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Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Xbox loses new exec that CEO Asha Sharma appointed just 2 months ago
Jared Palmer, who was appointed VP of engineering at Xbox by CEO Asha Sharma just over two months ago, is leaving the company to lead engineering at Cognition. Palmer expressed gratitude for his time at Xbox, where he aimed to build world-class tools and services for developers and players. This departure is part of ongoing executive changes within Xbox.
Xbox CANNOT Entertain 1 Billion People Daily
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has set an ambitious goal to entertain 1 billion people daily. The article analyzes the feasibility of this target, suggesting it is a near-impossible objective given the current global population and market reach.
Hasbro takes $56 million hit over multiple game cancellations, but it's still talking about how Baldur's Gate…
Hasbro reported a $56 million non-cash impairment due to the cancellation of several video games slated for release in 2028 and beyond. The company is refocusing its digital investment on key franchises like Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons, aiming to reduce overall digital spend by 25% annually by 2028.
Jimothy, a particularly round raccoon and the internet's latest sensation, has now broken into games
Jimothy, a round raccoon that has gone viral online, is now being featured in various video games. Titles like World of Warcraft, RuneScape, Dead by Daylight, Mouse: P.I. For Hire, The Sims, and Halo have created renders or in-game depictions of the popular animal. The article speculates that Fortnite might also feature Jimothy in the future.
Xbox Game Pass Is Going Somewhere You Probably Forgot About
Xbox Game Pass is now available as a starter edition for Meta Horizon+ subscribers, offering over 50 games via cloud streaming on Meta Quest headsets. This partnership allows Horizon+ users to access a selection of AAA and indie titles, though cloud streaming is limited to 10 hours per month and requires a high-speed internet connection. Meta Quest controllers will soon emulate Xbox controllers, with the option to pair an existing Xbox controller.
Meta Horizon+ subscriptions now include Xbox Game Pass starter edition
Meta is now including a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass with its Meta Horizon+ subscriptions. This bundle aims to enhance the value proposition for users of Meta's VR platform.
XBOX and Meta: More Ways to Enjoy XBOX Game Pass
Xbox and Meta are expanding their partnership, integrating a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass into the Meta Horizon+ subscription. Eligible Meta Horizon+ subscribers will now receive access to over 50 games, 10 hours of cloud gaming monthly, and rewards. This builds upon existing access to Xbox and Game Pass on Meta Quest devices.
Ex-Forza Horizon Director Traces a Line From the Failure of 'Well-Meaning' Game Pass to the Current Xbox Layoffs
A former Forza Horizon developer suggests that recent Xbox layoffs and studio closures are a direct consequence of Game Pass failing to meet Microsoft's subscriber targets. This shortfall allegedly led to unsustainable spending on content, resulting in the current restructuring.
Xbox Game Pass was a good idea in theory, former Forza Horizon 5 director says, but "the reality is not enough people have subscribed"
Former Forza Horizon 5 director Mike Brown believes Xbox Game Pass was a good concept but failed due to insufficient subscriber numbers at necessary price points, leading to studio closures and layoffs. He noted that while the service was player-focused and funded many games and studios, the financial reality did not align with Microsoft's ambitious expectations. Brown also expressed admiration for former Xbox leaders Sarah Bond and Asha Sharma.
'I can assure you, Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are not the only titles we're planning' — Xbox's chief strategy officer confirms the company wants to make more exclusives, but 'large live-service titles' will be multiplatform going forward
Xbox's chief strategy officer Matthew Ball confirmed that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are just the first of many planned exclusive titles for Xbox consoles and PC. While large live-service games will be multiplatform, single-player exclusives are a key strategy to incentivize console purchases, according to chief content officer Matt Booty.
Sony Ends Discs in 2028. Why Nintendo Won't Follow.
