Daily Briefing: Wednesday 25th August

Activision-Blizzard Accused Of Destroying Evidence & More

The Department of Fair Employment and Housing in California posted an update to their legal case against Activision-Blizzard, adding an eleventh case of action and updating some language used throughout. There are two important parts to the update: One is that it's no longer 'employees' being discussed, but 'workers'. That expands the legal definition to include temp workers and contracted workers, as well as full-time employees. The DFEH is seemingly now aware that there's severe mistreatment of contractors and temps at Activision-Blizzard and are including that in their lawsuit. The second part is that the DFEH is 'informed and aware' that records pertaining to the investigation are being withheld or destroyed by human resource personnel. Activision-Blizzard are shredding evidence! They also apparently delete emails on employment action within 30 days, when the legal requirement is to keep them for 2 years. Activision Blizzard have responded, denying the allegations of withholding or destroying records, while listing the broad-strokes changes they've made internally so far.

• It just keeps getting worse - and their charm offensive was a bit mistimed. Only a few days after they dumped all of their good videogame news, the DFEH dragged them kicking and screaming back into the negative spotlight. Video delving into this topic later on the News channel later today.

Xbox Fans Should Pay Attention To Gamescom Opening Night Live (But Also, The Date Leaked Anyway)

After yesterday's Xbox Gamescom very conspicuously lacked any Halo, Jez Corden tweeted "Xbox fans will want to watch Gamescom Opening Night Live". To that, Geoff Keighley responded with the hushed face emoji. It's almost certainly a Halo release date announcement.... which has also been leaked via the Microsoft Store, just today. According to that, Halo Infinite releases on December 8th, 2021. It was removed quickly, but The Verge has verified its accuracy.

• It's a shame when leaks and mistakes like this can ruin big reveals at shows, but it also keeps it in perspective. The release date is a big deal when Geoff Keighley exclusively announces it, but when it just shows up online it's a bit less exciting - because, realistically, it's not a huge deal. Exciting for players to finally get a solid date after years of development, though!

Kojima's 58th Birthday Pledge: "I'll continue to strive to create things."

In a tweet, Kojima scared some people by delivering a seemingly heartfelt message. "Turned 58 years old today, and although my body is failing me, my creativity is not waning yet. Until my brain loses its creative power, I'll continue to strive to create things. That's my instinct, and that's what I love to do. Thank you." Some people were spooked by the idea of his body 'failing' him, but it's more likely just a statement of him getting older.

• It's good to see a figure speaking openly about aging and his 'instinct' to create, but his age does raise a good point: Who will be the next Kojima? When he gets too old to work, in the next decade or so, who's going to fill that very unique gap in gaming culture? Whoever it is, I hope they can make something as legendary as the MGS series.