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Saros Developer’s Next Title “Might Not Be At That Scale,” As It’s Grown to Nearly 120 Staff
Housemarque, known for Saros on PlayStation 5, is discussing its future projects, which may not be on the same scale as their latest title due to the studio's growth to nearly 120 staff. Studio head Ilari Kuittinen noted the challenges of managing larger teams for bigger experiences. The studio is also focused on supporting Saros based on community feedback, while exploring new opportunities that might be less ambitious.
Xbox Shows a “Basic Misunderstanding” of the Gaming Industry, Says Former PlayStation Exec
Former PlayStation Studios boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent actions, including impending layoffs and studio closures, demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the gaming industry. This perspective arises amidst reports of significant financial losses and strategic shifts within Microsoft's gaming division, impacting studios like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – Rumor
According to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.
Evening Patches
Several games received updates today, including Assassin's Creed Shadows, Killing Floor 3 with its Onslaught Update, and Marathon with update 1.1.0.2. Microsoft Flight Simulator also released its City Update 15 for Illinois.
The Internet is calling out Microsoft for carrying out the Red Wedding of gaming
The internet is criticizing Microsoft's recent actions, drawing parallels to the 'Red Wedding' from Game of Thrones, likely referring to significant layoffs within the gaming division. This event has sparked widespread discussion and negative sentiment among gamers and industry observers.
Ori Dev CEO Says Xbox Was Too Focused On Protecting Its Legacy To Build Its Future
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox's focus on legacy intellectual properties like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza hindered its ability to cultivate new talent and games. He suggests that Xbox should prioritize empowering creative individuals and teams who understand the gaming audience, rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Goes All-In on PS5 Pro Support as Xbox Bets Big on Rival Console
Microsoft is heavily investing in PlayStation 5 Pro support for Halo: Campaign Evolved, including features like PlayStation Spectral Super Resolution, SSD optimization, and DualSense integration. Despite being an Xbox franchise, the game is being optimized to leverage the PS5 Pro's capabilities, with reports suggesting even the Xbox Series X may struggle to match its performance on Sony's upgraded console.
Microsoft reaffirm that Gears of War E Day and Clockwork Revolution are exclusive
Xbox Chief Strategy Officer Matthew Ball has confirmed that Gears of War E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will remain exclusive to Xbox platforms. He dismissed rumors suggesting a change in exclusivity status, stating that players can expect annual signature exclusives from the company.
Amid reports of closures to Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan is stepping down from…
Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are stepping down amid reports of significant layoffs and the closure of studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, had been CEO for less than two years. These changes follow a strategic "Xbox reset" outlined by CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månader
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.
Morning Safety Dance
A critical vulnerability in Microsoft's Copilot has been discovered, allowing hackers to steal two-factor authentication codes from users. This exploit poses a significant security risk, potentially compromising user accounts.
Upcoming Xbox Exclusives Are Being Sent Out To Die, Analyst Says; Xbox Pushes Back
Analyst Rhys Elliott claims Microsoft is intentionally setting upcoming Xbox exclusives like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution up for failure to transition away from console hardware. Xbox's Matthew Ball denies rumors of reversing course on exclusives, stating they will remain exclusive and that Microsoft plans to release signature exclusives annually. The article also touches on potential studio closures and layoffs within Xbox due to financial struggles.
Xbox might introduce Buy Now, Pay Later options for games and console
Microsoft may be introducing Buy Now, Pay Later options to the Xbox storefront, with references to services like Klarna and PayPal Pay in 4 found in the website's code. This feature would allow consumers to split purchases of consoles, games, and subscriptions into smaller payments. While not officially announced, this move aligns with industry trends to make expensive hardware and games more accessible.
Microsoft nearly killed former Uncharted 4 and The Last of Us director's new game, but he managed to save it after the first trailer, fellow Naughty Dog vet says: "It was game over"
Bruce Straley's new game, Coven of the Chicken Foot, developed by his studio Wildflower Interactive, faced cancellation when Microsoft abruptly pulled its funding in July 2025. However, a trailer released during The Game Awards attracted new investors, saving the project. This incident highlights the volatile nature of game development funding, even for experienced creators like Straley, who previously co-directed The Last of Us and Uncharted 4.
Treyarch studio head steps down after 22 years
Mark Gordon, studio head at Treyarch, has retired after 22 years with the Call of Duty maker. During his tenure, Gordon contributed to titles like Call of Duty 3 and the entire Black Ops series. Kevin Hendrickson and Yale Miller will take over as co-studio heads. The article also touches on past studio issues, significant investment in the Call of Duty franchise, and recent performance concerns.
Xbox Game Pass Loses 8 More Games Very Soon
Microsoft is removing eight games from Xbox Game Pass on June 30, including Payday 2, Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Slay the Spire, Ultimate Chicken Horse, Mecha Break, Volcano Princess, and Unpacking. Subscribers can purchase these titles at a discount before they are delisted. New additions to Game Pass in June include Call of Duty: Vanguard and EA Sports FC 26.
Here's your next batch of Xbox Game Pass games for June
Microsoft has announced new games coming to Xbox Game Pass in June and early July, including EA Sports FC 26, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4. Several titles are also departing the service on June 30th.
Microsoft-owned studios negotiate to avoid closures as CEO wants *more* monetization in games
Microsoft-owned studios are reportedly negotiating for independence to avoid potential closures amidst an Xbox 'reset.' CEO Satya Nadella is pushing for increased monetization in games, stating that Xbox has historically subsidized its entertainment. This comes as Microsoft faces layoffs and questions about the profitability of its recent Activision Blizzard acquisition.
Xbox Game Pass Soldiers on With June 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announcement
Microsoft has announced the Xbox Game Pass lineup for June 2026 Wave 2, amidst reports of potential studio closures and mass layoffs affecting developers like Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. The company has not yet commented on these reports.
Game Pass adds EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, Winds of Arcana: Ruination, and more in late June to early July
Microsoft has announced new titles coming to Game Pass between late June and early July, including EA Sports FC 26, RV There Yet?, and Winds of Arcana: Ruination. Several other games like Junkster, Call of Duty: Vanguard, and Abyssus are also being added. Additionally, the article lists games that will be leaving the Game Pass library on June 30.
