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Xbox business and news from across the web.
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In the age of AI and layoffs, playing old games in 2026 is about more than nostalgia
In 2026, the author finds solace in playing older video games as a coping mechanism against the backdrop of AI advancements and widespread layoffs in the industry. This retreat into retro titles like Pokemon Leaf Green and Diablo 2 offers a sense of comfort and nostalgia, providing a temporary escape from the anxieties surrounding the current state of game development and corporate practices. Despite the industry's challenges, the author finds a glimmer of optimism in the progress made regarding representation, workplace conditions, and unionization.
Union slams Microsoft for "unfair labor practice", alleging Xbox "unlawfully" laid off staff
Microsoft's Xbox division is facing accusations of unfair labor practices, including unlawfully laying off staff without proper union notification or discussion. The Communications Workers of America (CWA) has filed complaints alleging refusal to bargain and coercive actions. Meanwhile, Netflix reported a 600% surge in kids' game engagement, driven by its dedicated mobile app, and expressed confidence in scaling its cloud gaming offerings.
Xbox Is Dismantling Its Future To Rebuild a Past It Can Never Recapture
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructuring, reportedly dismantling studios focused on original ideas to prioritize established intellectual property. This strategic shift raises questions about the company's ability to foster new hit franchises by solely relying on its legacy content.
Xbox Explains What Makes A Game An Xbox Exclusive
Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball explained the company's framework for determining which games will be exclusive to Xbox Series X and PC, emphasizing that titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are just the first of many planned exclusives. While some single-player games and large live-service titles may still appear on platforms like PlayStation 5, Xbox aims to grow its user base through a consistent pipeline of exclusive content. This strategy comes amidst recent layoffs and hardware price increases within Microsoft's gaming division.
"Professional lurker" Todd Howard reappears on internet forums following Bethesda's Fallout and Elder Scrolls announcements to thank fans for their support
Bethesda Game Studios leader Todd Howard has returned to Reddit after a six-month absence to thank fans for their support following recent announcements about Fallout and The Elder Scrolls projects. Howard stated that the studio is actively listening to community feedback and that many ideas come from Reddit discussions. This comes amidst news of layoffs within the Xbox division and a renewed focus on Bethesda's major franchises.
"The Gears of War trilogy was largely developed hungover by me" - Cliff Bleszinski reckons with a difficult past while plotting a return to games and a brighter future
Game designer Cliff Bleszinski, known for his work on the Gears of War trilogy, has opened up about his past struggles with alcoholism and his journey toward recovery. Bleszinski, who previously founded Boss Key Productions, is now considering a return to game development, expressing interest in PvE experiences and potentially consulting on new projects.
As Bethesda boss Todd Howard praises Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5's "incredible" tech team, fans aren't convinced Creation Engine 3 is a good idea: "Gonna release in an absolute buggy mess"
Bethesda has confirmed that The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5 will be developed using the updated Creation Engine 3. While director Todd Howard praised the technology team's capabilities, fans expressed concerns about potential bugs and outdated mechanics like loading screens, citing past issues with Bethesda's engine. The engine's modding potential was noted as a positive by some, while others worried about the impact of recent Xbox layoffs on development.
From Game Pass to Free Sweeps Slots: The Free Gaming Models Xbox Players Should Try
Xbox offers various gaming models to fit modern lifestyles, including subscription services like Xbox Game Pass for discovering new titles and cloud gaming for cross-device play. Free-to-play games such as Fortnite and Rocket League foster community, while casual browser games provide quick entertainment between longer sessions. These flexible options allow players to seamlessly integrate gaming into their daily routines.
Two thirds of remaining Doom (2016) devs laid off during latest round of Xbox cuts
Despite id Software co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio is the same size as it was during Doom (2016)'s development, current and former employees allege that approximately two-thirds of the Doom (2016) development team was laid off during recent Xbox cuts. These sources feel Martin's statement misrepresents the impact of losing significant talent and institutional knowledge, potentially affecting future game development.
