ByteOnBikes

Microsoft says it has developed a new generative AI model that can produce "complex gameplay sequences."

The Xbox maker's Research Game Intelligence team debuted the World and Human Action Model (WHAM), which it has nicknamed Muse, earlier today and described it as a "generative AI model of a video game that can generate game visuals, controller actions, or both."

Automattic CEO Matt Mullenweg said his decision to reduce his team’s weekly hours working on WordPress by 99% , from 4,000 hours to 45 hours, was designed to pressure WP Engine to drop its lawsuit against Mullenweg and Automattic

“They don’t actually make WordPress. They just resell it,” Mullenweg told Computerworld Friday evening. “If what they are reselling is no longer getting all of the free updates, they have less stuff to sell.”

“It doesn’t make sense for Automattic to pay people to work on all of these things,” he said. “We are under attack and we are circling the wagons. Our number one goal is for WP Engine to drop their expensive lawsuits against me and Automattic.”

For years, Google Maps has been a go-to tool for millions worldwide, seamlessly integrated into search results for instant access to directions, locations, and more. But if you’ve noticed something missing recently, you’re not imagining things. Due to European Union regulations, Google has been forced to remove its Maps functionality from its search results, marking a significant shift in how we interact with the tech giant’s ecosystem.

“My sense is that many enterprise WordPress administrators will think twice about continuing to use the software under these circumstances,” said IDC Research Manager Michele Rosen. “It’s such a shame to watch a leader in the open source community repeatedly sabotage his own project.”

“At this point, I have real concerns about the impact of Matt Mullenweg’s words and actions on the overall image of open source software,” she added. “Even if he feels that WP Engine’s actions are unethical and the court is wrong, his actions are clearly having an impact on the WordPress ecosystem, including his own business. It seems self-destructive.”

Data from Google Trends noted search requests around the website builder boomed in October 2024, especially on October 8, where it reached a peak score of 100.

The spike in interest signals a shift in user behavior, indicating an active search for options which align more closely with user expectations around performance, control, and transparency.

In an open letter titled “Dear WordPress community: We stand with you,” the contributors raise objections about governance, transparency, and decision-making processes. They highlight concerns about “double standards,” including Mullenweg’s lack of accountability under the project’s Code of Conduct and the executive director’s direct employment by Automattic.

Another long-time core committer pointed to the emotional and practical toll of recent events on contributors. “I signed largely because of the lack of public recognition by WordPress leadership of the impact to the WordPress project and hurt that Matt’s actions have caused to the folks, largely volunteers, who help to make WordPress,” they said. “Matt’s pattern of actions, and how they’ve been affecting the community, are not new, and I’m glad that changes for project governance are being more openly discussed. My hope is that, more than just objection, the letter will create conversations to find ways forward, to make the WordPress project a safer, more inclusive, and sustainable place.”

Others raised concerns about the personal risks of speaking out, including potential repercussions such as being blocked from contributing to WordPress, which would impact livelihoods. In November, The Repository reported on this “culture of fear” and the potential career-ending consequences of opposing Mullenweg, particularly for sponsored contributors.