Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Gears of War E-Day is a competent, retro-modern shooter, and bloody good fun - but it's telling that a successful Xbox exclusive looks the same in 2026 as it did in 2006
Gears of War E-Day offers a competent and fun retro-modern take on the cover shooter genre, blending familiar mechanics with new elements like the expansive Horde Siege mode. While the campaign and Versus modes have some minor issues with pacing and balance, the game successfully captures the essence of the series while feeling fresh.
Undead Labs boss "reluctant to share" number affected by layoffs: "I would hate to reduce the impact to those individuals to a number or statistic"
Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt expressed reluctance to share the exact number of employees affected by recent layoffs, emphasizing the human impact over statistics. The developer transitioned to an employee-owned studio following restructuring at Xbox, with Holt aiming for transparency during the difficult process. This move was part of broader Xbox layoffs impacting multiple studios.
After Zelda: Ocarina of Time, "Nintendo should be even more focused on remakes" to avoid PS5-like game droughts, ex-marketing leads say: "You'll be Sony, you'll have a problem"
Former Nintendo PR leads Krysta Yang and Kit Ellis suggest Nintendo should increase its focus on remakes, citing the success of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake as proof of audience interest. They argue that remakes can supplement the Switch 2's library and help avoid the game droughts experienced by platforms like the PlayStation 5, though they caution against over-reliance on them.
Evening Reading - October 8, 2026
This edition of Shacknews Evening Reading covers a variety of gaming news, including reviews for Order of the Sinking Star and Nintendo Switch Sports Resort, discussions on Phantom Blade Zero and Total War: Warhammer 3 DLC, and updates on Ultima IP rights. It also touches on Xbox's new film and TV division, Apple's upcoming event, a Cyberpunk 2077 movie in development, and Sony's AR/VR patent sales to Meta.
Forza Horizon 6 Festival Playlist Challenges Guide – Series 6 Summer
This guide provides tips and car recommendations for completing the challenges in Forza Horizon 6's Series 6 Summer Festival Playlist. The article details how to earn Playlist Points through various events like Photo Challenges, Treasure Hunts, and Seasonal Championships to unlock rewards such as new cars and credits. It also mentions the collaboration with 7-Eleven and the availability of the game through Game Pass.
Trump administration suspends Microsoft's ability to apply for green cards, alleging fraud
The Trump administration has suspended Microsoft's ability to apply for H1-B visas, alleging fraud and accusing the company of replacing American workers with foreign labor. This action affects all divisions, including Xbox, and limits the tech giant's ability to hire from outside the U.S. Microsoft has stated the suspension is based on incorrect information, arguing most applications were for existing employees.
MMO Business Roundup: Xbox is ‘back to growth,’ Kotick is on the Skydance board, and Aion 2 misses projections
Xbox is reportedly returning to growth, according to Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, the company formed from the Warner Bros. and Paramount merger. NCsoft's earnings forecast was lowered due to Aion 2's performance, while Necesse developer Fair Games was acquired by Fireshine Games. Additionally, Gardens Interactive, a studio founded by former Journey and Sky: Children of the Light developers, secured $35 million in Series B funding.
Xbox CEO unveils 'new Xbox division' for game-adjacent ventures named 'XP'
Xbox has launched a new division named XP, which will manage non-gaming ventures such as film and TV production, live events, and product creation. The division, led by Mojang's Kayleen Walters, aims to expand the Xbox brand's reach through transmedia projects like the upcoming Minecraft movie sequel and physical events like Blizzcon. This announcement comes amidst recent layoffs and a strategic "reset" initiative within the Xbox division.
Xbox puts former Reddit and Facebook exec in charge of Minecraft studio Mojang
Xbox has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly of Meta and Reddit, as the new CEO of Mojang Studios, the developer behind Minecraft. This change occurs amidst broader restructuring within Xbox and raises concerns about a potential shift towards user retention and monetization strategies over community focus.
As it lays off developers and closes studios, Xbox gets into the movie business
Xbox has launched a new division called Xbox XP, focusing on film, television, merchandise, partnerships, and live experiences, headed by former Mojang president Kayleen Walters. This move comes as Xbox is undergoing significant layoffs and studio closures, drawing criticism for prioritizing expensive new ventures over game development staff.
