Xbox Game Studios
Xbox Game Studios business and news from across the web.
Forza Horizon 6 launch times and release date in your regionForza Horizon 6 is set to launch on May 19 for PC and Xbox, with specific unlock times varying by region and platform. Players who purchase the Premium edition will receive early access starting May 15. The game will also be released on PlayStation 5 later this year. Preloads are available, requiring significant storage space on both PC and Xbox.
Forza Horizon 6's unencrypted leak 'is not a result of a pre-load issue' and warns any users downloading the build with 'franchise-wide and hardware bans'Playground Games has confirmed that an unencrypted build of Forza Horizon 6 has leaked, clarifying it was not due to a Steam pre-load issue. The developer is issuing franchise-wide and hardware bans to anyone accessing the leaked build, warning players against downloading it before the official May 19 release date on Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.- Forza Horizon 6 devs threaten hardware bans for accessing game after early build somehow went publicPlayground Games is threatening franchise-wide and hardware bans for players accessing an early, leaked build of Forza Horizon 6. The game, officially launching May 19, appeared publicly due to an unencrypted review build being distributed on SteamDB. Developers state this is not a pre-load issue and are taking strict enforcement actions against those playing the leaked version.
When is the Forza Horizon 6 PS5 release date?The release date for Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation 5 remains unconfirmed, though it is expected in 2026. While the game is launching on Xbox Series X/S and PC in May 2026, a potential conflict with Grand Theft Auto 6's November 19 release date makes predicting the PS5 version's launch window difficult. Developers are likely to avoid releasing close to GTA 6, suggesting a possible mid-November 2026 release for the PS5 version or an earlier launch to preempt the competition.
Forza Horizon 6 leaks early, developer responds by banning the IPs of anyone playing it for just under 8 thousand yearsThe upcoming game Forza Horizon 6 was accidentally leaked on Steam by Microsoft, with the full build being uploaded and subsequently appearing on piracy sites. While the listing was corrected, the leak has led to discussions about the value of pirated copies without online features and the potential for extremely long bans, with one user reportedly facing a nearly 8,000-year ban.
Outbound Delivers Relaxed Road Trip Vibes On Game PassOutbound, a cozy road trip simulation game, has launched on Xbox Series X|S and PC as a Day One release on Xbox Game Pass. Developed by Square Glade Games, the title allows players to build and customize a sustainable camper van while exploring open-world biomes. The game features relaxed survival mechanics, crafting, resource management, and online co-op for up to four players.
Gears of War: E-Day's release window might have been revealed through a WWE Triplemania advertThe release window for Gears of War: E-Day may have been revealed through a WWE Triplemania 34 advertisement. The event, scheduled for September 11th and 13th, features the game's logo as a sponsor, suggesting a potential release in late 2026. This timing would place it before Grand Theft Auto 6's November release and amidst other major game launches.
Is Forza Horizon 6 on Game Pass?Forza Horizon 6 will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on its launch day, May 19. Subscribers to the Ultimate and PC tiers can play the game at no additional cost. Players seeking early access or additional content like car packs and expansions can purchase the Premium Edition or a Premium Upgrade Bundle separately.
Kiln Review - For the love of potteryKiln is a 4v4 party brawler from Double Fine Productions where players sculpt their characters using a pottery wheel, impacting their abilities in battle. The game features deep customization options, strategic combat mechanics, and a social hub. While offering a fun and unique experience, the review questions its long-term player retention due to a potential lack of content variety.
Forza Horizon 6 Steam Leak Reportedly Reveals Game Files Before ReleaseForza Horizon 6 has reportedly been leaked ahead of its official release due to a Steam preload issue, with approximately 155GB of game files becoming accessible. Neither Playground Games nor Xbox Game Studios has commented on the leak, which has led to the rapid spread of screenshots and clips online. The game is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X/S on May 15, 2026, with PlayStation 5 players receiving it later in 2026.
Steam week in review: Forza Horizon is the last truly mainstream multiplatform racing seriesForza Horizon 6 is a top seller on Steam, with over 500,000 pre-orders reported by mid-April, indicating strong consumer interest despite the game's not yet being released. The article discusses the declining mainstream relevance of racing games, with Forza Horizon being a notable exception, and analyzes sales trends for various racing titles on Steam.
Discord Nitro Now Includes Game Pass Starter Benefits, Game Pass to Get Nitro Benefits “Soon”Xbox and Discord have announced a new partnership that will integrate benefits between Discord Nitro and Xbox Game Pass. Initially, Discord Nitro will include a Game Pass Starter subscription, with Game Pass subscribers gaining access to exclusive Discord Nitro benefits in the future. This collaboration aims to enhance game discoverability and social features for players.
Gears of War: E-Day is officially sponsoring WWE Triplemania, potentially hinting at a September release date window for…Gears of War: E-Day is sponsoring WWE's Triplemania event, leading to speculation about a potential September 2026 release window. While Xbox Game Studios has only confirmed a 2026 launch, a dedicated Gears of War: E-Day Direct is scheduled after the Xbox Games Showcase on June 7. The game's release will need to be strategically placed to avoid competition with Grand Theft Auto 6 and other upcoming Xbox titles.- Forza Horizon 6 Launch Trailer ReleasedPlayground Games and Xbox Game Studios have released the launch trailer for Forza Horizon 6, which is set to release on May 19. The trailer showcases gameplay and features for the upcoming racing title.
Double Fine is the latest team at Microsoft to unionizeDouble Fine, the studio behind Psychonauts, has filed a petition to unionize with the National Labor Relations Board, with all 42 employees participating. The studio is organizing with the Communications Workers of America, a union that has previously supported labor efforts at other Microsoft-owned studios like Activision and ZeniMax.
Psychonauts developer Double Fine are the latest Microsoft-owned studio to unioniseDouble Fine Productions, the Microsoft-owned studio behind Psychonauts, has announced its decision to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. The union will include all 42 employees at the studio. This move follows similar unionization efforts by other developers owned by Microsoft, amidst recent layoffs within the company.
Double Fine is unionising at Xbox Game StudiosDouble Fine, the developer of Psychonauts, has filed a petition with the National Labor Relations Board to unionize with the Communications Workers of America. This move involves 42 employees and follows similar unionization efforts within Microsoft's gaming divisions, including Activision Blizzard and Zenimax. While Microsoft has historically taken a neutral stance on unionization, the company has faced delays in collective bargaining with previously formed unions.- Weekend Console Download Deals for May 8: Xbox Game Studios SaleXbox is currently featuring a sale on its first-party titles, while PlayStation has no comparable deals available this weekend. The article highlights the ongoing discounts on Xbox Game Studios releases.
First-party Xbox studio Double Fine is unionizingFirst-party Xbox developer Double Fine, known for the Psychonauts series, has filed to unionize under the Communications Workers of America. The union would represent 42 employees, and the company leadership is requesting voluntary recognition from Microsoft, which has adopted a neutral stance.
Forza Horizon 6’s PS5 Delay Is Getting Harder To DefendThe article discusses the staggered release of Forza Horizon 6, questioning why the PlayStation 5 version is delayed despite reports of it being targeted for a while. It explores potential reasons including development time, optimization for various platforms, and Microsoft's strategy regarding exclusivity and Game Pass revenue. The author suggests that while the delay is a missed opportunity, Microsoft may be focused on long-term sales and driving engagement with their ecosystem.