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Sony Announces Massive Price Hike For PS5 and PS5 Pro
Sony is implementing a significant price increase for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation Portal, effective April 2, 2026, citing global economic pressures. New prices will vary by region, with the standard PS5 model seeing a $150 increase in the US. This follows previous price adjustments and broader industry trends influenced by rising component costs and geopolitical factors.
"We were there in the 80s for the crash, and this is definitely crashier." John and Brenda Romero reflect on the industry crisis
John and Brenda Romero reflect on the current state of the video game industry, likening it to the 1983 crash and describing it as "definitely crashier." Romero Games faced significant downsizing due to a funding pull, leading to a dramatic reduction in staff. Despite these challenges and industry-wide layoffs, the Romeros remain committed to developing their new game and express passion for creating games.
SEGA® UND MICROSOFT KÜNDIGEN „XBOX PRESENTS: EIN EXKLUSIVER EINBLICK IN STRANGER THAN HEAVEN” AN – AUSSTRAHLUNG AM 7. MAI
SEGA and Microsoft have announced "Xbox Presents: An Exclusive Look at Stranger Than Heaven," a special broadcast set to air on May 7, 2026. The event will showcase new gameplay and details about the upcoming title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, which spans five cities and five eras of Japan. Stranger Than Heaven will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
SEGA® AND MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE XBOX PRESENTS: A SPECIAL LOOK AT STRANGER THAN HEAVEN BROADCAST, AIRING MAY 7
SEGA and Xbox announced a special broadcast titled 'Xbox Presents: A Special Look at STRANGER THAN HEAVEN,' airing on May 7, 2026. The broadcast will feature a deep dive into the new title from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, showcasing its story across five eras and cities, along with new gameplay footage. STRANGER THAN HEAVEN will be available on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Yakuza studio's new RPG, Stranger than Heaven, will span five distinct time periods and five Japanese cities
Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio revealed new details for their upcoming RPG, Stranger than Heaven, at the Xbox Partner Preview. The game will feature five distinct time periods and five Japanese cities, with a dedicated broadcast planned for May. Combat systems, including melee weapons and one-versus-many fights, were showcased, and the game is confirmed for Xbox Series X/S, PC, Xbox Cloud, and Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Partner Preview live build-up: latest news ahead of the game showcase
The Xbox Partner Preview showcase is scheduled for March 26, 2026, and will feature updates on highly anticipated titles. Expected reveals include Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's Stranger Than Heaven, the isometric RPG The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, and an update on Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The event will be streamed on official Xbox channels.
GeForce NOW Adds Screamer, King’s Quest, and More to Streaming Library
Nvidia's GeForce NOW cloud gaming service has added five new titles to its library, including the racing game Screamer and the classic RPG King's Quest. The update also features the latest version of Honkai: Star Rail, along with BATTLETECH, Despot's Game, and Diablo II: Resurrected, with many of the additions being retro titles.
Xbox Game Pass Getting Cheaper Tier & Netflix Bundle, Report Says
Microsoft's Xbox is reportedly exploring the introduction of a cheaper Xbox Game Pass subscription tier and a potential bundle deal with Netflix. This move aims to increase accessibility and address subscription fatigue by offering more flexible options for consumers.
Xbox Partner Preview March 2026: Start Time, How To Watch, And What To Expect
Microsoft's Xbox Partner Preview livestream is scheduled for March 26, featuring updates from developers like Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The event will showcase previously announced titles such as Stranger Than Heaven, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, alongside new reveals and day-one Xbox Game Pass releases. The stream will be available on Xbox's official YouTube and Twitch channels.
Forza Horizon 6 PC Specs Look Pretty Permissive
Playground Games and Xbox have revealed the PC specifications for Forza Horizon 6, detailing requirements for various graphical presets including minimum, recommended, extreme, and extreme ray tracing. The game is set to launch on PC and Xbox Series X|S on May 19th, with a PlayStation 5 version planned for later release.
March Xbox Update: New Console Updates Available to Insiders, Xbox at GDC, and More
Xbox is rolling out new console features for Insiders, including customizable Home groups, custom colors, and Quick Resume settings. Updates from GDC include Project Helix, a next-generation console concept, and the expansion of Xbox mode to all Windows 11 devices. New dynamic backgrounds for Sea of Thieves and Towerborne are also available.
Xbox and Netflix 'kicking around' ideas for subscription bundles
Xbox and Netflix have discussed potential subscription bundles that could combine Xbox Game Pass with Netflix's streaming service. While no concrete plans are in place, both companies are exploring possibilities for future collaboration. Netflix's gaming division is also focusing on cloud-based titles for television screens in 2026.
Balatro publisher Playstack has a 'hit ratio' of over 85 percent
Balatro publisher Playstack boasts a high success rate for its published titles. Meanwhile, two senior Xbox leaders, Lori Wright and Haiyan Zhang, have departed Microsoft, announcing their exits on LinkedIn.
Xbox could make Game Pass cheaper, and even bundle it with Netflix
Microsoft is reportedly exploring new strategies for Xbox Game Pass, including the introduction of cheaper subscription tiers and potential bundles with services like Netflix. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is investigating ways to make Game Pass more accessible to a wider audience, with discussions already underway between Microsoft and Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters regarding bundle possibilities.
I crashed out reading layoff condolence letters in this shop sim about a laid-off adventurer made by a laid-off Xbox…
Dungeon Bodega Simulator, a shop management game developed by a former Xbox developer who experienced layoffs, explores themes of job loss and resilience. The game's creator, Harrison, discusses how developing the title served as a cathartic experience following his own layoff from Turn 10 Studios. The article reflects on the emotional impact of layoffs in the game industry and the personal significance of creating games.
Killing "This Is An Xbox" Campaign Was New CEO's Decision - Report
Xbox's new CEO Asha Sharma reportedly decided to end the "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign shortly after taking the helm. Sharma is also focused on improving Xbox console sales, aiming for the platform to be a "reference console" against which others are judged. This shift follows the departure of former CEO Phil Spencer and Xbox president Sarah Bond.
New Xbox CEO "Willing To Question Everything," Xbox Exec Says
Microsoft Gaming's new CEO, Asha Sharma, is reportedly willing to re-evaluate all existing strategies to retain what makes Xbox great. Xbox vice president Jason Ronald highlighted Sharma's AI background and newcomer status to the gaming industry as beneficial for challenging established norms. Sharma has already discontinued the 'This Is An Xbox' marketing campaign and aims for Xbox to be a 'reference console' while investing in cloud gaming and future hardware.
New Xbox CEO Could Make Game Pass Less Expensive, Report Says
Asha Sharma, the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming, is reportedly considering changes to Xbox Game Pass pricing to make it more appealing to a wider audience, potentially including lower-priced tiers or an ad-supported option. Sharma has also discussed potential subscription bundle ideas with Netflix co-CEO Greg Peters. Additionally, Sharma has reportedly discontinued the 'This Is An Xbox' marketing campaign.
Xbox Partner Preview: Join Us on Thursday to See Whats Next from Our Third-Party Partners
Xbox will host a Partner Preview broadcast on Thursday, March 26, showcasing upcoming games from third-party partners such as Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The event will feature new reveals, world premieres, and announcements related to Xbox Game Pass.
Xbox Partner Preview: Join Us on Thursday to See What’s Next from Our Third-Party Partners
Xbox will host a Partner Preview broadcast on Thursday, March 26, showcasing upcoming games from third-party partners such as Sega, GSC Game World, and Owlcat Games. The event will feature new reveals, world premieres, and Xbox Game Pass announcements.
