Xbox Game Studios
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GamesRadar+ Fall Preview 2026: Your next favorite games make up our hefty Most Wanted list
GamesRadar+ has released its Fall Preview list for 2026, highlighting anticipated games across various genres. While Grand Theft Auto 6 is mentioned, the list focuses on other titles like Marvel's Wolverine, Control Resonant, Silent Hill: Townfall, Gears of War: E-Day, and Castlevania: Belmont's Curse, among many others.
Grant Kirkhope knows of three studios that were possibly turned down for new Banjo-Kazooie
Composer Grant Kirkhope revealed that multiple studios have pitched new Banjo-Kazooie games to Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios, but none of the pitches were successful. He did not disclose the names of the studios involved.
Fable is "15-20 hours" long, Xbox confirms, but you can "literally play it forever" if you treat it more like a life sim than an RPG
Xbox has confirmed that the upcoming Fable RPG will feature a main story length of 15-20 hours, aligning with previous titles in the series. Associate game directors Will Kennedy and Craig Littler stated that side content can double this playtime, and the life simulation aspects allow for potentially limitless engagement.
Fable's story will be '15-20 hours' long, according to its game director, although the game's life…
Playground Games' Fable reboot will feature approximately 15-20 hours of mainline quest gameplay, with an additional 15-20 hours of side content and exploration. Associate game directors Will Kennedy and Craig Litter noted that the game's life systems offer potentially limitless playtime. The RPG has been delayed to 2027 to avoid launching alongside Grand Theft Auto 6.
Forza Horizon 6 appears to have been quietly delayed on PS5
Forza Horizon 6's anticipated PlayStation 5 release has reportedly been delayed, with sources suggesting it will not launch in 2026 as previously indicated. This comes amid shifts in Xbox's strategy regarding multi-platform releases and internal turmoil.
Fable director "happy to go toe-to-toe" with heavy hitters like Persona and God of War, but GTA 6 is a beast…
Fable director Ralph Fulton stated that Playground Games is not afraid of launching alongside other major titles, but will avoid direct competition with Grand Theft Auto 6. The Fable reboot was delayed from an earlier October 2026 release to February 23, 2027, to avoid Grand Theft Auto 6 and other significant releases in that period.
Fable Director is Happy to Avoid the Late 2026 “Chaotic” Release Window
Fable director Ralph Fulton expressed relief about the game's delay to February 23rd, 2027, avoiding a "chaotic" release window that would have included Grand Theft Auto 6 and other major titles. Fulton stated that the studio is confident in Fable's quality and is prepared to compete with other high-profile releases in early 2027. The article also touched upon Fable's gameplay features, including its free-form combat system and unique storytelling elements.
Fable’s combat shows a lot of promise, but I'm glad it's not launching this year
Playground Games' upcoming Fable title shows significant promise in its combat system, featuring a variety of weapons, spells, and unique polymorph abilities. While the combat feels inventive and satisfying, some areas like character animation stiffness and enemy AI require further refinement before the game's February 23, 2027 release on PC and Xbox Series X/S.
Fable: Find Out How Combat Works After Our First Hands-on
Playground Games provided an in-depth look at Fable's combat system, showcasing a blend of melee, ranged, and magic abilities that can be seamlessly switched during gameplay. The demo highlighted how player choices in equipment and spells can lead to diverse playstyles, with enemies like Hollow Folk, Wraiths, and the Lantern Keeper presenting unique challenges. Fable is set to release on February 23, 2027, for Xbox Series X|S and PC, with early access starting February 18 for the Premium Edition.
State of Decay 3: Closed Beta Playtests Will Open the Game to Even More Players This Year
Undead Labs is expanding closed beta playtests for State of Decay 3 to more players and platforms throughout 2026, ahead of its 2027 launch. The game will be available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5, and will be included with Game Pass. These playtests aim to stress-test and fine-tune the game's systems, including its untethered multiplayer and largest map to date.
Gears Of War: E-Day preview - sandbox spectacle meets linear action
Gears Of War: E-Day, developed by The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, offers a preview of its story mode set on Emergence Day. The game features impressive open-world areas with personal side quests and linear action sequences, running on Unreal Engine 5 for enhanced visuals and destruction. It will be available on PC and Xbox Series X/S on October 6, 2026.
Gears of War: E-Day’s campaign is a cinematic throwback to the day the world changed forever
Gears of War: E-Day is a prequel that places players at the start of the Locust War, focusing on a young Marcus Fenix defending Kalona. The campaign aims to recapture the cinematic feel and intense gameplay of the original Gears of War trilogy, emphasizing cover-based combat and a gripping narrative as society descends into chaos.
Gears of War: E-Day Campaign Hands On – Brutal, Brilliant, and Quintessentially Gears
This preview of Gears of War: E-Day highlights its brutal and nostalgic campaign, set 14 years before the original game. Players will experience the Emergence Day from the perspective of a younger Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, fighting against the Locust Horde in the new city of Kalona. The game, built in Unreal Engine 5, aims to recapture the original Gears of War's impact with modernized gameplay and a focus on character development.
I played Gears of War: E-Day's campaign, and it's bleaker than I expected
Gears of War: E-Day's campaign, set during the devastating Emergence Day, presents a bleak and desperate struggle for survival. The preview highlights adaptive cover mechanics and intense combat against the Locust, while also emphasizing the human element and character interactions amidst the chaos. The Coalition aims to revitalize the series with a focus on modern shooter ambitions and a deep dive into the cost of war.
Original Halo art director "may disagree" with some Campaign Evolved "creative decisions," but says…
Original Halo art director Marcus Lehto stated that while he genuinely enjoyed Halo: Campaign Evolved and is rooting for the franchise, he may disagree with some of its creative decisions. Lehto, who co-created the franchise with Bungie, expressed his continued care for Halo despite its recent struggles and acknowledged that fans might not like his own potential future contributions to the series.
Mad King Redemption’s Roguelite Brawling Hits Xbox
Mad King Redemption, a beat 'em up roguelite, is now available for £12.49 on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Play Anywhere support. Developed by Secret Mission Games, the title features classic brawling action combined with roguelite progression, four playable characters, and randomized elements for replayability.
Double Fine Productions regains ownership of IP and publishing rights following independence from Xbox
Double Fine Productions has regained ownership of its intellectual property and publishing rights following its separation from Xbox. The studio also announced its fifth Amnesia Fortnight event, a game jam where employees create prototypes, with this year's iteration launching on August 31 and featuring a Kickstarter campaign for one of the developed ideas. This move comes after Double Fine and Compulsion Games were spun out of Xbox Game Studios amidst recent layoffs.
Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026 predictions: 5 games we'd like to see
This article predicts five games that could be featured at Gamescom Opening Night Live 2026, including potential reveals or updates for Fable, The Witcher 4, Resident Evil Veronica, Hideo Kojima's OD, and Persona 6. It also mentions confirmed trailers for Silent Hill Townfall and Gears of War: E-Day.
Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight
Compulsion Games has completed a management buyout, regaining ownership of its intellectual property from Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios. This separation allows Compulsion to retain a larger share of revenue from games like South of Midnight, which received an 83% review score. The studio, also known for We Happy Few and Contrast, is now independent after rumors of closure following recent layoffs.
The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: 'Buying any…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after leaving Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios, regaining full publishing rights and revenue for its past games. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed the transition, noting that sales now directly support the studio as it pitches new projects. The studio is also launching a Kickstarter for its Amnesia Fortnight game jam and teased updates for its game Kiln.
