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Xbox Chief Operating Officer Departs After 3 Months
Helen Chiang has departed from her role as Xbox chief operating officer after only three months. Her departure follows a 21-year tenure at Microsoft, during which she was involved with titles like Minecraft and led Mojang. This exit is part of a broader trend of leadership changes and layoffs within Xbox.
BioWare's incredible legacy will continue as long as there are RPGs
This article reflects on the significant legacy of BioWare, a studio that has profoundly influenced the RPG genre with titles like Baldur's Gate, Knights of the Old Republic, Mass Effect, and Dragon Age. Despite acknowledging BioWare's own missteps and the detrimental impact of corporate decisions, the author emphasizes the enduring impact of its innovative design choices, storytelling, and representation in games, suggesting its influence will persist as long as RPGs are made.
Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Further Xbox layoff rounds reportedly planned for this month, November, and January, while a Game Pass overhaul is in the works
Xbox is reportedly planning further rounds of layoffs in November and January, following earlier cuts this year, with a total of 3200 employees expected to be affected. Concurrently, an overhaul of the Xbox Game Pass service is underway, aiming to offer subscribers more granular control over features like cloud gaming and multiplayer. The report also mentions ongoing development of a next-generation handheld console and a future console expected around 2028, with high projected costs.
24 'Til Launch: The Making of Mina the Hollower documentary now available
Shacknews has released a new documentary titled '24 'Til Launch: The Making of Mina the Hollower,' offering an in-depth look at the development of Yacht Club Games' latest title. The documentary features interviews with over half a dozen developers discussing the game's six-year creation process, the studio's history, and overcoming rumors of financial trouble.
Asha Sharma announces Xbox Labs project to "explore new technology," which sure sounds like tinkering with old games through AI
Asha Sharma announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new R&D initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game remixing and rejigging. While Microsoft clarified AI usage won't be mandatory, the initiative aims to turn new ideas into player experiences, potentially by decompiling and rebuilding old games or making new ones more moddable. The article expresses skepticism about the initiative's true goals, linking it to recent layoffs and a focus on existing franchises.
Hundreds of layoffs and many cancelled projects later, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly says 'we will not…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reportedly stated the company's commitment to creating new intellectual property and backing its strongest franchises. This comes amidst significant layoffs, studio reorganizations, and project cancellations, leading to confusion and criticism regarding Xbox's actual strategy.
Asha Sharma reportedly tells rattled Xbox employees: "We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP"
Xbox leader Asha Sharma reportedly stated that the company must innovate and create new intellectual property to survive, rather than solely relying on existing franchises. This comes despite recent studio closures and consolidations that have impacted developers known for creating new game ideas.
Now this is spelhelg!
Several individuals share their gaming plans for the weekend, spanning various genres and titles. Plans include playing Control, Gears of War: E-Day, Pocky & Rocky Reshrined, My Summer Vacation, Tyranny, Resident Evil 4, Galactic Racer, and the new puzzle game Order of the Sinking Star.
Asha Sharma reportedly informs staff that Xbox has "started to return to growth" during internal town hall
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced during an internal town hall that the company has begun to return to growth after reaching an all-time low, with significant improvements in its first-party segment and user engagement. Sharma also discussed plans to evolve Game Pass, introduce a family of next-gen hardware devices under Project Helix, and continue investing in console features despite current market stagnation.
Xbox Was At An “All Time Low,” But Is Now Growing Again After Huge Cuts, CEO Says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is experiencing renewed growth after significant layoffs and studio closures, calling it a "return to growth" after an "all time low." She also discussed future hardware plans, including a "family of devices" for the next generation, and confirmed that Xbox is not for sale despite recent restructuring efforts.
Hellblade Developer Ninja Theory Has Begun Layoffs
Ninja Theory, the developer behind Hellblade, has begun layoffs following the failure of two agreements with Xbox. Several developers have announced their departures on LinkedIn, with some expressing sadness over unfinished projects. This follows a pattern of recent layoffs within Xbox, impacting studios like Halo and Turn 10.
RPG legend behind Fallout: New Vegas does "everything" he can to stop save scumming, but he wishes he'd "been more cynical about player behavior" in Pillars of Eternity
RPG director Josh Sawyer discusses his approach to game design, particularly concerning player behavior and save scumming. He expresses regret for not being more cynical about player tendencies in games like Pillars of Eternity, contrasting it with solutions found in Baldur's Gate 3 and his design choices in Fallout: New Vegas. Sawyer emphasizes the importance of considering player psychology to create more engaging experiences.
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.
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.
Snabbkollen: Remake eller remaster?
This article discusses player preferences regarding remakes versus remasters of older video games. A poll indicates a strong majority favor remakes, where games are rebuilt from the ground up, over remasters, which offer graphical enhancements to existing titles.
The Elder Scrolls Online is partly why Skyrim never got a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off, says Bethesda veteran
Former Skyrim co-lead designer Kurt Kuhlmann suggests that The Elder Scrolls Online's ongoing success occupied the fanbase, preventing a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off for Skyrim. Kuhlmann also noted that series creator Todd Howard was protective of the franchise, potentially avoiding a situation similar to the perceived rivalry between Bethesda and Obsidian over Fallout games.
The Elder Scrolls hasn't had a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off because of a "very protective" Todd…
Veteran designer Kurt Kuhlmann suggests that The Elder Scrolls never received a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off due to Todd Howard's protective stance over the franchise. Kuhlmann implies that the success of Fallout: New Vegas created a perception of competition between Bethesda and Obsidian, which Howard may have wanted to avoid repeating with The Elder Scrolls.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
Bukan Sekadar Hype! Deretan Game PC Rilisan 2026 yang Sukses Penuhi Ekspektasi Gamers
This article highlights several PC games released in 2026 that have successfully met or exceeded gamer expectations, defying the trend of marketing hype leading to disappointment. It praises titles like Dune: Awakening, The First Berserker: Khazan, Kingdom Come: Deliverance II, Avowed, Crimson Desert, and Judas for their technical optimization, solid gameplay mechanics, and developer transparency.
