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Call of Duty: Vanguard Releases on Xbox Game Pass
Call of Duty: Vanguard is now available on Xbox Game Pass for Cloud, Console, and PC, starting June 17, 2026. The addition includes the full campaign, over 20 multiplayer maps, and the Zombies co-op mode. This move by Microsoft follows their acquisition of Activision Blizzard, expanding the Game Pass library with older Call of Duty titles.
Games Inbox: Is Xbox worth saving?
This article discusses the uncertain future of Xbox, with readers expressing concern over potential studio closures and a lack of innovation. The piece contrasts Xbox's current strategy with past industry practices of companies like Electronic Arts and questions whether Xbox deserves to be saved given its perceived mismanagement and impact on developers.
Xbox Shows a “Basic Misunderstanding” of the Gaming Industry, Says Former PlayStation Exec
Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent actions, including impending layoffs and studio closures, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming industry. This perspective arises amidst reports of significant financial losses and strategic shifts within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – Rumor
According to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.
Upcoming Xbox Exclusives Are Being Sent Out To Die, Analyst Says; Xbox Pushes Back
Analyst Rhys Elliott claims Microsoft is intentionally setting upcoming Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution up for failure to transition away from console hardware. Xbox's Matthew Ball denies rumors of reversing course on exclusives, stating they will remain exclusive and that Microsoft plans to release signature exclusives annually. The article also touches on potential studio closures and layoffs within Xbox due to financial struggles.
Microsoft-owned studios negotiate to avoid closures as CEO wants *more* monetization in games
Microsoft-owned studios are reportedly negotiating for independence to avoid potential closures amidst an Xbox 'reset.' CEO Satya Nadella is pushing for increased monetization in games, stating that Xbox has historically subsidized its entertainment. This comes as Microsoft faces layoffs and questions about the profitability of its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition.
EA, the big brains behind The Sims 2 H&M Fashion Stuff, announce they're "transforming how brands connect with audiences" – with in-game billboards
Electronic Arts has announced a new advertising platform that allows brands to place advertisements within their games, aiming to "transform how brands connect with audiences." This initiative includes in-game billboards and custom brand experiences, such as Mountain Dew's Dew University in Madden NFL. The article critiques this move, suggesting it's a way for EA to generate revenue to offset debt from a leveraged buyout and questioning if it will lead to more creative games or further brand integration.
Games Inbox: What is happening to Xbox and can it recover?
Readers express significant concern over the future of Xbox, citing massive layoffs, studio closures, and a perceived lack of direction from Microsoft. There is widespread pessimism about Xbox's ability to recover from its current struggles, with some suggesting it's past the point of no return. The discussion also touches on other gaming news, including the upcoming release of Forgotlings, the secrecy surrounding the Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake, and opinions on Grand Theft Auto 5's themes.
Hellblade Studio Ninja Theory to be Closed by Xbox, Negotiating to Go Independent – Rumor
Reports indicate that Xbox is planning to close Ninja Theory, the developer of the Hellblade franchise, as part of efforts to improve fiscal year accountability margins. Ninja Theory is reportedly negotiating to become an independent studio, similar to efforts by Double Fine and Compulsion Games. These potential closures and layoffs are expected to occur after Microsoft's fiscal year ends on June 30th, driven by declining revenues and rising hardware component costs.
id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream and More to Face Major Layoffs, Studio Closures Soon – Rumor
Reports suggest significant layoffs are imminent across the gaming industry, affecting studios like id Software, Bethesda, Quantic Dream, and BioWare. Microsoft's Xbox division is expected to implement these cuts after its fiscal year ends on June 30th, with CEO Asha Sharma citing declining revenue and a need for increased accountability margins. These layoffs are described as potentially just the beginning of a larger industry downturn.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory reportedly among multiple Xbox studios rushing to negotiate an exit as Microsoft plans more…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning further studio closures and restructuring, with Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Compulsion Games in negotiations to spin off independently. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty have indicated the current business model is unsustainable, leading to expected layoffs and studio cuts, following the recent closure of Tango Gameworks.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing South of Midnight studio, Compulsion Games, with Double Fine and Ninja Theory also allegedly at risk
Xbox is reportedly considering closing several of its game development studios, including Compulsion Games, the developer of South of Midnight, and potentially Double Fine and Ninja Theory. Leadership at Compulsion Games is reportedly in negotiations regarding the studio's future, amidst broader reports of potential layoffs and restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division.
Xbox reportedly shutting down South of Midnight dev Compulsion Games
Xbox is reportedly shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. This closure, which could affect over 90 employees, comes amid broader financial challenges and restructuring within Xbox's gaming division under CEO Asha Sharma. The report suggests an official announcement is imminent.
UK Charts: FF7 Rebirth Falls Off A Cliff As FC 26 Returns To The Top Spot
The latest UK video game sales charts show EA SPORTS FC 26 returning to the number one spot, likely due to the start of the World Cup 2026. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth saw a significant drop from second to thirtieth place, a common trend for games after their initial launch week. No new titles entered the top 40 this week.
Blizzard issues complaint against Project Ascension WoW private server as Classic Plus rumors build ahead of BlizzCon
Blizzard Entertainment has filed a lawsuit against the operators of Project Ascension, a popular World of Warcraft private server, alleging copyright infringement and other violations. This legal action comes amid growing anticipation for official Classic Plus content from Blizzard, with speculation centering on an announcement at BlizzCon 2026. The lawsuit against Project Ascension, which claims over one million players and generates revenue through donations, follows Blizzard's previous actions against other private servers like Nostalrius and Turtle WoW.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, then
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia back in the top five
EA Sports FC 26 has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026, driven by World Cup interest. Nintendo's Pokemon Pokopia also re-entered the top five, leading other Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Microsoft CEO admits "there's more monetization of Xbox games happening on YouTube" than the company as it tries to "turn this into a sustainable business"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company needs to make Xbox a sustainable business, noting that more monetization of Xbox games occurs on YouTube than within Microsoft itself. He acknowledged industry-wide challenges like rising manufacturing costs and the need to define Xbox's future strategy to ensure economic relevance for both the company and its customers.
What went wrong with Sega's $776m acquisition of Angry Birds giant Rovio?
Sega Sammy's $776 million acquisition of Rovio has faced significant challenges, resulting in a $200 million impairment due to profitability falling below forecasts. Issues include difficulties integrating Rovio's technology and the mature state of the Angry Birds franchise in a rapidly changing mobile market with increased user acquisition costs and platform shifts. While Take-Two's acquisition of Zynga eventually proved successful, Sega's situation highlights the complexities and risks involved in acquiring mobile game companies, particularly when relying heavily on established IP.
