Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Xbox reportedly discussing internally whether to return to exclusives
Internal discussions are reportedly underway at Xbox Game Studios regarding the future of platform exclusivity for their titles. While some games have appeared on Nintendo platforms, management is considering significant changes to their exclusive strategy. This comes amid speculation following Diablo IV's rating for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Xbox Game Pass "has become too expensive for players," new CEO reportedly admits in leaked memo
New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma has reportedly acknowledged in a leaked memo that Xbox Game Pass has become too expensive for players. Sharma aims to evolve the subscription service into a more flexible system, suggesting a need for better value and potentially cheaper options in the short term.
Fable reboot is not delayed but Microsoft has a difficult decision ahead
The Fable reboot is reportedly not delayed and is still targeting an Autumn 2026 release, despite rumors of an internal pushback. Developer Xbox Game Studios is facing a difficult decision regarding its launch window, particularly in light of Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 release date. Microsoft is considering options to avoid direct competition with major titles, which could impact the game's visibility and award potential.
As GTA 6 reportedly spooks Xbox into delaying Fable, Playground Games reiterates its RPG remains on track for Autumn…
A new rumor suggests that the Fable reboot may be delayed from its Autumn 2026 release window due to concerns about launching near Grand Theft Auto 6. Developer Playground Games, however, has reiterated that Fable remains on track for its planned release. Xbox Game Studios is reportedly considering the impact of Grand Theft Auto 6 on other major releases.
Fable “Internally Delayed,” Could Launch in December to Avoid GTA 6 – Rumor
Playground Games' Fable has reportedly been internally delayed to December to avoid a direct conflict with the November release of Grand Theft Auto 6. While Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan expressed confidence in their own game's timing, reports suggest Microsoft is strategically positioning releases to maximize opportunity before Rockstar's major title. An official announcement may come during the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7th.
Game Pass Goes Huge – Oblivion, Hades II And COD Arrive While GTA V Leaves
Xbox Game Pass is adding several major titles including Hades II, The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Grand Theft Auto V will be removed from the service. New additions span various genres and platforms, including PC, Xbox Series X|S, and cloud.
Former Perfect Dark Design Director is Now Working on Blizzard’s StarCraft Shooter – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Drew Murray, former design director for Perfect Dark at The Initiative, is now working at Blizzard Entertainment on a rumored StarCraft shooter. Murray's LinkedIn confirms his employment at Blizzard as an associate design director. The project is reportedly in early development and may utilize Unreal Engine.
Amazon Luna Pulls the Plug: Cloud Gaming Service Shuts Down Store, Leaving Families in Gaming Limbo
Amazon Luna is shutting down its game store on April 10, 2026, and all purchased games will become unavailable by June 10, 2026. This decision impacts families who relied on the service for shared gaming experiences, raising concerns about digital ownership and the future of cloud gaming. Amazon is pivoting to a new initiative called GameNight, but the closure has eroded trust within the gaming community.
Review: South Of Midnight (Switch 2) - A Port That Compromises What This Enjoyable Game Did Best
This review of South of Midnight on Nintendo Switch 2 highlights the game's enjoyable narrative and Deep South folktale-inspired setting, but criticizes the port for significant compromises. Issues like texture pop-in, frame drops, and visual fuzziness detract from the game's otherwise strong presentation and atmosphere, leading to a less immersive experience than on more powerful platforms.
"It's a sea change": Forza Horizon 6 is leaving the Xbox One behind, and it's a better game because…
Forza Horizon 6 will exclusively launch on current-generation platforms, leaving the Xbox One behind. This decision allows Playground Games to leverage the full power of systems like the Xbox Series X and PC, enabling significant advancements in visual fidelity, urban environment scale with the new Tokyo City map, and new gameplay features like Aftermarket and Treasure cars. The developers believe this focus on newer hardware is a 'sea change' that will lead to a better overall game.
Game Pass Hidden Gem: Towerborne 💎
Towerborne is highlighted as a hidden gem available on Game Pass, offering a fun online fantasy beat 'em up RPG experience. The game features extensive character customization with various classes and skills, alongside modern 3D visuals and RPG mechanics. Players can engage in cooperative multiplayer for up to four players, with numerous unlockables and cosmetic items to personalize their warrior.
During a memory crisis do you really need fast memory for PC gaming? No, no you do not
This article analyzes the impact of DRAM speed on PC gaming performance, concluding that slower DDR5 memory is generally acceptable for most users, especially when the GPU is the primary bottleneck. While some games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Counter-Strike 2, Spider-Man Remastered, and Hogwarts Legacy show performance differences, the impact is often minimal or can be mitigated by adjusting graphics settings, making it a viable cost-saving measure for budget-conscious builders.
Kiln: Double Fine Shares Their Favorite Pots as Open Beta Goes Live
Double Fine's pottery brawler, Kiln, has launched its Open Beta Throwdown on Steam, allowing players to participate until April 11. The game, which features online multiplayer where players inhabit and battle with crafted clay pots, is set to officially release on April 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, PlayStation 5, and Steam, launching day one with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Forza Horizon 6’s map preview has arrived, and there’s some real-world inspiration on it
Xbox Game Studios has revealed the map for Forza Horizon 6, which appears to be inspired by the Greater Tokyo area and other regions of Japan. The map features dense urban environments, snowy mountains, and coastal areas, with discussions ongoing about its scale compared to previous titles. The developers have highlighted the map's verticality and density, promising a new level of detail for players.
I am in love with Forza Horizon 6's Nissan Silvia
Forza Horizon 6 offers an arcade racing experience set in Japan, featuring a vibrant open world with dynamic events like launching rockets and passing bullet trains. The game emphasizes accessibility with extensive options and a welcoming atmosphere, while still providing a challenging driving model that punishes errors, even in its demo build.
Fuelled by Playground's "relentless pursuit of excellence", Forza Horizon 6 is set to become one of the best racing games of the generation
Forza Horizon 6 aims to build upon the success of its predecessor with a more detailed open world set in Japan and refined driving mechanics for its 550-car roster. Developer Playground Games is focusing on "vibe driving" by introducing new systems that reward exploration and casual play, ensuring a richer experience for all player types.
Forza Horizon 6's Japan map is the series' best yet
A preview of Forza Horizon 6 highlights its expansive Japan map, featuring detailed recreations of Tokyo and diverse countryside regions. While the core gameplay loop of racing and earning XP remains similar to Forza Horizon 5, the new map offers a more dramatic and varied driving experience on Xbox Series X.
Forza Horizon 6 gives would-be racers another gorgeous open world to explore
Forza Horizon 6 offers a visually stunning open world set in Japan, featuring detailed environments and weather effects. The preview highlights exploration, various racing activities, and new additions like aftermarket sales, while also noting the continuation of accessibility features from its predecessor. The game is set to release on May 19 for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Xbox Cloud, with a PlayStation 5 version to follow.
Forza Horizon 6 Preview: Collectibles, Seamless Races and Open World Design Make for the Most Explorable Adventure Yet
Forza Horizon 6 will feature a vast, explorable open world set in Japan, emphasizing player freedom and discovery over linear progression. The game introduces new mechanics like a "fog of war" map, "Aftermarket Cars" found in the world, and customizable garages, all designed to encourage exploration and player agency. It launches May 19, 2026, on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud, with day-one availability on Xbox Game Pass.
Forza Horizon 6 ‘Prologue’ gameplay
Xbox Game Studios and Playground Games have released a six-minute "Prologue" gameplay video for the upcoming Forza Horizon 6. The video showcases early gameplay elements of the anticipated racing title.