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Microsoft to Offer 7 Percent of its US Employees The Option to Retire Early – RumorMicrosoft 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 admitMicrosoft 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 PlaytestIndie 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 ReportXbox'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 altogetherFormer 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 2028Rumors 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 - ReportMicrosoft 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 - ReportA 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 AnalystIndustry 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.
Gaming Nostalgia Thread Sparks Heated Console Generation DebateA viral social media thread discussing first gaming consoles has sparked a debate about console generations and their impact on player experiences. The discussion highlights how different eras, from the Atari 2600 to modern platforms, shaped gamers' relationships with technology and storytelling. The thread also touches on the evolution of gaming accessibility and its current mainstream status.
Xbox Game Pass vs PS Plus: Was Sony Right All Along?This analysis questions the long-term viability of Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass subscription model, particularly after recent price increases and the decision to remove Call of Duty from day-one access. It contrasts this with Sony's PlayStation Plus strategy, which prioritizes later inclusion of first-party titles and offers a more affordable tier. The article suggests Sony's initial reluctance to adopt a Game Pass-like model may have been prescient, highlighting the economic challenges of offering a vast library of games on demand.
Is Tifa Lockhart the new brawler in Street Fighter 6? F... | TAGRumors suggest Tifa Lockhart from Final Fantasy VII may join Street Fighter 6, coinciding with Final Fantasy VII's anniversary and Street Fighter's Year 3 Character Pass conclusion. Nintendo announced Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2 this summer, alongside a Deep Cut amiibo. The MMO Aion 2 is set for a global launch this year despite initial microtransaction concerns, and a sequel to the horror film Event Horizon is in development with Christian Ward writing.
45+ PS5, PS4 Games to Buy in PS Store's Big Games Big Deals SaleThe PlayStation Store is currently hosting its Big Games Big Deals sale, featuring thousands of discounted PS5 and PS4 titles until May 6, 2026. The article highlights a curated selection of recommended games, many of which are at their lowest-ever prices.- Xbox Game Pass Could Lose Other Day-One New Releases Beyond Call Of Duty, Expert SaysMicrosoft has announced changes to Xbox Game Pass, including a price reduction and the removal of new Call of Duty titles from day-one releases. Analyst Piers Harding-Rolls suggests that other first-party games might also be "windowed" from day-one launches to generate more revenue. Future plans for Game Pass aim for increased flexibility, potentially including customizable subscription tiers.
Project Helix: Xbox’s Last Big Bet - Asha Sharma's Big SwingProject Helix represents Xbox's critical new hardware strategy, aiming to unify console, PC, and cloud gaming under a single ecosystem. Facing intense competition from PlayStation and Nintendo, this initiative is seen as a make-or-break moment for Xbox's future in the console market. Success hinges on delivering exciting hardware, compelling exclusives, and seamless cross-platform integration, otherwise Microsoft may shift focus solely to software and services.
"Not surprising at all" - analysts see Xbox Game Pass price cut as inevitable shift that will drive subscription growth in 2026Analysts believe Microsoft's decision to cut the price of Xbox Game Pass and remove Call of Duty as a day-one offering was an expected move due to the franchise's limited impact on subscription growth. While opinions differ on the effect on Call of Duty's revenue, the price reduction is seen as a positive step that should help subscriber numbers grow. This strategic shift is viewed as commercial pragmatism rather than a fundamental change in Microsoft's approach to its gaming services.
Xbox Game Pass Dropped to $22.99, But Call of Duty Is the CatchMicrosoft has reduced the monthly price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 and PC Game Pass from $16.49 to $13.99, effective at the next renewal date. However, new Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass on launch day, instead appearing approximately one year after release. This change follows subscriber backlash to a previous price increase and aims to recover revenue from the costly Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Microsoft needs to answer a simple question: what is the point of Xbox?The article questions the current purpose and direction of Microsoft's Xbox brand, contrasting its current struggles with the influential era of the Xbox 360. It discusses the impact of Game Pass, the challenges of competition with Sony, and the potential role of AI and new hardware like Project Helix. The piece suggests Xbox lacks a clear identity and a compelling vision for the future of gaming.
GTA 6 at $150: Would Gamers Pay Premium Price for Rockstar’s Next Hit?A discussion has emerged regarding a hypothetical $150 launch price for Grand Theft Auto 6, exploring whether gamers would pay a premium for Rockstar's highly anticipated title. This conversation reflects a shift in pricing expectations within the industry, with many fans indicating a willingness to pay more given the game's cultural significance and the rising costs of AAA game development. While some express concerns about accessibility, the debate highlights the potential for premium pricing to become a new standard if market reception is positive.