Sony plans to cease production of physical discs for PlayStation in January 2028, shifting entirely to digital distribution. This move contrasts with Nintendo's continued support for physical media and retail partnerships. The article analyzes the historical and business reasons behind these divergent strategies, suggesting Sony's decision prioritizes efficiency and margin over retail relationships, while Nintendo's approach aims to maintain long-term market presence and cultural relevance by keeping its intellectual property circulating through physical touchpoints.
The Biggest Critics Of Xbox Game Pass May Be Inside Xbox
Internal criticism within Xbox suggests that Xbox Game Pass has devalued games and negatively impacted the industry, with some leaders viewing it as a detriment. Despite its initial promise, the subscription service has faced challenges including price increases and shifting tiers, with even its own leaders questioning its success and impact on major franchises like Call of Duty.
Xbox admits its game exclusivity strategy isn't "obvious", but insists Gears of War and Clockwork Revolution won't be the only non-PlayStation games
Xbox executives Matthew Ball and Matt Booty discussed the company's evolving game exclusivity strategy, acknowledging it may not be obvious to players. While confirming that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be exclusive, they indicated more titles are planned, and the distinction between single-player exclusives and multi-platform live-service games is not strictly defined.
Xbox says its return to console exclusives is permanent
Xbox leadership, including Matt Booty and Matthew Ball, has stated that the company's return to console exclusives is permanent. While games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be permanent exclusives to Xbox and PC, the definition of exclusivity is being clarified, especially concerning day-one PC releases. This strategy aims to provide a compelling reason for consumers to purchase Xbox hardware.
Gamescom 2026 is Completely Sold Out of Exhibition Spaces
Gamescom 2026 has completely sold out all exhibition space, with organizers the German Games Industry Association and Koelnmesse confirming the presence of numerous major companies including Bandai Namco, CD Projekt Red, Electronic Arts, Nintendo, and Xbox. The event will showcase games such as Metro Exodus and The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Songs of the Past. Organizers are exploring expansion options for 2027 due to high demand.
“Current and Former” Employees Disagree With DOOM Co-Director’s About id’s Current State
Current and former id Software employees have disputed co-director Hugo Martin's claims that the studio was not significantly impacted by recent Xbox layoffs. Developers expressed that approximately 50% of the workforce was cut, leading to a feeling that their contributions were undervalued and that the team has been 'nerfed'. The article also touches on past development challenges, including significant crunch and turnover during the creation of DOOM (2016).
Is Game Pass Still the Right Strategy for Xbox?
This article analyzes the current state and future strategy of Xbox Game Pass, questioning its sustainability and impact on game value. Despite initial excitement and acquisitions to bolster its library, internal sentiment appears negative, with reports of studios detesting the service and subscriber growth falling short of projections. While Game Pass remains a key, albeit paradoxical, component of Xbox's offerings, its future is uncertain amidst internal challenges and a need for renewed growth.
Halo: Campaign Evolved, Mistfall Hunter and Hell is Us Headline Wave 2 of Game Pass in July
Xbox is adding several notable titles to Game Pass in the latter half of July, including the remake Halo: Campaign Evolved and the action-adventure Hell is Us. Mistfall Hunter, a PvEvP Souls-like, and the pirate-themed city builder Corsair Cove are also set to debut. The article also previews upcoming games for August and lists titles leaving the service at the end of July.
Game Pass Was A Good Idea But It Didn’t Work, Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown stated that Xbox Game Pass, while a good idea, failed to attract enough subscribers to be a viable business model, contributing to current struggles at Xbox. He expressed sadness over potential studio closures and job losses resulting from the service not meeting expectations, despite significant investment from Microsoft. Brown believes changes are coming to Game Pass, such as delaying the inclusion of new major titles to maximize initial sales.
Turns out Todd Howard is a full-time Reddit lurker just like the rest of us, says we'd 'be surprised how many…
Bethesda's executive producer Todd Howard revealed he frequently browses Reddit, stating that many developers do and that he receives numerous ideas from the platform. Howard made his second public comment on Reddit in three years to address the company's ongoing projects following recent layoffs at parent company Xbox. He emphasized that the team is listening to community feedback.
