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Saturday Safety Dance
Microsoft is discontinuing Google account backups for SwiftKey, with the change taking effect tomorrow. This decision impacts users who rely on cloud backups for their SwiftKey data.
Xbox CEO says they are reconsidering showing other platform logos at shows
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has indicated that the company is reconsidering its strategy regarding the display of other platform logos at the end of game trailers. This discussion comes as Microsoft continues to expand its first-party game releases to competing platforms like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Xbox will keep showing PlayStation logos at showcases for now
Xbox will continue to display PlayStation and Nintendo Switch logos during its upcoming Xbox Games Showcase to promote transparency about game availability. This approach, championed by figures like Matt Booty and Phil Spencer, aims to clarify which platforms games will launch on. While some fans perceive this as a sign of surrender, Xbox acknowledges the mixed reception and is considering adjustments for future events.
New Xbox Boss Says Decision to Continue to Show PS5 Logos During Its Xbox Games Showcase 'Was a Miss, and I Own It'
Xbox boss Asha Sharma acknowledged that it was a mistake to continue showing PlayStation 5 logos during the Xbox Games Showcase. She stated that this practice will be discontinued for future events, taking ownership of the decision.
Oops, Another Rayman Game Announcement Appears To Have Leaked
A listing on the Microsoft Xbox store has seemingly leaked an "Enhanced Edition" of Ubisoft's Rayman Origins. This version is expected to feature 4K resolution, 60 FPS, and modern quality-of-life enhancements. The original Rayman Origins was released in 2011 for multiple platforms.
Oops, Another Rayman Game Has Been Leaked
A listing on the Microsoft Xbox store has revealed an upcoming enhanced edition of Ubisoft's Rayman Origins. The "Definitive Experience" will feature 4K resolution, 60 FPS, and modern quality-of-life enhancements. The original platformer debuted in 2011 on Wii, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360.
Video game hardware is dead and there’s only one alternative - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern over the rising costs of gaming hardware, citing the Steam Deck's significant price increase and the anticipated expense of next-generation consoles. The author suggests cloud gaming, particularly pushed by Microsoft, as the likely alternative despite its drawbacks like reliance on stable internet and lack of game ownership.
Control Issues
Microsoft has officially unveiled new Xbox hardware, with pre-orders now available. The announcement details the latest offerings for the Xbox gaming platform.
Evening Mobilization
Microsoft is teasing new Surface hardware and hinting at a new era for PCs. Additionally, Meta is reportedly developing a new line of smart glasses, distinct from their previous Ray-Ban collaboration.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft and NVIDIA are teasing a significant announcement, speculated to be related to a new N1X chip for PCs. Additionally, Acer has revealed new Predator and Nitro monitors featuring refresh rates up to 1000Hz.
Evening Safety Dance
Microsoft has resolved installation problems with the Windows 11 May Patch Tuesday update. Additionally, researchers have issued a warning about technology that could enable surveillance through routers.
Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition Microsoft Store page appears
A Microsoft Store page for an unannounced 'Rayman Origins: Enhanced Edition' has appeared online. This listing suggests a potential re-release or updated version of the classic platformer is in development for PC.
Game Pass success story: It turns out that when you make things cheaper, more people will buy them
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that reducing the price of Game Pass has led to improved subscriber acquisition and retention, reversing a trend of slowing growth and accelerated subscriber loss following a significant price hike in October 2025. While the price reduction is seen as a positive first step, Sharma acknowledged that restoring durable growth will require ongoing effort, with potential future strategies including an ad-supported tier for Xbox Cloud Gaming.
MMO Business Roundup: Steam Deck’s price hike, Microsoft’s ActiBlizz settlement, and Rockstar UK’s union
This MMO business roundup covers several industry developments, including Valve's Steam Deck OLED experiencing significant price hikes. Microsoft has settled a $250 million class-action lawsuit related to its Activision Blizzard acquisition. Additionally, developers at Rockstar Games have officially formed a union, the Rockstar Game Workers Union (RGWU), and plan legal action over alleged union-busting.
Fable delayed until 2027 as Xbox loses game of chicken with GTA 6
Microsoft has announced that the Fable reboot has been delayed to February 2027 to avoid launching near Grand Theft Auto 6. This decision impacts Xbox's 25th anniversary plans, with Fable now set to be Xbox's biggest Christmas release by default. Other upcoming Xbox titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Gears of War: E-Day are also mentioned, with potential releases before Fable.
Despite Uncertainty Over Exclusivity, Xbox Will Still Show PS5 Logos at Showcase
Microsoft will continue to display PlayStation 5 logos for games releasing on both platforms during its upcoming Xbox Showcase, according to Chief Content Officer Matt Booty. This confirms that titles like Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fable will feature PS5 branding. The presence or absence of PS5 logos for games like Gears of War: E-Day will be a key indicator of Microsoft's future exclusivity strategy.
Xbox Will Show PS5 Logos at Showcase, But May Adjust Moving Forward as Execs Publicly Contradict Each Other
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma contradicted earlier statements from Matt Booty regarding the display of PlayStation 5 logos during Xbox showcases. While Booty indicated a commitment to clearly showing all platforms a game is releasing on, Sharma described the current approach as a 'miss' and stated adjustments would be made for future shows, following fan feedback on social media.
Fable reboot delayed to 2027 amid reported GTA 6 'worries'
The Fable reboot has been delayed to February 2027, with Xbox Game Studios and Playground Games stating the delay is to give the game the "dedicated moment it deserves." The article speculates that the highly anticipated release of Grand Theft Auto 6 in November 2026 may have influenced this decision, citing previous reports of developer "worries" about its impact.
Fable 4 is delayed into 2027 and we all know why
Microsoft has announced that the upcoming game Fable has been delayed to February 2027. This decision was made to allow the game a dedicated launch window and avoid a crowded release schedule, including Grand Theft Auto 6. The company plans to provide a new look at Fable and its other titles at the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7.
Fable PS5 Delayed, Moved Away from GTA 6 for the 'Dedicated Moment It Deserves'
The release of the RPG Fable, developed by Playground Games and published by Microsoft, has been delayed from 2026 to February 2027. Microsoft stated the delay is to give the game 'the dedicated moment it deserves.' More details are expected at the Xbox Showcase on June 7th.
