 6 Expectations and Industry Impact47:22 Tech Innovations and Hardware Challenges49:30 Global Market Shifts and OpportunitiesCREDIT: Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonProducer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen Keefner

Tim Howard is a U.S. men’s national soccer team legend and the most capped goalkeeper in history. "The Secretary of Defense" shares insights on the U.S. hosting the World Cup this year, the evolution of soccer in America and his experiences with EA Sports. Learn how Howard sees the sport growing in the U.S., the impact of video games on fan engagement and Howard's personal journey from player to commentator.#timhoward #worldcup2026 #soccer CHAPTER SUMMARY:00:32 Significance of the 2026 World Cup in the US00:56 Home Field Advantage and Community Support01:33 Evolution of Soccer in America: MLS and International Influence02:02 Predictions for US Men's National Team in 202602:44 From World Cup Record to Video Game Stardom03:28 The Impact of EA Sports on Soccer Fandom in the US03:56 Howard's Personal Experience with Video Games04:12 Balancing Playing and Commentating: Challenges and Rewards04:51 Favorite Summer Drink and Closing RemarksSOCIALS:🚨 JOIN THE COMMUNITY 🚨 ━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━SUBSCRIBE for video game news: ‪https://www.youtube.com/@NewsNation📩 FOLLOW CHER📸 ON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/https://x.com/NewsNationhttps://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnow

In this week's episode of Gamer Galaxy, explore the world of cozy gaming with Liv Charette, a lifestyle gaming and tech content creator. Discover her journey from figure skating and country music to content creation, plus learn how she balances creativity, business, and passion in the evolving gaming industry.CHAPTER SUMMARY:01:09 Liv's Journey from Figure Skating to Music to Gaming04:23 Defining Cozy Gaming and Its Appeal07:56 Liv's Experience as a Female Gamer and Content Creator12:00 Liv's Childhood and Early Gaming Memories19:35 Balancing Creativity, Business, and Mental Health24:26 The Challenges and Rewards of Content Creation26:23 Transition from Music to Full-Time Content Creation31:13 Managing Business and Brand Collaborations36:44 Authenticity and Community in Liv's Content41:58 Overcoming Stigmas and Negative Comments50:49 Diverse Gaming Preferences and Cozy Gaming Myths55:43 Future Plans and Expanding Content HorizonsSOCIALS:https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/https://x.com/NewsNationhttps://x.com/cherhwangtvhttps://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnow

Liv Charette:

 https://www.instagram.com/livcharette/

https://www.tiktok.com/@livcharetteofficial

https://www.tiktok.com/@livcharetteisagamerCREDITS:Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonSr Producer: Cher HwangEditor: Allen Keefner

NewsNation's "Gamer Galaxy" is presented by Xsolla — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.In this episode of "Gamer Galaxy," we explore how small studios from across the world succeed, consider the importance of community, and discuss the evolving landscape of the global gaming industry. We also see how indie game developers are finding direction and financial relief from a scholarship with Xsolla. Find out how the video games of the future are being made and who is building them!

NewsNation's "Gamer Galaxy" is presented by Xsolla — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.

In this episode of "Gamer Galaxy," we explore emerging gaming markets across the globe, including Vietnam, Azerbaijan, India, the Middle East and North Africa (also known as MENA), Chile and Pakistan. Industry experts and game devs from around the world talk opportunities, challenges, technological impacts and future trends shaping the global gaming landscape.

#gaming #gameres #gamergalaxytv

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CREDITS:

Host: Cher Hwang @CherHwang

Executive Producer: Andy Gipson

Producers: Cher Hwang

Editor: John Nock

On the Gamer Galaxy podcast, NewsNation delivers the latest trending gaming news with thought-provoking insights on topics that matter to gamers, while maintaining our fact-based approach to news for all Americans.

More Gamer Galaxy: https://www.newsnationnow.com/podcast...

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

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NewsNation's Gamer Galaxy is presented by Xsolla — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.In this episode of "Gamer Galaxy," host Cher Hwang talks with Florence Chee about the current culture around women and gaming. Chee is the program director at the Center for Digital Ethics and Policy at Loyola University Chicago, as well as the author of "Digital Game Culture in Korea: The Social at Play," a book on women in gaming from an academic perspective.#gaming #gamers #gamergalaxy SOCIALS:https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/https://www.instagram.com/cherhwangtv/https://x.com/NewsNationhttps://x.com/cherhwangtvhttps://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnowCREDITS:Host: Cher HwangExecutive Producer: Andy GipsonProducers: Cher Hwang, Mekhi Rhodes, Will TomasiEditor: John NockOn the Gamer Galaxy podcast, NewsNation delivers the latest trending gaming news with thought-provoking insights on topics that matter to gamers, while maintaining our fact-based approach to news for all Americans.More Gamer Galaxy: https://www.newsnationnow.com/podcasts-newsnation/gamer-galaxy/NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans. More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/ Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction3:03 Meet Dr. Florence Chee4:37 Researching game culture8:07 Dr. Chee's interest in gaming13:52 South Korean gaming culture20:47 South Korea's influence in North American gaming culture25:07 The state of U.S. gaming industry28:55 Women in gaming34:41 Experience for women in gaming37:54 Room for improvement in the industry43:35 Female developers47:51 Disparity in data54:51 Making change59:22 Final thoughts

NewsNation's Gamer Galaxy is presented by https://xsolla.com/ — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.

In this episode of “Gamer Galaxy,” Cher Hwang talks to Jenny Xu, founder of Talofa Games. Xu shares her journey from indie game developer to CEO, raising $6 million to create impactful wellness games. She discusses her early passion for gaming, overcoming industry barriers as a woman and her vision for the future of gaming at the intersection of health and entertainment.

GUEST:

Jenny Xu - CEO Talofa Games

https://www.linkedin.com/in/xujennyc/

https://www.instagram.com/xuoot/

#wellnessgames #indiegamedev #gaming

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Credits:

Host: Cher Hwang

Executive Producer: Andy Gipson

Producer: Cher Hwang, Mekhi Rhodes

Editor: John Nock

NewsNation is your source for fact-based, unbiased news for all Americans.

More from NewsNation: https://www.newsnationnow.com/

Get our app: https://trib.al/TBXgYpp

Find us on your screen: https://www.joinnn.com/

NewsNation's Gamer Galaxy is presented by Xsolla — All the Things Powering the Business of Games.

Xsolla Partner Network: https://x.la/gamergalaxy

In this episode, host Cher Hwang talks to Wynn Curtis, aka Wynnsanity, a mega gaming content creator with nearly 2 million subscribers on YouTube. He talks about his career journey and the lessons he learned along the way. From gaming for the first time to creating his first YouTube video. From going to Cornell University as a Division 1 athlete to corporate life. And from a career shift into creating mobile gaming content full-time. Wynn is a humble, hard-working and influential gamer who credits his career start to an O.G. YouTuber, Powerbang, taking a chance on him. Listen to his journey in his own words.

GUESTS:

Wynnsanity (Wynndham Curtis) https://www.youtube.com/ ⁨@Wynnsanity⁩

#gaminginfluencer #wynsannity #powerbang

Socials:

https://www.instagram.com/newsnationnow/

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https://x.com/NewsNation

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https://www.tiktok.com/@newsnationnow

Credits:

Host: Cher Hwang

Executive Producer: Andy Gipson

Producer: Cher Hwang

Editor: Allen Keefner