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Xbox CCO details unified approach for next-gen Project Helix console
Microsoft's Xbox division is adopting a unified approach for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, with close collaboration between hardware and development teams. CCO Matt Booty highlighted early involvement from publishing and development in planning and specs, and cross-studio support, such as Blizzard assisting Playground Games with Fable. Xbox VP Jason Ronald mentioned the console will leverage new technology developed with AMD and aims for alpha versions by 2027.
Gaming Needs More Ads, Expert Says, And A $6 Game Pass Tier
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly exploring ways to make Xbox Game Pass more affordable, potentially through a lower-priced, ad-supported tier. Industry expert Joost van Dreunen suggests embracing advertising, citing its prevalence in other media, and notes that subscriptions excel at retention but not market growth. Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden expressed skepticism about Game Pass's current trajectory, while Netflix CEO Greg Peters indicated openness to potential bundle collaborations with Xbox.
Evening Consolidation
An executive stated that Microsoft's next-generation Xbox Project Helix will benefit from the collaboration between its hardware and software teams. Separately, the co-op survival horror game Dark Hours is scheduled for release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X on April 22.
Evening Safety Dance
Over 100 Google Chrome extensions were discovered to be injecting ads and harvesting user data. Separately, Microsoft addressed a prompt injection vulnerability in Copilot Studio, though data exfiltration still occurred.
Starfield Has Been Rated for Nintendo Switch 2 in Taiwan – Rumor
A rating for Starfield on the unreleased Nintendo Switch 2 has appeared on Taiwan's entertainment software rating website, suggesting a port is in development. Bethesda is also working on a hotfix for reported crashing issues on PlayStation 5. Director Todd Howard discussed the divisive reception of Starfield and Bethesda's other major franchises.
Microsoft's new college deal is a half-hearted answer to the $500 MacBook Neo
Microsoft has launched the "Microsoft College Offer," a bundle aimed at students that includes Microsoft 365 Premium, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a custom Xbox controller, and a discounted laptop. This offer is a response to Apple's new MacBook Neo, providing a value proposition that includes deals on devices from manufacturers like HP, ASUS, Acer, and Lenovo, as well as Microsoft's own Surface line.
PS5 Sales Break 2026 Records as Gamers Rush to Beat RAM Crisis Price Hikes
PlayStation 5 sales have surged in the US, breaking 2026 records as consumers rush to purchase consoles before potential price hikes driven by a looming RAM crisis. Gamers are anticipating increased component costs impacting manufacturing, leading to a preemptive buying spree. This surge is affecting retailers and the secondary market, with similar trends observed in other hardware segments.
Starfield for Nintendo Switch 2 rated by Taiwan Rating Board
Starfield has been rated by the Taiwan Entertainment Software Rating Board, fueling rumors of a potential Nintendo Switch 2 release. While no official announcement has been made, a retailer listing also appeared for the game on the platform. Microsoft has confirmed Indiana Jones and the Great Circle for the Nintendo Switch 2 in 2026.
Snap is laying off 16 percent of its workforce, blames AI
Snap is laying off approximately 1,000 employees, representing 16 percent of its workforce, with CEO Evan Spiegel citing advancements in artificial intelligence as a reason for the reduction. The company expects these changes to save over $500 million by the second half of 2026 and improve net-income profitability. This move follows similar workforce reductions at other tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Pinterest, as they increasingly integrate AI to boost efficiency.
Morning Mobilization
This article analyzes how China has become a dominant force in the global mobile games market, highlighting the success of companies like Tencent and NetEase. It also explores strategies for Western companies to effectively compete in this landscape.
Report: Xbox new chief says Game Pass 'has become too expensive'
Microsoft's new Xbox chief, Asha Sharma, has reportedly stated that Game Pass has become too expensive for players, indicating a need for a better value proposition. Sharma also mentioned plans to evolve Game Pass into a more flexible system over the long term. This comes amid a reported decrease in Microsoft's gaming revenue and discussions about potential subscription bundles with Netflix.
Seems like opting out of website cookies doesn't actually guarantee you are opted out of website cookies
A recent audit by webXray found that major technology companies, including Google, Meta, and Microsoft, often ignore global opt-out signals for website cookies. The report indicates that many cookie banners fail to prevent tracking, leading to potential legal liabilities for companies.
Cybersecurity experts raise the alarm over Windows Recall again: 'The vault door is titanium. The wall next to it…
Cybersecurity experts are raising concerns about Microsoft's Windows Recall feature, which screenshots user activity on PCs. Despite redesigns, security researcher Alexander Hagenah has developed a tool, TotalRecall Reloaded, that can reportedly expose vulnerabilities and extract captured data. Microsoft maintains that the observed access patterns are consistent with intended protections and do not represent unauthorized access.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Claims Game Pass Has “Become Too Expensive”
Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma reportedly stated in an internal memo that Game Pass has become too expensive for players and needs a better value equation. Sharma plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system over time. There are also rumors that Call of Duty might be removed from Game Pass this year.
Best Buy Foundation Presents Xbox Game Camp Minneapolis 2026
The Best Buy Foundation is partnering with Xbox Game Camp to present a new program in Minneapolis for aspiring game creators aged 18-19. Running from June 15 to September 3, 2026, the 12-week immersive learning experience will guide participants through the game development lifecycle, from concept to playable prototype, with mentorship from Microsoft and Xbox experts.
Starfield PS5 Sales Estimates Leave Much to Be Desired
New sales estimates suggest Starfield has had lukewarm opening sales on PlayStation 5, with around 140,000 copies sold according to Alinea Analytics. These figures are lower than other Xbox-published ports and come over two years after the game's initial release on Xbox and PC. The article notes that these estimates should be taken with caution due to the firm's past inaccuracies, but they still provide perspective on the game's multiplatform performance.
Starfield is a flop on PS5 and has 'barely broken even' says analyst
Starfield has reportedly sold only 140,000 copies on PlayStation 5 since its release, with total sales estimated to be under 5 million copies and revenue around $300 million. Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests that the delayed release on PlayStation 5, two and a half years after its Xbox and PC debut, and the game's poor reputation have contributed to its underperformance. These figures indicate that Starfield has likely only just broken even, making a sequel unlikely.
Jobs Roundup: April 2026 | Sega Europe appoints Irina Kim as chief financial officer
This article rounds up recent executive appointments across the gaming industry. Notable changes include Irina Kim as CFO of Sega Europe, Joost Hagesteijn leading Roblox's European operations, and Andy Norman appointed COO of CodeDev. Several other key roles have also been filled at companies like Astragon Entertainment, Rovio, and Blizzard Entertainment.
Next-Gen Xbox Project Helix Will Benefit From Hardware And Software Teams Working Together, Exec Says
Xbox boss Matty Booty stated that the upcoming Project Helix device benefits from Microsoft's integrated hardware and software teams working together from the early stages of development. This synergy is intended to create a more unified experience for players and developers, breaking down barriers between PC and console gaming. Alpha versions of the system are expected to ship to developers in 2027, with a custom AMD SoC powering significant advancements in ray tracing and efficiency.
Crimson Desert "on track to overtake Starfield's total lifetime copies sold by the end of the year," analyst says, as PS5 sales "not fantastic for a port of the biggest Bethesda RPG in a decade"
An analyst suggests that Crimson Desert is on track to outsell Starfield's lifetime copies by the end of the year, citing lukewarm PlayStation 5 sales for Starfield. While Starfield's PS5 port has issues, its sales are noted as faster than other recent Xbox ports, though its overall performance is attributed to a formula that may no longer resonate with players and the impact of Game Pass.
