Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Here Is Xbox CEO’s Plan To Turn Things Around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined a new strategy focused on strengthening the platform, growing games into global franchises, making Minecraft a creator platform, and extending beloved game worlds. Despite a recent revenue decrease, Sharma aims for Xbox to return to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027, with plans for significant expansion in games, film, TV, and consumer products.
Xbox is (probably) not for sale | Opinion
Despite recent financial struggles and layoffs, Microsoft is unlikely to sell or spin off its Xbox division. The article argues that the financial impact of Xbox on Microsoft's overall business is minimal, making it not a significant drag. Furthermore, finding a suitable buyer with the necessary capital and without regulatory issues is highly improbable, suggesting Xbox will remain part of Microsoft in the foreseeable future.
The Elder Scrolls Online developer posts extensive roadmap and reiterates that the game is "here to stay", in spite of sweeping Xbox layoffs
ZeniMax Online Studios has reassured players that The Elder Scrolls Online is committed to long-term development, releasing a roadmap extending through 2027. This comes amidst significant layoffs across the Xbox brand, which have affected several key personnel at the studio. The developer emphasized a focus on quality experiences over strict adherence to release dates, promising new content and features.
"We will not live on past successes or be trapped by past failures" – Xbox CEO outlines priorities to turn platform around in FY27
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined a new strategy focused on a console-led approach, global franchises, and enhancing Minecraft as a creator platform to drive growth. Despite a significant revenue decline last year, Sharma expressed confidence in returning the platform to growth by the end of fiscal year 2027 by investing in player-valued experiences. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also commented on the need for necessary decisions, including layoffs and studio divestments, to ensure long-term growth.
Double Fine cuts staff, Xbox's revenue decline, and Leon Kennedy pays off - Patch Notes #63
Double Fine has laid off 23 employees following its transition to independence from Xbox. Meanwhile, Xbox reported a $1.7 billion revenue decline for fiscal year 2026, attributed to decreased content, services, and console sales. The article also touches on the erosion of institutional knowledge due to layoffs and the continued sales success of Capcom's Resident Evil series.
Indies devs band together for 100-game, $10 bundle aiming to help an "unprecedented number" of laid off…
Indie game developers have launched a $10 bundle featuring over 100 games and assets to support developers affected by recent layoffs. Spearheaded by Necrosoft Games, all proceeds, minus processing fees, will go to a Game Industry Hardship Fund managed by United Videogame Workers. The bundle includes titles like A Short Hike and Arranger, with funds intended to help laid-off developers with essential living expenses.
As the memory crisis worsens, PlayStation promises it has secured enough RAM to meet its PS5 sales (until early 2027, at least)
Sony has secured enough memory components to meet projected PlayStation 5 sales through March 2027, ensuring hardware profitability remains stable. Despite ongoing component shortages impacting other manufacturers like Nvidia, Microsoft, and Nintendo, Sony's supply chain assurance aims to fulfill demand for the console, especially with anticipated major game releases in late 2026. The company also noted investments in its next-generation platform, suggesting future consoles may be more expensive and launch later.
Is Gears of War E-Day on PS5?
Gears of War E-Day will not be released on PlayStation 5 at launch, with Microsoft confirming it as an Xbox and PC exclusive. While recent Xbox titles have seen PlayStation ports, E-Day's availability on PS5 in the future is uncertain and not guaranteed.
You can now play Xbox games on Hisense TVs without a console
Microsoft has launched the Xbox app on Hisense TVs and other televisions utilizing VIDAA OS. This integration allows users to play Xbox games directly on their smart TVs without the need for a dedicated console.
Nvidia’s Coming Price Bump Won’t Spare the Mid-Range — Every Card Is on the Table
Nvidia is reportedly planning a significant price increase of up to 30% across its entire GPU lineup, including mid-range cards like the GeForce RTX 5070, due to a 20% rise in DRAM chip prices from supplier Samsung. This follows earlier price hikes on high-end cards and impacts the affordability of building new PCs, with concerns also raised by Valve and Microsoft about deepening RAM shortages.