"There has to be a reason for people to buy an Xbox" – Senior leadership reinforces commitment to console exclusivity
Xbox leadership is reinforcing its commitment to console exclusivity, stating that exclusive games are necessary to provide players with a reason to purchase an Xbox. This decision follows a period where some Xbox titles were released on PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be platform exclusives, while others like Forza Horizon 6 and Fable will remain multiplatform.
Bethesda berättar vad som händer med Fallout 5, The Elder Scrolls VI och mer
Bethesda has provided an update on its major projects, confirming that the majority of its team is focused on The Elder Scrolls VI, which is in active development. Fallout 5 is in pre-production, while remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are also underway. The company also confirmed that both Fallout 5 and The Elder Scrolls VI will utilize the Creation Engine 3.
Games Inbox: What new Fallout game will be the best?
Readers discuss the future of the Fallout franchise, expressing excitement for potential remasters and a sequel to Fallout: New Vegas, while also lamenting the long wait for new entries. The conversation touches on Microsoft's influence, studio management, and the broader state of game development and preservation.
Fallout 5, Remasters and New Games Confirmed, But Can They Save Bethesda?
Bethesda has outlined its future game development plans, confirming Fallout 5 is in pre-production and remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas are coming. The Elder Scrolls 6 remains the primary focus, with Starfield set to receive ongoing updates and new content. The studio also addressed recent layoffs and fan concerns about its direction.
Halo Studios Doesn’t Have Any Other Projects in Full Development – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, has no other projects in full development beyond Halo: Campaign Evolved, with potential remakes of Halo 2 and 3 on shaky ground. While the studio is exploring DLC for Campaign Evolved to avoid a gap, other projects are in early exploration stages, amidst concerns of upcoming layoffs at Xbox.
Xbox Wants a “Reliable Pipeline” of Exclusives, But Fans Shouldn’t “Overly Fixate” on Single-Player
Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company needs a reliable pipeline of exclusive games to drive platform growth, even if some titles like Fable and Clockwork Revolution will also release on PlayStation 5. While large live-service games will remain multiplatform, Matt Booty indicated that single-player games are not strictly bound to exclusivity. Gears of War: E-Day is confirmed for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with Fable and Clockwork Revolution also slated for multiplatform releases.
Bethesda Director Todd Howard Says He Has No Plans to Retire Anytime Soon
Bethesda game director Todd Howard stated in an interview that he has no immediate plans for retirement, citing his passion for his work and colleagues as motivation. He also touched upon the recent layoffs at Bethesda, describing it as a difficult period for the company. Howard is currently leading development on The Elder Scrolls 6 and is involved with new Fallout projects, including remasters and Fallout 5.
Bethesda’s Layoffs Were “Really Tough”, Lets It “Focus Best” On its Franchises, Says Todd Howard
Bethesda's Todd Howard described the company's recent layoffs as a difficult experience, stating that the studio will now focus on its core franchises like The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. He also expressed excitement about working with Obsidian Entertainment again on new Fallout projects, including remasters of Fallout 3 and Fallout: New Vegas, while confirming Fallout 5 remains a long-term goal. The article also touches on industry-wide layoffs affecting Xbox and its studios.
Xbox Says More Exclusives Are Coming But Tells Players Not to 'Overly Fixate on Single-Player' Games
Xbox executives have stated that more exclusive titles are in development beyond Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution. They also advised players not to focus too heavily on single-player games, suggesting a broader approach to their upcoming releases.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Reports indicate that leaders within Xbox studios have expressed significant dissatisfaction with Game Pass, believing it has devalued their games, which are now perceived as being available for a fraction of their original $40+ price. This sentiment suggests internal conflict regarding the impact of the subscription service on traditional game sales and perceived worth.
Xbox Studio Leadership Has “A Lot of People” Who “Absolutely Detest Game Pass” – Rumor
According to a report by Jason Schreier, a significant number of Xbox studio leaders reportedly "detest" the Game Pass subscription service, believing it devalues their games and the industry. This sentiment comes amid questions about Game Pass's sustainability and subscriber growth targets, even as Xbox continues to add new titles to the service.
