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The Morning After: Polymarket and a hairdryer
This article covers multiple developments including alleged rigging of bets on the prediction market Polymarket using temperature data, and a US soldier arrested for using classified information to bet on political events. It also reports on Microsoft's decision to cut Xbox Game Pass prices while excluding new Call of Duty titles from day-one availability, and Anker's development of its own AI chip for consumer electronics.
Leak claims a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that includes '50+ games' and more will be bundled with Discord Nitro
A leak suggests Microsoft is planning a new Xbox Game Pass tier called 'Starter Edition' that will be bundled with Discord Nitro subscriptions. This tier reportedly includes over 50 games, 10 hours of monthly cloud gaming, and Xbox rewards. This news follows recent price adjustments to Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Build A Rocket Boy facing legal action, Behaviour Interactive cuts jobs, and Xbox has a new 'north star' - Patch Notes #49
This week's gaming news includes Behaviour Interactive confirming job cuts, Microsoft lowering Xbox Game Pass prices, and Nintendo facing lawsuits over tariffs. Build A Rocket Boy is also facing legal action for alleged privacy violations, while the Super Mario Galaxy Movie has surpassed $747 million at the global box office. Xbox is reportedly rethinking its exclusivity strategy and focusing on daily active players.
"I don't think that's a good strategy for a platform holder like PlayStation," Former Sony exec opens up about the idea of PS5 games coming to PC on day one
Former Sony executive Shuhei Yoshida shared his perspective on PlayStation's strategy regarding PC releases, stating that day-one launches for triple-A titles might not be ideal for a platform holder like PlayStation. He noted that while Sony has successfully brought games like Horizon: Zero Dawn and Helldivers 2 to PC after console exclusivity, he is skeptical of an Xbox-like day-and-date release model.
Xbox 're-evaluating' exclusivity and AI use as it teases Project Helix
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new direction for the brand, emphasizing flexible pricing, a stronger PC presence, and a re-evaluation of game exclusivity. The company is also focusing on daily active players and expanding into new markets, while its next console, codenamed Project Helix, will serve as a foundation for a cloud-integrated experience. Microsoft is also reportedly preparing for potential layoffs.
'We have to be honest about where we are; we're a challenger' - Xbox bosses share open letter about the future
Xbox, formerly Microsoft Gaming, has outlined a new strategy focusing on connecting players and creators globally, with console remaining central but with an emphasis on affordability and flexibility. Key priorities include hardware, content, experience, and services, with a goal to increase daily active players and elevate creator-centric platforms like Minecraft. The company acknowledges its challenger status and aims for pace, energy, and self-critique to drive future success.
Leaked Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition looks to bundle a small library of games with your Discord Nitro membership
Leaked information suggests Microsoft is planning a new 'Xbox Game Pass Starter Edition' tier. This edition would reportedly bundle a selection of over 50 games with a Discord Nitro subscription, aiming to attract new users to Game Pass. The offering is expected to be similar to the current Game Pass Essential tier, including limited cloud gaming access and Xbox Rewards points, though pricing details are currently unknown.
Xbox ska "tänka om" angående exklusiviteter
Xbox is reevaluating its approach to game exclusivity, with new head Asha Sharma indicating a need to "rethink" the strategy. While not all Xbox games will become multiplatform, the company aims to strengthen its PC presence and provide better tools for developers and publishers.
"Game Pass Starter Edition" For Discord Nitro Members Leaks
A leak suggests that Discord Nitro members will soon receive a 'Game Pass Starter Edition' offering over 50 games and 10 hours of Xbox Cloud streaming per month. The leaked art also indicates titles like Gears 5, Dishonored 2, and Fallout 4 could be included. Microsoft has been contacted for comment regarding this potential new tier of Game Pass.
Microsoft Gives Xbox Players Double Rewards Points on Birthdays
Microsoft has launched a new Xbox Rewards 'birthday bonus' feature that grants players double points on all Xbox Store purchases made during their birthday week. This initiative aims to personalize the player experience and strengthen community ties, fitting into Microsoft's broader strategy of making Xbox feel more like a community. The bonus is exclusive to the digital storefront and reflects the company's data advantage in offering personalized rewards.
Asha Sharma declares 'We are Xbox' in Microsoft Gaming rebranding statement
Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Xbox, has made a statement declaring 'We are Xbox' as part of a rebranding effort for the Microsoft Gaming division. The announcement signals significant changes to the Xbox brand identity.
Tears of Metal Is Coming to Xbox and Game Pass
Paper Cult announced that Tears of Metal, a medieval co-op roguelike, will be released on Xbox Series X|S, Game Pass, Microsoft Store, and Steam. The game is set to enter Early Access in Spring 2026 and features players reclaiming their island from invaders with various powers and upgrades.
Microsoft to Offer 7 Percent of its US Employees The Option to Retire Early – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly offering a buyout for early retirement to 7 percent of its US-based employees who meet specific age and tenure criteria. This news follows earlier reports of potential workforce reductions within Microsoft's gaming division and a recent rebranding of Microsoft Gaming back to Xbox.
Xbox Unveils New Logo Calling Back to 2001 Console’s Color Scheme
Xbox has unveiled a new logo that harkens back to the original console's green and black color scheme, coinciding with the rebranding of Microsoft Gaming to Xbox. Executives Asha Sharma and Matt Booty stated the change reflects a renewed ambition and a focus on connecting players and creators globally. The company aims to address player frustrations with fragmented experiences and pricing by strengthening its platform and expanding its reach.
'Our presence on PC isn't strong enough,' Xbox bosses admit
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty have outlined a renewed commitment to Xbox, including a name change back to Xbox and a reevaluation of exclusivity, windowing, and AI strategies. The company aims to focus on daily active players and shared experiences, acknowledging past shortcomings in PC presence and console market share.
Team Xbox Manifesto; Exclusives in Question
Xbox leadership, including Matt Booty and Asha Sharma, sent a message to Team Xbox employees acknowledging gamer frustration with the company's performance and challenges. The internal communication addresses the ongoing discussion around Xbox's exclusivity strategy.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
NVIDIA GeForce NOW will now support Game Pass and Ubisoft+ subscriptions, allowing users to stream games from these services. This integration aims to expand the cloud gaming platform's library and accessibility for subscribers.
Microsoft Gaming Rebrands as Xbox, Outlines Strategy Shift and Challenges
Microsoft Gaming has officially rebranded to Xbox, aiming to unify its ecosystem across console, PC, mobile, and cloud platforms. The company acknowledges challenges in feature updates, PC presence, and competition, while emphasizing console hardware as a foundation and increasing the importance of cloud gaming and cross-platform integration. Key internal metrics will shift towards daily active players.
After laying off 15,000 employees in a year, Microsoft will now reportedly pay yet more employees to quit voluntarily in…
Microsoft is reportedly introducing a voluntary buyout program for long-serving US employees, offering them payment to retire early. This initiative, a first in the company's 51-year history, targets employees whose age and tenure combine to 70 or more, aiming to reduce its workforce through a more amicable approach.
Xbox's New Leadership Details Its Strategy in "We are Xbox" Internal Memo as It Retires The
Xbox's new leadership, CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty, have outlined a new strategy in an internal memo detailing plans to rebuild community trust and redefine Xbox as a platform for play and creation. The memo acknowledges current frustrations with the brand's PC presence, fragmented services, and aims to strengthen hardware, content, experience, and services pillars, including a reevaluation of exclusivity and a focus on Game Pass sustainability.
