Microsoft
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Microsoft.
Latest coverage
Instead of convincing us digital-only games are secretly a good thing, Sony was just caught testing dynamic pricing…
Sony has been observed testing dynamic pricing for digital games on the PlayStation 5, with users seeing different discounts for titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Jedi: Survivor based on account factors. This practice, which has been noted before, is criticized as anti-consumer and further fuels concerns about a digital-only future for gaming, especially as Microsoft's Xbox has also faced similar accusations regarding Game Pass discounts.
Nearly two thousand Blizzard developers secure a union contract that includes AI safeguards and layoff protection
Nearly two thousand unionized Blizzard Entertainment developers, represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA), have secured a new contract. This agreement includes wage increases, a hybrid work week, and significant protections regarding layoffs and the use of artificial intelligence in development. CWA president Claude Cummings Jr. lauded the contract as a new industry standard.
Blizzard union workers ratify historic contract covering 1,900 employees
Employees at Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Microsoft, have ratified a new union contract covering 1,900 workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The historic agreement includes protections for AI usage, layoff recall rights, improved severance, wage increases, and a three-day hybrid work week, setting a new industry standard.
No more USB installation: Windows 11 Insiders now able to fully reset their system via cloud download even when the OS…
Microsoft has introduced a new 'cloud rebuild' feature for Windows 11 Insiders, allowing users to perform a full operating system reinstall via cloud download without needing USB media. This new recovery option aims to provide a quick and easy way to restore the system to a clean state, even if Windows won't boot, by downloading both the OS image and device drivers from Windows Update.
'No-one puts Double Fine out of business except me', says Tim Schafer on taking Double Fine independent:…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after parting ways with Microsoft, a move initiated by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's significant layoffs. Studio head Tim Schafer expressed that while the games industry has harsh realities, he is determined to keep Double Fine afloat and sees the transition as a creative awakening, despite having to lay off 23 employees himself.
Switzerland trials ditching Microsoft and using free and open-source software, available for 'around 3,000…
Switzerland's Federal Chancellery has successfully trialed the use of open-source software as a replacement for Microsoft 365, concluding it is feasible for its Federal Administration. A follow-up program will make these solutions available to approximately 3,000 employees by the end of 2027, aiming for greater digital sovereignty.
Xbox Game Pass Adds A Great Call Of Duty Game Today
Xbox Game Pass has added Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War to its service starting September 8. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, the 2020 title is available on Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and PC Game Pass, supporting cloud streaming. This addition marks a selective approach by Microsoft to integrate Activision Blizzard titles into the subscription service.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Has A Big Problem: Several Major Publishers Aren’t Participating
Xbox's disc-to-digital program is facing significant limitations as major publishers like Sega, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Bandai Namco are not participating. This means physical copies of many popular games, including Far Cry 4, Final Fantasy 15, and Dark Souls 3, cannot be converted to digital licenses. This lack of participation raises concerns for game preservation, especially given Square Enix's history of requiring repurchase for new console generations.
Xbox disc-to-digital missing Elden Ring and Final Fantasy as publishers including Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Ubisoft,…
Microsoft's new Xbox disc-to-digital initiative is facing criticism as major publishers like Bandai Namco, Square Enix, Ubisoft, and Sega are reportedly not supporting the program. This means popular games such as Elden Ring and Final Fantasy will not be eligible, raising concerns about its effectiveness as a game preservation tool.
'They're doing some kind of dynamic pricing BS': Xbox Game Pass is being offered cheaper for some users,…
Microsoft appears to be experimenting with dynamic pricing for Xbox Game Pass, offering some lapsed subscribers discounts of up to 30% on annual subscriptions. This promotion is not universally visible, leading to speculation that it's a targeted effort to re-engage users, with some users expressing frustration over the perceived 'BS' pricing strategy.
The Tetris Company says it was "not involved in the creation" of White House parody, takes "copyright infringement very seriously"
The Tetris Company has stated it was not involved in the creation of a parody game called 'Build the Wall: Zombie Border Siege' that was featured on a US government minigame site. The company takes copyright infringement seriously and emphasized its belief in connection rather than division. The parody game, which involved building a wall to keep out 'aliens,' has since been removed.
Don't Nod might not have enough cash to make it through January 2027, and even if it does, pulling up could…
Developer Don't Nod is facing severe financial difficulties, with a material uncertainty about its ability to continue operating beyond January 31, 2027. Poor sales of recent titles like Jusant and Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden, coupled with increased development costs for a Netflix collaboration, have led to a significant decrease in operating revenue. The company is undergoing a restructure in France that may involve up to 90 layoffs.
Square Enix, Ubisoft Have Opted Out of Xbox’s Disc-to-Digital Program – Report
Ubisoft and Square Enix have reportedly opted out of Microsoft's Xbox disc-to-digital program, preventing users from converting physical game discs into digital licenses. While neither company has commented, it's possible they may join the service upon its full public release. The program allows users to obtain digital entitlements for physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games, with Microsoft emphasizing player choice in media formats.
Tim Schafer: "No one puts Double Fine out of business except me"
Tim Schafer, head of Double Fine Productions, discussed the studio's efforts to regain independence from Microsoft following significant layoffs. He stated that the studio's mission changed after new leadership took over at Xbox, leading to the decision to part ways. Schafer emphasized the importance of creative problem-solving and keeping the team alive amidst industry challenges.
The Best Game & Software Key Deals on G2A.COM – September 2026
G2A.COM is offering discounts on various PC games and software keys for September 2026. Featured game deals include 'No More Room In Hell 2', 'Onimusha: Way of the Sword', and 'Project Zomboid'. Non-gaming software deals include Canva, Microsoft Windows 11 Home, and Adobe Creative Cloud.
The hidden value behind your Gamertag and library
The value of an Xbox account has significantly increased beyond a simple login, encompassing achievements, Gamerscore, purchased libraries, and Game Pass subscriptions, effectively becoming a digital identity. This growing value has led to a secondary market for established accounts, with platforms like eldorado.gg facilitating more secure transactions.
Games Inbox: When will GTA 6 be released on PC?
Readers discuss the potential PC release date for Grand Theft Auto 6, with speculation centering around a six-month delay after the console launch. Other topics include the potential for moral choices in the game, concerns over Microsoft's cloud gaming limitations, and a critique of the industry's shift towards digital-only and away from physical media.
In a world of Slime Rancher and Palworld, I still crave more Viva Piñata
This article reflects on Rare's 2006 title Viva Piñata, contrasting its charming life simulation gameplay with the studio's earlier, edgier titles and later Microsoft projects. Despite not being a commercial success, Viva Piñata is praised for retaining Rare's distinctive design magic and offering a surprisingly deep experience with a hidden dark side.
The Blood of Dawnwalker has sold 1 million copies in just 3 days
The Blood of Dawnwalker has achieved over one million sales worldwide within its first three days of release, developer Rebel Wolves announced. The studio, formed by former Witcher developers, also confirmed a performance mode for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will be available on day one after fan feedback. Separately, a report indicates Microsoft has capped Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming at 15 hours per month for Ultimate subscribers, reportedly at its break-even point, potentially due to AI workload prioritization on Azure servers.
I think I know what PS6 and Xbox is planning for the next gen - Reader’s Feature
A reader speculates that Sony and Microsoft are planning similar next-generation strategies involving multiple devices, including a portable console, rather than traditional single console releases. The author believes these new consoles will be expensive and may not feature exclusives, essentially acting as upgraded versions of current hardware.
