Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
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Xbox Game Pass isn’t "viable" with so few subscribers, says former Forza lead bracing for more…
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass is not viable due to insufficient subscriber numbers, leading to recent studio layoffs. He believes the service's player-focused concept, while well-intentioned, has not met the necessary financial targets. Journalist Jason Schreier also noted that some Xbox studio leadership detest Game Pass, viewing it as detrimental to game value and the industry.
I'm not worried about Fallout: New Vegas 2, because Obsidian knows how to make the best out of a bad situation
Despite recent layoffs and a history of challenging publisher relationships, Obsidian Entertainment is well-positioned to create a successful Fallout: New Vegas sequel. The studio has a proven track record of delivering excellent RPGs, even under difficult circumstances, and has demonstrated its ability to capture the essence of Fallout with games like The Outer Worlds. The author expresses confidence that Obsidian's talent and experience will allow them to overcome current instability and deliver another acclaimed title.
Xbox exec tells fans not to "overly fixate on single-player" games becoming console exclusives because…
Xbox's CCO Matt Booty stated that fans should not "overly fixate on single-player" games becoming console exclusives, as the strategy is not set in stone. While titles like Gears of War: E-Day will remain exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC, other games, including live-service titles and potentially some single-player games like The Elder Scrolls 6, may launch on multiple platforms.
Fallout veteran Brian Fargo says "I LOATHE companions that point out the obvious," and that's why his new RPG won't feature an annoying sidekick
Brian Fargo, founder of inXile Entertainment and a veteran of the Fallout series, has stated that Clockwork Revolution will not feature an annoying companion. He expressed his dislike for characters that constantly point out the obvious, aiming for a companion in his new RPG that only speaks when it has something genuinely new or funny to say. This design philosophy is rooted in Fargo's belief that even older games treated players with intelligence, a principle he aims to uphold in Clockwork Revolution, which is slated for release in 2027.
Games Inbox: Is Halo: Combat Evolved worth pre-ordering on PS5?
A PlayStation-only gamer expresses excitement for Halo: Combat Evolved but is hesitant to pre-order due to Xbox's shifting multi-platform strategy. The reader questions the long-term viability of Halo on PlayStation and draws parallels to Gears of War. Other readers discuss analyst predictions for Grand Theft Auto 6 sales, the risks of digital game ownership, and the historical performance of consoles like the Master System and NES in the UK.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledge
A new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
How The Coalition and NVIDIA are Building Gears of War: E-Day for PC
The Coalition and NVIDIA are partnering to enhance the PC version of Gears of War: E-Day, built on Unreal Engine 5 and DirectX 12. The collaboration will integrate NVIDIA's GeForce RTX technologies, including ray tracing, DLSS 4.5 with Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, and Reflex for improved performance and visual fidelity. The game will also support AMD FSR, Unreal Engine TSR, Intel XeSS, and Advanced Shader Delivery for broad hardware optimization and reduced load times.
One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for work
Compulsion Games, the developer of the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning title South of Midnight, has announced it is seeking new collaborations after becoming independent following recent layoffs at Xbox. Microsoft, which acquired Compulsion in 2018, allowed the studio to go independent rather than closing it. The studio is leveraging its experience in creating original intellectual property to partner with other companies in the games and entertainment industry.
Former Xbox Studio Compulsion Games Says It's Open to Collaborations
Following negotiations that secured its independence amidst recent Xbox Game Studios layoffs, Montreal-based developer Compulsion Games has announced on LinkedIn that it is open to collaborations. The studio is seeking opportunities to work with other developers and publishers, potentially as a support studio on external projects.
Halo Studio Leadership Accused of Mistreating Employees, “Destroying the Halo Franchise” – Rumor
Halo Studios leadership, including studio head Pierre Hintze, is accused of mistreating employees and mismanaging the Halo franchise. Allegations detail verbal abuse, disregard for work-life balance, favoritism, and poor decision-making that have negatively impacted development and employee morale. Several former employees and industry figures have come forward with complaints.
The best action game of 2025 is a game nobody bought - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that Ninja Gaiden 4, despite poor sales, is the best pure action game of last year and potentially this generation. The article praises its combat, traversal mechanics, and enemy design, while acknowledging pacing issues and lack of variety compared to earlier titles.
Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re Making
Xbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cuts
Bethesda Game Studios union members are planning protests against recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division. The union criticizes Microsoft's framing of the cuts and asserts their legal right to bargain over the impact of these layoffs, demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance, and recall rights for affected workers. The layoffs have reportedly caused plummeting morale and may significantly affect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
"Great job Microsoft": Former id Software artist says the legendary dev has been "relegated to support studio size" after Xbox's strategy of "nuking a team into the dirt"
Former id Software artist Derek Best stated that Microsoft's recent layoffs have reduced the iconic FPS developer to a support studio size. Best, who was among the 136 employees laid off, criticized Microsoft's strategy, noting the significant loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the id Tech engine team. The layoffs have raised concerns about the future of id Software's core franchises like Doom and Quake.
Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems: 20 Games Worth Playing Right Now (2026) | TAG
This guide highlights 20 under-the-radar games available on Xbox Game Pass, categorized by their time commitment. It focuses on titles that are either new, forgotten, or obscure, offering recommendations for various playstyles and schedules. The article emphasizes that these games are worth owning even if they leave the service.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cuts
id Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelled
Obsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
Obsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?
Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Microsoft, Please Don’t Ruin Minecraft
Microsoft's new CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly looking to increase investment in Minecraft, drawing comparisons to Roblox's business model. This shift, occurring amidst significant studio cuts within Xbox, raises concerns that Microsoft may alter Minecraft's core gameplay and creative freedom to boost profitability, potentially moving away from its established identity as a sandbox for crafting and survival.
