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Guess who patented a new system for in-game ads
Microsoft has patented a new system that would dynamically pause gameplay to display advertisements, potentially using a credit system to allow players to earn ad-free time. The author expresses strong negative sentiment towards this concept, calling it 'god-awful' and a worst-case scenario for modern gaming. While patents don't always become reality, the article notes Microsoft's continued interest in in-game ads and EA's recent launch of its own advertising platform.
Amid mass Xbox layoffs, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the "streamlining" is "great to see"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the ongoing "streamlining" at Xbox, which involves mass layoffs and studio closures, as "great to see." Despite the significant restructuring and criticism, Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's intellectual property and future growth, aiming for higher profits and a sustainable business model.
What insiders say Halo Studios was up to before losing Halo: 'The next Halo game was years away'
Following significant layoffs at 343 Industries, insiders report that the next mainline Halo game was years away and no titles were in full production. While work was underway on remakes and potential spinoffs, Microsoft has passed the series' future development to Activision, which is building a new studio dedicated to Halo.
PC gaming has more than doubled in size over the last 4 years in Japan, report finds, with global Steam hits like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG leading the charge
PC gaming revenue in Japan has more than doubled in the last four years, reaching 300 billion yen by 2025, a significant increase from 132.1 billion yen in 2021. Global hits like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds are leading this growth, with free-to-play titles being particularly popular. While consoles from Sony and Nintendo traditionally dominate, the PC market is experiencing a substantial expansion.
"An Xbox that's only good for launching Steam is like subsidizing Valve's cash register": Ground-zero Xbox veteran says Microsoft needs to pick a lane before Project Helix hits a wall
Former Xbox veteran Jon Kimmich argues that Microsoft must choose between investing in the Xbox platform as a console-centric ecosystem or focusing solely on publishing games across multiple platforms. He criticizes the current 'play anywhere' strategy for diluting the Xbox brand and suggests that the upcoming Project Helix console needs a clear identity beyond simply launching PC games like Steam.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma called out for "Kojima-maxxing" just before latest layoffs, former Age of Empires studio…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is facing criticism following recent layoffs, particularly after a publicized trip to Japan to visit Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions. Former World's Edge studio head Shannon Loftis called out Sharma's "Kojima-maxxing" trip and "clarity is kindness" philosophy in light of the job cuts, suggesting leadership is out of touch with employees' struggles. The article highlights the perceived disconnect between leadership's actions and the ongoing restructuring and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division.
Get In The Pilot Seat With Ace Combat 8 At A Nice Preorder Discount
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve is available for pre-order at a discounted price of $60.19 / £52.45 on Fanatical, offering a 14% discount. The game features a new campaign where players lead the Joker Flight squadron and a robust multiplayer mode with PvE and warfare options. The Deluxe Edition includes cosmetic items and early access.
Microsoft's failure to find a home for Ninja Theory voids the one, very tenuous upside to Senua's SGF reveal
The article criticizes Microsoft's handling of Ninja Theory's proposed closure, highlighting the failure to find a buyer after revealing the game Senua's Saga: Hellblade II. The author argues that Microsoft's actions demonstrate incompetence and callousness, turning a potential positive outcome from the game's reveal into a zero, and that the studio's closure reflects poorly on Xbox's business practices.
Gears Of War: E-Day – Is It On Game Pass?
Gears of War: E-Day will be available day-one on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass on October 6. An optional Premium Edition Upgrade allows early access on October 1 and includes bonus in-game content. Many other titles in the Gears of War series are also available on Game Pass.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
Xbox is in freefall but all one exec can talk about is GTA 6 pre-orders
Xbox is facing significant challenges, including thousands of layoffs, poor Xbox Series X/S sales, and a failed pivot to Game Pass. Amidst this turmoil, an Xbox executive's focus on Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders on the platform has drawn criticism, especially as pre-orders are reportedly skewed towards PlayStation 5. The company is undergoing a major 'reset' which includes studio mergers and a shift for the Halo IP.
Xbox is "very happy with GTA 6 pre-orders," exec says, claims sales match "our share of the console…
Xbox executive Matthew Ball stated that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are strong on the platform and breaking records, aligning with their console market share. However, reports suggest PlayStation 5 pre-orders significantly outpace Xbox Series X, leading to criticism regarding Xbox's relative performance and market position.
The Next Halo Game From Halo Studios Was Reportedly Still Years Away, Before Microsoft Handed the Franchise to Activision
The next installment in the Halo franchise, developed by Halo Studios, was reportedly years away from release before Microsoft canceled the project. Microsoft subsequently handed the franchise over to Activision Blizzard.
'This shows the power that comes from employees joining forces:' King signs collective bargaining agreement with union workers
King has signed a collective bargaining agreement with Swedish unions Engineers of Sweden and Unionen, averting a threatened strike. The agreement, reached after negotiations since May 2025, aims to give employees more influence over their work situations and the right to organize. This development follows recent layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division.
Forza Horizon 6 Dev Responds to 'Itasha' Car Ban Backlash, Says 'Explicit Sexual Content' or 'Sexually Suggestive Content' Is Forbidden
Microsoft has updated the code of conduct for Forza Horizon 6 to clarify its stance on user-generated content, specifically addressing backlash over the perceived unfair banning of 'Itasha' car designs. The company stated that explicit sexual or sexually suggestive content is forbidden.
Games Inbox: What is the best Rare game?
Readers discuss Rare's best game, with opinions ranging from GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie to the more modern Sea of Thieves and Blast Corps. Other topics include criticism of the Grand Theft Auto 6 collector's edition, Microsoft's corporate strategy, and the perceived decline of Xbox first-party software.
State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.
Xbox Exec Isn’t Freaking Out Over GTA 6 Presales
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball addressed reports about Grand Theft Auto 6 presales, stating that Xbox is pleased with the numbers and that the title is breaking records for the platform. While PlayStation 5 presales significantly outnumber Xbox Series X|S, Ball indicated that Xbox's share of pre-orders aligns with its console market share. The article also briefly mentions recent Xbox layoffs and the transfer of Halo franchise control.
Xbox Says Its Share of GTA 6 Preorders Matches Its Share of the Console Market, Following PS5 Dominance Claim
Microsoft has responded to reports suggesting that Grand Theft Auto 6 preorders are heavily favoring PlayStation 5 over Xbox Series X and S. The company stated that Xbox's share of preorders aligns with its current console market share.
Quake Champions eliminates its free-to-play monetization elements in favor of a $10 box price
Quake Champions has transitioned from a free-to-play model to a $10 box price on Steam, removing all battle passes and microtransactions. This change, likely a de facto maintenance mode following layoffs at id Software and Bethesda, also offers existing players continued access and refunds for purchased currencies. The Microsoft Store version has been retired.
