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From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
The author expresses optimism for the future of Xbox under new leadership, particularly regarding Project Helix, and compares its exclusive release cadence to PlayStation 5. The piece also touches on perceived media hypocrisy regarding console versus PC gaming and the historical lack of support from previous Xbox leadership.
Unions band together to launch new game industry conference 'by workers, for workers'
The United Videogame Workers of CWA has launched the Game Workers Conference (GWC), an online event scheduled for May 22-23, 2026, designed by and for game industry workers. The conference will feature discussions on industry skills, union campaigns, and the relationship between press and workers, with participation from organizations like SAG-AFTRA. Sessions will be freely accessible online, with optional watch parties in select cities.
I guess this wasn't an Xbox after all
Microsoft has removed the original Xbox Wire blog post that launched its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, signaling a potential shift in future promotions. The company may be moving away from the campaign due to confusion, especially with the development of Project Helix hardware that blurs the lines between console and PC gaming.
Xbox teases "some iconic games from the past" to be re-released in 2026, after its "game preservation team" spent years "working very hard in the background"
Xbox plans to re-release several classic, unnamed games in 2026 as part of its commitment to game preservation. Xbox's next-gen VP Jason Ronald stated that these titles will be playable in new ways, leveraging technologies like Auto HDR and FPS Boost. This initiative aims to make older games accessible to new generations of players.
Microsoft quietly retires 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign
Microsoft has seemingly retired its 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign, removing related blog posts from Xbox Wire. This shift occurs shortly after leadership changes and as Xbox continues its multiplatform strategy, releasing titles like Forza and Halo on competing consoles. The company remains committed to its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, which will also support PC titles.
Xbox unveils first tech details of its next generation console, codenamed Project Helix
Microsoft's Xbox division has revealed initial technical details for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, which is expected to feature a custom AMD-based SOC and significant advancements in ray tracing and neural rendering techniques. Hardware dev kits are anticipated by 2027, with a focus on delivering a high-performance, player-first experience. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella reaffirmed the company's commitment to investing in its gaming business.
Microsoft says Xbox Play Anywhere titles can double spending and engagement
Microsoft states that Xbox Play Anywhere titles engage players more, leading to over double the in-game hours and game purchases compared to other players. Xbox VP Jason Ronald highlighted that over 1,500 titles support the program, allowing cross-platform play and progression. He encouraged developers to leverage this feature for tangible business benefits.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11, and PC gaming will never be the same
Microsoft is rolling out an "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 starting in April, transforming PCs into a controller-optimized gaming interface. This feature, inspired by the Xbox gaming OS and tested on the ASUS ROG Ally, aims to provide a seamless transition between productivity and play. The update will be available on all Windows 11 form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
Microsoft finally shares details of the Xbox Project Helix console and its AMD heart
Microsoft officially unveiled details for its next-generation console, codenamed Xbox "Project Helix," at the 2026 Game Developer Conference. The console features a custom AMD SoC with support for next-gen DirectX and FidelityFX Super Resolution (FSR) Diamond, promising enhanced ray tracing and visual performance. Project Helix will also support PC games and feature a unified development environment for developers, with an alpha testing phase for developers starting in 2027.
Next-gen Xbox Project Helix dev kits won’t start arriving until 2027
Microsoft has revealed details about its next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, confirming that dev kits will be available in 2027. The new console will feature a custom AMD SOC with enhanced ray-tracing and machine learning capabilities for rendering and upscaling, and will support both Xbox and PC games. This hardware is expected to launch around 2028.
Outersloth shares contract terms and game funding lessons
The author expresses optimism for Xbox's future under new leadership, noting the strong game library available on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. They discuss past perceived lack of support from Xbox compared to PlayStation and suggest that Xbox's openness to PC games could be a significant advantage going forward. The piece also touches on perceived hypocrisy in gaming media regarding console versus PC gaming.
Everything can be a console in a few weeks’ time as Microsoft plans to bring an ‘Xbox Mode’ to all Windows devices
Microsoft is bringing its 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows devices starting in April, transforming them into a console-like experience. This feature, inspired by the ASUS ROG Ally's success, will offer a unified interface for games from various platforms and include technologies like Advanced Shader Delivery. The move aims to create a more consistent and distinct Xbox gaming experience across different devices.
Project Helix: The Next Xbox Is In Development | Console Creatures
Microsoft has announced that its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, is in deep development, working in conjunction with AMD. This new console aims to significantly advance ray tracing performance and integrate AI into the graphics pipeline, promising enhanced efficiency and visual fidelity for Xbox and PC games. Developers will receive dev kits next year, and the console is designed to support games from four previous generations of Xbox.
Xbox Mode Is About To Be On Every Windows 11 PC | Console Creatures
Xbox Mode, previously exclusive to the ROG Ally handheld, is coming to Windows 11 PCs in select markets next month. This feature provides a controller-optimized experience for launching games, browsing libraries, and using Game Bar. Microsoft aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices and simplify development for creators.
Early Xbox Project Helix specs promise "next-generation" AI upscaling and an "order of magnitude leap in ray tracing performance" as Microsoft tries to win the next-gen console war before it even starts
Microsoft has revealed early specifications for its next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, developed in partnership with AMD. The console will feature custom AMD silicon designed for next-generation DirectX and FSR, promising significant advancements in AI upscaling and an order of magnitude leap in ray tracing performance. Dev kits are expected to roll out in 2027.
Microsoft spills the beans on its Xbox-PC hybrid at GDC while suggesting it's still years away
Microsoft revealed details about Project Helix, a future Xbox console codenamed to bridge the gap between console and PC gaming, at GDC. The hybrid system aims to play both Xbox console and PC games, with alpha versions expected to ship to developers in 2027, suggesting a potential release in 2028. The company emphasized the increasing importance of PC to the Xbox experience.
Sony is more worried about Steam Machine than Xbox's Project Helix says dev
A former Bluepoint Games developer suggests Sony's reduced focus on PC ports is a strategic response to Valve's potential Steam Machine ecosystem, rather than competition from Microsoft's Project Helix. The argument posits that a successful Steam console offering PC library access with console simplicity could undermine traditional console market dominance.
Xbox Project Helix dev kits to roll out in 2027, narrowing possible launch window as Microsoft doubles down on PC integration: "An increasingly important part of the Xbox experience"
Microsoft is preparing to release alpha developer kits for its secretive console Project Helix in 2027, indicating a future launch that integrates both console and PC gaming experiences. This initiative aligns with the company's strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma to break down barriers between gaming platforms, as highlighted by Xbox vice president Jason Ronald.
Microsoft's full screen 'Xbox Mode' will roll out to Windows 11 PCs in April
Microsoft is rolling out its controller-optimized 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows 11 devices in April, bringing a big-screen interface similar to Steam's Big Picture Mode. The company also announced Advanced Shader Delivery and updates to DirectStorage for developers at GDC, alongside hints about future hardware codenamed 'Project Helix'.
Microsoft lifts the lid on Project Helix at GDC Festival of Gaming
Microsoft revealed technical details for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, at the GDC Festival of Gaming. Xbox VP Jason Ronald explained that the console will support both PC and console titles, featuring a custom AMD SOC with enhanced ray tracing capabilities and neural-assisted rendering. Alpha development kits are slated for release in 2027.
