Xbox doubts resurface, Naruto gets a TCG, and LEVIATÁN win London
A one-screen gaming and esports brief: Xbox's hardware doubts resurface, Garriott eyes Ultima rights, Halo changes PS5 co-op access, Naruto returns to cards, and LEVIATÁN plus Falcons close major esports finals.
This issue favors stories published or materially updated around June 21, 2026, with tournament results included when the final score landed in the same window.
Industry
- A founding Xbox producer says the old hardware worry is back. Laura Fryer, one of the original Microsoft Games Studios/Xbox figures, said Microsoft may have to pull Xbox back toward Windows as hardware economics and Game Pass pressure bite. 1 Read more →
- Richard Garriott is testing a legal route back to Ultima. Garriott told Inside Games he wants to reclaim copyright rights to the classic RPG series after EA's decades-long hold, though EA would still control the Ultima trademark. 2 Read more →
- The Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 co-op rule got walked back. Polygon's updated story says the PS5 port's local split-screen requirements were changed after backlash over needing PlayStation Plus subscriptions for couch co-op. 3 Read more →
Releases and updates
- The Naruto trading card game is coming back globally in 2027. Bandai Card Games announced a new official Naruto TCG, with preview sessions starting at Gen Con in late July. 4 Read more →
- R-Type Tactics I • II Cosmos finally pulls the PSP tactics spin-off forward. Kotaku's hands-on says the collection includes the original R-Type Tactics, the Japan-only sequel Operation Bitter Chocolate, and a new campaign, with load-time pain mostly gone. 5 Read more →
- Valorant Season 2026 Act 4 is adding Summit and Retake. Polygon's Act 4 preview flags the new Summit map and Retake mode as the update's main reason for lapsed players to check back in. 6 Read more →
Esports
- LEVIATÁN won VALORANT Masters London in five maps. VLR's completed bracket lists LEVIATÁN beating Paper Rex 3-2 in the June 21 grand final at Copper Box Arena. 7 Read more →
- Falcons swept FURIA to win the IEM Cologne Major. HLTV reports Falcons took the CS2 grand final 3-0, giving NiKo his first Major title on his 17th attempt. 8 Read more →
- VALORANT Game Changers Championship is returning to Brazil. Riot's Leo Faria confirmed the 2026 GCC will be hosted in Brazil, with esports.gg noting São Paulo previously hosted the 2023 edition. 9 Read more →
References
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