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Does Game Pass Need To Change? – TheXboxHub Official Podcast #232
The latest episode of TheXboxHub Official Podcast discusses whether Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service needs to change. The hosts debate rumors about a potential shift in focus for the service, alongside brief mentions of Tokyo Game Show, criticism directed at Sony and PlayStation, and games they've recently played including Grand Theft Auto VI, Sniper Elite, Train Sim World, Woodo, and Tomb Raider.
Sony’s Iconic PS4 Game-Sharing Meme Has Been Recreated To Capture Our Depressing Future
Sony recreated a 2013 E3 meme showcasing PS4 game sharing, but with a starkly different message reflecting a future without physical discs. The article contrasts Sony's past PR win against Microsoft's DRM with its current shift to an all-digital future, which has drawn criticism for its lack of refunds and the company's stance on digital ownership as a license rather than ownership.
Save on Forza Horizon 6, Skyrim for Switch 2, and More (Today Only)
Best Buy is offering limited-time discounts on several Microsoft-published games, including Starfield for PlayStation 5 and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim for Nintendo Switch. These deals are only available today.
The $40 Bet Behind Valor Mortis’ October Launch
Valor Mortis will launch on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S with a $40 standard edition and a $60 Deluxe Edition, which includes a major story DLC planned for 2027. Developer One More Level and publisher Lyrical Games are pricing the game competitively due to a crowded autumn release schedule, betting on its quality and status as a new IP to attract players.
King workers call strike after collective agreement negotiations stall
Union workers at King, the maker of Candy Crush and a subsidiary of Microsoft, are preparing to strike on September 25, 2026, after collective agreement negotiations with the Unionen trade union stalled. The union, representing a significant portion of King's white-collar employees, seeks a collective agreement to enhance job security and workplace influence, despite the company stating its current terms are fair and competitive.
Xbox 100-Day Reset Gets First Big Win with Gears of War E-Day
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic reset is showing early results with the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day reaching its 'gold' milestone. The game's launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass signifies a renewed focus on console exclusives and a more concentrated studio portfolio for Microsoft's gaming division.
Why do Japanese studios suffer fewer layoffs? Because they have smaller teams and don't pay their execs $30m, says one expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game studios experience fewer layoffs due to smaller team sizes, a focus on protecting core staff, and significantly lower executive salaries compared to Western companies. While not a utopia, the Japanese industry's resilience is attributed to avoiding mega-blockbuster trends and excessive executive compensation, contrasting sharply with the widespread job losses seen in North America and Europe.
"Publishers are afraid of certain parts of the world": Saber Interactive's message to North American studios is to get their head out of their own geography
Saber Interactive's Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits advises North American studios to diversify their business models beyond large, expensive AAA projects. He suggests embracing work-for-hire, smaller-scale games, and international co-development to ensure financial stability amidst industry layoffs and rising costs. Willits criticizes the traditional approach of maintaining large teams before a vertical slice, advocating for smaller, agile teams and exploring diverse markets.
Games Inbox: Will Zelda: Ocarina Of Time review better than GTA 6?
Readers debate whether Grand Theft Auto 6 or The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time will receive higher review scores, with many predicting GTA 6 will edge out the Zelda title. The discussion also touches on Hideo Kojima's latest project, the future of Nintendo consoles, and the business decisions of Sony Interactive Entertainment.
Japanese Studios Are Doing Well Thanks to Small Teams and Pay Packages for Executives – Analyst
Analyst Amir Satvat suggests Japanese game companies are performing better than Western counterparts due to smaller teams, lower executive salaries, and less involvement in the live-service trend, leading to higher staff retention. While North America and Europe account for 96% of industry layoffs, Japanese firms like Nintendo, Konami, and Capcom maintain high retention rates.
Hideo Kojima announces Bill Skarsgård will star in stealth-action Physint, legendary designer Yoji Shinkawa also…
Hideo Kojima announced Bill Skarsgård will star as the lead in his upcoming stealth-action game, Physint. The game also features Yoji Shinkawa on character and mechanical design. The article notes the game's shift from PlayStation to Xbox publishing, with speculation about potential delays due to engine usage and past production issues with Sony.
I Played WoW: Forever On A Controller, And That’s Big News
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that World of Warcraft: Forever will feature full controller support at launch, a significant development for the MMORPG series. While in alpha during a BlizzCon demo, the controller implementation worked surprisingly well, offering intuitive controls for combat and interaction, though inventory management remains cumbersome. This move could pave the way for potential console versions and improves accessibility on PC.
Free Play Days – Sea of Thieves and Hell Let Loose Vietnam
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for Sea of Thieves and Hell Let Loose from September 17 to September 20. Hell Let Loose requires an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential membership, while Sea of Thieves is available to all Xbox members on Xbox and PC.
Nine months into a rough year for handheld gaming PCs, I'm reluctantly thankful for the open-box ROG Xbox Ally…
Nine months into a challenging year for handheld gaming PCs, the author reluctantly recommends an open-box ASUS ROG Ally as a sensible option due to rising prices. The article notes that while the ROG Ally X offers better specs, the base model, when purchased used, provides a more accessible entry point compared to the significantly more expensive Steam Deck OLED, despite the author's frustration with the overall market trend.
MS Flight Sim Adds New Plane That Costs More Than The Game, And It Includes “Waste” Simulation
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 has released a new DLC featuring the Airbus A380, priced at $74.50, which is more expensive than the base game. Developed in partnership with iniBuilds, this "Exclusive Series" addition includes detailed flight deck modeling, interactive systems, and even "potable water and waste simulation."
Activision Blizzard faces renewed sexual harassment and discrimination allegations in latest lawsuit
Activision Blizzard is facing a new lawsuit from a former employee alleging sexual harassment, retaliation, and discrimination over a 14-year period. The suit details accusations of inappropriate touching, attempted rape, and sabotage by 10 men, with claims that HR and superiors dismissed her reports. Blizzard stated they take the allegations seriously and strive for a respectful workplace.
Xbox and Hideo Kojima announce Bill Skarsgard as lead star in Physint
Hideo Kojima announced that Bill Skarsgard will star as the lead in Physint, an upcoming action-espionage game developed by Kojima Productions and published by Xbox. The announcement came during the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Broadcast. This news follows the recent termination of PlayStation's publishing deal for the title.
XBOX @ Tokyo Game Show 2026: All the Announcements, Including an Appearance by Hideo Kojima
Xbox showcased a variety of upcoming titles and updates at Tokyo Game Show 2026, including new trailers for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 and Fallout 76, world premieres for Faraday Blues and Bloomwalker, and the reveal of Japan as a playable location in Crazy Taxi: World Tour. The event also featured Hideo Kojima making a surprise appearance to discuss his upcoming projects, OD – KNOCK and PHYSINT, with Bill Skarsgård confirmed to voice the lead in PHYSINT.
Does Parental Control Setup Make Gaming More Manageable for Families?
This article discusses how parental control setups can make gaming more manageable for families by establishing clear rules for screen time and spending. Microsoft Family Safety features are highlighted for setting daily limits, app-specific restrictions, and monitoring activity across devices. The piece also touches on age ratings and platform-specific controls, suggesting a comprehensive family agreement is key.
Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2026 Live Report — Everything Announced
Microsoft is participating in Tokyo Game Show 2026 with a special broadcast event. IGN will provide live reporting on all announcements, trailers, and key discussion points from the event.