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The Windows Insider Program has released an experimental preview build, version 26300.8376. This update is part of Microsoft's ongoing efforts to test new features and improvements for the Windows operating system.
Forza Horizon 6 leaks early, developer responds by banning the IPs of anyone playing it for just under 8 thousand years
The upcoming game Forza Horizon 6 was accidentally leaked on Steam by Microsoft, with the full build being uploaded and subsequently appearing on piracy sites. While the listing was corrected, the leak has led to discussions about the value of pirated copies without online features and the potential for extremely long bans, with one user reportedly facing a nearly 8,000-year ban.
'Apple does this and y’all love it': Microsoft defends new Low Latency feature in Windows 11
Microsoft's Scott Hanselman defended the new Low Latency Profile feature in Windows 11, comparing it to similar implementations in macOS and Linux. The feature temporarily boosts CPU speed for high-priority tasks to improve responsiveness, with early testing showing significant speed increases for app launches and the Start menu. This update is currently in early testing for Windows Insiders and aims to enhance performance, particularly on budget hardware.
Forza Horizon 6 player banned for 7,973 years after playing cracked version
Playground Games has issued a lifetime ban to a player who accessed an unencrypted version of Forza Horizon 6 before its official release. The ban, set to expire in the year 9999, was given for accessing cracked game files. A similar ban was issued to a Forza Horizon 5 player for a livery design.
Discord's Nitro subscription now includes a slightly nerfed Xbox Game Pass
Discord's Nitro subscription service now includes a version of Xbox Game Pass as part of its rewards program. This integration offers subscribers access to a selection of games from Microsoft's popular subscription service.
Gears of War: E-Day Release Date Might Be Tied To WWE Event
A new WWE event sponsored by Gears of War: E-Day, scheduled for September 11-13, may reveal the game's release date. This follows a pattern of WWE events teasing game releases, with Gears of War: E-Day potentially targeting a late September or early October 2026 launch to avoid conflicts with Grand Theft Auto 6. Microsoft is expected to provide more details during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7th.
Xbox and Discord Team Up For Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition and Perks
Microsoft and Discord have announced a new partnership that will integrate their subscription services. Discord's premium Nitro subscription will now include a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass with over 50 PC and console games, 10 hours of cloud gaming, and periodically added titles. Xbox Game Pass subscribers will also receive benefits for Discord Nitro, including monthly Orbs and discounts on the Discord shop.
Xbox Game Pass Price, Day-One Games, And Tiers In 2026 Explained
Microsoft is implementing significant changes to its Xbox Game Pass service in 2026, including a price decrease for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to $23 per month and the removal of day-one Call of Duty releases. New tiers like the Starter Edition, available through Discord Nitro and Meta Horizon+, offer access to a curated library of games and limited cloud streaming. While Essential and Premium tiers offer different levels of access to game libraries and online multiplayer, Ultimate remains the most comprehensive option, including cloud streaming and access to EA Play and Ubisoft+ Classics.
Forza Horizon 6 full track list – every song you will reportedly hear in the game
A reported full track list for Forza Horizon 6 has surfaced online, detailing songs across various in-game radio stations. The list includes tracks from artists across multiple genres, with some songs marked as unreleased. The game is developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft.
Xbox Cock Up Makes LEGO Batman Playable a Week Before Release
An issue with Xbox digital codes from Walmart allowed players to access LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight a week before its official release date. While the problem has been patched, players who kept their consoles offline could continue playing. This incident follows a leak of Forza Horizon 6 on PC over the same weekend.
Forza Horizon 6's PC version leaks early, allegedly rumbling out of the garage via a Steam upload mishap
The PC version of Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly leaked online due to an unencrypted Steam build being uploaded. This has led to cracked versions of the game appearing on various platforms, with associated videos and images flooding social media. This leak follows a previous premature reveal of the game's release date in January.
Forza Horizon 6 leaks over a week early in accidental Steam update, prompting requests for the full release to be brought forward: "Might as well ship the game now"
Forza Horizon 6 has been leaked on Steam over a week before its official release date due to an accidental update. The full 155GB game is reportedly downloadable and playable, leading some players to request an earlier release. Neither Microsoft nor Playground Games have officially commented on the leak.
Forza Horizon 6 files were accidentally released on Steam early, though would-be pirates are getting their accounts slammed with bans
Files for the upcoming racing game Forza Horizon 6 were accidentally released on Steam by Playground Games and Microsoft. While some users downloaded the unencrypted files, resulting in cracked versions appearing online, many have faced severe account bans, with one user receiving a ban lasting until the year 9999.
Double Fine Productions is the latest Microsoft subsidiary to unionise
Double Fine Productions, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the support of the Communications Workers of America. This move follows a trend of unionization among Microsoft subsidiaries, with the company agreeing to a neutral approach. The proposed union includes 42 employees who aim to preserve the studio's commitments to creative excellence and worker quality of life.
Game Pass Starter Edition Announced, Here's What It's All About
Microsoft and Discord have partnered to launch Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition, available to Discord Nitro members. This new tier offers access to over 50 PC games and 10 hours of cloud gaming per month, with existing Discord Nitro benefits remaining unchanged.
Forza Horizon 6 Suffers Massive Leak Via Steam Preload Blunder
Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly leaked on PC via an unencrypted Steam preload, with the full 155GB file appearing on piracy websites. Microsoft is reportedly issuing takedown notices to combat the unauthorized distribution. The leak occurred shortly before the game's scheduled early access launch on May 15.
Nintendo promise better Switch 2 games line-up as boss apologises for price hike
Nintendo president Shuntaro Furukawa has apologized for an upcoming price hike on the Nintendo Switch 2, citing rising manufacturing costs and the impact of AI data centers on RAM chip prices. He promised a robust software lineup to justify the increased cost, with rumors circulating about a "The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time" remake and a new "3D Mario" game. Nintendo has also been criticized for the lack of major first-party game announcements this year.
Games Inbox: Are you saving up for the PS6?
Readers discuss the upcoming PlayStation 6, with many expressing reluctance to spend over £500 on a new console given current financial pressures and the existing capabilities of current-generation hardware. The discussion also touches on the potential for ongoing DLC for single-player games, the success of Pokémon Pokopia, and the retirement of Nintendo veteran Takashi Tezuka.
Gears of War: E-Day’s AAA Triplemania 34 Sponsorship May Indicate September Release
A sponsorship deal between Gears of War: E-Day and WWE for AAA Triplemania 34, taking place September 11th and 13th, suggests a potential September release for the game. Microsoft and The Coalition are expected to reveal more details, including gameplay and the official release date, during a Gears Direct on June 7th. The game is a prequel set on Emergence Day, featuring Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago against the Locust, and is built in Unreal Engine 5 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Microsoft is offering the first Mortal Kombat movie for free through its Bing search engine. This promotion allows users to access the film as part of a limited-time offer.