Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Latest coverage
The 10 best first-person RPGs for truly immersive adventuring
This article ranks the 10 best first-person RPGs, highlighting titles that excel in immersive worldbuilding and player agency. Games like Avowed, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim are praised for their ability to place players directly into fantastical or dystopian worlds, offering immediate action and deep exploration.
I'm sick of breaking the bank buying AAA games, so I've hunted down overlooked alternatives to 2026's…
This article explores budget-friendly alternatives to upcoming and recently released expensive AAA games, suggesting overlooked indies and gems. It highlights games like Samson and The Precinct as alternatives to Grand Theft Auto 6, and Wreckreation as a substitute for Forza Horizon 6. The author also provides cheaper options for Resident Evil, Pokémon Pokopia, and Death Stranding 2.
Kiki Wolfkill, longtime Halo veteran and head of Xbox Film and TV, has left Microsoft after nearly 30 years
Kiki Wolfkill, a veteran of the Halo franchise and head of Xbox Film and TV, has departed Microsoft after nearly 30 years with the company. Wolfkill announced her departure on LinkedIn, stating that April 17 was her last day. She expressed gratitude for the opportunities Microsoft provided throughout her career in the gaming industry.
Kiln Spring 2026 Roadmap Revealed
Double Fine Productions has revealed the Spring 2026 roadmap for their upcoming game, Kiln, which launches on April 23 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5, and Steam, also available day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The roadmap includes Dinosaur Decorations, new maps, and additions to the progression system, with further content planned for summer and later in the year. Kiln is described as the world's first online multiplayer pottery party brawler where players create and battle with customizable ceramic creations.
Halo TV series producer and Xbox veteran Kiki Wolfkill announces departure from Microsoft after 28 years: "I couldn't be more inspired to climb the next mountain"
Kiki Wolfkill, a veteran of Microsoft's gaming division and producer for the Halo TV series, has announced her departure after 28 years. Wolfkill, who most recently headed Xbox film and television, expressed excitement for future endeavors, teasing that more information will be shared later.
Hideo Kojima sparks Xbox Project Helix speculation as he meets execs to pose with a mysterious box – but the reality probably isn't that exciting
Hideo Kojima's visit to Xbox offices and a photo with a mysterious box labeled "Xbox for Kojima" have fueled speculation about Project Helix, Xbox's next console. While fans theorize it's a dev kit, the box's size and Xbox's GDC 2026 announcement about 2027 dev kit shipments suggest otherwise. The meeting also involved Xbox executives Phil Spencer and Asha Sharma, and Kojima also met Master Chief.
Game Pass Might Get “Pick Your Own Plan” Options – Rumor
A rumor suggests Microsoft is considering a 'pick your own plan' model for Xbox Game Pass, allowing subscribers to customize benefits and potentially lower costs. This follows recent price drops and a change in policy regarding day-one Call of Duty releases on the service.
Fallout: New Vegas Sequel Was Discussed at Obsidian, Says Former Senior Designer
Former Fallout: New Vegas senior designer Chris Avellone revealed that Obsidian Entertainment discussed a sequel to the game. Avellone also commented on the unlikelihood of a remaster due to Bethesda's engineering capabilities, though recent acquisitions by Microsoft could potentially facilitate future collaboration between the studios.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass Drops The Price Under New Leadership, New Call of Duty Titles
Microsoft has reduced the monthly subscription prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Additionally, new Call of Duty titles will no longer launch day-and-date on Game Pass, with a delay of approximately one year.
Xbox Game Pass loses day one Call of Duty, but it’s getting cheaper because of it
Microsoft is reducing the monthly prices for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass, while also announcing that new Call of Duty titles will no longer be available on day one for these subscription tiers. The company cited the price adjustments as a response to economic hardship, though new Call of Duty games will now arrive approximately one year after their initial release.
Drop-In, Drop-Out: Best Games for Unpredictable Schedules | TAG
This guide highlights games suitable for players with unpredictable schedules, focusing on titles that allow for easy pausing and resuming without penalty. It emphasizes features like frequent autosaves, low memory burden, and self-contained sessions. Games like Vampire Survivors, Stardew Valley, and Forza Horizon 5 are recommended for their interruptible nature, while console features like Xbox Quick Resume and Nintendo Switch Sleep Mode are noted as crucial aids.
10 Best Western RPGs to play in 2026
This article ranks the 10 best Western RPGs available to play, focusing on games developed in Europe or America that emphasize deep character customization and player-driven narratives. The list includes titles like Baldur's Gate 3, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and Disco Elysium: The Final Cut, highlighting their unique gameplay mechanics and storytelling.
A Truly Cheeky Giveaway: The Butt-iful Collection, By Kiln
Xbox Game Studios and Double Fine Productions are launching a playful giveaway for 'The Butt-iful Collection, By Kiln,' a limited-edition pottery set. The collection includes controller cradles, a snack bowl, and a mug, all inspired by the game Kiln's unique aesthetic. Fans can enter a sweepstakes for a chance to win one of five sets, with the game Kiln set to release on April 23.
Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Kiln, Aphelion, Final Fantasy V, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles in late April and early May, including Little Rocket Lab, Vampire Crawlers, Kiln, Aphelion, Trepang2, Heroes of Might & Magic: Olden Era, Sledding Game, TerraTech Legion, and Final Fantasy V. Several games are also leaving the service on April 30.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch lead at BAFTA Awards 2026
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch each won three awards at the BAFTA Awards 2026. Clair Obscur secured Best Game, Debut Game, and Performer in a Leading Role for Jennifer English, while Dispatch won for Animation, Audio Achievement, and Performer in a Supporting Role for Jeffrey Wright. Ilkka Paananen, CEO of Supercell, received a BAFTA Fellowship.
New Game Pass Tier Will Offer Cloud Gaming With Time Limits – Rumor
A new rumor suggests that a forthcoming, first-party games-only tier of Xbox Game Pass, codenamed Triton, will include Cloud Gaming access with a monthly hour limit. This change, potentially driven by Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma's goal to make the service more affordable, contrasts with the current unlimited cloud access. The memo from Sharma indicated a need for a better value equation and a more flexible Game Pass system.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 Launcing in 2027
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 3 is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Developed by Dimps and Bandai Namco, this story-driven RPG allows players to create their own hero within the world of Dragon Ball, set in West City during AGE 1000. Additional details will be revealed in the coming months.
Announced, Delayed, Disappeared: The Games Still In Limbo
Numerous video games remain in limbo, with long development cycles and minimal updates causing concern among players. Titles like Beyond Good & Evil 2, The Wolf Among Us 2, and Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Remake have faced significant delays and development challenges. While some studios offer reassurances, the prolonged uncertainty surrounding these projects leaves their eventual release in doubt.
Forza Horizon 6 Tokyo City Biome Showcase Released
Playground Games and Xbox Game Studios have released a showcase trailer for the Tokyo City biome in Forza Horizon 6, highlighting landmarks like Tokyo Tower and Shibuya Crossing. The game is set to launch for Xbox Series X|S and PC on May 19, with a PlayStation 5 release planned for later in the year.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Seemingly Plans New Game Pass Subscription Tier
Microsoft Gaming is reportedly considering a new, more affordable subscription tier for Xbox Game Pass, potentially featuring only first-party titles. CEO Asha Sharma expressed concerns about the current price point being too high for players and indicated plans to evolve the service into a more flexible system. A rumored tier codenamed "Triton" has been spotted in data, suggesting a lower-cost option with games from Xbox Game Studios.
