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Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Xbox Could Help Studios at Risk to Complete Their Games – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is planning significant cost-cutting measures, potentially leading to layoffs and studio closures. While some studios might go independent or be sold, there's a possibility that affected studios could still complete their announced games. This news comes amid broader industry challenges and discussions about PlayStation ceasing disc production.
Weekend PC Download Deals for July 3: Steam Summer Sale continues
The Steam Summer Sale and other PC gaming storefronts are offering numerous deals on a wide variety of titles. This includes discounts on major releases, indie games, and bundles across platforms like Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, and Humble Bundle. Several retailers are participating, with prices and availability varying.
Where to find the Festival Loop speed zone in Forza Horizon 6
This guide explains how to find and achieve three-star completion for the Festival Loop speed zone in Forza Horizon 6, a challenge for the Theory of Evolution event. It recommends upgrading the 2001 Mitsubishi Lancer Evolution VI GSR TM to S1 class and provides a tuning share code for optimal performance on the dirt and snow track.
Xbox is closing down studios to help fund more Halo claim insiders
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs and studio closures as part of a strategy to reallocate resources towards key franchises like Halo, The Elder Scrolls, and Fallout. Insiders suggest this move aims to revitalize struggling IPs and address issues with post-launch support, particularly for Halo Infinite. Several studios, including Ninja Theory and Double Fine, are rumored to be at risk.
Comings and Goings
Despite earlier reports, Xbox is retaining Obsidian Entertainment, according to sources familiar with the situation. Separately, fewer than 10 employees remain at the studio Thick as Thieves.
Xbox Cancelled a Marketing Campaign of Physical Copies of Games vs Digital in 2025 – Rumor
A rumored marketing campaign by Xbox for 2025, intended to discuss the advantages of physical versus digital game copies, was reportedly cancelled. This decision may hint at future Xbox consoles eschewing disc drives and aligns with a broader industry trend towards digital media, as seen with Sony's recent announcement to cease physical game production for its consoles by 2028.
Sea of Thieves Developer Rare is “On the Block” Ahead of Xbox’s Mass Layoffs – Rumor
Reports suggest that Sea of Thieves developer Rare may be affected by upcoming mass layoffs at Xbox, potentially impacting over 1,000 staff. While the studio's closure is not confirmed, this follows previous restructuring after the cancellation of Everwild. Layoffs are reportedly expected around July 6th.
Marvel’s Blade is Seemingly “Pretty Far Along” With Reveal Planned for 2026 – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Arkane Studios' Marvel's Blade is far along in development, with a potential reveal planned for 2026 and release in 2027. Despite reports of delays and Xbox potentially not wanting to fund further development, the game's existence is not officially confirmed, nor is the fate of Arkane Studios or other Xbox-owned studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
Rumors claim Xbox wants to close Obsidian, but Jason Schreier says otherwise
Recent reports suggest Xbox is considering closing or selling several studios, including Obsidian Entertainment, due to financial pressures. However, journalist Jason Schreier has refuted claims that Obsidian is in negotiations to avoid closure, stating Xbox intends to keep the developer. The article also touches on frustrations within Xbox regarding leadership's focus on profitability and the impact of underperforming titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Is yet another Microsoft studio, Obsidian, negotiating with Xbox to avoid closure? Conflicting reports emerge
Conflicting reports suggest that Obsidian Entertainment is negotiating with Microsoft to avoid closure, amidst a wave of layoffs affecting other Xbox studios like Arkane, Double Fine, Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs. While one report indicates internal sentiment blames poor Call of Duty performance for these decisions, another source denies Obsidian is in negotiations to shut down, stating the studio will be kept by Xbox.
Circana says that it seems unlikely that Nintendo will abandon physical media
Circana's Mat Piscatella suggests it is unlikely Nintendo will discontinue physical media, despite PlayStation phasing out physical games by 2028 and Xbox potentially following suit with their next console. This comes as speculation arises about Nintendo's future strategy regarding physical game releases.
Obsidian reportedly safe from Xbox studio closures despite fears the RPG powerhouse was in negotiations to avoid…
Despite earlier reports suggesting Obsidian Entertainment was negotiating to avoid closure, Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier has confirmed the RPG developer is safe. The news comes amid widespread fears of mass layoffs and studio shutdowns within Xbox's gaming division.
Xbox May Shut Down Obsidian Entertainment, Too
New reports indicate that Xbox is considering shutting down or selling Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind games like Avowed and Fallout: New Vegas. This potential closure is part of a larger plan by Xbox to reallocate funds towards its major franchises, potentially affecting other subsidiaries like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs.
Avowed, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas Developer Obsidian Entertainment Reportedly Also at Risk of Closure Amid Xbox 'Reset'
Obsidian Entertainment, the developer behind Avowed, The Outer Worlds, and Fallout: New Vegas, is reportedly at risk of closure as part of a broader 'reset' within Microsoft's Xbox business. This news follows reports of potential studio closures and project cancellations within Xbox.
"RIP PLAYSTATION 1994-2026" - Players are flocking to Sony's old PS4 anti-DRM video in the wake of its shock decision to scrap physical games
Sony announced it will cease production of physical discs for PlayStation games starting January 2028, shifting to an all-digital future. This decision has sparked significant backlash from players concerned about anti-consumer practices and the loss of permanent ownership. In response, gamers have revisited a 2013 anti-DRM video featuring Shuhei Yoshida and Adam Boyes, highlighting the perceived shift in Sony's player-centric stance.
Hideo Kojima's experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from Microsoft cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming experimental Xbox exclusive, OD, is reportedly safe from recent cancellations and funding cuts within the Xbox division. Despite Microsoft reevaluating its gaming priorities, sources indicate that OD will continue to be published by Xbox. The game, described as a new form of media blending film and gaming, is being developed by Kojima Productions and features involvement from director Jordan Peele.
Games Inbox: Why is Sony going digital-only with the PS5?
Readers express concern over Sony Interactive Entertainment's decision to transition the PlayStation 5 to digital-only by January 2028, fearing the loss of physical media, resale value, and the impact on businesses like CeX. The move is seen as a step towards a future where consumers 'own nothing,' with some readers vowing to switch to Xbox or focus on retro gaming.
The Outer Worlds, Avowed Developer “Deep in Negotiation” With Xbox to Avoid Closure – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox is in negotiations with Obsidian Entertainment to prevent its closure, alongside other studios like Arkane and Ninja Theory. This comes after The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed reportedly failed to meet Xbox's sales expectations. The fate of these studios, including Obsidian, is expected to be revealed around July 6th.
Xbox Testing the Ability to Convert Game Discs Into Digital Licenses – Rumor
Rumors suggest that Xbox is testing a feature that would allow players to convert physical game discs into digital licenses for Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S. This potential move aims to help players with large physical game collections access their libraries digitally. Older console generations like Xbox 360 and the original Xbox would not be supported.
Hideo Kojima's fears resurface as PlayStation ends physical games: "Eventually, even digital data will no longer be owned by individuals on their own initiative"
Hideo Kojima has voiced concerns about the shift to digital-only games, echoing sentiments from 2021 about the potential loss of ownership. He fears that access to digital media, including games, could be revoked due to global events or publisher decisions, citing the delisting of P.T. as a prime example of digital game unavailability.