The Elder Scrolls Online Delaying Some Updates to 2027
ZeniMax Online Studios is delaying some updates for The Elder Scrolls Online to 2027 as the studio adjusts to Microsoft's recent game publishing shakeups. The game director communicated this change via a message on the official website.
Business and Finance
Electronic Arts anticipates its Saudi takeover deal will close next week, while Xbox revenue has seen a significant drop of $1.7 billion year-over-year, with hardware sales declining by 29%. Roblox Corporation has also reported its financial results for the second quarter of 2026.
AI Yi-Yi!
The article touches on the legal implications of AI, stating that 'AI did it' is not a valid legal defense. It also mentions Microsoft's significant investment in AI, with users able to report 'slop' content after the company spent $41 billion on AI development, and notes that Gemini Spark now utilizes Chrome's auto-browse feature.
After 12 years and heavy layoffs, new Elder Scrolls Online lead says the MMO is "here to stay" with extra help from Bethesda proper and "all-new experiences in Skyrim" on the way
Despite significant layoffs at Zenimax Online, the new lead for The Elder Scrolls Online, Nick Giacomini, assures players the MMORPG is committed to a long-term future with increased collaboration with Bethesda Game Studios. This new direction prioritizes quality over strict deadlines, leading to delays for upcoming content like the Crimson Veldt trial and Update 52, now slated for January 2027, alongside new experiences in Skyrim.
Games Inbox: Will you play the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake or GTA 6 first?
Readers discuss the potential simultaneous release of a The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake and Grand Theft Auto 6, debating which game they would play first. Other topics include concerns about digital downloads, the perceived lack of appeal for Gears of War: E-Day, and the reliability of user reviews compared to professional critiques.
Xbox CEO Outlines Future Plans for Growth in New Internal Memo – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma outlined four key priorities for the division's future growth in an internal memo: strengthening the console platform, developing games into global franchises, turning Minecraft into a creator platform, and expanding beloved game worlds. These priorities, dubbed the 'four Cs' (core, content, creation, connection), aim to return Xbox to growth and achieve industry-leading margins by fiscal year 2030. The memo also discussed a shift towards a more centralized studio system focused on strong franchises and expanding intellectual property across various media.
Saudi Arabia's $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts will happen next week
Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund is set to complete its $55 billion takeover of Electronic Arts next week, with all regulatory approvals secured. This acquisition, which will take EA private, has raised concerns among content creators and former employees regarding potential shifts in game content and the company's values. The deal, the largest leveraged buyout in history, will saddle EA with significant debt, potentially leading to cost-cutting measures focused on its most profitable franchises like Battlefield and EA Sports FC.
Xbox revenues dipped $1.7 billion last year, but Asha Sharma predicts a 'return to growth' by mid-2027
Xbox experienced a revenue dip of $1.7 billion in the last fiscal year, with content and services revenue down 10% and hardware revenue down 29%. Despite these declines, CEO Asha Sharma predicts a return to growth by the end of the 2027 fiscal year, citing investments in player value and the company's IP. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella also expressed confidence in the business's long-term growth potential.
Xbox revenue dropped in Q4, but CEO Asha Sharma keeps promising that growth is coming
Microsoft's Xbox division experienced a 7% revenue drop in its fourth quarter, attributed to declines in content, services, and hardware. Despite these figures, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma expressed confidence in returning to growth by the end of FY27, citing an increase in new players.
XBOX App Available on Hisense and VIDAA OS-powered TVs
Microsoft has expanded the availability of the Xbox app to Hisense and VIDAA OS-powered smart TVs. This allows Xbox Game Pass subscribers to stream a library of games directly to their televisions, provided they have a compatible TV and controller. The rollout is gradual, with availability expanding over time.
