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Phil Spencer retiring from Xbox, will be replaced by CoreAI boss
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer is retiring after 38 years with the company, with CoreAI president Asha Sharma set to take over his role. Sarah Bond is also resigning, while Matt Booty has been promoted to chief content officer. Sharma emphasized a commitment to "great games" and "the future of play," vowing to avoid "soulless AI slop" and focus on human-crafted experiences.
Fate of console pricing uncertain after Supreme Court strikes down Trump tariffs
The US Supreme Court has ruled against tariffs imposed by the Trump administration, potentially impacting video game hardware pricing. Companies like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo had previously raised prices due to these tariffs, with manufacturing largely based in China. However, ongoing shortages of RAM and hard drives driven by AI data center demand, exacerbated by a deal between OpenAI and Samsung, continue to pose challenges to hardware availability and pricing.
A big-screen RTX 5080 gaming laptop deal that makes desktop-class power feel portable
A significant discount is available on the Acer Predator Helios 18 AI gaming laptop, featuring an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 graphics card and an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor, making it a powerful portable option. The article also touches on speculation about the future of the Xbox brand, the native 4K ray tracing capabilities of Crimson Desert, and a new Game Boy-style jukebox for Pokémon Red and Blue soundtracks.
Why Do Game Console Prices Keep Going Up?
The ongoing global chip shortage, exacerbated by the massive demand for AI data centers, is driving up prices for gaming consoles and PC components. This situation is leading to longer console generations, potential consolidation in the PC building market, and a shift towards cloud gaming as a more accessible option for consumers. While the shortage presents challenges, it could also lead to developers focusing more on optimizing games for existing hardware, potentially resulting in better-designed and more accessible gaming experiences in the long run.
Former developers of one of 2024's best Soulslikes are stuck in a purgatory of unpaid salaries
Former employees of Jyamma Games, the developer behind the 2024 action-RPG Enotria: The Last Song, have reported significant delays in receiving their salaries, with some payments outstanding since March 2025. CEO Giacomo Greco cited cashflow issues stemming from delayed revenue collection and changes in project direction, including a shift from an Enotria sequel to a trading card game adaptation of The Divine Comedy, and later an action-RPG. Despite assurances of restructuring and ongoing negotiations for investment and potential publishing deals, some former staff remain unpaid.
No Azure for Apartheid call on Microsoft to cut ties with ICE, amid reports of agency deepening reliance on company's cloud and AI
The activist group No Azure for Apartheid is calling on Microsoft to sever ties with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), citing reports of the agency increasing its reliance on Microsoft's Azure cloud and AI technologies. The group alleges that this technology powers ICE's actions against migrants, drawing parallels to its use in other controversial contexts. Microsoft has stated its policies prohibit the use of its technology for mass surveillance of civilians.
Sony’s PlayStation 6 might be further away than expected
Reports suggest Sony's PlayStation 6 launch could be delayed to 2028 or 2029, deviating from the traditional seven-year console cycle. This potential delay is attributed to the high demand for DRAM components driven by the artificial intelligence industry, which is creating scarcity and driving up costs for consumer electronics. The extended lifecycle for the PlayStation 5 may allow developers more time to create games for the current generation.
Xbox Game Pass adds The Witcher 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and more
Xbox Game Pass has added several major titles to its February lineup, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Kingdom Come: Deliverance II. The service also features immediate access to games like Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and EA Sports College Football 26. This influx of RPGs and major releases highlights Microsoft's strategy to bolster the subscription service's value.
Your Xbox Game Pass library is getting a serious upgrade with The Witcher 3, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, and more
Microsoft has announced new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass in February 2026, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, and EA Sports College Football 26. Several other games are also being added, while a few titles will be removed from the service.
God of War: Sons of Sparta Shadow Drops! New Metroidvania Out Now
Sony surprised players by releasing God of War: Son of Sparta, a 2.5D Metroidvania title, immediately after its announcement during a State of Play. The game, priced at $29.99, explores Kratos's origins as a Spartan. Additionally, a God of War television series for Prime Video is in development, featuring Ryan Hurst as Kratos.
