Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Call of Duty games coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one lasted all of two releases as Microsoft announces big changes and…
Microsoft is reducing the prices of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, with Ultimate dropping to $22.99 and PC Game Pass to $13.99 per month. Additionally, new Call of Duty titles will now be available on the service approximately one year after their initial release, a change attributed to Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's view that the service had become too expensive.
Steam, Minecraft, Roblox and Fortnite risk "becoming onramps to abuse, extremist violence, radicalisation or lifelong harm", claim Australian government
The Australian government has issued transparency notices to Valve, Epic Games, Microsoft, and Roblox Corporation, demanding action to prevent their platforms from becoming conduits for abuse, extremist violence, and radicalization. eSafety commissioner Julie Inman Grant highlighted concerns about grooming and the embedding of violent narratives, citing specific examples on Roblox, Minecraft, Fortnite, and Steam.
"Not surprising at all" - analysts see Xbox Game Pass price cut as inevitable shift that will drive subscription growth in 2026
Analysts believe Microsoft's decision to cut the price of Xbox Game Pass and remove Call of Duty as a day-one offering was an expected move due to the franchise's limited impact on subscription growth. While opinions differ on the effect on Call of Duty's revenue, the price reduction is seen as a positive step that should help subscriber numbers grow. This strategic shift is viewed as commercial pragmatism rather than a fundamental change in Microsoft's approach to its gaming services.
Ubisoft cancels Animal Crossing and Minecraft-inspired cozy life sim game Alterra
Ubisoft has reportedly canceled Alterra, an unannounced cozy life simulation game inspired by Animal Crossing and Minecraft, which had been in development for nearly three years at Ubisoft Montréal. Meanwhile, Microsoft has reduced the prices of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, and will no longer include new Call of Duty titles as day-one releases on the service.
Anthropic is investigating 'unauthorized access' of its Mythos cybersecurity tool
Anthropic is investigating reports of unauthorized access to its Claude Mythos cybersecurity tool, which was accessed through a third-party contractor portal. The company stated that the access occurred within a vendor environment and that they are looking into the claims. Claude Mythos, part of Project Glasswing, was in a limited preview with companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Apple, and has been noted for its ability to find security flaws.
Analys: 500 000 Forza Horizon 6-förbokningar – bara på Steam
Analysts estimate that Forza Horizon 6 has already reached 500,000 pre-orders on Steam alone, suggesting it could surpass the player counts of its predecessors. The game's setting in Japan and the four-and-a-half-year gap since the last installment are cited as reasons for its anticipated popularity. Forza Horizon 6 is set to release on May 19 for Xbox Series, PC (Steam and Microsoft Store), and later for PlayStation 5, also available on Game Pass.
PC Game Pass Price Reduced in the Philippines — Now PHP 225/Month — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Microsoft has reduced the price of PC Game Pass in the Philippines to PHP 225 per month, down from PHP 320. This price adjustment aims to make the service more appealing in a market that is heavily focused on mobile gaming and free-to-play titles, though attachment to Steam ownership remains a factor.
Firstpoint VC launches with €50m fund to invest in AI-driven games and entertainment startups
Firstpoint VC has launched with a €50 million fund dedicated to investing in AI-driven gaming and entertainment startups, focusing on emerging markets in Türkiye, Eastern Europe, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia. The firm is led by general partners Burak Yılmaz and Mike Fischer, who bring extensive experience from companies like Square Enix, Epic Games, Amazon, and Microsoft. Firstpoint aims to identify and support early-stage companies that integrate AI at the core of their product development and growth strategies.
Xbox Game Pass "Pick-Your-Own" Plan Being Considered - Report
Microsoft is reportedly considering a new 'pick-your-own' plan for Xbox Game Pass, aiming to offer greater flexibility to subscribers. This potential change aligns with previous statements from Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma about evolving the service. While no concrete details or guarantees exist, the idea could allow users to customize their subscription based on desired content and services.
