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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Microsoft.
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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.
Two more news organizations sue OpenAI and Microsoft for copyright infringement
The Seattle Times and Newsday have filed lawsuits against OpenAI and Microsoft, accusing the AI companies of using their copyrighted content without permission. This legal action follows similar suits from other news organizations regarding the use of journalistic material in AI training.
Xbox Cloud Gaming's new hourly cap is reportedly set exactly where Microsoft stops making money on it
Microsoft has reportedly implemented hourly caps on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Game Pass subscribers, with the limits set at the service's break-even point. Game Pass Essential users get 5 hours, Premium 10 hours, and Ultimate 15 hours per month. This move is attributed to cost pressures, including AI investments impacting server capacity, and a broader trend of cost-cutting within the Xbox division.
Sony clarifies PlayStation disc production is dropping by 10 percent in 2028, not to 10 percent
Sony has clarified that its PlayStation disc manufacturing output is expected to decrease by 10 percent in 2028, not decline to 10 percent of current levels, correcting earlier reports. This clarification comes as Sony plans to cease producing physical discs for new games from January 2028, though reorders will continue. Former SIE chairman Shawn Layden expressed concern over the shift from ownership to accessibility and its impact on brand value.
September 2026 Nintendo Direct predictions
This article speculates on potential announcements for upcoming Nintendo Direct presentations, focusing on predictions for the September 2024 events. It covers potential reveals for remakes like The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, new entries in series like Metroid, and updates for existing titles such as Pikmin 4, while also discussing rumors and leaks.
September's schedule of new games, events, and updates refuses to let 2026 go down in history as a slow year for…
September 2026 is shaping up to be a busy month for PC gaming, featuring new releases like The Blood of Dawnwalker, Silent Hill: Townfall, and Control Resonant, alongside major updates for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Remastered, Valheim, and RuneScape. The month also includes significant industry events such as PAX West, Blizzcon, and Tokyo Game Show.
Xbox announces new Cloud Gaming limits
Xbox has announced new monthly time limits for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service, with subscribers facing caps based on their Game Pass tier. Additional hours can be purchased, and pricing details will be revealed in November. The company also plans to allow direct purchase of cloud gaming hours and enable playing purchased Xbox Series X/S games on Xbox One via the cloud.
Weekend Console Download Deals for Sept. 4: Last chance for PlayStation's Gamescom Sale
This weekend features significant sales on PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch titles, with many deals ending soon. Notable discounts include God of War Ragnarok, Red Dead Redemption 2, and various titles from Capcom and the PlayStation Gamescom Sale.
A Lot Of New Games Released On Steam Today, But This One Has Wormed Its Way Into My Heart
Worming From Home is a new physics-based simulation game released on Steam where players control a worm working from home. The game tasks players with completing work tasks like filling spreadsheets and responding to emails, while also managing 'worm-life balance' through activities like exercising and stock market manipulation. Despite its quirky premise, the game is praised for its surprisingly pleasant controls, consistent humor, and polish, making it feel like a special experience for its $6 price point.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is "not going to shoot my dog," says now-independent Double Fine boss Tim Schafer, who initially opposed Microsoft ownership because "you guys love closing studios"
Double Fine has regained its independence from Microsoft, with founder Tim Schafer expressing relief that new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is not planning to close studios. Schafer initially opposed the acquisition due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, but found the experience under Phil Spencer and Matt Booty to be largely positive until recent leadership changes. The studio announced its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, shortly after regaining independence, though it also had to lay off 23 employees.
Even during a RAMpocalypse, Sony and Microsoft come across as less consumer-friendly than some PC brands with their refusal to give US tariff refunds back to consumers
Sony and Microsoft are facing lawsuits for allegedly not passing on US tariff refunds to consumers, despite some PC brands like Arctic and Panic doing so. Both console manufacturers have filed motions to dismiss the suits, arguing that consumers did not suffer a legally cognizable injury. This stance contrasts with smaller companies that have proactively refunded customers, leading to criticism of Sony and Microsoft's consumer-friendliness.
A future without PlayStation discs is "depressing, but solvable," former Sony boss says: "The market has said they will continue to buy them"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden expressed that a future without physical discs is 'depressing, but solvable,' emphasizing the importance of physical media for collectors and devoted fans. While Sony is reducing disc production, some companies like CD Projekt Red are committed to physical releases for their games.
Xbox will impose a cap on cloud gaming hours for Game Pass subscribers starting in November
Microsoft will implement monthly hour caps for cloud gaming on Xbox Game Pass starting in November, with different limits for Ultimate, Premium, and Essential subscribers. The company cites rising costs as the reason for the change, while gamers express frustration and speculate about future pricing models.
Xbox’s New TCL Partnership Couldn’t Come At A Worse Time
Xbox has announced a new partnership with TCL that will integrate the Xbox app into select TCL TV models, allowing users to play games via cloud streaming with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This move aims to reach consumers who may not own dedicated consoles, though cloud streaming hours are limited per subscription tier. The announcement comes at a challenging time for Xbox, amidst other major releases and business developments.
1 vs. 100 Live Was the Kind of Incredible Creative Risk I'd Like to See Xbox Get Back To
The author fondly recalls playing the Xbox trivia game 1 vs. 100, highlighting its unique format and the thrill of potentially winning prizes like Microsoft Points. They express a desire to see Xbox take similar creative risks with its game offerings again.
Microsoft announces Project Zenith, a clutter-free Windows experience meant to entice developers
Microsoft has announced Project Zenith, a new initiative aimed at creating a streamlined Windows experience designed to attract developers. However, the system will require a substantial 64GB of RAM to operate.
XBOX and TCL Partner to Bring XBOX App to TCL Smart TVs
Microsoft and TCL have announced a new partnership that will bring the Xbox app to select TCL Smart TVs in the coming months. This collaboration aims to make Xbox gaming more accessible by allowing millions of TCL TV users in over 25 countries to stream Xbox Cloud Gaming titles directly on their televisions. Players will need a supported controller and an Xbox Game Pass subscription for cloud playtime.
Future imperfect: Five predictions for the next decade | Opinion
This opinion piece predicts five key trends for the next decade in the game industry, including slowing budget growth, the impact of AI on user-generated content, a shift in the industry's center of gravity towards Asia and emerging markets, increasing market concentration, and larger indie breakouts. The author acknowledges current industry apprehension but distinguishes it from past crashes, emphasizing the medium's established status.
Xbox charges more for game streaming and adds limits - admits it's not popular
Microsoft is introducing limits and additional charges for its Xbox Cloud Gaming service starting in November, admitting that the service is not widely used by Game Pass subscribers. The changes will restrict free play time to 5-15 hours per month depending on the Game Pass tier, with extra playtime requiring further payment. This move is seen as a blow to cloud gaming's mainstream adoption and a potential indicator of Xbox's current unpopularity.
Xbox places monthly time limits to its paid cloud gaming service, insists only a fraction of players will be impacted
Xbox is implementing monthly time limits on its cloud gaming service starting in November, affecting Game Pass Essential, Premium, and Ultimate subscribers. Microsoft insists only a small percentage of players will be impacted, but acknowledges that increased usage makes the service more expensive to provide. Players can purchase additional hours if they exceed their monthly allowance.
