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Next Major Xbox Open World Game on PS5 Gets Release Date
A reliable insider, billbil-kun, has revealed that Playground Games' Forza Horizon 6 is slated for a PlayStation 5 release on January 26, 2027. The game, previously an Xbox exclusive, will feature a setting in Japan with customizable garages and social features. An official announcement and preorders are expected this week.
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.
Forza Horizon 6 Studio Acknowledges its Silence, Says it Will Do Better With Communication
Playground Games has acknowledged community criticism regarding its lack of communication about Forza Horizon 6. The studio stated it will improve its communication and post-launch updates, though specifics remain unknown. The PlayStation 5 version of the game has reportedly been delayed to early 2027.
Forza Horizon 6 Launches on January 26th, 2027 for PS5 – Rumor
A rumor suggests Forza Horizon 6 will launch on January 26th, 2027, for PlayStation 5, with a reported price of $70 and a physical version. This contradicts the developer's previous statements and aligns with speculation of a delay. Details on DLC and a potential announcement this week are also mentioned.
Forza Horizon 6's Community Is Fed Up With Playground Games, and the Studio Has Finally Responded
Playground Games has finally responded to player feedback regarding Forza Horizon 6 after months of silence. The developer acknowledged community concerns, indicating a willingness to address issues that have led to player frustration.
Fable creator was "a little bit worried" about the upcoming reboot at first, but now he "can't wait" to play: "I'm going to be first in the line"
Fable creator Peter Molyneux expressed initial worry about the upcoming reboot but is now excited to play it as a gamer. He has been encouraged by recent gameplay footage and believes Playground Games is preserving what made the original Fable special. Molyneux is eager to experience the new Fable firsthand, anticipating a unique perspective as a player rather than a developer.
Peter Molyneux is excited to finally play Fable "as a gamer"
Peter Molyneux expresses excitement about playing the upcoming Fable game as a regular gamer, having been involved with the franchise's past entries. He praises Playground Games' evolution of the series, noting that it retains Fable's unique qualities while incorporating new elements.
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.
Fable Retains the Approachable Combat of Older Titles, Playground “Really Proud” of Activity Variety
Playground Games is focusing on making the combat in Fable approachable, a key characteristic of the original titles. Associate directors Will Kennedy and Craig Littler highlighted the variety of activities beyond combat, including exploration and puzzles, which they are proud of. The game is set to launch on February 23rd, 2027, for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
In pictures: the Best Places To Work Awards 2026
The GamesIndustry.biz Best Places To Work Awards UK 2026 celebrated companies that support their staff despite industry layoffs. The awards, sponsored by Amiqus, Playground Games, IO Interactive, Games London, and Special Effect, highlighted strong provisions for mental health, environmental sustainability, and education.
Winners of the UK Best Places To Work Awards 2026 revealed
The UK Best Places to Work Awards 2026 recognized 25 companies for excellence in staff support, with special awards given to Dink, Hangar 13, Jagex, NaturalMotion Games, Rare, and Snap Finger Click. The awards ceremony followed the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit, highlighting studios that excel in creating positive work environments.
Where to find the Nangan region Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 6
This guide details how to find the Nangan region Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 6. Players need to locate and smash a chest in the northeast corner of the Irokawa Space Center, in the southern part of the Nangan region, to earn in-game credits, XP, and season progress towards reward cars like the Lotus Espirit V8 and Lotus Emira.
Jobs roundup: October | Code Wizards Group appoints Catherine Bygrave as head of commercial
Several key figures have moved into new roles within the games industry. Michał Platkow-Gilewski was promoted to VP of global communications and marketing at CD Projekt Red, while Catherine Bygrave was appointed head of commercial at Code Wizards Group. Other notable appointments include Daniel Smith as executive producer at Playground Games, Gero Micciché as lead producer at 2K and Hangar 13 Games, and Tymon Smektala as executive producer at Bloober Team's Broken Mirror Games.
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.
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.
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.
'We've steered away from anything that's too crude' — Fable associate game director says the series' staple British humour was 'crucial' and 'the real test for Fable when it comes to the tone is that it does just have to be funny'
Associate game directors for the upcoming Fable reboot, Craig Littler and Will Kennedy, emphasized that the series' signature British humour is a crucial element that will be integrated across all game systems. They stated that while the humour is present in dialogue, story, and even combat, the team has deliberately steered away from anything too crude to ensure it lands well with a modern audience. The developers highlighted the importance of great writing and talented actors, including British comedians, to achieve the desired tone.
Fable Won’t Need Several Playthroughs to Unlock All Achievements/Trophies
Playground Games has confirmed that Fable will not require multiple playthroughs to unlock all achievements and trophies. Associate game directors Craig Littler and Will Kennedy discussed the game's trophy design, noting that while they won't reveal specifics, they aim for a fulfilling experience. The studio, comprised of Fable fans, is leveraging its open-world experience from the Forza Horizon series.
Microsoft CEO Says “Streamlining” by Xbox Team is “Great to See” in the Wake of Layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and future game development despite recent restructuring and significant layoffs. He praised Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's streamlining efforts and reiterated the goal of sustainable business models for broader game accessibility. However, the division faces challenges including declining hardware revenue and pressure to deliver successful exclusives.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's "streamlining" is "great to see" despite cuts and layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's future and praised ongoing "streamlining" efforts led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent significant layoffs and studio closures. Nadella stated his confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games, while emphasizing the need for sustainable business models to reach more players.
