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Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Games Inbox: Is the next Super Mario game open world?
Readers discuss the potential for the next 3D Super Mario game to be open world, drawing parallels to Zelda and Bowser's Fury. Other topics include the 30th anniversary of Super Mario 64, the gameplay of Marvel's Wolverine, criticism of Xbox executives, the viability of a Ganondorf game, Sony's potential U-turn on game discs, the decline of Rare, the unchanging nature of EA Sports FC, and performance issues in Star Wars Zero Company.
MMO Week in Review: Destiny 2’s revival, Aion 2’s stress test
This week's MMO news covers Destiny 2's revival with unvaulted content, Aion 2's stress test, and Ultima Online's 29th anniversary. Dune Awakening launched on consoles, Elder Scrolls Online discussed experimental features, and Microsoft continued layoffs. World of Warcraft Forever is impressing players, while other news includes The Division 2, Marathon, Warframe, and various other MMO updates and discussions.
Latest Xbox layoffs reportedly devastated Age of Empires developer and canceled its next game
Xbox's recent "reset" significantly impacted World's Edge Studio, the developer of the Age of Empires series, with nearly half the studio laid off, including former creative director Adam Isgreen. A new project was canceled, and a large portion of the studio was let go, according to former employees. This news comes as the studio now answers to Activision, alongside Sea of Thieves developer Rare.
Xbox is reportedly paying a "fraction" of the $400 million Kojima quoted Sony for Physint
Reports indicate that Xbox is paying significantly less than the rumored $400 million for Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth game, Physint. Sony reportedly withdrew funding after budget and deadline issues, leading Kojima Productions to secure a deal with Xbox, which includes movie and TV licensing rights.
The Sunday Papers
This week's gaming writing highlights include critiques of Final Fantasy XVI's handling of Middle Eastern influences and a discussion on the catharsis of violence in Armored Core VI. Concerns are raised about the current state of AI research, with a researcher lamenting its shift towards corporate product application rather than fundamental understanding. The article also touches on Microsoft's recent layoffs and Bobby Kotick's legal strategies.
Minecraft is getting its first new dimension in 15 years, and it is riotously pink
Mojang announced a new dimension called 'The Sift' for Minecraft, set to arrive in 2027. This pink dimension will feature new mobs and biomes, and a variant will appear in the upcoming Minecraft Dungeons 2. Additionally, a new subterranean biome called 'ice caves' with light-based mechanics was revealed for Minecraft.
As Minecraft sells over 425 million copies and attracts 300,000 new players a day, the evergreen sandbox game is getting…
Minecraft continues its massive success, having sold over 425 million copies and attracting 300,000 new players daily. The game is set to receive its first new dimension in 15 years, called 'The Sift,' which will appear in Minecraft Dungeons 2 before coming to the main game next year. Additionally, base Minecraft will introduce icy underground territories and is launching on the Nintendo Switch 2.
Activision’s Halo Could Reboot the Franchise – Rumor
Rumors suggest Activision may be rebooting the Halo franchise, with Xbox reportedly shifting Halo Studios to a support role. While a remake is unlikely, the next installment is expected to be a mainline entry, though details remain scarce. Some fans are skeptical due to the extensive lore, especially after disappointing turns since Halo 5: Guardians.
Physint Cost Xbox “A Fraction” of Alleged $400 Million Budget – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox's deal with Kojima Productions for the game Physint is significantly less than the rumored $400 million figure that PlayStation was reportedly considering. While the exact cost for Xbox is described as a 'fraction' of that amount, the deal may include enhanced terms for Hideo Kojima's horror title OD. The article also touches on previous reports of missed deadlines and the project's distant release window.
Microsoft CEO Says “Streamlining” by Xbox Team is “Great to See” in the Wake of Layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and future game development despite recent restructuring and significant layoffs. He praised Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's streamlining efforts and reiterated the goal of sustainable business models for broader game accessibility. However, the division faces challenges including declining hardware revenue and pressure to deliver successful exclusives.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's "streamlining" is "great to see" despite cuts and layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's future and praised ongoing "streamlining" efforts led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, despite recent significant layoffs and studio closures. Nadella stated his confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games, while emphasizing the need for sustainable business models to reach more players.
The Elder Scrolls Online's devs are pushing through hard times after layoffs and delays: 'We didn't want…
The Elder Scrolls Online's development team at Zenimax Online is navigating significant challenges following substantial layoffs and project delays. Despite a 60% reduction in staff over the past year, developers express commitment to the game and its community, pushing updates to 2027 to ensure quality over rushed releases. The team is also experimenting with new content types like 'rumours' to foster player discovery.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's 'streamlining' process is 'great to see' following its most recent…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on the recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring, describing the process as "great to see" and comparing it to streamlining a Formula 1 car. Despite significant job cuts and studio closures, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to grow as a publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox consoles.
Former Starfield designer says Bethesda's sci-fi RPG probably won't get a sequel, because the original wasn't 'anywhere near successful enough'
Former Starfield designer Kurt Kuhlmann expressed doubt about a sequel, stating the game was not successful enough for Bethesda to pursue a second installment. He believes lessons learned from Starfield could have improved a sequel, particularly regarding its outpost building mechanic, but suggests the studio will likely prioritize The Elder Scrolls and Fallout.
Microsoft CEO Attempts To Kill Remaining Xbox Goodwill
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on recent Xbox layoffs and studio closures, calling them a necessary streamlining effort. Despite widespread criticism and further job cuts, Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's intellectual property and future game development, while also discussing consumer skepticism towards AI. Prominent critic Ed Zitron attributed Xbox's struggles to mismanagement and failed AI investments.
Amid mass Xbox layoffs, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella says the "streamlining" is "great to see"
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the ongoing "streamlining" at Xbox, which involves mass layoffs and studio closures, as "great to see." Despite the significant restructuring and criticism, Nadella expressed optimism about Xbox's intellectual property and future growth, aiming for higher profits and a sustainable business model.
Skyrim loremaster says The Elder Scrolls never got a Fallout: New Vegas-style game because Bethesda is "very protective" over its golden goose
Former Skyrim developer Kurt Kuhlmann suggests Bethesda's protective stance over The Elder Scrolls franchise prevented the creation of a Fallout: New Vegas-style spin-off. He believes Bethesda, particularly Todd Howard, wanted to avoid comparisons that favored external studios like Obsidian Entertainment, unlike what happened with Fallout: New Vegas. While The Elder Scrolls Online provided an ongoing experience, Kuhlmann implies a missed opportunity for a different kind of Elder Scrolls game.
Forza Horizon 6 Festival Playlist Challenges Guide – Series 5 Winter
This guide provides tips and car recommendations for the Winter challenges in Series 5 of Forza Horizon 6's Festival Playlist. The challenges run until October 8th, 2026, and offer rewards like the 2016 Vauxhall Astra VXR and 2016 Bentley Bentayga for accumulating Playlist Points.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma called out for "Kojima-maxxing" just before latest layoffs, former Age of Empires studio…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is facing criticism following recent layoffs, particularly after a publicized trip to Japan to visit Hideo Kojima and Kojima Productions. Former World's Edge studio head Shannon Loftis called out Sharma's "Kojima-maxxing" trip and "clarity is kindness" philosophy in light of the job cuts, suggesting leadership is out of touch with employees' struggles. The article highlights the perceived disconnect between leadership's actions and the ongoing restructuring and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
