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Microsoft Has Reportedly Shut Down South of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games
Microsoft is reportedly planning to shut down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. The closure would mark the end of operations for the Canadian developer.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Release Date And Global Launch Times Revealed
Microsoft has revealed the release date and global launch times for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, launching on July 28 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5. Early access begins on July 23 for those who purchase the Premium or Collector's editions. The game includes updated graphics, features, and three new prequel missions titled Operation: Meteorite.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” Xbox
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, is departing Microsoft after 15 years, along with his chief of staff Louise O'Connor. These changes precede reported layoffs and potential studio closures as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset" the business. The departures follow comments from Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella about the need to make Xbox a sustainable business.
UK Charts: FF7 Rebirth Falls Off A Cliff As FC 26 Returns To The Top Spot
The latest UK video game sales charts show EA SPORTS FC 26 returning to the number one spot, likely due to the start of the World Cup 2026. Final Fantasy VII Rebirth saw a significant drop from second to thirtieth place, a common trend for games after their initial launch week. No new titles entered the top 40 this week.
Xbox Games Studios loses two top execs, days after Microsoft CEO calls for company "reset"
Xbox Games Studios leader Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have departed Microsoft, shortly after CEO Asha Sharma called for a business "reset." The departures follow reports of impending mass layoffs within the company. Duncan and O'Connor are veterans of Rare, having worked on titles like Sea of Thieves and the cancelled Everwild.
As Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, then
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company's video games are not sufficiently monetized, suggesting this is the core issue rather than cancelled projects or large acquisitions. This comes amid layoffs at Xbox, with Xbox CEO Asha Sharma calling for a "reset" to better meet fan expectations. The article also touches on the rising costs of game development and the industry's struggle to find sustainable monetization models.
Xbox studios exec and former Rare boss resigns ahead of expected mass layoffs
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are leaving Microsoft amidst reports of impending mass layoffs within the Xbox division. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, cited his purpose in serving studios and teams. These departures come as Xbox undergoes significant changes, including a pivot back to exclusive games and potential restructuring.
UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026 – Pokemon Pokopia back in the top five
EA Sports FC 26 has reclaimed the top spot in the UK software sales chart for the week ending June 13, 2026, driven by World Cup interest. Nintendo's Pokemon Pokopia also re-entered the top five, leading other Nintendo exclusives like Mario Kart World and Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream.
Xbox Game Studios head leaves after less than 2 years: "I'm proud to say we delivered many flawless…
Craig Duncan has departed from his role as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, capping a longer career at Microsoft. He announced his exit in a memo to staff, highlighting the delivery of "flawless launches" during his tenure. Louise O'Connor, who also had a long history with Rare, is leaving as well. The teams will report to Xbox CCO Matt Booty until a replacement is found, amidst ongoing rumors of an "Xbox reset" including potential layoffs and restructuring.
Microsoft Boss Wants Xbox to Start Pulling Its Weight Financially
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the Xbox division needs to become more profitable, acknowledging that the company has been subsidizing entertainment rather than monetizing it effectively. New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is tasked with reassessing the division's strategy to ensure economic sustainability in game development and hardware.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios boss steps down after less than two years, amid major changes for the platform
Craig Duncan has stepped down as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. Duncan, formerly head of Rare, oversaw numerous studios during his tenure. Matt Booty will temporarily lead the studios until a replacement is found, amidst broader leadership changes at Xbox under Asha Sharma.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Xbox Game Studios Boss Departs Amid Growing Concern Over Layoffs and Possible Studio Shutdowns
Two senior managers at Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios are departing the company. This comes amid growing concerns about impending layoffs and the potential closure of some studios within the division.
Xbox Game Studios boss Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor step down
Xbox Game Studios leader Craig Duncan and Chief of Staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down from their roles. Duncan, who previously led Rare, oversaw numerous internal studios, while O'Connor was an executive producer at Rare. Their departures coincide with reports of potential job cuts and a business 'reset' at Xbox.
Say hello to EA Advertising, which will let your favourite brands 'integrate' ads to 'enhance' your…
Electronic Arts has launched EA Advertising, a new platform enabling brands to integrate advertisements into its games. Initially targeting sports titles like EA Sports FC and Madden NFL, these "in-game integrations" will feature dynamic placements, branded content, and reward-driven objectives. EA claims its games reach over 120 million players monthly, presenting a significant opportunity for advertisers to "enhance" player experiences.
Xbox Game Studios leadership Craig Duncan and Louise O’Connor resign
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O’Connor have resigned from their positions. Duncan, who led the division for 20 months, and O’Connor, who joined Microsoft after working at Rare, are leaving the company. Their responsibilities will be temporarily handled by Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty.
Microsoft CEO admits "there's more monetization of Xbox games happening on YouTube" than the company as it tries to "turn this into a sustainable business"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that the company needs to make Xbox a sustainable business, noting that more monetization of Xbox games occurs on YouTube than within Microsoft itself. He acknowledged industry-wide challenges like rising manufacturing costs and the need to define Xbox's future strategy to ensure economic relevance for both the company and its customers.
Xbox website code suggests Klarna and PayPal Pay Later could be coming to digital game purchases
The Xbox website's code suggests that payment services like Klarna and PayPal Pay Later may be integrated for digital game purchases. This move would allow users to spread the cost of consoles and games, aligning with broader industry trends in payment flexibility.
Chris Avellone says Xbox studios are increasingly concerned about layoffs
Veteran game designer Chris Avellone reports growing concern among Xbox first-party studios regarding potential layoffs, despite previous assurances. Employees are reportedly receiving conflicting messages about their future following recent leadership changes and a company-wide focus on efficiency and core franchises.
Halo tops PS5 pre-order charts despite Xbox exclusivity pivot
Despite Microsoft's pivot back to Xbox console exclusives, the upcoming Halo remake, Halo: Campaign Evolved, is topping pre-order charts on the PlayStation Store across Europe. This success on a competitor's platform could influence future exclusivity decisions for Xbox.
