BGM Weekly Download - 28 February 2025

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Welcome to The Weekly Download

This week in video games, Microsoft committed to embracing generative AI tools, Warner Bros. closed several studios, including the legendary Monolith, and Monster Hunter Wilds hit one million concurrent players on Steam.

Microsoft’s CEO says Xbox will embrace generative AI

CEO Satya Nadella has been impressed by Microsoft’s AI model Muse and envisions a future where new and upcoming Xbox titles leverage these AI models for content generation.

Activision confirms the use of generative AI in Call of Duty

This confirmation, found on the Steam page for Black Ops 6, follows community observations of AI-generated artwork present in cosmetic items such as Calling Cards and splash screens, some of which are sold in paid bundles.

Warner Bros. is closing three game studios and cancelling Wonder Woman

Monolith Productions, Player First Games, and WB San Diego will all be shut down as a result of a major restructuring and strategic shift to focus on core franchises, including Harry Potter and Mortal Kombat.

Nvidia revenues hit $39.3B in FYQ4

That’s a 78% increase in growth year-on-year, which Nvidia attributes to the success of its data centre. Annual revenue soared to $130.5 billion, up 114%. Demand for Nvidia’s new Blackwell AI supercomputers is also high, with significant sales already recorded. The company anticipates first-quarter?

Monster Hunter Wilds smashes series player numbers on Steam

On day one it has managed to surpass one million concurrent players. This surge positions it among Steam's most popular titles, surpassing the peak player counts of major hits like Baldur's Gate 3 and Elden Ring and nearly tripling that of Monster Hunter World.

Alongside this week's highlights, here are some other notable stories from the world of video games.

Monday 24th February

• US game spending fell 15% to $4.5bn in January 2025
• AC: Shadows is already being streamed online a month before release

Tuesday 25th February

• Monster Hunter Wilds debuts as the highest-rated game of 2025
• Activision confirms the use of generative AI in Call of Duty

Wednesday 26th February

• NetEase CEO won't hesitate to pull the plug on more games and studios
• Tekken 8 sales punch up to 3 million copies in first year

Thursday 27th February

• Don't Nod agrees deal with French union SJTV that could save 23 jobs
• MTG has acquired Plarium for ￡489M

Friday 28th February

• Sony Santa Monica job listings suggest a new GoW game is on the way
• Warner Bros games revenue dropped 29% YoY during Q4 2024

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And that’s a wrap! We’ll be back next week to brighten up your Friday morning with another round of all the biggest stories in video games.

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