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Xbox Revenue Declines Despite Microsoft Growth
Microsoft's first fiscal quarter of 2027, ending September 30, 2026, saw a 2.3% decline in Xbox revenue, falling to $5.379 billion. This decrease occurred despite strong overall growth for Microsoft, primarily driven by its cloud computing services. The report did not provide specific figures for console sales or Xbox Game Pass performance.
Xbox first-party content partially offsets 2% drop in Q1 revenue, hardware decreases 14%
Microsoft reported strong overall revenue for the first quarter, with Xbox content and services revenue seeing a slight 2% decrease, partially offset by growth in first-party titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty. Hardware sales declined 14%, but the company anticipates mid to high-single digit growth for Xbox content and services in the next quarter, driven by upcoming game launches. The report also noted ongoing workforce reductions within the Xbox division.
Asha Sharma Insists There's 'More Demand Than Consoles Available' as Xbox Hardware Sales Continue to Plummet
Asha Sharma, the head of Xbox, claims that demand for the console outstrips supply, despite reports of plummeting hardware sales. This statement comes as Microsoft's gaming division approaches the critical holiday season.
Xbox revenue falls 2% in first results since layoffs as decline narrows from 10%
Xbox's revenue saw a 2% decline in the July-September quarter, marking its fifth consecutive decrease, though the drop is less severe than in previous periods. While console sales and Game Pass subscriptions continue to shrink, Microsoft is anticipating stronger growth during the holiday quarter. The company's content and services business experienced a smaller 1% slip when currency changes are excluded, exceeding Microsoft's own forecasts.
Microsoft (MSFT) CEO Satya Nadella says Minecraft had record revenue and engagement in Q1 FY27
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced that Minecraft achieved record revenue and engagement during the first fiscal quarter of FY27. This marks a significant achievement for the game, which continues to perform strongly 17 years after its initial release.
World of Warcraft: Forever console ports seem inevitable as Blizzard wants you to play the MMO "wherever you want,…
Blizzard Entertainment executive Holly Longdale indicated that console versions of World of Warcraft: Forever are likely in the future, stating the studio wants players to be able to play "wherever you want, and at some point on whatever you want." While gamepad support is a primary focus for the new MMO, the possibility of releases on platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 remains speculative.
"We basically rewrote the entire State of Decay game": Undead Labs spent years trying to make State of Decay 3 into a full-blown zombie apocalypse MMO
Undead Labs spent years developing State of Decay 3 as a full-scale zombie apocalypse MMO, a vision initially held by founder Jeff Strain. After a significant pivot in late 2022, the studio rewrote the game to return to the scale of its predecessors. This pivot, coupled with Xbox cutting ties, led to layoffs but allowed the studio to secure new publishing support.
Microsoft offers voluntary exit buyouts to more than a quarter of its existing workforce
Microsoft has offered voluntary exit buyouts to over a quarter of its workforce, impacting approximately 60,000 employees. The packages are similar to standard severance, offering base pay based on seniority and tenure. The extent to which Xbox employees are included in these buyouts remains unclear, amidst ongoing job cuts.
Xbox Workers Are Eligible For Buyouts As Part Of Huge Shakeup At Microsoft
Microsoft is offering a Voluntary Exit Offer to thousands of employees across various divisions, including Xbox, as part of a significant shakeup. This program allows eligible workers to leave with a pay package, with over 25% of the company's workforce potentially affected. The announcement comes ahead of Microsoft's earnings report, amidst a massive AI investment push and following previous layoffs and a voluntary retirement program.
Sucker Punch Productions reportedly lays off 24 employees following launch of Ghost of Yōtei: Complete Edition
Sucker Punch Productions has reportedly laid off 24 employees, citing market challenges and future project needs. This news comes after the recent launch of Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island, which followed the successful release of Ghost of Tsushima. Sony Interactive Entertainment has been contacted for comment.
