Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Microsoft Jewel Comes to Mobile with XBOX Achievements and Game Pass Benefits
Microsoft has launched Microsoft Jewel, its fifth mobile app and first new mobile title in seven years, now available on iOS, Android, and PC. Players can earn Xbox Achievements on mobile and sync progress across platforms. Xbox Game Pass members receive premium benefits on PC, with Ultimate members getting benefits on both PC and mobile.
The 5 top games you need to play in October 2026
This article highlights the top 5 games releasing in October 2026, chosen from a large selection of new AAA and indie titles. Featured games include Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, Gears of War: E-Day, Star Wars: Galactic Racer, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Phantom Blade Zero, with brief overviews of their gameplay and appeal.
Available for XBOX Insiders: Mythic Achievements, One of our Most Player-Requested Features
Xbox Insiders can now test Mythic Achievements, a new feature that celebrates the completion of all original achievements for a game. This feature retroactively applies to past games, including Xbox 360 titles, and will be visible on player profiles. The update also introduces a new Gaming tab on profiles to track progress and milestones, with upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day mentioned as a title available on multiple platforms and Game Pass.
Grab Your Game Pass Gear As Minecraft Dungeons II Opens The Door To A New Adventure
Minecraft Dungeons II has launched on Xbox Series X|S and PC, offering a new adventure with fresh territory, more loot, and a dangerous new threat. The game is available day one on Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. Players can expect explosive battles, customizable equipment, and both solo and multiplayer options.
Best Xbox And Game Pass Games Coming In October
October 2026 is set to be a busy month for Xbox players, with a diverse lineup of games releasing on console and PC, many of which will be available on Game Pass day one. Titles include high-speed racing in ACE COMBAT 8, the origin story of Gears of War: E-Day, horror in Clive Barker’s Hellraiser: Revival, and simulation in Planet Zoo 2. The month also features cooperative puzzling in We Were Here Tomorrow, a remastered The Wolf Among Us, and the latest Call of Duty installment.
When is the Gears of War E-Day release time?
Gears of War E-Day will launch simultaneously worldwide on October 6 at 3pm UTC for Xbox and PC, with early access beginning five days prior on October 1 for those who pre-order. The game will not be available on PlayStation 5, confirming its Xbox exclusivity. Pre-installation will be available starting September 29.
Gears of War: E-Day and XBOX Unleash “The Emergence Pie” with Prince St. Pizza
Xbox and Prince St. Pizza have partnered to launch the limited-edition "Emergence Pie" in celebration of the upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day. Available across the US and Toronto until November 1, the pie comes with a code for an in-game pizza emblem, and a pizza cutter inspired by the Prototype Lancer is also available for purchase. Gears of War: E-Day is set to release on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam, featuring a campaign built in Unreal Engine 5.
Recension – Minecraft Dungeons II
Minecraft Dungeons II offers a more fluid experience than its predecessor with added mechanics like jumping and a more varied combat system. While it introduces an open world and improved loot customization, the game still lacks depth and a compelling story, making it an entertaining family title but not much more.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 Review – Too deep, too greedily
Minecraft Dungeons 2 offers a larger, more ambitious ARPG experience than its predecessor, featuring expanded build crafting and numerous sidequests. However, the review criticizes its repetitive gameplay loop, unoriginal quest design, and a significant readability problem in combat, ultimately finding it to be more of a chore than an adventure, especially given its disconnect from the core Minecraft identity and the current turmoil at Microsoft.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 review: "I love that this family friendly take on Diablo embraces old school vibes"
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a polished and enjoyable dungeon crawler that builds upon its predecessor's formula, offering classic video game fun for both children and adults. While it scores low on originality and can become repetitive, its streamlined gameplay, satisfying loot system, and robust co-op features make it a strong entry in the genre, especially for those seeking old-school vibes.
How Minecraft Dungeons II’s Interconnected World Makes Every Journey an Adventure
Minecraft Dungeons II introduces a massive, interconnected world with distinct biomes and seamless transitions between regions, enhancing the adventure. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, the game features deeper character builds, improved gear, and repeatable events for loot acquisition. The title launches September 29 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
Xbox is in the midst of a "reverse acquisition," analyst says, with Activision "best equipped to run the…
An industry analyst describes Microsoft's recent restructuring of Xbox Game Studios as a 'reverse acquisition,' suggesting that Activision Blizzard, acquired for $69 billion, is now better equipped to manage Microsoft's own studios. This shift involves significant layoffs and the merging of several studios, including placing the Halo franchise under Activision Blizzard's purview.
Is Gears Of War: E-Day On Steam?
Gears of War: E-Day will be available on PC via Steam, in addition to the Xbox Series X|S console and Xbox PC storefront. The game will launch simultaneously on all platforms, with Premium Edition owners receiving early access on October 1 and the Standard Edition on October 6. The title is also confirmed to be optimized for PC gaming handhelds like the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally.
Eight Games Are Leaving Game Pass As Minecraft Dungeons II Arrives
Microsoft's Game Pass service is adding Minecraft Dungeons II and Keeper in late September and early October, respectively. Minecraft Dungeons II will be a day-one release for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. However, eight other games will be removed from the service on September 30th.
Minecraft Dungeons II’s New Dimension Coming to Minecraft Java & Bedrock Edition
Mojang Studios announced that "The Sift," Minecraft's first new dimension in over 14 years, will be introduced in Minecraft Dungeons II on September 29 and integrated into Minecraft in 2027. The new dimension features unique biomes, mobs, and mechanics, offering players a fresh experience across both titles.
Minecraft Dungeons II: The Sift, New Mechanics, Better Exploration, and More | Official XBOX Podcast
In an interview on the Official Xbox Podcast, Mojang's Design Director Laura De Llorens discusses Minecraft Dungeons II, set to release on September 29th for Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Cloud. The sequel introduces new mechanics like jumping and a connected world, expands on customization with separated armor pieces and talismans, and features a new dimension called The Sift. De Llorens highlights the team's focus on honoring the original Minecraft Dungeons and vanilla Minecraft while introducing fresh elements for both new and returning players.
Gears of War: E-Day x Liquid Death – Unlock a Legendary Pose and More
A collaboration between Gears of War: E-Day and Liquid Death offers players a Legendary Chainsaw Flex pose and other in-game items when purchasing Liquid Death Energy drinks. A limited-edition chainsaw pint glass will also be available for purchase. The article also details pre-order bonuses for Gears of War: E-Day, highlighting its origin story campaign, Horde Siege, and Versus multiplayer modes built in Unreal Engine 5.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 28 to October 2
This weekly feature highlights new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC between September 28 and October 2. Titles include Minecraft Dungeons II, Gears of War: E-Day, Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, and a remastered The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, among many others across various genres.