Is 16GB Enough? Microsoft Says Serious Gamers Need 32GB and Copilot+ PCs
Microsoft is recommending 32GB of RAM for "serious gamers" who play demanding titles or use heavy mods, while 16GB is considered sufficient for average players. The company is also promoting its new Copilot+ PCs, which feature AI capabilities and are pitched as a convenient, pre-configured solution for PC gaming beyond just AI tasks.
Microsoft withdraws DMCA claim against indie developer Unomelon
Microsoft has withdrawn its DMCA copyright claim against indie developer Unomelon concerning the voxel sandbox game Allumeria. The claim had alleged that Allumeria used gameplay and assets from Minecraft without authorization. Unomelon confirmed the claim's removal, restoring the game's Steam page and expressing hope for better investigation of automated claims in the future.
How to Find Any Minecraft Biome Easily
This guide explains how biome finders work in Minecraft, detailing their usefulness for beginners in locating specific biomes quickly. It covers in-game commands, online tools, and seed-based methods, emphasizing how these tools reduce frustration and enhance the exploration experience.
Jobs Roundup: February 2026 | UK games publisher PQube appoints Dominic Wheatley as chairman
Several key appointments and leadership transitions have occurred across the games industry. Dominic Wheatley has been named chairman of PQube, Ricardo Briceno is the new CEO of Gamefam, and Craig Cincotta has returned to Xbox. Additionally, Christie Golden joins IO Interactive as principal writer, and Joshua Mills takes over as creative director for Rainbow Six Siege at Ubisoft Montréal.
New Video Game Releases in Week 2 of January 12, 2026
The second week of January 2026 sees several new video game releases across multiple platforms, including The Legend of Heroes: Trails Beyond the Horizon, Cassette Boy, Earnest Evans Collection, Animal Crossing: New Horizons – Nintendo Switch 2 Edition, and Craftlings. The article also lists various free games available on PC, mobile, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms throughout January.
Best Switch 2 Ports - The Most Impressive Third-Party Games On Nintendo Switch 2
This article highlights the most impressive third-party games adapted for the Nintendo Switch 2, showcasing how the console handles demanding titles. It features a curated list of games that offer a full experience despite the hardware's limitations, with specific mentions of titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Apex Legends, and Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition.
It’s official: Battlefield 6 is 2025's best-selling game, but Black Ops 7 still managed to be November’s top-seller
Battlefield 6 has officially become the best-selling game of 2025, a title previously dominated by the Call of Duty series. While Black Ops 7 topped sales in November, Battlefield 6 secured the year-to-date lead. The report also highlights a significant decline in video game hardware sales across all major platforms in November.
All Upcoming Game Pass Titles In 2026 And Beyond
Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass service is set to receive numerous titles in 2026 and beyond, including confirmed releases and games with unconfirmed launch dates. Notable upcoming titles include The Elder Scrolls Online, Final Fantasy VI, Jurassic World Evolution 3, Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Persona 4 Revival, Subnautica 2, Gears of War: E-Day, and State of Decay 3 across various platforms like PC and Xbox Series X.
Best PC controller 2026
This guide reviews the best PC controllers available, highlighting options for various needs and budgets. The Steam Controller is recommended as the best overall, with the Xbox Wireless Controller as a strong mid-range choice, and the EasySMX X05 as the best budget option. The article also details premium, wired, and specialized controllers for different gaming preferences.
Microsoft Confirms Xbox Next-Gen Console Development, Denies Cancellation Rumors - New Game Network
Microsoft has officially denied rumors that it is canceling its next-generation Xbox console development, reaffirming its commitment to new first-party hardware. The company stated that it is actively investing in future consoles and devices, referencing its ongoing partnership with AMD for custom silicon. This comes amid speculation fueled by reports of potential shifts towards cloud gaming and recent price increases for Xbox Game Pass.
