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Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Opinion: Everything hurts and no one knows when the pain will end
The article discusses the ongoing financial struggles and mass layoffs within the game industry, attributing them to a combination of economic factors, executive mismanagement, and alleged abuses of power. The author, Bryant Francis, shares personal coping mechanisms for dealing with the constant stream of bad news and emphasizes the need for the industry to learn from past mistakes.
PS5 is reportedly so far ahead of Xbox Series X that it gets up to 80% of launch sales for AAA single-player console games, though Xbox denies a huge split on GTA 6 pre-orders
Reports suggest the PlayStation 5 outsells the Xbox Series X for AAA single-player games by a significant margin, potentially reaching an 80/20 split. While Xbox denies extreme disparities in Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders, the overall console install base and PlayStation's history of single-player exclusives likely contribute to this trend. However, a substantial portion of sales for multi-million selling games still represents a significant market for Xbox.
Amid Xbox “Reset,” Microsoft Is Having Its Worst Month In 26 Years
Microsoft is experiencing its worst stock performance in 26 years, with shares down approximately 20% in June 2026. This financial downturn coincides with an 'reset' of the Xbox business under CEO Asha Sharma, which is expected to include significant layoffs and studio closures, driven in part by CFO Amy Hood's demands for cost savings. Despite overall revenue growth, high capital expenditures for AI infrastructure and Xbox's low profit margins are impacting investor confidence.
Impending XBOX restructuring could reportedly be the ‘largest single layoff event in gaming history’
Xbox is reportedly planning a significant restructuring that could result in the largest single layoff event in gaming history. This news follows a period of broader industry consolidation and workforce reductions.
Modern Warfare 4 Facebook ads want to make sure everyone understands this year's Call of Duty won't be on Xbox Game Pass
Activision is using Facebook ads to inform players that Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will not be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch, a shift from previous years. This marks a change in Microsoft's strategy for its gaming division under new leadership. The game will release on October 23rd for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and Nintendo Switch, with pre-orders offering early access to the campaign and an expanded DMZ mode.
Planned Xbox Layoffs Will Be “The Largest Single Layoff Event In Gaming History”
George Broussard, co-founder of 3D Realms, suggests that Xbox may be planning significant layoffs, potentially impacting over 2,000 employees. This information is currently unconfirmed and should be treated as a rumor until official verification.
Xbox cuts rumoured to be the ‘largest single layoff event’ in gaming history
Reports suggest that Xbox is planning a significant round of layoffs, potentially the largest in gaming history, impacting multiple studios including Undead Labs, Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, and Double Fine. Game designer George Broussard claims to have inside information indicating widespread studio closures and job cuts across the Xbox division following the end of its fiscal year.
State of Decay 3, Which Was at Xbox Games Showcase and Is Currently Running Playtests, Reportedly at Risk of Cancellation as Buyer Sought for Undead Labs
Reports suggest that State of Decay 3 and its developer Undead Labs are at risk of cancellation as part of impending layoffs at Xbox. There are concerns that a buyer is being sought for Undead Labs.
Xbox is reportedly considering closing State of Decay developer Undead Labs
Microsoft is reportedly considering closing several Xbox-owned studios, including Undead Labs, the developer of the State of Decay series. Other studios at risk include Double Fine, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory, as part of a broader 'reset' plan for the Xbox brand aimed at improving profitability. These potential closures could result in hundreds of job losses, with layoffs expected to begin in early July.
CWA union says Xbox workers are not "disposable" as layoffs loom
The Communications Workers of America (CWA) union is supporting Xbox employees facing potential layoffs, stating they will not be treated as "disposable." Union representatives highlighted Microsoft's financial resources, including recent console price increases and executive compensation, as evidence that layoffs are a choice. An Xbox spokesperson acknowledged the company respects employees' rights and is negotiating in good faith with the CWA.
Comings and Goings
Unionized Xbox developers held a press conference to voice concerns as Microsoft reportedly prepares for significant layoffs. These workforce reductions are expected to occur after the current fiscal year concludes.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Activision is promoting Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 by highlighting that it will not be available on Game Pass. Xbox has reportedly paused new third-party deals for Game Pass, impacting the availability of games on the subscription service.
1666: Amsterdam Was Originally Going to be Published by Xbox Before Funding Was Cut
1666: Amsterdam, a dark narrative action game from Panache Digital Games, was originally planned for publication by Xbox. However, Microsoft cut funding for the project, leading the studio to pursue self-publishing. The game, led by former Assassin's Creed creator Patrice Désilets, is in development for PC and features dark fantasy aesthetics.
The 11 most exciting video game releases of July 2026
July 2026 is set to feature a mix of new releases and remakes across multiple platforms, including the highly anticipated Assassin's Creed 4: Black Flag Resynced and the debut of Halo on PlayStation 5. Nintendo will also release Rhythm Paradise Groove and Splatoon Raiders for the Switch 2, alongside an upgrade for Xenoblade Chronicles 2.
Xbox marketing takes embarrassing turn with new Call of Duty ads loudly disclaiming 'NOT ON XBOX GAME PASS THIS…
Xbox has launched new advertising campaigns for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 that explicitly state the game will not be available on Xbox Game Pass this year. This marketing shift follows a business decision to exclude new Call of Duty titles from the subscription service at launch to boost direct sales, after the service reportedly incurred significant losses.
Layoffs looming, Xbox union members argue for transparency and good-faith bargaining
Xbox union members are advocating for transparency and good-faith bargaining as potential layoffs loom. The union aims to ensure clear communication and fair negotiation processes with the company.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals
Xbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
How to survive the memory shortage crisis: a PC owner's guide
This guide offers PC owners strategies to navigate the current memory shortage crisis, which is driving up prices for RAM, graphics cards, and other components. It suggests focusing on software solutions like upscaling and frame generation, optimizing existing hardware through updates and BIOS settings, and considering second-hand parts or cheaper alternatives for upgrades. The article anticipates that significant relief in memory pricing is unlikely before 2028 or 2029 due to high AI demand.
Steam Machine sticker shock, even more Ubisoft layoffs, and another Xbox price hike - Patch Notes #58
This week's gaming news highlights include the high pricing of the Steam Machine starting at $1,049, Ubisoft laying off 93 employees and closing studios, and Microsoft increasing Xbox console prices again. Grand Theft Auto 6 will retail for $79.99, while Kingdom Come: Deliverance II has surpassed 6 million sales. Tencent is reportedly considering exiting some Japanese studios.
Xbox höjer priserna på samtliga Series-konsoler
Xbox has announced price increases for all Xbox Series X and Series S models, excluding the 2TB Xbox Series X model which will be discontinued. The new prices will take effect on August 1st, with the Xbox Series S 512GB increasing from $399 to $499, and the Xbox Series X 1TB increasing from $649 to $799. Xbox cited rising component costs as the reason for the price hike.
