Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
Microsoft Gaming’s New CEO Might Revamp Game Pass Subscription Prices – RumorA report suggests that Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, plans to make Game Pass more affordable with lower-priced tiers. While Microsoft has not officially commented, the report also mentions potential partnership talks with Netflix for subscription bundles. Former Microsoft Game Studios co-founder Laura Fryer and former FTC commissioner Lina Khan have criticized recent price hikes and business decisions.
I built the biggest, ugliest vase Double Fine's Kiln would let me and immediately got bullied by better pottersKiln is an upcoming multiplayer game from Double Fine where players control pots that fight and interact with each other. During a preview event, the author created a large, aesthetically unappealing pot that proved slow and ineffective in combat against more nimble opponents. The game is set to release on April 23, 2026, for Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, and PC, with an open beta planned for PC from April 9-11.
Age of Mythology: Retold DLC ‘Obsidian Mirror’ launches April 21The downloadable content "Obsidian Mirror" for Age of Mythology: Retold, featuring the Aztec civilization, will launch on April 21. This expansion introduces three new Major Gods, nine Minor Gods, and new gameplay mechanics like Fear and Illusion, alongside a 12-mission campaign. The game is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, and PC.
Age of Mythology: Retold expansion “Obsidian Mirror” launches in AprilThe expansion "Obsidian Mirror" for Age of Mythology: Retold, featuring Aztec mythology, will launch on April 21st for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. This DLC introduces new gods like Quetzalcoatl, Tezcatlipoca, and Huitzilopochtli, along with new mechanics, units, and a 12-mission campaign exploring divine conflict.
Xbox Partner Preview March 2026 Is A First With The New CEOMicrosoft will livestream the Xbox Partner Preview on March 26, 2026, showcasing upcoming games from third-party developers like Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The event will feature in-depth looks at Stranger Than Heaven, The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, alongside new reveals. This marks the first preview under new Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma, following recent leadership changes.
Minecraft Dungeons II Announced For PC and ConsoleMojang Studios, Double Eleven, and Xbox Game Studios have announced Minecraft Dungeons II, an action RPG sequel set to launch in 2026 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, Nintendo Switch, and PC. The game promises new challenges and locations as players work to save a world in crisis.
Starfield is Still in Development for Switch 2, But “It Hasn’t Been a Smooth Process,” Says InsiderDespite rumors, an insider claims that Starfield is still in development for the Nintendo Switch 2, though the process has been difficult. Bethesda has previously ported other large games like Skyrim and Fallout 4 to Nintendo consoles, but Starfield's scale presents unique challenges.
Surprise! Minecraft Dungeons 2 is coming later this yearMinecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release later this year on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X. The sequel to the popular action RPG promises new challenges, locations, and loot, with co-op play for up to four friends. The original Minecraft Dungeons has achieved significant success, with over 25 million players by April 2024.- Minecraft Dungeons II – Coming to Xbox Game Pass on Day One This FallMinecraft Dungeons II is set to launch this fall and will be available on Xbox Game Pass on its release day. The announcement was made via Xbox Wire, highlighting the game's inclusion in the subscription service from day one.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 revealed for Nintendo Switch 2, SwitchMinecraft Dungeons 2 is an all-new action RPG adventure set to release in 2027 for the Nintendo Switch 2 and Nintendo Switch. Developed by Xbox Game Studios, Mojang Studios, and Double Eleven, the game will feature high-stakes encounters and new locations as players work to save the world from a growing threat.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 Announced for Consoles and PC, Out in 2026Xbox Game Studios has officially announced Minecraft Dungeons 2, developed by Mojang Studios and Double Eleven, for release in 2026 on Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2. The isometric action RPG will be available on Game Pass day one and features new zones, high-stakes encounters, and thrilling challenges as players work to save a world in crisis.
Hades II and Date Everything leading the charge at the 2026 Gayming Awards nominationsHades II and Date Everything! lead the nominations for the sixth annual Gayming Awards, with each title receiving three nods. The awards celebrate games representing the LGBTQIA+ community. Other nominated games include Hollow Knight: Silksong and South of Midnight.
Hades 2 and Date Everything lead Gayming Awards 2026 nominationsThe nominations for the sixth annual Gayming Awards have been revealed, with Hades 2 and Date Everything leading with three nominations each. Hades 2 is nominated for Game of the Year alongside other titles like Hollow Knight: Silksong and Ghost of Yōtei. The awards ceremony will take place on June 8, 2026, and will be hosted by Erika Ishii and Dawn.
I bounced off of Cyberpunk 2077 for 2 months when I first played it, and that makes it perfect for Xbox Game PassThe author discusses their initial struggles with Cyberpunk 2077's complex mechanics, which led to a two-month break before they could fully appreciate the game. The article highlights how the game's depth and challenging systems, despite a lack of clear tutorials, ultimately lead to a satisfying experience. The author expresses excitement for Cyberpunk 2077's addition to Xbox Game Pass, believing it offers great value for RPG fans seeking in-depth experiences.
Clair Obscur and Dispatch lead BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominationsClair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch lead the BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations with 12 and nine nods respectively. A total of 42 titles received nominations across various categories, with Ghost of Yotei, Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Arc Raiders also securing multiple nominations. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 17, 2026, in London.
Doom: The Dark Ages has had its controversial Denuvo DRM software compromised by pirates, making it the first 2025 release to be 'cracked'Doom: The Dark Ages, published by Xbox Game Studios and developed by id Software, has had its Denuvo Digital Rights Management (DRM) software compromised by pirates. This marks the first game released in 2025 to have its DRM bypassed, highlighting ongoing concerns about Denuvo's impact on PC performance and player trust.- Avowed on PS5 – Making the wait for The Elder Scrolls 6 a little less painfulObsidian Entertainment's fantasy action RPG Avowed is now available on PlayStation 5 as part of Microsoft's multiplatform strategy, offering an experience reminiscent of The Elder Scrolls series. The game features a vibrant world tied to the Pillars of Eternity universe, a compelling cast of characters, and flexible combat mechanics. While not as sprawling as Skyrim, Avowed provides a focused narrative with rewarding exploration and smart design choices, making it a strong contender in the RPG genre.
BAFTA Game Awards 2026 nominations revealed, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads in nine categoriesThe nominations for the 2026 BAFTA Game Awards have been revealed, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading with 12 nominations, including Best Game. Other notable nominees for Best Game include Dispatch and Ghost of Yōtei. The awards ceremony will take place on April 17, 2026, in London.
Gaming on ARM: Can Windows 11 Finally Make It a Reality?Windows 11 is improving the viability of ARM processors for PC gaming through enhanced emulation and cloud gaming integration. While challenges like game compatibility and GPU power remain, ARM laptops offer potential benefits such as longer battery life and lower costs, making them a promising option for casual gamers.
Expedition 33 Wins Yet Another GOTY--See All The Winners From The 2026 Game Dev AwardsClair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the big winner at the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards, taking home Game of the Year, Best Visual Art, Best Narrative, Best Audio, and Best Debut. Blue Prince also received multiple awards, including Best Design and Innovation. Don Daglow was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rebecca Ann Heineman received the Ambassador Award posthumously.