Microsoft
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Microsoft.
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White House posts propaganda games on its website continuing its copyright infringement agenda
The White House has been criticized for releasing poorly made games on its website that allegedly infringe on copyright, using branding from Xbox 360, GameCube, and SEGA. The games repurpose classic gameplay mechanics for political messaging, drawing condemnation for their content and alleged copyright violations. This follows previous instances where the US government has used video game intellectual property for propaganda.
Games Inbox: Did Sony just put on the worst State of Play ever?
Readers express significant disappointment with Sony's recent State of Play presentations, criticizing them as lazy and lacking excitement, especially in contrast to the company's stated business plans. Concerns are also raised about Microsoft's new cloud gaming limits on Game Pass and potential IP sales.
PlayStation Disc Production Will Drop by 10 Percent in 2028, Clarifies Sony DADC Chief
Sony DADC has clarified that its PlayStation disc production will only see a 10 percent decline by January 2028, not drop to 10 percent of its previous volume. Former Sony executive Shawn Layden expressed concerns that ending disc production could negatively impact Sony's brand value and the important cultural aspect of game collecting, drawing parallels to the resurgence of vinyl records.
Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 3 Could Bring Revengeance to Modern Consoles – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Metal Gear Solid Master Collection Vol. 3 could include Metal Gear Rising: Revengeance and Metal Gear Solid 5: The Phantom Pain for modern consoles. While the inclusion of Metal Gear Survive is also mentioned, the focus is on Revengeance's limited console accessibility and a potential cleaned-up version of The Phantom Pain.
Xbox to cap Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers
Microsoft is implementing monthly hour limits for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service for Game Pass subscribers, starting in November 2026. Cheaper subscription tiers will have stricter caps, with Ultimate subscribers limited to 15 hours, premium to 10, and Essential to 5 hours per month. The company cites rising operational costs as the reason for the change, though it will offer additional playtime hours for purchase.
It's really starting to look like a new StarCraft game will be revealed at BlizzCon
Speculation is mounting that a new StarCraft game will be revealed at BlizzCon 2026, fueled by reports of Nexon developing a new title and unusual activity on the StarCraft website. While a StarCraft 3 RTS is possible, hints suggest a shooter might be more likely, aligning with Microsoft's strategy.
Microsoft invents new level of 'own nothing and like it': 5 to 15 hours of playtime a month for Xbox cloud…
Microsoft is introducing monthly playtime limits for Xbox Cloud Gaming, ranging from 5 to 15 hours depending on the Xbox Game Pass tier. Players will be able to purchase additional hours, a move the company attributes to rising operational costs. This change is expected to impact a small percentage of users but has drawn criticism for its optics and potential erosion of consumer rights.
Microsoft announces cap on Xbox Cloud Gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers, admits most aren't using it much…
Microsoft announced it will implement a monthly hour cap for Xbox Cloud Gaming on Game Pass subscriptions starting in November, with limits varying by tier. The company stated this change is a cost-saving measure, estimating it will affect only 4% of subscribers, while also planning to offer cloud gaming access to non-subscribers for a fee.
Game Pass Is Getting Worse, And More Expensive
Microsoft is introducing limits and potential price increases for Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming starting in November. Subscribers will receive a set number of monthly hours depending on their tier, with options to purchase additional time. This change aims to manage rising costs associated with the service's growing usage.
Double Fine Shadowdrops Former Xbox Excluisve Game Keeper On PS5
Double Fine has surprise-released the former Xbox exclusive game Keeper on PlayStation 5. The quirky lighthouse adventure game is intended to boost the studio's revenue, and they are also running a Kickstarter campaign for future projects.
MMO Business Roundup: PS Store lawsuit, tariff refunds, and Tim Sweeney on gaming’s ‘crash 2.0’
This business roundup covers several industry developments, including Sony's defense in a PlayStation Store lawsuit where it argues consumers don't truly own digital games. Both Sony and Microsoft are also denying tariff refunds for console purchases, a stance mirrored by Nintendo. Additionally, Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney analyzes the current state of the gaming industry, referring to it as 'Crash 2.0' and suggesting factory expansion as a solution to hardware shortages driven by AI demand.
Microsoft Announces Big Changes to Xbox Cloud Gaming, Switches to Monthly Hour Limits
Microsoft has announced significant changes to its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, including the implementation of monthly hour limits. This shift impacts how users can access and play games via the cloud.
NVIDIA to acquire Hugging Face for $12.9 billion
Tech giant NVIDIA has announced a deal to acquire AI startup Hugging Face for $12.9 billion. NVIDIA CEO Jensen Huang confirmed the acquisition, stating that NVIDIA will use its resources to scale Hugging Face's platform and expand access to AI for developers. Hugging Face was previously valued at $4.5 billion in 2023.
A Lego replica of the original PlayStation will be available next month
Sony and Lego have revealed a 1:1 scale replica of the original PlayStation console, featuring 1,911 pieces and playable elements like an openable disc tray and pressable buttons. This collectible set, which includes a Lego PlayStation controller and dioramas of Ape Escape and Gran Turismo, will be available for purchase starting October 1st for $179.99 in the US.
Double Fine Flexes Its Independence With Price Cuts And A New PS5 Release
Newly independent Double Fine Productions has announced a surprise PlayStation 5 release for its game Keeper, along with a price cut for both Keeper and Kiln. The studio also revived its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and is crowdfunding its next title, with a stretch goal for Brutal Legend 2.
Both Microsoft and Sony say they're under no obligation to pass tariff refunds on to customers
Microsoft and Sony have stated they are not obligated to pass tariff refunds onto consumers, despite lawsuits arguing otherwise. Both companies claim customers paid the advertised price and are not owed any difference, even if tariffs were later deemed unconstitutional. While most major players are taking this stance, companies like Arctic and Panic are offering refunds or price rollbacks to customers.
Free Play Days – EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves
Xbox is offering Free Play Days for several titles including EA Sports College Football 27, The Survivalists, The Lonesome Guild, and Under The Waves. EA Sports College Football 27 and The Survivalists have specific availability windows, with The Survivalists requiring Xbox Game Pass membership, while The Lonesome Guild and Under The Waves are available as two-hour timed trials for all Xbox members.
Sony And Microsoft: We’re Keeping Tariff Refunds For Ourselves And You’ll Get Nothing
Sony and Microsoft are arguing in court that they are not obligated to provide refunds to consumers for price-hiked consoles related to US tariffs, choosing to keep the money themselves. This stance contrasts with companies like Panic, which is passing tariff refunds onto its Playdate customers. The article highlights consumer dissatisfaction with this decision, especially following recent price increases on platforms like the Nintendo Switch 2.
Sony and Microsoft request dismissal of consumer lawsuits over tariff refunds
Sony and Microsoft have filed motions to dismiss class action lawsuits that claim they failed to pass on tariff refunds to consumers for price-hiked hardware like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox consoles. Both companies argue they are not legally obligated to provide such refunds, citing various factors beyond tariffs for price increases and noting they raised prices again even after tariffs were invalidated. Nintendo made similar arguments in a separate filing, while only Playdate maker Panic has refunded tariff surcharges to customers.
Sony and Microsoft do their best Nintendo impression, say customers aren't entitled to tariff refunds because they chose to pay inflated prices and got "exactly" what they "paid for"
Sony and Microsoft are following Nintendo's lead by refusing to pass tariff refunds onto consumers for products like the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X. The companies argue that customers received exactly what they paid for at the advertised price, and that consumers were free to not purchase the goods if they disagreed with the cost.
