Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
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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.
Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månader
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.
Halo: Campaign Evolved reignites Halo's longest-running argument
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, will introduce sprinting, a feature absent in the original but present in later installments. Creative director Max Szlagor and executive producer Damon Conn discuss how the addition of sprinting and other features like destructible vehicles are intended to modernize the gameplay while remaining faithful to the original's tone and challenge.
Microsoft reportedly negotiating closures of multiple Xbox studios, including Psychonauts' Double Fine, South of Midnight's Compulsion and Hellblade's Ninja Theory
Microsoft is reportedly negotiating the potential closure of several Xbox game studios, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory. These studios are in talks to buy back their independence to avoid being shut down. This news follows recent reports of budget cuts and layoffs under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma.
Xbox Studios Facing Possible Closures
A report indicates that several studios under Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios division, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, may be facing possible closures. The article details the uncertainty surrounding these developers within the company.
Xbox reportedly looking to spin off several studios to avoid closures
Reports indicate Xbox is considering spinning off several internal studios, including Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions, and Compulsion Games, to prevent their closure amid rumored layoffs. This follows a memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasizing the need for the division to become profitable and sustainable.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios
Following reports of potential layoffs and studio closures at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games, several smaller Xbox Game Studios developers like Double Fine and Ninja Theory are reportedly negotiating to spin off from the publisher. This move aims to avoid closure, though many employees may still lose their jobs. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also departed the company.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory & Compulsion are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closures
Multiple Xbox Game Studios developers, including Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Ninja Theory, are reportedly negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure and potentially gain independence. While independence could prevent full shutdowns, layoffs are still expected. This news follows an announcement from Xbox CEO about a business 'reset' and restructuring.
Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down, with their departures coinciding with a planned "Xbox reset" by new leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. The company is reportedly considering significant layoffs and potential studio closures, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory mentioned as being at risk.
With so much uncertainty swelling around Xbox, Senua is the action-adventure shot in the arm that the Hellblade series deserves
Ninja Theory's upcoming action-adventure game, Senua, set for a 2027 release on Xbox Series X, PC, and PlayStation 5, aims to deepen player engagement with more combat, traversal, and puzzle-solving. Studio head Dom Matthews stated that feedback on Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 indicated a desire for more gameplay, leading the team to focus entirely on this new title to enhance combat fluidity and enemy variety. The game is described as a more balanced action-adventure experience, drawing parallels to Enslaved: Odyssey to the West, and will feature a structured narrative within a larger, interconnected world, avoiding an open-world approach.
Rumours suggest multiple Xbox studios are to close
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning to close multiple Xbox studios, including Compulsion Games and Arkane Studios, with potential spin-offs for Double Fine. The head of Xbox Game Studios, Craig Duncan, has also stepped down amid these reports. These potential closures follow underperforming titles like South of Midnight and Redfall, and broader industry discussions about the sustainability of day-one Game Pass releases.
Minecraft Dungeons 2 is a breath of fresh air after the horrors of Diablo 4
Minecraft Dungeons 2 offers a refreshing take on the action RPG genre, providing a more relaxed and accessible dungeon-crawling experience compared to titles like Diablo 4. The game features up to four-player co-op, an interconnected world with hidden collectibles, and new enemy types like the Twisted Warden. Despite minor issues with character tracking, the sequel introduces quality-of-life improvements such as a mini-inventory system and a more responsive combat experience, aiming for a September 29, 2026 release on PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X.
