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Call of Duty was never the right fit for Game Pass | Opinion
Microsoft has reversed its strategy of including Call of Duty titles on Game Pass at launch and has rolled back recent subscription price hikes. The company realized that the franchise's core audience is not primarily interested in subscription services, and the inclusion of Call of Duty did not drive expected growth or justify lost sales revenue. This move aims to correct a strategic misstep by better aligning Game Pass value with its existing subscriber base and acknowledging the distinct market segments within gaming.
MMO Week in Review: Evercold, Aion 2, and EQ Legends
This week in the MMORPG genre saw the reveal of Final Fantasy XIV's 'Evercold' expansion for January 2027, alongside confirmations for Aion 2's global launch this year. Several other titles like Embers of the Uncrowned, RF Online Next, Palia, EverQuest Legends, and Loftia also had significant updates or beta launches.
Mandatory internet connection is back on consoles as new PlayStation DRM disables your license after 30 days
Sony's new Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy for PlayStation consoles requires players to connect online at least once every 30 days to maintain their game licenses. This affects digital purchases on both PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5, with failure to check in potentially disabling game access. The move has drawn comparisons to Microsoft's past controversial DRM plans for the Xbox One.
I finally like Diablo 4 now, and it's because I embraced laziness
The author has found enjoyment in Diablo 4 by embracing a more relaxed playstyle, contrasting it with the complex buildcrafting of games like Path of Exile. While acknowledging Diablo 4's simpler approach, the article highlights how the current version and upcoming Lord of Hatred expansion offer satisfying, albeit less demanding, gameplay experiences.
"I want to make the right decision, not the fastest decision" - Xbox's new boss Asha Sharma refuses to rule out the return of exclusive games
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company will take a data-driven and strategic approach to decisions regarding game exclusivity, emphasizing the importance of making the right choice over the fastest one. This comes as Xbox reevaluates its exclusivity policies, with Sharma also discussing the fortification of Game Pass and the potential for more affordable hardware and services.
Microsoft Kills Gaming Brand, Returns to Xbox Identity
Microsoft is retiring the 'Microsoft Gaming' brand and re-establishing 'Xbox' as its primary identity for its gaming division. This strategic shift aims to leverage the established credibility and consumer recognition of the Xbox brand across all its gaming initiatives, including consoles, PC, and cloud services. The move coincides with a period of strong performance for Xbox and a broader industry trend towards authentic brand connection with gamers.
Are Xbox Exclusives Coming Back? Here's What Xbox CEO Asha Sharma Had To Say
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that decisions regarding exclusive games will be carefully considered, taking a data-driven and strategic approach with long-term implications. While fans are calling for a return to exclusives, Microsoft has recently shifted towards multiplatform releases, with titles like Forza Horizon 5 reportedly earning significant revenue on PlayStation 5. Sharma also indicated potential changes to game windowing and the company's approach to AI.
Leak claims a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that includes '50+ games' and more will be bundled with Discord Nitro
A leak suggests Microsoft is planning a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that will be bundled with Discord Nitro subscriptions. This tier reportedly includes over 50 games, 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming, and Xbox rewards. This news follows recent price adjustments to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Microsoft Gaming reverts to Xbox branding
Microsoft Gaming is reverting to the Xbox brand under new leadership, with CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty announcing the change to employees. The company aims to focus on daily active players across hardware, content, experiences, and services, while re-evaluating exclusivity and AI approaches. This shift follows recent price reductions for Game Pass subscriptions.
Xbox ska "tänka om" angående exklusiviteter
Xbox is reevaluating its approach to game exclusivity, with new head Asha Sharma indicating a need to "rethink" the strategy. While not all Xbox games will become multiplatform, the company aims to strengthen its PC presence and provide better tools for developers and publishers.
Microsoft to Offer 7 Percent of its US Employees The Option to Retire Early – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly offering a buyout for early retirement to 7 percent of its US-based employees who meet specific age and tenure criteria. This news follows earlier reports of potential workforce reductions within Microsoft's gaming division and a recent rebranding of Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox.
'Our presence on PC isn't strong enough,' Xbox bosses admit
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty have outlined a renewed commitment to Xbox, including a name change back to Xbox and a reevaluation of exclusivity, windowing, and AI strategies. The company aims to focus on daily active players and shared experiences, acknowledging past shortcomings in PC presence and console market share.
Voidling Bound Locks in June 9 Release and New Trailers Unveil the Abyss and Expanded Steam Playtest
Indie studio Hatchery Games, founded by former Skylanders developers, has announced a June 9, 2026 release date for their monster-taming third-person shooter, Voidling Bound, on PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Two new trailers showcase the game's features, including an endgame mode called 'The Abyss,' and a limited-time Steam playtest is available until April 27.
Microsoft Gaming Is Dead, Xbox Gaming Is Back Says New Report
Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly shifting the company's branding back to 'Xbox Gaming' from 'Microsoft Gaming'. This change coincides with a reduction in Game Pass prices, though Call of Duty will no longer be available on the service day one. The move aims to re-establish Xbox's core identity.
Releasing PlayStation games day one on PC isn't "a good strategy" for its AAA titles, former Sony head says, but he hasn't seen proof its abandoning the platform altogether
Former PlayStation boss Shuhei Yoshida believes releasing Sony's AAA titles day-one on PC is not a good strategy for a platform holder. While he hasn't seen proof of Sony abandoning PC releases, he suggests that launching games on PC after a couple of years helps recoup investment and fund new projects.
Analysts say Xbox Game Pass price cut is 'not surprising at all' since Call of Duty's addition to the service 'did not lead to a significant increase in Xbox console sales or even subscriptions'
Industry analysts believe the recent price cut for Xbox Game Pass and the delay of new Call of Duty titles from day-one releases were expected moves. Experts suggest that the inclusion of Call of Duty did not significantly boost Xbox console sales or Game Pass subscriptions, and that Microsoft was losing potential premium sales revenue. The price reduction is seen as a balanced solution that could help subscriber numbers grow.
PS6 release date rumors are spiralling, but it looks like things could kick off in 2028
Rumors surrounding the PlayStation 6 release date suggest a potential launch in late 2028, influenced by the ongoing memory crisis and rising component costs. While some leakers point to a holiday 2027 window, reports from sources like Bloomberg and Microsoft's own filings indicate a later debut. Sony may absorb increased costs or delay the launch to 2028 or 2029 to ensure market position.
"Microsoft Gaming" Is Dead, To Be Replaced By Return To "Xbox" Branding - Report
Microsoft is reportedly retiring the "Microsoft Gaming" brand in favor of returning to the "Xbox" identity. New Xbox boss Asha Sharma informed staff of the change, emphasizing the importance of the Xbox brand. This shift follows Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and aims to refocus on the core Xbox identity and its gaming roots.
More Call Of Duty Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass This Year - Report
A report suggests that legacy Call of Duty titles are expected to arrive on Xbox Game Pass later this year, despite newer entries reportedly being removed. This move could impact subscription pricing tiers for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, and other options.
Game Pass Might Lose More Day One Game Releases Than Call of Duty, Says Analyst
Industry analyst Piers Harding-Rolls suggests that Microsoft's decision to remove Call of Duty from day-one Game Pass releases is a strategic move to increase revenue through staggered releases and sales on other platforms. This shift may indicate a broader trend of windowing other first-party titles on the subscription service. Microsoft is also reportedly exploring new Game Pass tiers, including a cheaper option focused on first-party games with cloud gaming limits and a customizable "pick your own plan" model.
