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PS5 is reportedly so far ahead of Xbox Series X that it gets up to 80% of launch sales for AAA single-player console games, though Xbox denies a huge split on GTA 6 pre-orders
Reports suggest the PlayStation 5 outsells the Xbox Series X for AAA single-player games by a significant margin, potentially reaching an 80/20 split. While Xbox denies extreme disparities in Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders, the overall console install base and PlayStation's history of single-player exclusives likely contribute to this trend. However, a substantial portion of sales for multi-million selling games still represents a significant market for Xbox.
ESA lobbyist claims Minecraft & Call of Duty community servers are illegal
An Entertainment Software Association lobbyist claimed that community servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty are illegal during a hearing for California's Protect Our Games Act. The bill, which aimed to provide consumer protections for game preservation and prevent the shutdown of older games, was ultimately voted down in committee. The ESA's stance may surprise players who have long utilized community servers for Minecraft.
Amid Xbox “Reset,” Microsoft Is Having Its Worst Month In 26 Years
Microsoft is experiencing its worst stock performance in 26 years, with shares down approximately 20% in June 2026. This financial downturn coincides with an 'reset' of the Xbox business under CEO Asha Sharma, which is expected to include significant layoffs and studio closures, driven in part by CFO Amy Hood's demands for cost savings. Despite overall revenue growth, high capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and Xbox's low profit margins are impacting investor confidence.
Modern Warfare 4 Facebook ads want to make sure everyone understands this year's Call of Duty won't be on Xbox Game Pass
Activision is using Facebook ads to inform players that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, a shift from previous years. This marks a change in Microsoft's strategy for its gaming division under new leadership. The game will release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders offering early access to the campaign and an expanded DMZ mode.
ESA VP calls Minecraft Community Servers “illegal,” which is an impressively stupid thing to say in an industry full of impressively stupid things already
An Entertainment Software Association VP called Minecraft community servers "illegal," a statement widely criticized as inaccurate and damaging. While individual servers can violate EULAs, the concept of community servers is officially supported by Mojang and Microsoft. This statement occurred during a California Senate committee hearing opposing the Protect Our Games Act, which aims to ensure players retain access to games after services shut down.
ESA bafflingly declares private Minecraft servers 'illegal' in Stop Killing Games hearing: 'We consider…
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) declared private servers for games like Minecraft and Call of Duty to be illegal and considered piracy during a California State Senate hearing. ESA vice president Jennifer Gibbons stated that these servers infringe on publisher intellectual property rights and do not meet safety standards, despite community pushback and the failure of the Protect Our Games Act to pass in its current form.
Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 advert shows Xbox's embarrassing Game Pass U-turn
An advert for Call Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 highlights Microsoft's reversal on offering new Call of Duty titles day one on Xbox Game Pass. After acquiring Activision Blizzard, Microsoft initially planned to include new releases like Black Ops 6 on Game Pass, but this strategy has been abandoned after only two years. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a price cut for Game Pass with the caveat that future Call of Duty games will not launch on the service, a move that has led to awkward marketing disclaimers.
Minecraft servers are apparently "illegal," according to the Vice President of America's biggest gaming association
Jennifer Gibbons, Vice President of the Entertainment Software Association, stated that community-run Minecraft servers are "illegal" and akin to "piracy" during a California State Senate hearing. This statement contradicts Microsoft and Mojang's official promotion and support of community servers for the game. The hearing was regarding Assembly Bill 1921, which aims to protect players' access to server-dependent games.
State of Decay studio Undead Labs potentially up for closure, sources claim, with Bethesda and Blizzard also facing layoffs
Microsoft is reportedly planning significant layoffs across its gaming division, potentially including the closure of Undead Labs, the studio behind State of Decay. Bethesda and Blizzard Entertainment are also expected to face substantial job cuts as part of a company-wide "reset." Union workers are negotiating with management to protect jobs or secure severance packages amid these widespread reductions.
Xbox cuts rumoured to be the ‘largest single layoff event’ in gaming history
Reports suggest that Xbox is planning a significant round of layoffs, potentially the largest in gaming history, impacting multiple studios including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Game designer George Broussard claims to have inside information indicating widespread studio closures and job cuts across the Xbox division following the end of its fiscal year.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing State of Decay developer Undead Labs
Microsoft is reportedly considering closing several Xbox-owned studios, including Undead Labs, the developer of the State of Decay series. Other studios at risk include Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, as part of a broader 'reset' plan for the Xbox brand aimed at improving profitability. These potential closures could result in hundreds of job losses, with layoffs expected to begin in early July.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Comings and Goings
Unionized Xbox developers held a press conference to voice concerns as Microsoft reportedly prepares for significant layoffs. These workforce reductions are expected to occur after the current fiscal year concludes.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 really cost £1,000?
Readers discuss concerns about the potential high price of the PlayStation 6, with some predicting it could exceed £1,000. The discussion touches on the rising costs of game development, the shift towards digital-only releases, and whether next-generation consoles offer enough compelling new features to justify such an expense.
1666: Amsterdam Was Originally Going to be Published by Xbox Before Funding Was Cut
1666: Amsterdam, a dark narrative action game from Panache Digital Games, was originally planned for publication by Xbox. However, Microsoft cut funding for the project, leading the studio to pursue self-publishing. The game, led by former Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets, is in development for PC and features dark fantasy aesthetics.
The 11 most exciting video game releases of July 2026
July 2026 is set to feature a mix of new releases and remakes across multiple platforms, including the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Resynced and the debut of Halo on PlayStation 5. Nintendo will also release Rhythm Paradise Groove and Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2, alongside an upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Three Biggest RAM Makers Sued for Price-Fixing DRAM, Causing Supply Shortage
SK Hynix, Samsung, and Micron are facing a class-action lawsuit alleging price-fixing and supply manipulation of DRAM components. The lawsuit claims the companies artificially limited DDR3 and DDR4 RAM supply to drive up prices, while prioritizing more profitable High Bandwidth Memory for AI data centers. This alleged behavior has impacted the prices of consumer electronics, including gaming consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.
Xbox marketing takes embarrassing turn with new Call of Duty ads loudly disclaiming 'NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS…
Xbox has launched new advertising campaigns for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that explicitly state the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass this year. This marketing shift follows a business decision to exclude new Call of Duty titles from the subscription service at launch to boost direct sales, after the service reportedly incurred significant losses.
"Everybody got the rug pulled out from under them": Xbox are putting third-party Game Pass deals "on pause", claims publishing veteran
Industry veteran Fernando Rizo claims that Microsoft has put a pause on new third-party deals for Xbox Game Pass as the company reassesses its gaming business strategy. This alleged halt comes as Microsoft's financial year ends and follows decisions to reduce the price and remove day-one Call of Duty releases from the service. While Rizo believes Game Pass is not over, he suggests a hiatus on new third-party acquisitions is likely.
Morning Consolidation
Sony Interactive Entertainment is monitoring the market with the PlayStation 6 in mind, stating they do not plan to sell hardware at significant losses. The PlayStation 5 reportedly captures 75-80% of AAA single-player launch sales compared to Xbox.