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"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
Toys For Bob Discusses Flying Free In Spyro: A Realm BeyondToys for Bob, now an independent studio formerly part of Activision Blizzard and briefly Microsoft, has revealed Spyro: A Realm Beyond. Studio Head Paul Yan and Associate Creative Director Lou Studdert discussed the studio's independence and the game's emphasis on true player-controlled flight. The spark for the new game came during the development of the Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
Reaction: Mealy-Mouthed Microsoft Takes Us Back to 2023 with Mixed Messaging on Xbox ExclusivityMicrosoft's recent Xbox Showcase and subsequent statements from executives like Matt Booty have reintroduced ambiguity regarding game exclusivity. Despite promises of multiplatform releases for big multiplayer and live service titles, games like Gears of War: E-Day are now confirmed as Xbox console exclusives, leading to confusion and criticism about inconsistent messaging.
Xbox and Sony's games all looked the same this year. Here's why the PC Gaming Show wonThe author argues that while major showcases from Xbox and Sony featured many anticipated titles, most triple-A games looked visually similar. In contrast, the PC Gaming Show highlighted innovative indie and double-A titles across various genres, demonstrating where true creativity in gaming currently lies.
Xbox will still release multiplatform games, but expect more full exclusives like Gears of War: E-DayXbox executives have clarified their exclusivity strategy, stating that while titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be Xbox console exclusives, this is not a universal rule. Live service and multiplayer-first games, along with titles already announced for PlayStation 5, will remain multiplatform. Other games will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 6, 2026 – Nintendo Switch 2 gives Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth a big boostThe latest UK software sales chart for the week ending June 6, 2026, shows Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth re-entering the top ten at number four following its release on the Nintendo Switch 2. Other titles like Pokemon Pokopia and Mario Kart World also charted within the top ten.
Xbox boss explains logic behind PS5 exclusivity and it makes no sense at allXbox boss Matt Booty attempted to clarify Microsoft's shifting strategy on game exclusivity, stating that major multiplayer and live service titles will remain multiplatform. However, the decision to make Gears Of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution Xbox console exclusives, while other titles like Senua and State Of Decay 3 will be multiplatform, has caused confusion. This 'case by case' approach, similar to past vague statements, raises questions about Xbox's long-term vision for its exclusive content.
There's suddenly a terrifying number of games releasing this fallThe fall release calendar for major video games has become unexpectedly crowded, with numerous high-profile titles scheduled to launch within an eight-week period. This surge in releases is seen as a strategy to avoid direct competition with the highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto 6. The article highlights a selection of these upcoming games, noting the challenge players will face in keeping up with the dense schedule.
Xbox's big pitch for the future sure involves a lot of going backwardsXbox's recent showcase emphasized a return to familiar franchises and a focus on exclusivity, aiming to recapture a sense of nostalgia and differentiate itself from competitors like PlayStation. However, the article questions the long-term viability of this strategy given ongoing controversies and the evolving landscape of game development and distribution.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond Announced, Coming Spring 2027 to Game Pass — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & GuidesActivision Blizzard and Toys for Bob have announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, the first new mainline Spyro game since 2008, set for a Spring 2027 release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game will feature full flight mechanics and will be available on Game Pass from day one, with original voice actor Tom Kenny returning.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond is the series' first all-new game in 18 years, and it's launching early next year on…Toys for Bob announced Spyro: A Realm Beyond, the first new Spyro game in 18 years, during the Xbox Games Showcase. The game is set to launch in spring 2027 for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. In the game, Spyro must defend his realm from an invading force known as the Scavs.
Microsoft kills PS5 version of Gears of War E-Day, finally announces October release dateMicrosoft has announced that Gears of War: E-Day will launch on October 6, 2026, as an Xbox console exclusive, confirming no PlayStation 5 version will be released. The prequel showcases Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago in early combat against the Locust, featuring new gameplay mechanics like sliding. The decision to exclude PlayStation 5 follows changes made by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Gears of War: E-Day reportedly no longer coming to PlayStation 5Gears of War: E-Day has reportedly been made an Xbox console exclusive and will no longer be released on PlayStation 5. The game is slated for an October 6th release and will be available day one on Game Pass. This decision appears to be a recent change following shifts in Xbox's leadership and strategy regarding multi-platform releases.
Vampire Survivors has a free content expansion, plus a Legacy of the Bloodmoon DLC in Summer 2026Developer poncle has released a free content update for Vampire Survivors, version 1.15, which includes major quality-of-life improvements, new content like stages and characters, and various tweaks. Additionally, the 'Legacy of the Bloodmoon' DLC was announced for Summer 2026, serving as an expansion to 'Legacy of the Moonspell'. poncle also revealed plans for a new studio in Japan headed by Sawaki Takeyasu and a lineup of 'Survivaton' games.
Call of Duty's new DMZ extraction mode is a 'full-featured game within Modern Warfare 4'Infinity Ward is developing a new DMZ extraction mode for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, described as a 'full-featured game within Modern Warfare.' This iteration builds upon the previous DMZ mode from Modern Warfare 2, featuring a new map called Haijin, persistent gear, story missions, and dynamic operations. The mode will launch as part of Modern Warfare 4 on October 23 and will not be free-to-play.
Xbox CEO says "we have to reset the business" to "be where the world plays"Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the brand needs a "reset" to return to growth and "be where the world plays." She acknowledged that Xbox is not currently in a healthy financial spot and that the next 100 days will focus on business adjustments. Sharma also commented on Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, noting it occurred before the rise of AI and a different strategic focus.
XBOX CEO wants XBOX to become the number one gaming company by 2030Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set an ambitious goal for Microsoft's gaming division to become the number one gaming and entertainment company by 2030. Sharma emphasized that success will be measured by Xbox's overall industry position, not just profit margins, citing recent acquisitions like Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax Media as evidence of commitment. While acknowledging challenges, she believes continued investment in games, services, and major franchises will solidify Xbox's dominance.
Asha Sharma commits to "resetting" Xbox, prioritising exclusivity and addressing AI in new strategyXbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a new strategy focused on resetting the business, prioritizing exclusivity, and carefully integrating AI. She aims to make Xbox the leading gaming and entertainment company, addressing challenges like rising component costs and platform competition. Sharma emphasized a thoughtful approach to AI, ensuring it solves problems and enhances experiences rather than replacing AAA games.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma still can't seem to decide on a stance regarding console exclusivityNewly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has reiterated that the company's stance on console exclusivity remains undecided, emphasizing the need to balance reaching large audiences as a publisher with the platform requirement for exclusive content. Sharma stated that each title will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and that Xbox's mandate is to become the number one gaming and entertainment company, not necessarily to meet standard software profit margins.
Is Microsoft's $69 billion Activision Blizzard deal paying off? Xbox boss Asha Sharma says it's "hard to say how to think about those decisions"Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed uncertainty about whether Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard is paying off, noting the deal occurred before the rise of AI and during a different strategic period for Xbox. While acknowledging the immense value of franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush, Sharma indicated it's difficult to evaluate the decision retrospectively, suggesting potential buyer's remorse despite continued investment in the acquired assets.