Microsoft
Microsoft business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
For every two seconds of frustration, there are 10 seconds of euphoria: the Gears of War E-Day campaign is a satisfying, meaty return to form for The Coalition
The campaign for Gears of War E-Day is a satisfying and meaty return to form for The Coalition, successfully recapturing the magic of the original trilogy with improved combat mechanics and engaging setpieces. While the game excels in its curated, bombastic moments, some open-ended sections detract from the overall pacing and tension. The review also notes the recent layoffs at Microsoft, including the story director, impacting the development context.
Gears of War: E-Day devs tease "special birthday gift" during Season 1 to celebrate the series turning 20, new…
The Coalition has detailed the initial content for Gears of War: E-Day, launching October 6. Season 1 includes events like Halloween and a special 20th anniversary celebration on November 7, offering unique rewards and modes. The developer also discussed changes to hipfire mechanics and confirmed the eventual return of legacy features like Meat Shields.
"Xbox is not for sale" despite all of the layoffs and neat repackaging of studios within Microsoft's corporate structure, CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has denied any plans to sell the gaming division, despite recent layoffs and studio restructuring. While reports suggested Microsoft executives considered spinning out Xbox, Sharma stated the company is committed to its success and will pursue necessary partnerships and operating models. The article notes the human cost of the layoffs and mentions ongoing boycotts against Microsoft.
As Xbox swings the axe, Gears of War: E-Day developers fear they'll be laid off straight after launch - and right before they'd be due their bonuses
Developers at The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, are increasingly fearful of imminent layoffs following recent waves of job cuts at Microsoft and Xbox. The departure of the game's story director has heightened anxiety, particularly concerning potential loss of Metacritic bonuses tied to the game's launch.
Jobs roundup: October | Playstack CEO Harvey Elliott voted chair of UKIE
Several key appointments have been made across the UK games industry. Harvey Elliott, CEO of Playstack, has been voted chair of UKIE, succeeding Maria Sayans. Murray Pannell joins Steel City Interactive as head of publishing, while Dean Anderson leads MV&P's APAC partnerships. Catherine Bygrave is the new head of commercial at Code Wizards Group, and Michał Platkow-Gilewski has been promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red.
Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox: A Launch-Week Checklist
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 launches October 23, 2026, on current-gen platforms, excluding Xbox One. Players should budget for the purchase as it won't be on Game Pass at launch, though a discount may be available. Digital purchases grant early campaign access starting October 16, while multiplayer and Warzone launch on the 23rd. Players are advised to check hardware compatibility, especially for Xbox One owners whose Warzone access will cease with Season 1.
We're probably not getting a new Fallout game until well into the 2030s, but that's no reason to stop talking…
The Fallout series is unlikely to see a new mainline entry until the 2030s, with The Elder Scrolls 6 taking priority for Bethesda. The article discusses the long wait for Fallout 5, the potential for remasters of earlier titles like Fallout 1 and 2, and explores various ideas for spinoffs and new directions for the franchise beyond traditional RPGs.
Games Inbox: Will Naughty Dog make a new Uncharted game?
Readers discuss Naughty Dog's potential future projects, including a new Uncharted game or The Last of Us Part III, alongside speculation about upcoming console generations. Other topics include criticisms of Football Manager's engine change, Grand Theft Auto VI's lack of theme park parody, and the state of the video game industry.
Xbox is “Not For Sale”, Will Take Long-Term View With Microsoft, Says CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the division is not for sale, despite recent layoffs and studio divestments. Sharma acknowledged that Xbox has a long way to go with Microsoft and will take a long-term view for growth. The company is restructuring, consolidating studios, and divesting some, while also discussing the future of Arkane Lyon and merging teams like Turn 10 Studios with Playground Games.
Gears of War: E-Day Studio Fears Layoffs, Demoralized by Story Director’s Departure – Rumor
Sources at The Coalition report significant fear and demoralization following the departure of story director Juan Vaca and other developers, despite the studio's previous perceived safety from Xbox layoffs. Concerns are high regarding potential future layoffs, restructuring under Activision Blizzard, and the payout of Metacritic-tied bonuses, leading to a somber atmosphere as Gears of War: E-Day approaches its release.
Former Halo lead suggests three ways Activision could revive the legendary series, and urges the company to hire laid off Bungie staff
Former Halo franchise director Frank O'Connor has proposed three potential paths for Activision to revive the Halo series, including hiring laid-off developers from Bungie and Halo Studios. His suggestions range from creating a classic-style Halo to a complete reinvention or a Call of Duty-like annual release model.
Alleged hacker arrested over leak that exposed GTA Online's daily revenue
Dutch police have arrested a 24-year-old cybersecurity professional, identified as Pepijn van der Stap, in connection with the ShinyHunters hacking group. This group is accused of leaking confidential Grand Theft Auto Online revenue figures, which revealed the game generates over $1 million daily. The FBI is urging other members of ShinyHunters to come forward.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Asha Sharma says ‘Xbox is not for sale’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has directly refuted rumors suggesting Microsoft is considering selling the Xbox division. In a New York Times interview, Sharma stated unequivocally that 'Xbox is not for sale,' amidst ongoing company restructuring and layoffs.
"Xbox is not for sale": CEO Asha Sharma says "we will do whatever it takes" to turn the console maker's fortunes around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the company is not for sale, despite significant internal restructuring and studio layoffs. She affirmed a commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to ensure Xbox's success. Separately, Rockstar Games detailed advancements in Grand Theft Auto 6's weather system, promising dynamic cloudscapes and localized, persistent weather effects.
Xbox CEO Insists It’s Not For Sale Amid Studio Closures, Layoffs
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, despite recent analyst predictions and significant studio closures and layoffs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, even as Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella praised the recent 'streamlining' efforts within the division.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma insists "Xbox is not for sale"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the Xbox division is not for sale, pushing back against speculation of a potential spin-off from Microsoft. This comes amid significant restructuring, including staff cuts, studio closures, and the transfer of franchises like Halo. Game Pass has also reportedly missed subscriber targets.
Microsoft's Deal for Hideo Kojima's Physint 'Substantially Below What Xbox Would Typically Spend to Develop a Premium Game'
Microsoft's deal for Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, is reportedly significantly less than what Xbox typically invests in premium game development. This suggests a potentially different financial arrangement for the project.
Microsoft Jewel Comes to Mobile with XBOX Achievements and Game Pass Benefits
Microsoft has launched Microsoft Jewel, its fifth mobile app and first new mobile title in seven years, now available on iOS, Android, and PC. Players can earn Xbox Achievements on mobile and sync progress across platforms. Xbox Game Pass members receive premium benefits on PC, with Ultimate members getting benefits on both PC and mobile.
Diablo 5 "won't be ready for spring 2029," Path of Exile co-creator says, and "Blizzard money"…
Path of Exile co-creator Chris Wilson believes Diablo 5, targeting a spring 2029 release, is unlikely to meet its deadline. He estimates the game has only been a central priority for about five months, suggesting a three-year development window is tight for an RPG of its scope, even with Blizzard's resources. Wilson's analysis suggests delays are probable, a common occurrence in game development.