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Xbox Mode Starts Rolling Out For Windows 11 PCs Today
Microsoft has begun rolling out "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 PCs, offering a console-inspired interface that prioritizes game libraries and controller navigation. This feature, previously seen on the ASUS ROG Ally X, aims to provide a streamlined gaming experience by aggregating titles from Xbox Game Pass and other PC storefronts. Microsoft plans to continue refining Xbox Mode based on user feedback.
Xbox isn't worth a port for small Japanese studios, says RPG dev, since the console isn't even sold in most…
A developer from Edelweiss, the studio behind Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin, stated that developing ports for Xbox is not financially viable for small Japanese game studios due to low regional demand. The developer cited that Xbox consoles are not widely sold in Japan and that the company's limited resources make it difficult to support a broad range of platforms.
Project Helix Will Receive a “Closer Look” on May 7th in First Xbox Game Dev Update
Microsoft's Xbox division will provide a closer look at Project Helix during its first Xbox Game Dev Update on May 7th, hosted by Chris Charla and Jason Ronald. While not a full reveal, the update is expected to discuss details from GDC, including development kits shipping in 2027, and potential new opportunities for game development. Rumors suggest Project Helix is targeting a 2027 holiday season launch to compete with Sony's PlayStation 6.
Evening Tech Bits
Microsoft has begun rolling out 'Xbox Mode' to players on Windows 11 PCs, aiming to improve the gaming experience on the operating system. This feature is intended to optimize performance and provide a more integrated gaming environment for users.
ROG Xbox Ally To Dock With A Host Of New Updates
The ASUS ROG Ally is receiving a series of updates aimed at enhancing its handheld and docked performance, bringing it closer to a traditional Xbox console experience. Key improvements include better docked play features like Auto Low Latency Mode and Variable Refresh Rate, along with Auto Super Resolution for sharper visuals on larger displays. The Xbox PC app will also be updated to consolidate all installed games into a single interface, and haptic feedback and Bluetooth LE Audio are being refined for greater immersion and lower latency.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who took the job less than 3 months ago, says 'player and revenue growth has not yet met our ambition' as Microsoft gaming continues to slide
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged that player and revenue growth has not met the company's ambitions, following a 7% decrease in Microsoft's gaming revenue for Q3 FY26. Despite a decline in Xbox content and services, and a significant drop in hardware sales, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella highlighted record monthly active Xbox users and game streaming hours while emphasizing foundational work to win back fans.
Elder Scrolls Online director says his cancelled MMO was a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but "a giant successful video game" isn't enough for Microsoft's higher-ups
Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor described his cancelled MMO, Project Blackbird, as a "missed opportunity" for Bethesda and Xbox, but understood Microsoft's decision to cancel it due to its large investment risk. Firor explained that while the game was in development for seven years, it wasn't in full production for that entire duration, and the cancellation was a business decision driven by the need for reliable, forecastable revenue streams.
Xbox CEO knows there's "work to do" to win players back, as Microsoft boss recommits to "core" fans
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledges that Microsoft has work to do to regain player trust and revenue growth, despite recent positive steps like a Game Pass price reduction and setting new records for monthly active users. Microsoft boss Satya Nadella reaffirmed the company's commitment to its core fans and players, with plans to focus on affordability, PC-console hybrid projects, and expanding its franchise portfolio.
Engagement Ring
Xbox has achieved a record number of monthly active users, despite facing challenges with hardware sales. The article also mentions trailers for Sudden Strike 4, Windrose, and Diablo IV.
Indie Game Refund Abuse Sparks Debate Over Platform Policies | HappyGamer
Players are reportedly abusing refund policies on platforms like Steam, playing indie games for over 20 hours before requesting refunds and leaving negative reviews. This practice is causing significant financial and algorithmic damage to small developers who rely on every sale. The debate centers on balancing consumer rights with the need to protect developers from intentional exploitation.
