Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Hollywood still has time to avoid the gaming industry's disastrous consolidation endgame
The article draws parallels between Hollywood's historical consolidation and the current state of the gaming industry, highlighting the risks of fewer companies controlling more assets. It discusses the potential negative impacts of mergers, such as layoffs and reduced creative diversity, using examples like Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and the proposed Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. California's lawsuit to block the latter merger is presented as a potential regulatory intervention.
Ohio EPA drafts permit allowing data centers to dump wastewater & biocides into state waters
The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has drafted a five-year permit allowing data centers to discharge wastewater containing biocides, heavy metals, and PFAS into state waters, including Lake Erie. This new blanket permit would replace individual permits, significantly reducing review processes and potentially leading to a decline in water quality. The permit includes optional pollution prevention measures if deemed economically infeasible.
Compulsion Games posts call for business partners after Xbox spinoff
Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight, is seeking business partners for collaboration after its recent spinoff from Xbox. The studio, which has received multiple awards for its original IP, aims to leverage its talent and creativity for future projects. This move follows a significant restructure within Xbox, which included layoffs and the divestment of several studios.
Xbox is officially so low that it's got ex PlayStation head Shawn Layden rooting for Microsoft to avoid "a…
Former PlayStation head Shawn Layden expresses hope for Xbox's resurgence, emphasizing the importance of strong competition between Microsoft and Sony for the health of the gaming industry. He believes a dominant player like Sony could stifle innovation and differentiation, and wishes to see Xbox regain its competitive spirit.
Midday Metaverse
Mozilla's Firefox browser is adopting a faster release schedule, aligning with similar changes made by Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge. In separate news, Netflix has secured a video podcast deal with celebrity chef Nick DiGiovanni.
Midday Safety Dance
A recent update to Microsoft Defender has introduced a vulnerability that could allow hackers to fill up the disk space on Windows 11 PCs. This security flaw poses a significant risk to users' data and system stability.
Midday Safety Dance
A recent update to Microsoft Defender has introduced a vulnerability that could allow hackers to fill a Windows 11 PC's disk space. This security flaw poses a significant risk to users' data and system stability.
Xbox’s Console Future Looks Bleak In New Industry Forecast
Console sales are projected to decline significantly by 2027, with shipments falling to approximately 27.1 million units due to component shortages and rising prices. Analysts predict that next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and a successor to the Xbox Series X|S could launch in 2028 with prices between $600 and $800. The Nintendo Switch 2 is also expected to see a sales decline, with its success potentially hinging on future game releases.
PlayStation 6 could outsell Xbox Project Helix by roughly 10 million units before 2030, analysts predict
Analysts predict that the PlayStation 6 will significantly outsell the next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, by approximately 10 million units before 2030. This forecast considers current hardware costs, software availability, and the overall economic climate, with Sony's next-gen console expected to reach 17.2 million units by 2030, while the Xbox successor is projected to sell only 7.3 million.
Witcher 3 Director Says Next-Gen Console Delay Would Not Be Such A Bad Thing
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director at Rebel Wolves, believes a delay in the release of next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and new Xbox would not negatively impact his studio. He cited the complexities and additional development work required for new platforms as reasons why a delay could be beneficial. The article also touches on current hardware component shortages, rising console prices, and the potential shift towards all-digital consoles.
Revelations is the best Doom's ever been, but it's relegated to a DLC for the controversial Dark Ages
The DLC 'Revelations' for Doom: The Dark Ages is praised as the best modern Doom experience, blending Eternal's movement with The Dark Ages' combat and featuring a new Chain Spear mechanic. Despite its quality and length, it's a shame it's a DLC for a controversial entry and that id Software developers were recently laid off by Microsoft.
Xbox fans use its own feedback forum to call out Microsoft’s business and layoff decisions
Xbox gamers are voicing their strong disapproval of Microsoft's recent business decisions and significant layoffs through the platform's official feedback forums. A popular thread criticizes the dismissal of thousands of workers, the closure of studios, and the cancellation of games, proposing a reset that includes revoking ambitious player count goals and re-evaluating executive bonuses.
A delayed next generation of consoles is "better for us", says The Blood of Dawnwalker director, as price rises continue to plague the industry
Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Blood of Dawnwalker, believes a delayed next-generation console launch would benefit developers like Rebel Wolves due to current component shortages and rising prices. He highlights the increased complexity and cost of developing for new hardware, suggesting that focusing on current-generation consoles is more manageable. The game is set to release on September 3rd for current-gen platforms, with future installments potentially targeting next-gen hardware.
New changes to Windows 11 Start menu and search look genuinely exciting and thank the heavens that we'll be able to…
Microsoft is releasing an improved Windows 11 Start menu and search box for Insiders, featuring a calmer home screen, clearer results, and the ability to disable promotional web content. These changes aim to enhance the user experience by prioritizing local results and improving the surfacing of correct files and settings.
Users flock to Xbox Player Voice portal to ask for an end to cycle of layoffs
Following recent layoffs and studio closures at Xbox, users are flocking to the Xbox Player Voice portal to express their frustration. The top trending thread calls for an end to studio closures and layoffs, with users citing leadership failures and corporate greed. Former id Software developer Johnmichael Quinlan also shared his experience of being laid off despite successful project delivery.
id Software producer says 'you'll never get another WoW or Morrowind in the current climate' in the wake…
id Software producer Andrew Willis believes the current climate prevents the creation of long-lasting franchises like World of Warcraft or Morrowind, attributing this to large publishers and a lack of understanding from executives. He advocates for developer-owned studios as the path forward for sustainable growth and artistic integrity in the gaming industry, contrasting this with Xbox's stated goals of returning to growth through further layoffs.
Days after leaving Xbox, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games broadcasts that it's looking for work
Following its separation from Microsoft's Xbox division due to layoffs, Compulsion Games is actively seeking new collaboration opportunities with other studios. The developer of South of Midnight and We Happy Few aims to leverage its award-winning talent to support external projects while retaining ownership of its existing IPs.
GTA 6 won't help console sales says analysts as demand predicted to drop by 20%
Despite the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6, analysts predict a significant drop in console sales for 2026 and further decline in 2027. S&P Global Market Intelligence forecasts sales to fall to 33.9 million units by the end of 2026, down from 42.1 million in 2025, citing high prices, component shortages, and a lack of major releases as key factors.
Games Inbox: What will be the next Nintendo remake after Zelda: Ocarina Of Time?
Readers discuss potential future Nintendo remakes following the success of Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced and the anticipated Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake. There is also speculation about FromSoftware's next project and a desire for id Software to perfect its modern Doom titles. The discussion also touches on the shift to digital distribution and the future of physical media.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has announced new builds for the Windows Insider Program scheduled for June 26, 2026, featuring WIP improvements. The article also discusses the advantages of DisplayPort over HDMI for gaming PCs.