Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Latest coverage
5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
Microsoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
Halo Campaign Evolved's PS5 port has strict split-screen co-op requirements: both players need PSN memberships and…
The upcoming PlayStation 5 port of Halo: Campaign Evolved will require both players to have PlayStation Plus memberships for split-screen and online co-op, a stricter requirement than on Xbox Series X|S. Players on all platforms will need a Microsoft account and Xbox Gamertag for cross-platform progression. The game also features dynamic difficulty scaling based on player count.
3D Realms co-founder reveals more about Zenimax redundancies
3D Realms co-founder George Broussard revealed details about impending layoffs at Zenimax, suggesting that studios not directly working on Fallout or The Elder Scrolls are at risk. He indicated that new Microsoft management is prioritizing profitability, potentially leading to significant job losses across various Zenimax-owned studios like Arkane and Machine Games. While initial reports suggested closures, further information points to layoffs occurring after the fiscal year ends on June 30.
We spoke to three Xbox Game Studio teams about exclusivity, and got two very different answers
Developers from Xbox Game Studios have differing views on game exclusivity. Gears of War: E-Day creative director Matt Searcy believes it makes sense as an Xbox exclusive, while developers for Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fable are excited about releasing on multiple platforms to reach a wider audience.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for June 22 to 26
Xbox announced a slate of new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between June 22 and June 26. Titles include Age of Empires Mobile: PC Edition, DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round, and EMPULSE (Game Preview), among many others. Specific release dates and optimizations for Xbox Series X|S are noted for several titles.
How to find the Forza Horizon 6 Evolving World Car Meet
This guide explains how to find the Evolving World Car Meet in Forza Horizon 6, located in the Hokubu Region. Players need to drive a 1980s car to this location to complete the 'Sweet Car O' Mine' Festival Playlist challenge. The guide also details the rewards for completing the challenge and notes its limited-time availability during the summer season.
How to find the Forza Horizon 6 Nangan Region Treasure Hunt
This guide details how to find the Forza Horizon 6 Nangan Region Treasure Hunt, which offers 100,000 Credits. The treasure is located on the eastern beach of the southern peninsula in Nangan, overlooking Tokyo City. This weekly challenge is part of the Horizon Decades Festival Playlist Series and will be available until June 25.
Rockstar's legal setback, Final Fantasy tax incentives, and PlayStation swaps 'PC' for 'AI' - Patch Notes #57
This week's gaming news includes Rockstar Games facing a trial date for union busting allegations, Sony Interactive Entertainment shifting its business strategy focus from 'PC' to 'AI' in SEC filings, and Microsoft's Xbox division reportedly preparing for studio closures. Additionally, Don't Nod is seeking new financing after Tencent withdrew short-term investment, Shibuya ward is offering Final Fantasy 14 in-game items for tax donations, and Epic Games is merging Unreal Engine 5 and UEFN into a unified Unreal Engine 6. The UK government is also set to implement a ban on social media for under 16s, impacting high-risk features in games.
70+ minuters gameplay från State of Decay 3
A gameplay video exceeding 70 minutes for State of Decay 3 has been released by YouTuber Brian Menard, offering a look at the survival gameplay. The game is slated for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC, though the footage is from an early alpha build.
Forza Horizon 6 Festival Playlist Challenges Guide – Series 2 Summer
This guide provides tips and car recommendations for completing the Series 2 Summer Festival Playlist challenges in Forza Horizon 6. The challenges run from June 18th to June 25th and offer various reward cars, including the 1989 Volkswagen Golf Rallye and 1988 Lamborghini Countach QV. Players can earn points by completing events like Photo Challenges, Treasure Hunts, and Seasonal Championships.
Amid all the closures and layoffs, the global games market has apparently passed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the…
The global games market has surpassed $200 billion in yearly revenue for the first time, reaching $201.6 billion according to Newzoo, an increase of 9.1% year-on-year. Mobile gaming leads this growth, followed by PC and console gaming, despite widespread industry layoffs and studio closures. This financial success contrasts sharply with the recent difficulties faced by many companies and employees within the sector.
The Backrooms Effect: Why Horror, Nostalgia and Indie Games Are Surging Again
Several recent and upcoming games available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, including Escape the Backrooms, Echo Generation 2, and Forza Horizon 6, are reflecting broader cultural trends such as viral horror, nostalgic sci-fi, and AAA open-world experiences. This highlights how Xbox Game Pass is curating a catalog that aligns with current popular culture and trending topics outside of gaming.
The biggest Gears of War: E-Day gameplay changes should have a transformative impact on the series' tired…
The Coalition is implementing significant changes to the core gameplay mechanics of Gears of War: E-Day, rebuilding systems from the ground up in Unreal Engine 5. These alterations focus on enhancing movement fluidity, cover interaction, and environmental destruction, aiming to modernize the series' signature combat and potentially reshape its multiplayer experience. The game will feature a prequel campaign and a multiplayer beta starting August 6.
Report: Xbox was set on splitting with Ninja Theory when unveiling its new project
A report suggests Microsoft planned to separate from Ninja Theory around the unveiling of its new project, Senua. This comes amid broader reports of internal turmoil at Xbox, with multiple studios reportedly negotiating to become independent due to potential shutdowns of less profitable teams. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a reset for the division, which may include significant cuts and reduced budgets.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 may be a more ambitious ARPG, but Mojang says it's "purposefully not calling it an…
Mojang is developing Minecraft Dungeons 2, set for release on September 29, 2026, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. The sequel will feature a more ambitious, interconnected world with a greater emphasis on exploration, moving beyond the simpler mission-based loop of the original. While not a full open world, the game aims for a guided yet expansive experience.
Microsoft Apparently Already Knew It Would Be Closing Ninja Theory When It Announced Senua
Microsoft reportedly planned to close or spin off Ninja Theory before the studio announced its new game, Senua, at the Xbox Games Showcase. This decision was part of a broader strategy following a "reset" memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, citing declining revenues despite significant investments. While Microsoft is reportedly exploring buyouts for Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine, the future of these studios and their franchises remains uncertain.
Forza Horizon 6's latest patch may have quelled Bowie Knife99's rage alongside making it easier for players to…
Forza Horizon 6 has received a new patch that includes improvements to AI drivatar behavior and difficulty balancing, potentially reducing aggressive driving incidents. The update also adds a 'Roads Driven' percentage to the Region Overview, helping players track their completion progress.
Microsoft Planned Closure of Ninja Theory Before Senua’s Reveal – Rumor
According to a report, Microsoft had planned to close Ninja Theory before the studio revealed its new game, Senua. The trailer was reportedly released to attract potential investors or acquirers for the studio. Despite these plans, it remains unclear if Ninja Theory's leadership was aware of the situation, and negotiations are underway for some studios to spin off rather than close, though layoffs are still expected.
Ori Dev CEO Says Xbox Was Too Focused On Protecting Its Legacy To Build Its Future
Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler believes Xbox's focus on legacy intellectual properties like Halo, Gears of War, and Forza hindered its ability to cultivate new talent and games. He suggests that Xbox should prioritize empowering creative individuals and teams who understand the gaming audience, rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
Amid reports of closures to Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan is stepping down from…
Xbox Game Studios CEO Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor are stepping down amid reports of significant layoffs and the closure of studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Duncan, who previously led Rare for 14 years, had been CEO for less than two years. These changes follow a strategic "Xbox reset" outlined by CEO Asha Sharma.
