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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.
The Best Video Games With Gambling Scenes For Modern Digital Entertainment
This article highlights video games featuring gambling scenes, despite increasing regulatory scrutiny on in-game gambling mechanics like loot boxes. Titles such as Grand Theft Auto Online, Red Dead Redemption 2, Fallout: New Vegas, and the poker-inspired roguelike Balatro are discussed for their engaging gambling elements.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
State Of Decay 3 Lives On, And Is Still Coming To Game Pass
Microsoft has confirmed that Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, has reached an agreement with a new publisher, ensuring the game's continued development. The title will still launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass when it is ready. This news follows a period of studio reshuffles within Microsoft Game Studios, with several other studios also finding new publishing arrangements.
Continuing Our Reset
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, eliminating 268 roles across its first-party studios and management. The company is also reorganizing its studios, with Activision taking on new responsibilities and developing the next Halo title, while Bethesda will now oversee Obsidian. Several studios are being divested, though plans for Ninja Theory and Arkane are still being determined.
Xbox reportedly set to lay off hundreds more staff and "consolidate" several game studios in second round of major cuts this year
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly preparing for a second wave of significant layoffs, with hundreds of employees expected to be affected. The company is also rumored to be consolidating several of its game studios, including those under Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard. This follows earlier cuts in July and a shift in focus towards established franchises.
Halo Studios Eliminates 268 Roles, Activision Working on Next Halo Amid Xbox’s Reorganization
Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs and studio reorganizations, with 268 roles eliminated at Halo Studios. Activision is now developing the next Halo title with a new team, while Halo Studios will maintain a small support team. Other studios like World's Edge, Rare, Obsidian, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, and King have also been affected by the restructuring.
Activision’s Halo Title is a “Full-Feature, Mainline Installment” – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Activision is developing a "full-feature, mainline installment" for the Halo franchise, rather than a remake. This new title aims to be the "greatest Halo game ever" and may remain a console exclusive for Xbox.
Good reviews are a 'great relief,' says Blood of Dawnwalker director, as former CD Projekt coworkers line up…
Blood of Dawnwalker has received generally positive reviews, with PC Gamer awarding it an 83% and Metacritic showing an aggregate score of 83/100. Creative director Mateusz Tomaszkiewicz expressed immense relief at the reception, which was echoed by congratulations from former CD Projekt colleagues.
47 video game things that spark joy
This article compiles a list of small, often overlooked moments in video games that bring players joy, ranging from humorous bugs and satisfying combat mechanics to clever design choices and nostalgic elements. Contributors share personal anecdotes about specific instances that enhance their gaming experience, highlighting the unique pleasures the medium can offer.
Grounded 2 (PS5) Early Access Review: Second Time’s (Still) The Charm
This review discusses Grounded 2, an early access title on PlayStation 5 that builds upon the original survival game. It highlights new features like the all-in-one Omni-Tool and rideable buggies for faster traversal and combat, while noting that the game is best experienced with friends.
Stop waiting for the Game of Thrones CRPG of your dreams and settle for the pleasant eurojank compromise instead
This article discusses the lack of a proper Game of Thrones CRPG, highlighting Cyanide's 2012 Game of Thrones as a "pleasant eurojank compromise." It contrasts this with potential projects from studios like Warhorse and Obsidian, ultimately praising Cyanide's commitment to the novels despite its low budget and dated presentation.
The Biggest New Game Releases Of August 2026
August 2026 is set to be a significant month for game releases across PC and consoles, featuring a diverse lineup of titles. Notable releases include the wholesome electronics repair sim ReStory, the post-apocalyptic adventure Beast of Reincarnation, and the cooperative exploration game Big Walk. The month will also see the release of Lies of P: Complete Edition on Switch 2, Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered for Switch 2, and the PS5 early access launch of Grounded 2.
How iGaming Software Developers Borrow DNA from Xbox Hits
The iGaming industry is increasingly drawing inspiration from console games, particularly Xbox titles, to enhance the player experience. Developers are replicating visual elements like neon HUDs and gritty menus, incorporating cinematic music, and adopting game mechanics such as progression bars and environmental unlocks. Major titles like Resident Evil, Call of Duty, and Street Fighter have also been licensed for official slot machine adaptations.
Meccha Chameleon ranks second behind Fortnite in PC revenue for June | Newzoo charts
Meccha Chameleon achieved significant success in June, ranking as the second-highest revenue-generating PC title behind Fortnite according to Newzoo. The indie hit, developed by Lemorion_1224 and Hagneiro, has sold over 15 million copies since its June 10 launch. Newzoo's report also highlighted the sustained commercial momentum of live-service titles and the impact of subscription services on game lifecycles.
Halo’s PlayStation Debut Could Also Be Its Farewell
Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant strategic shift, moving away from broad multi-platform releases like Halo: Campaign Evolved towards a renewed focus on console exclusivity. This change, spearheaded by CEO Asha Sharma, involves scaling back the Xbox division and potentially canceling unannounced titles, though games already expected on other platforms will proceed. The article analyzes the implications of this shift for future Halo titles and the broader gaming landscape, considering factors like sales, player acquisition, and potential exclusive benefits for Xbox players.
It’s A Bad Time To Be A New Fallout Fan, But Things Are Looking Up
Bethesda has announced that four Fallout games are currently in production, including Fallout 5 in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas. Additionally, Obsidian is developing a new Fallout title. This news aims to capitalize on the popularity of the Fallout television show and provide new and modernized experiences for fans.
Bethesda berättar vad som händer med Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI och mer
Bethesda has provided an update on its major projects, confirming that the majority of its team is focused on The Elder Scrolls VI, which is in active development. Fallout 5 is in pre-production, while remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are also underway. The company also confirmed that both Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI will utilize the Creation Engine 3.
Games Inbox: What new Fallout game will be the best?
Readers discuss the future of the Fallout franchise, expressing excitement for potential remasters and a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, while also lamenting the long wait for new entries. The conversation touches on Microsoft's influence, studio management, and the broader state of game development and preservation.
Unions take legal action against Microsoft for allegedly mishandling Xbox layoffs
Labor unions in the United States and Canada have filed unfair labor practice charges against Microsoft and its subsidiaries, including Xbox, ZeniMax Media, id Software, and Bethesda Game Studios. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) and CWA Canada allege that Microsoft failed to provide necessary information and engaged in bad faith bargaining regarding recent layoffs, which impacted studios like Bethesda Game Studios and id Software. Legal actions claim Microsoft made unilateral changes and unlawfully terminated employees without proper discussion with the unions.
