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Famitsu Sales: 6/1/26 – 6/7/26
Famitsu has released its physical game sales data for Japan from June 1 to June 7, 2026. Tomodachi Life: Living the Dream for Nintendo Switch remained the top seller, while the Switch 2 version of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth was the highest new release. Hardware sales were led by the Switch 2, followed by the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch families.
Drums, cash grants, and bubbling capybaras: How Latin America's game dev creatives are outgrowing outsourcing
Latin American game developers are increasingly recognized for their creative output, with original titles like Family Reunion and Black Sailors emerging. While many studios engage in outsourcing to secure funding and gain experience, there's a growing movement to leverage the region's rich cultures and histories for unique game development. Government grants and international exposure are playing crucial roles in supporting these original projects, though challenges in securing direct funding and competing with established markets persist.
Halo Trailer Was Supposed To Be At State Of Play, Then Microsoft Pulled It – Report
A Halo trailer intended for the PlayStation State of Play event was reportedly pulled by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, potentially straining relations between Microsoft and Sony. The trailer was likely for Halo: Campaign Evolved, which is slated for a July release on PlayStation 5, marking the franchise's debut on a PlayStation platform. This decision comes amidst broader changes at Xbox, including expected layoffs and potential studio closures, as Sharma aims to "reset the business."
Xbox Reportedly Preparing Major Layoffs as Gaming Division Faces Restructure | Invision Game Community
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs and a wider restructuring within Microsoft's gaming division. This move is expected to occur after the company's financial year ends and may involve streamlining teams and shifting resources towards subscription services and cloud gaming.
Xbox preparing for mass layoffs as Project Helix implied for Christmas 2027
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs, potentially affecting around 1,000 employees, as the company faces declining revenue despite substantial investments. This comes as Xbox leadership discusses the high cost of console components and the need for new business models for the upcoming 'Project Helix,' rumored for a Christmas 2027 launch. The company has also seen multiple game cancellations and studio closures in recent years.
Report – Major layoffs to hit Xbox as CEO claims it is “not in a healthy spot”
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month as new CEO Asha Sharma aims to "reset the business," which she described as "not in a healthy spot." These cuts are expected after June 30th and will be accompanied by reduced marketing budgets and other cost-saving measures. Sharma also indicated a need to reconsider the "Project Helix" business model due to the AI chip crisis and stated that the platform's current infrastructure is not optimized for future challenges.
Xbox says hardware pricing boom represents "great" opportunity for games streaming
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the current increase in hardware prices presents a significant opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. He noted a rise in users trying the platform due to factors like high hardware costs, console supply shortages, and the availability of exclusive titles. Ball emphasized that streaming is a key component of Microsoft's multi-faceted gaming strategy, alongside console and PC play.
Xbox announces business 'reset' amid reports of layoffs and studio closures
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a business 'reset' for Microsoft's gaming division, signaling significant layoffs and potential studio closures following years of declining revenue. The memo cites a substantial increase in component costs for hardware and memory, exacerbated by past expansion choices, as a major challenge. Sharma and Xbox content chief Matt Booty aim to revive the company by evolving its business model and partnerships over the next 100 days.
Analyst: Q1 2026 revenue figures show there is still demand for compelling single-player video games
Global game content revenue saw a 3.6% year-over-year increase in Q1 2026, reaching $54.14 billion, according to S&P Global Market Intelligence. Companies like Capcom and Pearl Abyss reported significant growth, driven by titles such as Resident Evil Requiem and Crimson Desert, indicating continued consumer demand for compelling single-player experiences alongside live-service games. PC emerged as the fastest-growing platform.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
Sony angry at Xbox for cutting Halo trailer from State of Play says insider
An insider report suggests Sony is angered by Microsoft's decision to pull a Halo trailer from a recent State of Play, indicating a potential shift back to Xbox exclusives. This move, affecting games like Gears Of War: E-Day and potentially Forza Horizon 6, has reportedly strained the relationship between the two companies and surprised many within Xbox.
Don't panic: Xbox is still releasing games on PC despite exclusivity push
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has clarified that despite "Gears of War: E-Day" being a console exclusive, it will still be available on PC and cloud streaming. Chief Content Officer Matt Booty confirmed that PC releases will continue as normal, alleviating concerns about a return to delayed PC ports. This comes amidst broader changes at Xbox, including the discontinuation of Microsoft's Copilot AI tool and a reduction in Xbox Game Pass costs, alongside reports of significant layoffs and budget cuts.
Xbox reportedly preparing for "significant" lay-offs, as Asha Sharma's big "reset" plan comes into full force
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs and budget cuts as part of new CEO Asha Sharma's business reset plan. A memo outlines the company's financial challenges, including decreased revenue and a low accountability margin, and addresses rising hardware costs due to generative AI. The company is also focusing on console exclusivity for upcoming titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Xbox speedruns 'we're so back' to 'it's so over' pipeline at a speed previously thought…
Xbox is facing internal contradictions, with new CEO Asha Sharma announcing free consoles for fans while simultaneously warning employees about overspending on studio acquisitions and impending layoffs. The company's "Xbox Reset" initiative highlights a struggle to balance ambitious growth plans with a reported 3% profit margin, leading to a perception of inconsistent strategy and potential job cuts.
Xbox Reportedly Planning Major Layoffs As Internal Memo Warns “This Cannot Continue”
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning significant layoffs in July, potentially impacting around 1,000 employees. This move follows financial struggles and aims to reassess the company's strategy and reintroduce exclusive games.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Games Inbox: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 have enough good games?
Readers express mixed opinions on the recent Nintendo Direct, with many finding it disappointing due to a lack of major first-party announcements and an over-reliance on ports and less popular franchises. Concerns are raised about whether the Nintendo Switch 2 has enough compelling games to justify its upcoming price increase, especially when compared to the more impactful presentations from PlayStation and Xbox.
Xbox’s July Layoffs Could Involve Studio Closures – Rumor
A report from The Verge suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division may implement layoffs in July, potentially including the closure of a studio. This follows a Bloomberg report indicating major job cuts are planned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to mitigate revenue losses. Sharma and CCO Matt Booty acknowledged a 3 percent accountability margin decline and discussed challenges with rising hardware component costs, necessitating a new business model for future projects like 'Project Helix'.
XBOX to Suffer Layoffs to Counter Falling Revenue in July – Rumor
A report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier suggests that Xbox is planning significant layoffs in July as part of CEO Asha Sharma's strategy to address falling revenue. The company has reportedly seen a nearly half-billion dollar decline in annual revenue over the past five years, excluding Activision Blizzard King. Alongside layoffs, budgets for marketing and other areas are expected to be reduced.
Xbox Insiders Can Now Test Power Saving Options, UI Customization, Ability to See Mutual Friends
Microsoft is testing new features for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One users through the Xbox Insider program, focusing on UI customization, power-saving options, and improved social features. These updates include poster-style artwork for games, easier navigation for My Games & Apps, and the ability to see mutual friends. The new shutdown option aims to reduce power consumption by up to 20 times without impacting performance.
