Xbox 720 could launch with quiet Crytek exclusive and Forza, cable television to come fully integrated within the next Xbox, and Electronic Arts hit with layoffs, THIS IS NICK’S GAMING VIEW!

Hello everyone and welcome to Nick’s Gaming View, you are here with your host, Nick McCandless. According to reputable inside sources aware of Microsoft’s plans for the next Xbox, Ryse, the originally announced Crytek release exclusive for the Xbox 360, is now planned as a “mega launch title” for the next Xbox. Set in the Roman Empire, Ryse is said to support deep Kinect integration allowing players to slash and kick enemies and take advantage of the new body tracking improvements provided by the new, upcoming Kinect sensor. To go along with Ryse, a new Forza featuring “super life-like graphics” will also release during launch alongside a Pixar-style game and zombie-based release. If rumors prove to be true, such titles would certainly not disappoint for an initial launch and could easily get the next Xbox off to a great start.

Continuing on the next Xbox, rumors continue to strengthen around the idea of the Xbox 360’s successor featuring strong integration of cable television support replacing the need for a set-top box. Rumored to feature an HDMI input, the next Xbox is looking to take over as the set-top box similar to what’s being achieved currently with Google TV creating an all-in-one entertainment hub. While the following are just rumors, considering Microsoft’s push towards the entire realm of entertainment and the fact that they had partnered with AT&T to provide support for their U-Verse service, I wouldn’t be surprised to see these rumors come to life.

Wrapping up Nick’s Gaming View, Electronic Arts has laid off 60 to 70 full –time permanent employees while getting rid of an additional 100 working under EA’s contract system, mainly consisting of quality assurance testers. While the news is not a surprise with ex-CEO John Riccitello resigning from the company after its poor performance since he took the position, EA refuses to disclose which teams were impacted and hopes to revamp the company under new management in a timely manner.

Well that concludes today’s episode of Nick’s Gaming View but be sure to follow me on Twitter @NickMcCandless and check back daily for Nick’s Gaming View for your daily access pass to all things gaming.