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Now Xbox Is Down for Some, Microsoft Says It's Working to Fix a Major Outage Affecting Library, Sign-In, and Game Launch
Microsoft is addressing a major outage affecting Xbox services, impacting account sign-in, game library access, and the ability to launch games. The company is actively working to resolve the issues.
Xbox Network Is Down Right Now, Microsoft Confirms
The Xbox Network is currently experiencing widespread outages affecting account sign-ins, store access, and gaming services. Microsoft has confirmed the issues and is working on a fix, though no estimated time for resolution has been provided. This outage follows a recent disruption on the PlayStation Network and raises concerns about the reliability of digital-only game access.
Jensen Huang's first-ever post on X is in defense of open access to AI models, alongside Google, OpenAI, and Meta
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang, alongside Google, OpenAI, and Meta, posted on X advocating against premature restrictions on open AI models. He argues that open models are crucial for AI's growth, innovation, and global accessibility, while acknowledging their inherent risks. The companies signed an appeal to avoid stifling competition and driving innovation overseas.
Some parts of Xbox Live are now down – digital games affected
Microsoft's Xbox Network experienced a significant outage affecting account sign-ins, game launching, and store access. The issues, which began early in the morning BST, were identified by midday, though some users reported sporadic problems with digital game loading. This downtime follows a similar incident on Sony's PlayStation Network.
John Romero announced as keynote speaker for Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show
id Software co-founder John Romero has been announced as the keynote speaker for the business conference at Gamescom Asia x Thailand Game Show in Bangkok. The event, running from October 29th to November 1st, will feature speakers from companies like Tencent and Godot, and has expanded its floor space by 20% following a successful 2025 debut.
Console Gamers Bring Sharp Instincts to Their First Real-Money Slot Gameplay
Console gamers often misunderstand real-money slot gameplay due to ingrained instincts from video games, which have skill layers absent in slots. While both involve randomness, slots are designed for the operator's profit, unlike games where player skill influences outcomes. Understanding concepts like Return-to-Player (RTP) and volatility is crucial, similar to reading game specifications, as slots offer no skill-based advantage.
MMO Week in Review: FFXIV in Berlin, Black Desert in SoCal, and Jimothy saturation
This week's MMO news covers Final Fantasy XIV's Fan Festival in Berlin, Black Desert's Heidel Ball, and the early access launch of SEED. Updates were also provided for Dungeons & Dragons Online, Aion 2, and The Guild reunion movie. Several games saw controversy including World of Warcraft staff cheating, Elder Scrolls Online capacity issues, and Microsoft layoffs.
The new 'backward compatible' Xbox games on PC run on an OG Xbox emulator inside an Xbox 360 emulator, and…
New original Xbox games available on PC through backward compatibility utilize a complex emulation system. These games run on an Xbox 360 emulator, which in turn runs an original Xbox emulator (XeFu). Independent developers have already leveraged these emulators to run other original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles on PC, showcasing the intricate engineering behind Microsoft's backward compatibility efforts and raising discussions about game preservation.
Minecraft Digs Up New System Specs
Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft Java Edition, with the changes taking effect on July 21st. The article notes that the game has been playable on a wide range of systems.
The Sunday Papers
This article discusses various topics including the game Troubleshooter, analyses of science fiction and fantasy in big tech, and a piece on Scottish novelist Lewis Grassic Gibbon. It also touches on gender dysphoria through the games Stellar Blade and Brush Burial: Gutter World, and reflects on the creation of the game Sir, You Are Being Hunted. Additionally, it explores art history through the lens of Rembrandt van Rijn and the use of oil paint, and mentions the Pervert Jam 2026 game jam.
How PlayStation should have handled the news about going all-digital - Reader’s Feature
A reader suggests Sony Interactive Entertainment should have handled its transition to an all-digital PlayStation 5 by 2028 more carefully. The author proposes solutions like offering free digital transfers for physical discs, reducing digital game prices, and creating a dedicated studio for game preservation to appease critics and support physical media.
Videogame villains who sing at you are the best
This article discusses the trend of villains singing in video games, highlighting examples from various titles like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Hades II, and Baldur's Gate 3. It argues that unexpected musical numbers from antagonists can be more engaging than traditional monologues, making them memorable and impactful.
Game History and Preservation
Microsoft has included a native Xbox 360 emulator with its recent backwards-compatible PC releases. Modders have reportedly managed to run Xbox 360 games on PC with minimal adjustments, highlighting advancements in game preservation and emulation technology.
Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones
Microsoft has released four original Xbox console games on PC via backwards compatibility, including Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The article criticizes the selection of games and the lack of achievements at launch, suggesting more popular titles like Halo: Combat Evolved or Jade Empire would have been better choices.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Secret Ending Hints at Potential Halo 2 Remake
Players have discovered a secret ending in Halo: Campaign Evolved that hints at a potential remake of Halo 2. This discovery follows rumors of Halo 2 and 3 remakes being in development, contingent on the success of the first game. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Kids don’t like video games and that’s a massive problem - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern that children are not developing a healthy relationship with video games, often preferring mobile titles like Roblox and Minecraft over traditional console games. The author argues that parents' lack of engagement and introduction to age-appropriate titles leads children to associate gaming with low-rent, free-to-play experiences, potentially harming the future of the industry. This trend is seen as a contributing factor to publishers' focus on live service games over single-player experiences.
Saudi Arabia's takeover of EA gets approval from European Commission
The European Commission has approved Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, stating it will not raise competition concerns within the EU. While this hurdle is cleared, the deal still faces scrutiny from US lawmakers and developers concerned about the takeover's implications.
Xbox tests a new deal: watch ads to stream games you’ve already bought
Microsoft is testing a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to stream owned games for up to one hour after watching advertisements. This optional program is being presented as a way to offer more affordable access to games, despite recent price increases for Xbox consoles. The company states that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will be held to a high quality standard.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Secret Ending Seems To Tease A Halo 2 Remake
The secret ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved appears to tease a potential remake of Halo 2. Leaks have previously suggested that remakes of Halo 2 and 3 are in development by the newly rebranded Halo Studios, which is also reportedly working on a live-service title. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on July 28.
Resident Evil 4 is best-selling modern remake but the top 5 is surprising
Resident Evil 4 is the best-selling modern remake, selling approximately 16.8 million copies. The analysis, based on data from 2020 onwards, reveals a surprising top five including Ark: Survival Ascended and The Last of Us Part I, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 also performing well. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto defended the prevalence of remakes, viewing them as a way to introduce older titles to new audiences and pave the way for future developments.
