#2 Pixelmuffin Gaming Weekly - Counterstrike 2 Major , EA massive payouts despite layoffs, Gameplay Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2

Blast to Host $1.25 Million Counterstrike Major in Austin, Tx

The BLAST Austin Major will take place June 2025 inside the Moody Center in downtown Austin, Texas. The world's best teams will be competing for the pool prize of $1.25 million and bragging rights.

“We are incredibly excited to bring the BLAST.tv Major to Austin, Texas,” said Robbie Douek, CEO of BLAST. “The city's dynamic atmosphere, the cutting-edge Moody Center and track record of hosting world-leading events provide the perfect setting for what promises to be an unforgettable event. We look forward to showcasing the best of esports to a global audience and making a positive impact on the local community.”

The United States and will host its first Counterstrike Major in seven years. The last major the United States hosted was in 2018 in Boston.

Top Executives earn millions despite company layoffs

EA CEO Andrew Wilson earns $25 million despite company layoffs. In FY2024 Electronic Arts reported net revenue of $7.562 billion, up 2% year over year. For FY24, net cash provided by operating activities was a fiscal year record $2.315 billion, up 49% year-over-year.

Despite is success of the company, it was decided to cut 5% of its workforce. EA said the layoffs are part of a broader restructuring aimed at supporting “strategic priorities and growth initiatives,” according to a Tuesday securities filing. EA said in that document that it also plans to reduce its office space footprint.

Focus Entertainment has released a new gameplay overview trailer for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. The story of legendary Ultramarine Lieutenant Demetrian Titus a hundred years after the events of Warhammer 40K: Space Marine.

Battle as one of six playable classes (Tactical, Assault, Vanguard, Bulwark, Sniper, and Heavy) in Operations (PvE) and Eternal War (PvP) modes. Developers plan to release free updates which include maps, missions, and weapons. A Season Pass will offer additional cosmetics without microtransactions. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is set to release on September 9, 2024, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.