Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
MMO Business Roundup: Game devs on Marathon concurrency discourse, Matt Booty says no new layoffs
Microsoft's CCO Matt Booty stated there will be no immediate layoffs at Xbox studios. Game developers are defending Marathon's concurrency numbers, while NCsoft is investing in third-party studios JustPlay and emptyvessel. Roblox has launched new development programs, Incubator and Jumpstart, to support creators on its platform.
Microsoft will start providing game studios with Project Helix consoles in 2027
Microsoft plans to begin distributing early development kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, to game studios starting in 2027. The new system will support both Xbox console games and PC games, featuring a custom AMD chip capable of path tracing graphics. Microsoft and AMD are collaborating on technologies similar to those being developed for Sony's next PlayStation console.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, in partnership with AMD, aiming for significant advancements in rendering and ray tracing. The company is also rolling out 'Xbox mode' to Windows 11, enhancing cross-platform play and game preservation efforts, with alpha hardware versions planned for developers in 2027.
Resident Evil Creator Shinji Mikami and Team Are Working on an AAA Action RPG
Resident Evil creator Shinji Mikami's new studio, Unbound Games, is reportedly working on a new AAA action RPG based on an original intellectual property. The multiplatform title will utilize Unreal Engine and appears to lean into fantasy themes, a departure from Mikami's signature survival horror. Developers who previously worked on series like Silent Hill and Devil May Cry are involved in the project.
Asus CFO Nick Wu thinks Apple's MacBook Neo is 'certainly a shock to the entire market'
Asus CFO Nick Wu expressed surprise at Apple's launch of the affordable MacBook Neo, calling it a 'shock to the entire market' given Apple's premium pricing history. Wu believes PC vendors, including Microsoft, Intel, and AMD, are taking this seriously and discussing competitive strategies. He also noted that the software ecosystem differences between Apple and Intel/AMD factions may limit immediate switching incentives for consumers.
Steam Machine could be partly to blame for PlayStation's reported plans to step back from PC, Bluepoint dev suggests, and it'd be ironic if "Valve ultimately ended up winning the console war"
A Bluepoint Games developer suggests that the rise of the Steam Machine might be influencing Sony's reported decision to reduce PC ports of its single-player titles. This move is seen as ironic, as Valve's Steam Machine could potentially offer a superior experience by combining console simplicity with the breadth of PC gaming, leading to Valve potentially winning the console war.
Microsoft's CEO to Xbox: We will "always" invest in gaming
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella participated in an internal Q&A session hosted by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, where he affirmed Microsoft's ongoing commitment and investment in the future of Xbox gaming. The discussion focused on the long-term vision for the Xbox brand.
Google Cloud's vision for AI in the game industry
Google Cloud envisions AI transforming the game industry by reducing friction and creating new opportunities for developers, rather than replacing them. Jack Buser highlighted AI's potential in pre-production, business strategy, and player experience, predicting that AI will fundamentally change game genres within three to five years.
IGN Entertainment is exclusive media sponsor for Nite to Unite 2026
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will support both Xbox and PC games. Vice President of Next-Gen Jason Ronald will host a presentation at GDC 2026 titled "Building for the Future with Xbox," likely detailing the console's capabilities.
Morning Safety Dance
Microsoft's March 2026 Patch Tuesday addresses various security vulnerabilities. The updates are part of Microsoft's regular security maintenance cycle to protect users from potential threats.
Microsoft's CEO to Xbox: We will ″always″ invest in gaming
Microsoft's CEO reaffirmed the company's commitment to investing in gaming. Photos shared from GDC showed an Xbox Developer Kit, hinting at ongoing hardware development.
Microsoft shows support for Anthropic's legal case against the US Department of Defense
Microsoft has filed an amicus brief supporting AI company Anthropic in its legal challenge against the US Department of Defense. Anthropic is suing the government after being designated a "supply chain risk," which could lead to a national security blacklist. The dispute centers on the implementation of safeguards in Anthropic's large language models, particularly concerning their use in autonomous weapons and domestic surveillance.
Former Xbox Front Man Major Nelson Just Joined the Company Behind the Commodore 64 Retro Revival - IGN
Former Xbox community chief Larry Hryb, also known as Major Nelson, has joined Commodore as a Community Development Advisor. Hryb was previously laid off from Unity, where he worked as Director of Community and Advocacy. He will focus on strengthening relationships with the existing Commodore fan base and introducing the brand to a new generation.
GDC confirms return to San Francisco in 2027
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma confirmed that the next-generation Xbox, codenamed Project Helix, will support both Xbox and PC games. Vice President of Next-Gen Jason Ronald will present on 'Building for the Future with Xbox' at GDC 2026, offering insights into the future of the platform.
Larry 'Major Nelson' Hryb joins Commodore to help build its community
Former Xbox executive Larry "Major Nelson" Hryb has joined the revived Commodore brand as a Community Development Advisor. In his new role, Hryb will focus on expanding Commodore's global community and connecting with new generations of creators and enthusiasts. This move follows his recent departure from Unity.
Industry legend Shinji Mikami has a new(ish) studio with staff benefits like 'a chocolate fountain on…
Industry veteran Shinji Mikami has established a new development studio named Unbound, which has recently gained attention for its employee benefits, including a chocolate fountain and free alcohol. Mikami, who left Tango Gameworks in 2023, also formed Kamuy in 2024, though its relationship to Unbound is unclear. The studio aims to create original titles with a focus on realistic visuals and user enjoyment.
NC AMERICA PARTNERS WITH INDEPENDENT DEVELOPER ‘EMPTYVESSEL’ TO PUBLISH DEFECT
NC America has partnered with independent developer emptyvessel to publish the close-quarter cyberpunk shooter, DEFECT. This agreement will allow emptyvessel to focus on developing both its multiplayer and single-player gameplay. DEFECT is a team-based, objective-driven first-person shooter set in a dystopian city.
"I think people undervalue their own work" – ID@Xbox head Chris Charla on the tricky problem of indie game pricing
ID@Xbox head Chris Charla discussed the challenges of indie game pricing, encouraging developers to value their work and avoid imposter syndrome. He also touched on discoverability issues on the Xbox store and the success of Game Pass for developers.
I feel like I can't escape Xbox drama, as even new retro handheld emulators are causing a stir over app charges
A controversy has emerged regarding an unofficial Xemu emulator port for Android, which is being sold for $8 on the Play Store. This has led to criticism from the original Xemu developers, who plan to release an official Android app. While a free version of the unofficial port is available on GitHub, the paid version on the Play Store has sparked debate about app charges for emulation software.
Dark Messiah Of Might And Magic is getting a Community Edition with Source upgrades and Ubisoft's blessing
A team of modders, with approval from Ubisoft and support from Valve, is developing a Community Edition of Dark Messiah of Might and Magic using the latest Source Engine SDK. This new version aims to improve stability, provide direct code access for fixes and expansions, and integrate existing mods. The developers are also seeking collaborators for the project.
