Microsoft Gaming
Microsoft Gaming business and news from across the web.
Xbox Has Seemingly Rebranded to XBOX (Seriously)Microsoft Gaming has seemingly rebranded to XBOX, adopting an all-caps version of its name following a Twitter poll. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, follows other recent updates including a new logo, console start-up animation, and adjustments to Game Pass pricing. The article notes that time will tell if this rebranding will be a lasting change.
Xbox has changed its name and backtracked on Game Pass prices, but is it too little too late?Xbox has reverted its branding to its original name and rolled back recent Game Pass Ultimate price increases, though day-one Call of Duty releases are now excluded. New CEO Asha Sharma aims to re-center the company on its console identity after a period of perceived dilution and unpopular decisions under the previous Microsoft Gaming structure.
Microsoft Gaming reverts to Xbox brandingMicrosoft 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 Unveils New Logo Calling Back to 2001 Console’s Color SchemeXbox has unveiled a new logo that harkens back to the original console's green and black color scheme, coinciding with the rebranding of Microsoft Gaming to Xbox. Executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty stated the change reflects a renewed ambition and a focus on connecting players and creators globally. The company aims to address player frustrations with fragmented experiences and pricing by strengthening its platform and expanding its reach.
Microsoft Gaming Rebrands to Xbox, Aims to “Lead in Performance” With Project HelixMicrosoft Gaming has officially rebranded back to Xbox, with CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty emphasizing a culture of ambition and self-critique. The division aims to "lead in performance" with Project Helix, which will support both console and PC games, while also focusing on stabilizing the current generation and expanding its ecosystem. Priorities include growing franchise portfolios, evolving third-party partnerships, and exploring emerging markets and mobile audiences.
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.
Game Pass Price Drop Announced, Call of Duty Games No Longer Available Day OneMicrosoft Gaming has announced a price reduction for its Game Pass subscriptions, with Game Pass Ultimate now costing $22.99 per month and PC Game Pass priced at $13.99. Additionally, future Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass at launch, instead joining the service approximately one year later during the holiday season.
Project Helix Speculation Sparked by Hideo Kojima Posing for a Photo at Xbox OfficesHideo Kojima visited the Xbox offices, posing for photos with Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma and Xbox's chief content officer Matt Booty, sparking speculation about his involvement with 'Project Helix'. While Kojima received a gift box labeled 'Xbox for Kojima', the article notes that development kits for the next-generation console are not expected until 2027. Kojima Productions is currently working on upcoming games OD and Physint.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Seemingly Plans New Game Pass Subscription TierMicrosoft Gaming is reportedly considering a new, more affordable subscription tier for Xbox Game Pass, potentially featuring only first-party titles. CEO Asha Sharma expressed concerns about the current price point being too high for players and indicated plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system. A rumored tier codenamed "Triton" has been spotted in data, suggesting a lower-cost option with games from Xbox Game Studios.- Microsoft Gaming CEO Claims Game Pass Has “Become Too Expensive”Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma reportedly stated in an internal memo that Game Pass has become too expensive for players and needs a better value equation. Sharma plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system over time. There are also rumors that Call of Duty might be removed from Game Pass this year.
Xbox FanFest Tour 2026 announcedMicrosoft Gaming has announced the Xbox FanFest Tour 2026, a series of global events that will visit cities including Los Angeles, Cologne, London, and Tokyo. The tour aims to provide unique in-person experiences for players to connect with each other and game developers, with more locations to be revealed.
PS6 May Have Just 1TB SSD And No Disc DriveRumors suggest the PlayStation 6 could launch in Holiday 2027 with a 1TB SSD and no disc drive, potentially costing $699 with subsidies. Despite memory shortages, Sony and Microsoft are reportedly still targeting this release window, with Microsoft Gaming planning to ship dev kits in 2027. The console may feature GDDR7 RAM and advanced compression to manage game sizes.
Xbox Games Showcase and Gears of War E-Day Direct Announced For JuneXbox announced its annual Xbox Games Showcase for June 7, featuring first-party and third-party titles, followed by a Gears of War E-Day Direct deep dive into the prequel. New Xbox EVP and CEO Asha Sharma is leading a brand reset, retiring the 'This is an Xbox' campaign. The showcase will also feature the return of Xbox FanFest for a live audience.
Microsoft Gaming’s New CEO Might Revamp Game Pass Subscription Prices – RumorA report suggests that Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, plans to make Game Pass more affordable with lower-priced tiers. While Microsoft has not officially commented, the report also mentions potential partnership talks with Netflix for subscription bundles. Former Microsoft Game Studios co-founder Laura Fryer and former FTC commissioner Lina Khan have criticized recent price hikes and business decisions.
New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report SaysAsha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is reportedly considering changes to Xbox Game Pass pricing to make it more appealing to a wider audience, potentially including lower-priced tiers or an ad-supported option. Sharma has also discussed potential subscription bundle ideas with Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters. Additionally, Sharma has reportedly discontinued the 'This Is An Xbox' marketing campaign.
March Xbox Partner Preview Live Stream AnnouncedMicrosoft Gaming announced an Xbox Partner Preview livestream for March 26, showcasing upcoming games from third-party developers like Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The broadcast will feature new reveals, world premieres, and Game Pass announcements for Xbox consoles and PC.- Xbox Partner Preview live stream set for March 26Microsoft Gaming has announced an Xbox Partner Preview live stream scheduled for March 26 at 10:00 AM PST. The event will showcase upcoming titles from various development partners.
Take-Two boss declines to offer advice to the new Microsoft Gaming chief, says she'll be fine on her own: 'She’s a highly accomplished executive who’s done just great without ever having met me'Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick stated that Microsoft Gaming's new CEO, Asha Sharma, is a highly accomplished executive who will succeed without his advice. Zelnick emphasized that the key to success in the entertainment business is consistently making hit games, a principle he applies at Take-Two.
The PlayStation 6, PS6 Handheld and Project Helix May Still Launch Next YearInsider claims suggest Sony and Microsoft are still targeting a Holiday 2027 launch for their next-generation consoles, including a rumored Sony handheld. Despite ongoing memory shortages, development kits are expected to ship in 2027, with the PlayStation 6 potentially featuring 30GB of GDDR7 RAM and the handheld 24GB.- Project Helix Alpha Dev Kits Will Ship in 2027, Xbox Mode Coming To Windows 11Microsoft Gaming has announced that developer kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will ship in 2027. The console will feature custom AMD hardware with enhanced ray tracing capabilities and will integrate an 'Xbox Mode' into Windows 11 in April 2026, offering a controller-optimized experience. Additionally, Xbox plans to introduce new ways to play iconic past titles as part of its 25th anniversary.