Microsoft is Providing a “Voluntary Exit Offer” to Around 60,000 Employees
Microsoft is implementing company-wide cost-cutting measures by offering a "Voluntary Exit Offer" to approximately 60,000 employees across various regions, including those within Xbox. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to increase flexibility and support employees considering career changes. The company has also recently undergone significant layoffs, impacting around 1,600 roles at Xbox, and is divesting four studios while Arkane Lyon faces potential closure.
Xbox staff among up to 60,000 Microsoft employees offered voluntary exit
Microsoft is offering a voluntary exit to eligible employees across various teams in the US, UK, Canada, and India, including those in Xbox and AI divisions. This follows previous layoffs and a voluntary retirement program earlier in the year, with sources suggesting up to 60,000 employees could be eligible for the new offer.
Microsoft is looking to cut over a quarter of the whole company in new voluntary buyout program with 60,000 employees…
Microsoft is reportedly offering a voluntary buyout program to approximately 60,000 employees, representing over a quarter of its workforce, as it continues to focus on AI development. This follows previous rounds of layoffs and buyouts, with the Xbox division being particularly affected.
Microsoft offers 'voluntary exit' buyouts to 60,000 employees in US, UK & Canada
Microsoft has offered voluntary exit buyouts to approximately 60,000 employees across the US, UK, and Canada, providing financial support and career planning resources. This move follows recent layoffs within Xbox, which saw 3,200 employees affected and several studios closed.
"It was a pretty harrowing three months" – Undead Labs head Philip Holt on what happened after Xbox cut the studio loose
Undead Labs CEO Philip Holt details the challenging three months following Xbox's divestment of the studio, which led to significant layoffs and a pivot to employee ownership. Despite the turmoil, the studio secured publishing funding for State of Decay 3, which is now employee-owned and aims for a 2027 release, focusing on player entertainment over investor demands.
Netflix reportedly offered $500m to Microsoft to license Xbox IP for seven years
Netflix reportedly offered Microsoft $500 million over seven years for the rights to adapt Xbox intellectual property for film and television. Xbox executives, including Asha Sharma, allegedly declined the offer and counter-proposed $800 million. The deal appears to have been withdrawn following the departure of Netflix's former chief content officer, Bela Bajaria.
XBOX Game Pass Is Coming to Eligible T-Mobile Customers
T-Mobile has announced T-Mix, a new program that allows eligible customers in the U.S. to choose Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Premium as a benefit in their wireless plan. This marks the first time Xbox Game Pass will be available through a U.S. wireless carrier, offering access to a library of games on various devices including Xbox consoles, PCs, and Smart TVs.
Xbox Veteran Who Just Got Promoted Under Asha Sharma Promptly Leaves Amid Mysterious Circumstances
Xbox's first Chief Operating Officer, Helen Chiang, has departed the company shortly after her promotion under CEO Asha Sharma. While the exact reasons remain unclear, sources suggest termination for policy violations. Chiang had a 20-year tenure at Microsoft, playing a role in Xbox Live and Mojang. Her exit follows a period of poor performance for Xbox hardware and services.
Rapport: Arkane ligger pyrt till, men hoppet är inte ute
A report indicates that Xbox is actively seeking a buyer for Arkane Studios before a November 13 deadline, as French law requires a three-month period to find a new owner before potential closure. While the Blade game Arkane is developing is reportedly nearing completion, the future of the studio remains uncertain, though journalist Jason Schreier suggests the situation may not be as dire as it appears, citing legal and financial deterrents for Xbox to close the studio.
MMO Week in Review: Lament for BioWare
Electronic Arts has officially shut down the legendary studio BioWare, laying off 400 employees in the process. This move has been met with significant criticism, highlighting concerns about venture capital and corporate practices in the gaming industry. Several other MMOs and studios also saw news this week, including updates on MapleStory Classic World, Chronicles of Elyria, and the closure of Zenith.
