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Forza Horizon 6 pre-order bonus explained – what you get for coughing up early
Forza Horizon 6 players who pre-order before May 19 will receive an exclusive pre-tuned Ferrari J50, a rare supercar celebrating Ferrari's 50 years in Japan. This bonus car is available regardless of the edition purchased. The game launches on May 19 for Xbox Series X|S and PC, featuring over 550 cars and its largest map set in Japan.
Bit Bot scales leadership team with AAA veteran Frank O'Connor as creative director
Bit Bot has appointed AAA veteran Frank O'Connor as creative director and Brian Ulrich as general manager to bolster its leadership team. O'Connor, formerly of the Halo franchise, will focus on original IP and cross-platform development, while Ulrich brings experience from companies like Nintendo and Microsoft. The studio also added advisors Brent Friedman, Tony Harman, and Wyeth Ridgway to its ranks.
As Xbox 'Reevaluates' Exclusives, Its Hellblade 2 PS5 Port Is Considered a Success
Microsoft is reevaluating its approach to game exclusivity as new lead Asha Sharma aims to improve the Xbox brand. Titles already ported to PlayStation 5, such as Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 and Forza Horizon 5, are considered successful, with Ninja Theory reporting a profit for Hellblade 2's PS5 release. The company is now focusing on future projects, while also considering future PS5 ports for games like Forza Horizon 6.
All Forza Horizons 6 Editions explained – which one should you buy?
This guide breaks down the various editions and add-on bundles available for Forza Horizon 6, including the Standard, Deluxe, and Premium Editions, as well as the Premium Upgrade and Expansions Bundle. The Premium Edition offers four days of early access starting May 15, along with VIP Membership, a Welcome Pack, a Car Pass, and both planned expansions.
When Is Forza Horizon 6 PS5 Release Date? Here Is What Microsoft Has Said
Forza Horizon 6 is set to launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 15, 2024, with a PlayStation 5 release planned for later in 2026. Microsoft and Playground Games have not provided a specific date for the PS5 version, but confirmed it will arrive after the initial launch. This staggered release strategy differs from other recent titles like Fable and Gears of War Reloaded.
'We would need to shut off power for half the country': Microsoft's $1 billion Kenya data center project…
Microsoft's plans for a $1 billion data center in Kenya have stalled due to disagreements over annual payments between the company and the Kenyan government. While Microsoft and its partner G42 sought guaranteed annual payments, the government could not meet the requested amount. Despite the roadblock, Kenyan officials state that talks are ongoing and the project is not withdrawn, suggesting a need for further structuring of the data center's scale.
If you're wondering why Microsoft's Xbox mode is still missing after installing the latest Windows 11 update,…
Microsoft's new Xbox mode for Windows 11 is not yet available to all users due to a phased rollout and regional restrictions. The feature, which provides a console-like UI, is being enabled server-side via Controlled Feature Rollout to monitor for bugs. Users can check their settings to see if the 'Full Screen Experience' is active, offering navigation similar to the ASUS ROG Ally X.
Forza Horizon 6 Unlock Times: Global Launch And Release Time Explained
Forza Horizon 6 will launch on May 19 for PC and Xbox Series X|S, with early access beginning May 15 for Premium Edition owners. The game releases at 12:01 AM local time worldwide. A PlayStation 5 version is planned for release later in the year.
Your Xbox Gamerscore Badges Are About To Look A Lot Cooler
Microsoft is rolling out several interface improvements for Xbox Series X and S, including a new bootup animation and vanity badges that evolve with a user's Gamerscore. The update also adds new filters to game libraries, such as 'Game access,' to help players sort their installed titles, especially those using multiple devices or Game Pass.
Sega has canceled its live service 'Super Game' due to 'intensifying market competition,' and I really, really hope it's a sign that the industry is finally correcting itself
Sega has canceled its ambitious 'Super Game' project, which aimed to be a major live service title, citing intensifying market competition. The company is reallocating around 100 developers to traditional full-game development, signaling a potential shift away from free-to-play models. This decision is seen by the author as a positive sign for the industry, suggesting a move towards more sustainable and less risky game development practices.
