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From Slots to Skill Trees: Where Xbox and Casino Games Meet
This article analyzes the intersection of Xbox games and casino mechanics, particularly focusing on how elements like wheelspins in Forza Horizon 6 borrow from slot machines. It contrasts these with progression systems in games like Starfield and Sea of Thieves, which lack random elements. The piece clarifies that while games may use casino-like staging, they are not gambling products unless real money can be withdrawn, a distinction highlighted by regulatory frameworks in places like Ontario.
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.
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's best retro handheld yet, but I wouldn't compare the physical cartridge champion to similarly priced rivals
The Evercade Nexus is Blaze's most advanced retro handheld, featuring a larger screen and dual thumbsticks for 3D games like Banjo-Kazooie. While it improves upon previous models and supports the full Evercade cartridge library, it retains some operating system quirks and lacks features like sleep mode and HDMI output, making it a strong contender within its ecosystem but not directly comparable to similarly priced rivals.
Samson dev Liquid Swords has reportedly gone bankrupt
Swedish studio Liquid Swords, developer of the action game Samson, has reportedly filed for bankruptcy, affecting nearly 30 employees. The studio, co-founded by Christofer Sundberg, allegedly failed to pay developers for months, though Sweden's state wage guarantee should cover unpaid salaries. Samson received mixed reviews and suffered from technical issues upon its release on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
Shack Chat: What gaming series do you want to see get a racing game?
Shacknews staff members discuss which gaming series they would like to see adapted into a racing game. Suggestions range from PlayStation's first-party characters and Hollow Knight to F-ZERO, Destiny's Sparrow Racing League, Shovel Knight, Halo, Pokemon, and The Legend of Zelda.
Gameplay footage from cancelled Xbox Perfect Dark game leaks online, and it looks pretty good
Leaked gameplay footage from the cancelled Xbox reboot of Perfect Dark has surfaced online, showcasing early development builds of the game. The footage, attributed to a VFX artist, displays weapon testing, environments, and character abilities. Development of the game, led by The Initiative with assistance from Crystal Dynamics, was reportedly troubled and eventually cancelled by Microsoft.
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.
Ninja Theory begins laying off staff, according to employee posts
Ninja Theory, the developer behind the Hellblade series, has begun laying off staff. Xbox had proposed closing the studio in September after two separate sale agreements fell through. Employees have expressed sadness on social media about not being able to finish their current projects.
What does your dream videogame concert look like?
The author discusses the rise of video game concerts and shares their ideal dream concert lineup, featuring music from various Final Fantasy titles, Kingdom Hearts, Kameo: Elements of Power, and Tekken remixes. They express a desire for more live orchestral performances of game soundtracks.
Zelda and Banjo PC port devs slam new vibe-coded Banjo-Tooie recompilation: "Throwing AI at it is just…
Developers behind fan-made PC ports of classic Nintendo 64 games like The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask and Banjo-Kazooie are criticizing a new AI-generated recompilation of Banjo-Tooie. They argue that using AI for such projects is disrespectful to the original developers and the community's efforts, especially when they had plans for their own human-led ports.
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.
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.
Best N64 Games: 40 Essential Nintendo 64 Games — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
This article celebrates the 30th anniversary of the Nintendo 64 by listing 40 essential games for the console. It highlights the console's innovations in 4-player local multiplayer and force feedback, and details influential titles across genres like first-person shooters, 3D platformers, and adventure games, with personal anecdotes and reflections on their lasting impact.
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 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.
'We've been here for six years. We're aiming to be here for at least another six more' — Blaze Entertainment says it has a four-year-long roadmap for Evercade, and wants 'to do more work with Rare,' and has spoken with Sega, Bandai Namco, and EA
Blaze Entertainment has revealed a three-to-four-year roadmap for its Evercade retro gaming console, with plans to continue its collaboration with Rare and potentially work with other major publishers like Electronic Arts, Sega, and Bandai Namco. The company aims to remain a significant player in the market for at least another six years.
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.
Games Inbox: Is the next Super Mario game open world?
Readers discuss the potential for the next 3D Super Mario game to be open world, drawing parallels to Zelda and Bowser's Fury. Other topics include the 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64, the gameplay of Marvel's Wolverine, criticism of Xbox executives, the viability of a Ganondorf game, Sony's potential U-turn on game discs, the decline of Rare, the unchanging nature of EA Sports FC, and performance issues in Star Wars Zero Company.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
