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Tech RadarPositive

Fable associate game director confirms 'you won't need to do 'thousands' of playthroughs' to achieve 100% completion or the Platinum trophy — 'We have the list, but we're not going to spoil the surprise'

Playground Games associate game directors Craig Littler and Will Kennedy have confirmed that achieving 100% completion or the Platinum Trophy in Fable will not require thousands of playthroughs. While the full achievement list remains a surprise, they assured players that it is doable within a reasonable number of playthroughs. The game is set to launch on February 23, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, with the Xbox Series X version featuring a 60fps performance mode.

Games IndustryNeutral

Here is the full line-up for the GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit 2026

The GamesIndustry.biz HR Summit 2026, scheduled for October 1 in London, has announced its full line-up of speakers and sessions. The event will feature keynotes from industry leaders discussing topics such as AI in HR, neurodiversity, workplace culture, and effective leadership. The summit will conclude with the Best Places to Work Awards.

Games IndustryVery negative

The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion

The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.

Gaming BoltVery negative

Xbox’s “Aggressive” Revenue Goals Were “Unrealistic” Even Before Layoffs, Says id Software Dev

An id Software developer revealed that Xbox's aggressive revenue goals are considered unrealistic and contributing to ongoing chaos and layoffs within the company. Despite attempts at communication, management's vision is perceived as lacking, with a strong focus on immediate profit increases. This sentiment is shared across studios, with morale sinking due to perceived incompetence.

Gaming BoltNegative

State of Decay 3 Studio Was Going to Be Acquired by Splash Damage Before Deal Fell Through – Rumor

Xbox is reportedly divesting four studios, including Undead Labs, developer of State of Decay 3. A rumored acquisition of Undead Labs by Splash Damage fell through, as did potential deals for Ninja Theory. These moves are part of a larger business "reset" by Xbox, which has also involved significant layoffs and studio reorganizations.

EurogamerVery negative

"It genuinely breaks my heart"- Confusion and frustration reign as gaming communities react to Xbox's drastic restructuring this week

Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring this week, leading to widespread layoffs and the impending closure of Ninja Theory. Studios like Obsidian Entertainment, Rare, and World's Edge have been re-assigned to different publishing arms within Xbox's ecosystem, causing confusion and frustration among players and developers regarding future game development and monetization strategies.

PC GamerNeutral

Where to find the Shimanoyama region Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 6

This guide details how to find the Shimanoyama region Treasure Hunt in Forza Horizon 6. Players can locate the treasure chest in the southern part of Shimanoyama, north of Izu Skyline, to earn in-game credits, XP, and season progress towards reward cars.

EurogamerNegative

Xbox's version of PlayStation's Platinum Trophy achievement seems to leak, and it's got a sound-effect that's 15 seconds long

Microsoft appears to be introducing a "Mythic Achievement" for Xbox, similar to PlayStation's Platinum Trophy, which is reportedly retroactive and worth zero Gamerscore. This comes amidst significant restructuring within Xbox, including the effective closure of Halo Studios and job losses across multiple development teams like Ninja Theory and World's Edge.

Games IndustryNegative

Microsoft files patent for "ad-credit" system to show ads on PC and Xbox without disrupting gameplay

Microsoft has filed a patent for an "ad-credit" system that would display advertisements during PC and Xbox gameplay by pausing the game during natural breaks like loading screens. Players would earn credits for ad-free playtime after viewing ads. This follows earlier reports of Xbox considering ads for cloud gaming and recent tests of ad-supported streaming sessions.

Last Word GamingVery negative

Xbox Cuts Several Studios & Staff in Restructuring

Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, involving the elimination of 268 roles and the reorganization of several first-party studios. Activision will now oversee the next Halo game, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. Bethesda is absorbing Obsidian Entertainment, and Ninja Theory faces a proposed closure. These changes aim to reduce organizational complexity and concentrate resources on key franchises.

Metro UKNeutral

Fable preview - bringing back the dog is still a ‘future possibility’ says dev

Playground Games director Ralph Fulton confirmed that the beloved dog companion from previous Fable titles was cut from the upcoming reboot due to resource constraints but remains a possibility for future updates. The developer also detailed the complex NPC routines designed for the game's characters, explaining the decision to prioritize these systems over the dog mechanic. Fable is set to release on February 23, 2027, for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.

GamespotNegative

Halo Co-Creator Reacts To Franchise Moving To Activision: “Shocked But Not Entirely Surprised”

Halo co-creator Marcus Lehto expressed shock but not surprise regarding the franchise's move to Activision following Microsoft's restructuring of its Xbox studios. Lehto, who was affected by layoffs at Halo Studios, wished well to the developers impacted by the decision. Activision will form a new team for Halo, while Halo Studios will focus on supporting existing titles and the community.

EurogamerVery negative

Xbox lays off Gears of War: E-Day's story director barely two weeks before the game's launch

Xbox has conducted significant layoffs, impacting the story director of the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day, Juan Vaca, just weeks before its October 6th release. This news comes amidst broader restructuring within Xbox, affecting studios like Rare, World's Edge, Playground Games, Turn 10 Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, and 343 Industries, with Ninja Theory reportedly heading towards closure.

Escapist MagazineVery negative

Halo Moves to Activision as Xbox Cuts 268 More Jobs

Microsoft has confirmed another 268 layoffs across Xbox, impacting Halo Studios and other first-party teams, as part of a significant reorganization. Development of the next Halo game will move to Activision, while studios like Rare and World's Edge will now fall under Activision's remit. Ninja Theory is facing proposed closure.

Shack NewsNegative

Evening Reading - September 22, 2026

Xbox has confirmed significant layoffs affecting 268 employees across Halo Studios, Xbox Game Studios, and more. This restructuring includes the next Halo game being developed by Activision, and the merger of Turn 10 and Playground Games. Additionally, Obsidian Entertainment and Rage/World's Edge will now report under Bethesda and Activision respectively.

Gaming BoltNegative

Halo: Campaign Evolved Cinematics Director Says He Was Promoted Shortly Before Being Laid Off

Xbox's cinematics director for Halo: Campaign Evolved, Josh Daniels, was promoted and then laid off in the same week as part of new job cuts affecting 268 workers at Halo Studios. Xbox EVP Matt Booty confirmed the layoffs are part of a larger plan to eliminate around 1,600 roles. Activision will now take over leadership for the Halo franchise, with its president Rob Kostich aiming to "make the greatest Halo game ever."

Gaming BoltNegative

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.

Metro UKVery negative

Does Microsoft really want to save Xbox or have they already given up?

Microsoft's recent wave of job cuts within Xbox, affecting hundreds of developers, raises serious questions about the company's commitment to its gaming division. The article suggests these layoffs, coupled with studio restructuring and a lack of clear hardware strategy, indicate a potential winding down of Xbox's ambitions, possibly leading to its eventual sale as a third-party publisher.

Gaming BoltVery negative

What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?

Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.

Checkpoint GamingVery negative

Xbox lays off more jobs and consolidates its studios in massive restructure

Xbox announced further layoffs, cutting 268 jobs and significantly restructuring its studios. Key developers like Bethesda and Activision will expand their remits, while Playground Games and Turn 10 Studios will merge. A dedicated team within Activision will now develop the next Halo game, and the futures of Ninja Theory and Arkane Studios remain uncertain.