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Xbox is Returning to Growth After Previous Game Pass Strategy Sent it Into “Freefall” – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is returning to growth after a period of decline attributed to previous Game Pass strategies. Despite significant layoffs, Sharma indicated a positive trend with new game releases like Gears of War: E-Day contributing to improved sentiment and business performance. Sharma also discussed plans to expand the Windows audience and streamline third-party support, while reaffirming that Xbox is not for sale.
"It has no place in my world": Analogue Pocket SNES emulator dev says AI-powered hack is loaded with slop code…
The developer behind the SNES emulator for the Analogue Pocket has criticized a contributor for submitting a massive, unrequested AI-generated code patch for an experimental MSU-1 streaming feature. The developer stated that the code was filled with unrelated garbage and that such submissions are unacceptable and infringe on maintainers' time and effort.
Xbox doesn't need the "console wars" – it has Hideo Kojima
Xbox is strategically leveraging its partnerships with Hideo Kojima for his upcoming games OD and Physint, turning Sony's alleged cancellation of a PlayStation exclusive into a significant gain for Xbox. This move capitalizes on Kojima's star power and fan loyalty, bolstering Xbox's image amidst its own corporate restructuring and Sony's controversial shift away from physical media.
Warhammer Survivors Is Launching Mere Days Before GTA 6, And I Respect The Audacity
Warhammer Survivors is set to launch on November 10 for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and mobile devices, with a demo available now on Steam. The game adopts the 'Survivors-like' formula, featuring intense combat against Tyranid enemies, weapon evolution, and a large roster of characters and weapons. Its release date is notably close to Grand Theft Auto 6, a bold move that the article respects.
Warner Bros. Games Now Belongs To Skydance, But Company Makes No Mention Of That In Big Announcement
Skydance has officially completed its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, a deal valued at $111 billion. Notably, the company's announcement of the deal closing made no mention of its significant video game properties, despite CEO David Ellison stating he is a gamer. The acquisition is expected to lead to significant layoffs and restructuring within the company.
Xbox Elite Series 3 controller leaks and appears to offer better analogue sticks, advanced haptics, d-pad choices and more
Leaked information from Xbox's Design Lab website suggests the upcoming Xbox Elite Series 3 controller will feature Hall Effect and TMR analogue sticks to prevent drift, advanced haptics similar to the PlayStation 5's DualSense, and customizable options including multiple d-pad choices. The leak also hints at two main versions, 'Base' and 'Complete', with optional haptic motors.
Industry layoff watch: Supermassive, Ninja Theory, The Coalition, and a warning from Warhorse
Multiple game studios, including Supermassive Games, Ninja Theory, and The Coalition, have experienced significant layoffs and restructuring. Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is also mentioned in the context of industry consolidation. Warhorse Studios co-founder Martin Klima warns that rising development costs may push studios to relocate to cheaper regions.
Sony in talks to land Battlefield movie from Christopher McQuarrie and Michael B. Jordan
Sony is reportedly in negotiations to acquire the rights for a film adaptation of Electronic Arts' Battlefield franchise. Christopher McQuarrie is attached to write and direct, with Michael B. Jordan in talks to produce and potentially star. The deal follows a bidding war between multiple studios.
"This is your Dreamcast moment": Former PlayStation boss thinks Xbox needs to "pick a lane" with exclusive games to fix itself
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox needs to commit to a clear strategy regarding exclusive games to improve its standing. He argues that a platform without exclusives lacks meaning, and that trying to be both a platform and a major third-party publisher is unsustainable. Layden compares Xbox's current situation to Sega's Dreamcast era, suggesting a pivot to publishing is possible.
Xbox is "in a pickle" because "Microsoft never really picked a lane" says ex-PlayStation boss
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox is in a difficult position due to Microsoft's inconsistent strategy regarding game exclusivity and its subscription service model. Layden suggests that Microsoft's inability to commit to a clear lane, whether as an exclusive platform or a multi-platform publisher, has hindered its progress against PlayStation.
I played an evening of Big Walk on Steam Frame, and it felt like wearing a Steam Deck on my face
The Steam Frame, Valve's new VR headset, offers a portable PC gaming experience akin to a Steam Deck for your face. It successfully ran demanding games like Big Walk flawlessly, though battery life required plugging in after an hour. While not as powerful as high-end VR headsets or new handheld PCs, its native Steam game support and portability make it a compelling option for on-the-go gaming.
'Xbox is not for sale,' CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the division is not for sale, despite ongoing struggles and rumors of restructuring or spin-offs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, while acknowledging the need for industry disruption. The comments come after significant layoffs and studio closures within Xbox.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller Is Dead, Apparently
Microsoft has reportedly canceled plans for a dedicated Xbox cloud gaming controller, with a spokesperson denying regulatory influence as the reason. This news follows recent changes to the Xbox cloud gaming service, including usage limits and price increases, and the removal of its app from older Samsung TVs. The company also addressed rumors about selling the Xbox division.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Gears of War: E-Day Studio Fears Layoffs, Demoralized by Story Director’s Departure – Rumor
Sources at The Coalition report significant fear and demoralization following the departure of story director Juan Vaca and other developers, despite the studio's previous perceived safety from Xbox layoffs. Concerns are high regarding potential future layoffs, restructuring under Activision Blizzard, and the payout of Metacritic-tied bonuses, leading to a somber atmosphere as Gears of War: E-Day approaches its release.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists "Xbox is not for sale"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, pushing back against speculation of a potential spin-off from Microsoft. This comes amid significant restructuring, including staff cuts, studio closures, and the transfer of franchises like Halo. Game Pass has also reportedly missed subscriber targets.
Activision Should Hire Former Halo Devs For Next Mainline Game, Former Franchise Director Says
Former Halo franchise creative director Frank O’Connor has advised Activision Blizzard on how to improve the next mainline Halo game. He suggests focusing on sandbox gameplay, avoiding ties to hardware launches, and potentially hiring former developers from Bungie and other laid-off studios. O'Connor also proposed new directions for the franchise, including an action-sandbox game or an action RPG.
Arc Raiders' executive producer explains how he 'wasn't completely prepared for how hard' a live service game would be and warns against the dangers of burnout
Embark's executive producer Aleksander Grøndal admits the studio underestimated the difficulty of developing a live service game like Arc Raiders, leading to team burnout and player dissatisfaction. He warns against prioritizing content speed over developer well-being and suggests a more sustainable, long-term approach is necessary for creating a better game.
Ex-PlayStation Boss Has Some Advice For Xbox: “Pick A Lane”
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden advises Xbox to "pick a lane," suggesting the company either commit to competing with PlayStation on hardware or fully embrace its role as the world's largest game publisher. Layden points to Sega's shift to software after the Dreamcast as a precedent, noting Xbox's declining console sales and potential future as a software-only entity.