Xbox’s Project Saluki is Game Pass for China, Positron is Disc-to-Digital Ownership Transfer – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is developing 'Project Saluki' for the Chinese market, a version of Game Pass tailored to local regulations and featuring microtransactions. Additionally, 'Positron' is reportedly a new feature allowing digital ownership transfer for physical game copies, signaling a potential push towards digital-only consoles and services.
Elon Musk, Sam Altman and the world's billionaires are terrified of the Google AI genius behind a 25-year-old computer game, because they think he might actually end up controlling god
Internal documents from the Musk vs Altman legal dispute reveal that Google DeepMind CEO Demis Hassabis is a significant figure of concern for industry leaders like Elon Musk and Sam Altman. Hassabis, a Nobel laureate in Chemistry for his AI work, is seen as a dominant force in AI, with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella acknowledging Google's lead in machine learning due to DeepMind's progress. The documents also touch upon OpenAI's early goals, including developing a Dota 2 bot, and the intense competition and personal rivalries within the AI field.
MMO Business Roundup: Forza Horizon 6 megabans, Epic’s AI tools, and Steam Machine rumors
This industry news roundup covers several topics including Microsoft and Playground Games issuing lengthy hardware bans for Forza Horizon 6 leakers, Epic Games assuring that its AI development tools are for efficiency and not human replacement, and a legal battle over ownership of the popular Roblox game Forsaken. Additionally, rumors about Valve's Steam Machine console suggest it will be sold in multiple hardware bundles, potentially including a Steam Controller or VR headset.
Protesters 'raid' EA to oppose Saudi Arabia acquisition
Protesters gathered at Electronic Arts headquarters to oppose the acquisition of the company by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The group attempted to deliver a petition signed by over 70,000 people but was denied direct access by security. Concerns were raised about potential layoffs, studio closures, and content restrictions due to the leveraged buyout and foreign influence.
Sony: PS Plus Gets 'Four to Six' Day One Games Per Year - And the Focus Is on Indies
Sony's Chris Svensson stated that PlayStation Plus will feature between four to six day-one game releases annually, primarily focusing on indie titles. This strategy differs from competitors like Xbox Game Pass, which offers more day-one releases. Sony curates its PS Plus offerings, emphasizing exposure for developers.
Sega is lowering the priority of games-as-a-service titles
Sega is reducing the priority of its games-as-a-service titles following weak performance from new free-to-play games like Sonic Rumble Party and a delay in other launches. The company has also canceled its "Super Game" initiative, which involved partnering with Microsoft for cloud-based game development. Personnel have been shifted from GaaS to full-game development to focus on core IPs.
Report: Microsoft Israel's general manager leaves amid alleged unethical use of Azure
Alon Haimovich, the general manager of Microsoft Israel, has reportedly left the company following an investigation into the alleged unethical use of Microsoft Azure services by the Israeli Ministry of Defense. The investigation, conducted by Microsoft's global management team, raised concerns about potential violations of the company's code of ethics and terms of use. Several other managers in Microsoft Israel's governance department have also departed, and the company has stated it ceased and disabled some Azure services for the Ministry of Defense in September.
Amidst Xbox boycotts and media pressure, Microsoft reportedly restructures Israeli office after internal investigation into ethical violations
Microsoft has reportedly restructured its Israeli office following an internal investigation into ethical violations concerning its work with the Israeli Ministry of Defense and the use of its cloud services. The investigation, prompted by reports of military use of Microsoft's AI and cloud technology in Gaza, has led to the departure of the general manager and several other managers. Despite ongoing protests and calls for boycotts of Microsoft and Xbox, the company and the Ministry of Defense are reportedly interested in renewing their contract on a smaller scale.
New Gears of War Could Go Head-to-Head with Sony's Wolverine, But Will It Be on PS5?
New evidence suggests Gears of War: E-Day might release in September, potentially clashing with Marvel's Wolverine. Microsoft's sponsorship of Triplemania 2026 with Gears of War: E-Day branding raises questions about its platform availability, especially given Xbox Series X|S hardware sales declines and the company's stated interest in bringing more titles to PlayStation.
"Sony please stop hitting yourself," former Xbox exec says after latest DRM controversy
Former Xbox executive Laura Fryer criticizes Sony's recent decisions, including a controversial DRM policy for digital games and the initial PSN requirement for Helldivers 2 on PC. Fryer argues these actions damage player trust, which is difficult to earn and easy to lose, urging Sony to return to its previous stance of supporting players.
