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Xbox Could Be Planning To Make Xbox 360 Games Playable On PC
A new report suggests Microsoft is planning to make Xbox 360 games playable on PC and future Xbox consoles, potentially between 2027 and 2028. This initiative would allow developers to set their own prices for these titles and decide on Xbox Game Pass availability, expanding on Microsoft's recent move to bring original Xbox games to PC.
Xbox's FanFest world tour is still going ahead, for some reason, even after Microsoft fired the guy who created it
Despite recent layoffs, Microsoft's Xbox division is proceeding with its global FanFest tour, an event created by Chris Munson, who was among those let go. The tour includes stops in Cologne, Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Sydney, Toronto, and Seattle, with specific dates announced for Gamescom and Tokyo Game Show. This continuation of the fan event comes amidst broader restructuring and significant price increases for Xbox consoles in Europe.
Evening Consolidation
Xbox is celebrating 25 years with new community designs, updates, and FanFest tour dates. The announcement was made via Xbox Wire, highlighting ongoing community engagement and platform developments.
Games Inbox: Will the Xbox reset work for Microsoft?
Readers express concern over recent price increases for Xbox consoles and PC GPUs, questioning Microsoft's strategy and the future of console gaming. Discussions also touch on Nintendo's Direct presentation approach and the ongoing debate about digital versus physical game sales, with a focus on potential EU intervention regarding Sony's digital store practices.
Xbox 360 games are reportedly coming to PC this year as Microsoft prepares disc-to-digital conversion for an upcoming…
Microsoft is reportedly planning to bring Xbox 360 games to PC through an expanded emulation rollout later this year. This initiative, part of a rumored disc-to-digital conversion plan, aims to enhance backwards compatibility and digital ownership for Xbox titles. The roadmap suggests PC emulation for Xbox 360 games could launch in waves throughout 2027 and 2028, with a potential public testing phase for disc-to-digital conversion starting in July.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Xbox will continue to support Steam while also strengthening its PC ecosystem through the Xbox App and Battle.net integration. Separately, Amazon is developing a 'Warhammer 40,000' animated series.
Xbox hardware now costs a lot more in the UK and Europe
Xbox has confirmed significant price increases for its Series S and Series X consoles in the UK and Europe, effective August 1, 2026. Prices have risen by up to 50 percent, with specific costs varying by storage option and region. These hikes are attributed to ongoing component shortages exacerbated by increased investment in AI data centers.
Xbox’s Disc-To-Digital Program Could Be Revealed This Month
Xbox is reportedly developing a 'Disc-to-Digital' program, expected to launch in August 2026. This system would allow users to convert their physical game discs into digital licenses, though certain ownership limitations may apply.
Celebrating 25 Years of Play: New Community Designs, XBOX Updates, FanFest Tour Dates, and More
Xbox is celebrating its 25th anniversary with new community-created designs for gamerpics and themes, curated Game Pass collections featuring classic titles, and the announcement of its FanFest Tour dates. Players can also receive a special 25th Anniversary profile badge.
Xbox Won’t Leave Steam Leading Up to Project Helix Launch – Rumor
A rumor suggests Xbox will not remove its games from Steam before the launch of Project Helix, with sources indicating no immediate plans to leave the platform. Xbox is heavily investing in PC gaming, with Game Pass targeting a different audience than Steam users. Microsoft may also open the Battle.net launcher to third-party developers following the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
PlayStation’s Response to the Physical Disc Backlash Is Not Reassuring
Sony Group Corporation has confirmed its decision to cease new game disc production for PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, despite significant backlash from fans. The company cites the overall progression of digitalization as the primary reason, with CFO Lin Tao stating that the decision was carefully considered and will be cautiously moved forward. While acknowledging fan sentiment, Sony does not anticipate a significant short-term or long-term business impact, as digital sales already constitute the majority of their software revenue.
What’s Really Happening With Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake utilizing Unreal Engine 5, has launched to mixed reception despite generally positive critic scores. While it performed moderately on consoles, particularly Xbox via Game Pass, its PC launch on Steam saw significantly lower concurrent player counts compared to previous Halo titles. The article analyzes this lukewarm reception, attributing it to potential shifts in Xbox leadership and strategy, and questions the franchise's future direction.
Game Crossovers and Collaborations
Xbox may be reconsidering its presence on Steam as it reportedly prepares a significant shift in its PC strategy, potentially around a 2026 reset. This move could indicate a move away from relying solely on Valve's digital storefront for PC game distribution.
Xbox UK and Europe console price hikes revealed - and it's even worse than we expected
Xbox has implemented significant price increases for its consoles in the UK and Europe, with the Xbox Series X now costing up to 34% more and the Xbox Series S up to 48.5% more. These hikes are attributed to memory shortages and follow a recent 10% drop in Xbox's content and services revenue and a wave of layoffs across the division.
Xbox Could Potentially Have a “Window” to Leave Steam – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Microsoft, under Xbox's new strategy, might be planning to exit Steam for its PC releases. While Jez Corden of Windows Central reported that Microsoft has plans which could allow them to leave Steam, he also expressed doubt due to the significant revenue involved. This speculation follows recent Xbox console exclusive announcements and price hikes.
Steam gamers have spoken: innovative indies like Palworld continue to thrive while traditional triple-A flounders for a foothold
PC gaming on Steam in 2026 shows a strong trend of innovative indie titles like Palworld thriving, while traditional AAA games struggle to gain traction. Despite industry layoffs, unique projects from smaller teams are resonating with players, contrasting with the performance of recent AAA releases such as Halo: Campaign Evolved and Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced.
The games industry's 'fear of risk is currently the largest risk it faces' according to Nuclear…
The video game industry's increasing fear of risk, leading to a focus on sequels and remakes, is identified as its biggest current threat. This aversion stifles creativity and leads to homogenous, uninspiring games, according to Rami Ismail and a workgroup at the DevGAMM Madeira Games Summit. The group suggests that embracing courage in funding, publishing, and investment, and making early decisions to cut failing projects, are crucial for success.
Something for the Weekend – 01/08/26
This week's gaming news includes Sony's cautious approach to physical media, Nvidia's reported graphics card price increase, and Double Fine regaining independence with layoffs. New game announcements include Thimbleweed Park 2 and a Croc 2 remaster, with Crazy Taxi: World Tour and Marathon's PvE mode receiving updates. PlayStation Plus August 2026 Essential games were revealed, and Xbox Network experienced downtime due to a licensing service issue.
Xbox to double down on its 'strongest franchises' as boss sets crazy new goals
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has outlined ambitious goals to reverse the brand's fortunes by fiscal year 2027, focusing on strengthening major franchises like Minecraft, Call of Duty, and Halo, and prioritizing 'biggest new ideas'. The plan includes improving profits and player growth, with a long-term ambition to entertain half a billion people daily by 2030. This strategy shift emphasizes console revenue and established IPs, potentially at the expense of newer or less established titles.
Roadmaps and Plans
Xbox Wire has published the second part of a discussion on the future of Age of Empires, detailing current plans and roadmaps. Additionally, a preview of Order of Kings Season 3 highlights new gameplay features and special unit types, while The Expanse: Osiris Reborn is also mentioned.