Xbox Cuts Game Pass Prices But Delays Future Call of Duty Games
Xbox has reduced the monthly subscription prices for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. However, future Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass on their launch days, with a delay of approximately one year expected. This strategic move aims to attract more subscribers with lower costs while preserving revenue from initial Call of Duty sales.
Nintendo Sued By Fans Who Want Tariff Refunds
Two Nintendo customers have filed a proposed class action lawsuit seeking to compel Nintendo to pass on tariff refunds to consumers. The plaintiffs allege that Nintendo recouped tariff costs through higher prices and would receive a windfall if they claim the refund. The lawsuit could set a precedent for similar actions against Sony and Microsoft, who also raised hardware prices.
Australia wants to know how Valve is combating 'extreme-right communities' on Steam
Australia's eSafety Commissioner has issued a transparency notice to Valve, demanding an explanation of how Steam combats 'extreme-right communities' and related harms. Valve risks significant daily fines if it fails to respond. Similar notices have been served to Roblox, Microsoft for Minecraft, and Epic Games for Fortnite, citing reports of grooming, terrorism, and violent extremism on these platforms.
Xbox Game Pass Dropped to $22.99, But Call of Duty Is the Catch
Microsoft has reduced the monthly price of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate from $29.99 to $22.99 and PC Game Pass from $16.49 to $13.99, effective at the next renewal date. However, new Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on Game Pass on launch day, instead appearing approximately one year after release. This change follows subscriber backlash to a previous price increase and aims to recover revenue from the costly Activision Blizzard acquisition.
At least there's one tech company making me feel sane in an increasingly insane world
Framework founder Nirav Patel is praised for his company's commitment to personal computers and upgradable hardware, contrasting with the industry's focus on AI and cloud computing. The article highlights Framework's dedication to backwards compatibility and minimizing waste, even with new product releases like the Framework 13 Pro.
GTA 6 Trailer: Animal Spotters Go Wild Over Every Frame... | TAG
This article rounds up several gaming news items, including detailed fan analysis of the Grand Theft Auto 6 trailer's wildlife, a surprise sale on Nintendo Switch games at Costco, and Microsoft's ongoing decisions regarding Xbox Game Pass content. It also covers updates for Arc Raiders, a BAFTA controversy involving the indie game The Quiet Things, a new Minecraft mod for building vehicles, a Nintendo pop-up store in London, and various announcements from Hollywood's E3 week, alongside a Pokémon event guide and award winners from the BAFTA Games Awards.
Game Pass Might Get “Pick Your Own Plan” Options – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft is considering a 'pick your own plan' model for Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to customize benefits and potentially lower costs. This follows recent price drops and a change in policy regarding day-one Call of Duty releases on the service.
Fallout: New Vegas Sequel Was Discussed at Obsidian, Says Former Senior Designer
Former Fallout: New Vegas senior designer Chris Avellone revealed that Obsidian Entertainment discussed a sequel to the game. Avellone also commented on the unlikelihood of a remaster due to Bethesda's engineering capabilities, though recent acquisitions by Microsoft could potentially facilitate future collaboration between the studios.
Microsoft needs to answer a simple question: what is the point of Xbox?
The article questions the current purpose and direction of Microsoft's Xbox brand, contrasting its current struggles with the influential era of the Xbox 360. It discusses the impact of Game Pass, the challenges of competition with Sony, and the potential role of AI and new hardware like Project Helix. The piece suggests Xbox lacks a clear identity and a compelling vision for the future of gaming.
Project Helix’s AMD GPU Features Zero Customization by Microsoft – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will feature an off-the-shelf AMD GPU with no custom modifications, a departure from previous Xbox consoles. The GPU will reportedly utilize RDNA 5 architecture and support AMD's FSR Diamond technology for upscaling and frame generation, with significant AI performance dedicated to these features. The CPU will include a separate NPU for Microsoft's Copilot software.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate gets price decrease, will no longer include new Call of Duty games
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has reduced its monthly subscription price to $22.99. The service will no longer include new Call of Duty games as part of its offering.