Former ESO boss Matt Firor talks about the death of unrealised MMO Project Blackbird: 'Microsoft is Microsoft'
Former Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor discussed the cancellation of Project Blackbird, an unreleased MMO from Zenimax Online Studios. Firor expressed disappointment, calling it a missed opportunity for all involved, and reflected on how Microsoft's business priorities led to the project's demise.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle gets first Nintendo Switch 2 gameplay
The first pure gameplay footage for the Nintendo Switch 2 version of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle has been revealed in a new 15-minute video. The first-person, single-player adventure from MachineGames, executive produced by Todd Howard, is set between Raiders of the Lost Ark and The Last Crusade. The game is scheduled for release on May 12, 2026.
Xbox console sales drop by 33% as Microsoft struggles to make money from games
Microsoft's latest financial results reveal a significant 33% drop in Xbox hardware revenue compared to the previous year, contributing to an overall 5% decline in gaming revenue. Despite new leadership under Asha Sharma and efforts like a Game Pass price cut, the brand faces an uphill battle with declining console sales and underperforming first-party titles.
New Xbox head Asha Sharma says "we know we have work to do" as quarterly hardware sales sink another 33%
Xbox hardware revenue has declined by 33% in the last fiscal quarter, continuing a downward trend. Content and services revenue also saw a 5% dip. New Xbox head Asha Sharma acknowledged the need for improvement in player and revenue growth.
Xbox "has work to do", but is "recommitting" to core fans following hardware revenue drop of 33% year-on-year
Xbox is recommitting to its core fans following a 33% year-on-year drop in hardware revenue and player growth that has not met ambitions. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that while monthly active users and game streaming hours reached new records, the company has "work to do" to win back players. Recent price reductions for Game Pass subscriptions and a focus on core features are part of this strategy, alongside the development of next-generation hardware.
PlayStation addresses DRM concerns
PlayStation has clarified its Digital Rights Management (DRM) policy, stating that purchased digital games will require a one-time online check to confirm the license, after which no further checks are needed. This addresses concerns that games might become unplayable after a set period, a policy that caused significant backlash for Xbox in 2013. The clarification aims to prevent exploitation of refund systems while assuring players they can continue to access their games.
Xbox games are making bank on PlayStation
Xbox games generated $667 million in gross revenue by being ported to PlayStation 5, according to a report by Rhys Elliott of Alinea Analytics. While some titles like Forza Horizon 5 and Sea of Thieves performed exceptionally well, others like Starfield and Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition also met sales thresholds. Sony, conversely, is not planning to port more PlayStation 5 games to PC, focusing on single-player exclusives for its console while live-service games will be multiplatform.
This Week in Switch 2 - Final Fantasy XIV, Capcom's crushing it, third Mario movie & We Are Xbox
This episode covers the latest Nintendo and gaming news of the week, including discussions on Final Fantasy XIV, Capcom's performance, a potential third Mario movie, and updates from Xbox. The Nintendo Switch platform is also a topic of discussion.
Xbox Gaming Revenue Down 7 Percent Year-on-Year, Hardware Down 33 Percent
Microsoft's gaming division, operating as Xbox, reported a 7 percent year-on-year revenue decrease, with hardware sales plummeting by 33 percent. Content and services revenue also saw a 5 percent decline, attributed partly to a strong prior year with major first-party releases. New CEO Asha Sharma discussed focusing on performance and affordability for future hardware, acknowledging potential impacts from global memory shortages on next-generation console pricing and availability.
Xbox Games On PlayStation Have Made A Staggering Amount Of Money, Report Says
A report from Alinea Analytics indicates that Xbox games released on PlayStation 5 have generated over $650 million in gross revenue. Forza Horizon 5 led sales with over 5.8 million copies, followed by Sea of Thieves and Oblivion Remastered. This data suggests a significant market for Xbox titles on Sony's platform, despite ongoing discussions about the company's multiplatform strategy.