Bobby Kotick returns: former Activision boss becomes board member of Skydance, the new company formed by Paramount and Warner Bros
Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick has joined the board of Skydance, a new entertainment company formed by the merger of Warner Bros. and Paramount. This move comes despite ongoing controversies surrounding Kotick's leadership at Activision, including allegations of a toxic company culture and knowledge of sexual misconduct. Skydance's CEO David Ellison praised Kotick's experience in building franchises, while the merger also combines the gaming divisions of Warner Bros. and Paramount.
Xbox’s XP Is A Fancy New Name, But We’re Failing To See What’s Really Different Here
Xbox has announced a new division called XP, overseeing investments in media, products, places, and partnerships, led by Kayleen Walters. Despite the rebranding, the article suggests this is largely a reshuffling of existing efforts with no new concrete investments in film or TV announced, and questions the timing given recent studio closures and layoffs. This announcement comes as Xbox hardware sales reportedly declined significantly.
Xbox XP is the company’s new film and TV division
Xbox has launched a new division called Xbox XP, which will focus on film, television, live events, and consumer products related to its gaming franchises. The division aims to bring Xbox properties to wider audiences through various media and experiences, led by Kayleen Walters.
Pull Up to 7-Eleven in Forza Horizon 6
Xbox and 7-Eleven have partnered for a new in-game update in Forza Horizon 6 called 'Horizon Meets,' which adds a 7-Eleven storefront and themed car meet in Japan. The collaboration also includes new avatar clothing, collectible items, a special Toyota Supra GR livery for players in the US and Canada, and a real-life merchandise drop.
Minecraft Theme Park Is “The First Of Many” For Xbox, But Don’t Get Too Excited
Xbox is formalizing its expansion into film, TV, and theme parks through a new division called XP. While a Minecraft theme park is opening in the UK next year, Xbox strategy officer Matthew Ball indicated future "theme park placements" rather than dedicated Xbox parks, following Nintendo's model of integrating attractions within existing venues like Universal Studios.
Xbox aim to wring more cash out of the games they've not cast into oblivion by launching new licensing arm and handing Minecraft to ex-Meta monetisation lead
Xbox is launching a new licensing division, Xbox Products (XP), to generate more revenue from its major game franchises through film, TV, merchandise, and events. This initiative comes as Xbox undergoes significant layoffs, with a total of 3200 employees being let go. Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly of Meta, as its new CEO, bringing extensive experience in product and monetization but no direct gaming industry background.
Xbox forms Xbox Pictures to "reach fans beyond gameplay through film and television adaptations" but will…
Xbox has announced the formation of Xbox Pictures, a new division focused on adapting its game franchises into film and television. Led by Kayleen Walters, this initiative is part of a broader strategy to expand Xbox's reach beyond gaming into areas like licensing, partnerships, and location-based experiences.
Xbox announces new XP division to deliver transmedia spinoffs including film, TV, and theme parks
Xbox has launched a new division, XP, dedicated to expanding its brands into film, television, theme parks, and merchandise. Led by former Mojang president Kayleen Walters, the division will oversee projects like the Fallout TV series and the upcoming Minecraft World theme park. This move aims to leverage the emotional connection players have with Xbox franchises beyond just gaming.
Xbox Is Going Bigger On Movies, TV, And More With New XP Division
Xbox has launched a new division named XP, dedicated to expanding its presence in movies and television. Headed by Lucasfilm veteran Kayleen Walters, XP will focus on film and TV projects, merchandise, live events, and strategic partnerships, leveraging existing Xbox intellectual property.
Following Nintendo and Sony's lead, Xbox is setting up a division exclusively dedicated to movies and non-games partnerships
Microsoft has launched a new division within Xbox called XP, which will focus on expanding game franchises into movies, TV, and other partnerships. Led by Kayleen Walters, the division aims to create more opportunities for players to engage with beloved game worlds across various media, following successes like the Minecraft movie and the Fallout TV series.
