Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Big Walk devs House House announce support for BDS Microsoft boycott, say the co-op puzzler isn't coming to Xbox
Big Walk developers House House have announced their support for the Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions movement's boycott of Microsoft and Xbox. Citing business ties with the Israeli military, the studio confirmed their co-op puzzler Big Walk will not be released on Xbox platforms, despite the intention for it to be a multiplayer experience. This decision aligns with other developers protesting Microsoft's business practices.
Minecraft updates on PlayStation and Nintendo would end, but Xbox is reportedly asking fans how they feel about greater console exclusivity for current and upcoming games like Fallout 5
Xbox is reportedly surveying players about their feelings on increased console exclusivity for current and upcoming games, including titles like Fallout 5 and Hideo Kojima's Physint. A particularly concerning hypothetical question suggests removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles and ceasing updates for those versions, which is seen as a potentially disastrous move given the game's massive player base on those platforms.
007 First Light gets Switch 2 release date, with IO Interactive saying time for "optimisation and performance" was needed
IO Interactive has announced that the Nintendo Switch 2 version of 007 First Light will be released on March 18, 2027, after an initial delay. The studio cited the need for further "optimisation and performance" work on the new hardware. The game has been a commercial success, passing 4 million sales, and the studio is also independently developing its fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, after a setback with publisher Xbox.
Big Walk developer explains the lack of Xbox version is due to Microsoft's place on the BDS boycott
Developer House House has explained that the co-operative puzzle game Big Walk will not be released on Xbox due to Microsoft's inclusion on a BDS boycott list. The studio cited Microsoft's partnership with Israel and its use of Azure Cloud and AI systems in the ongoing subjugation of Palestinians as reasons for Xbox's inclusion on the list. This decision means some players will be unable to play Big Walk with their friends.
Games Inbox: Is the Zelda: Ocarina Of Time remake changing too much?
Readers discuss changes in the upcoming remake of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, with opinions divided on whether they are sufficient or too extensive. The conversation also touches on the massive file size and potential focus of Grand Theft Auto 6, the perceived decline in Xbox's gaming offerings, and disappointment over collector's editions not including the game itself.
Xbox Has Started Surveying Users About Future Games Being Exclusive – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly surveying users about making future games, excluding Call of Duty, console exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. Franchises like DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, Diablo, and Fallout were mentioned as potential exclusives. This move aims to gauge player interest in investing in Xbox for exclusive content, with titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution already confirmed as non-timed exclusives.
GTA 6, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 are 2026’s Biggest Games, per Activision: “No Offense to Zelda”
Activision's Chief Marketing Officer Tyler Bahl believes Grand Theft Auto 6 and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be 2026's biggest games, even suggesting they will overshadow titles like The Legend of Zelda. Bahl emphasized the importance of community and social experiences for Call of Duty's longevity, highlighting cross-platform play across various consoles and PC.
Xbox Survey About Exclusives Includes A Nuclear Strategy, But Wait Just A Minute
Microsoft's Xbox division is surveying users about potentially making all first-party games, except Call of Duty, console-exclusive to Xbox. This includes potentially removing Minecraft from PlayStation and Nintendo consoles. The survey also polled opinions on making Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, Doom, and Diablo console-exclusive.
Xbox announces Nano Controller that can fit in your pocket
Xbox has announced the new Xbox Nano Controller, a miniature accessory designed to fit in a pocket and priced at $49.99 USD. The controller is compatible with Xbox consoles, PC, smartphones, and some smart TVs, featuring all standard buttons and inputs. It is available for pre-order now and will be released in November.
Asha Sharma announces Xbox Labs project to "explore new technology," which sure sounds like tinkering with old games through AI
Asha Sharma announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new R&D initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game remixing and rejigging. While Microsoft clarified AI usage won't be mandatory, the initiative aims to turn new ideas into player experiences, potentially by decompiling and rebuilding old games or making new ones more moddable. The article expresses skepticism about the initiative's true goals, linking it to recent layoffs and a focus on existing franchises.
Former game-seller Zavvi enters administration again and "is unable to fulfil any outstanding orders or pre-orders"
Former game retailer Zavvi has entered administration for the second time, ceasing all trading and stating it cannot fulfill outstanding orders or pre-orders. Customers who have paid for undelivered goods are advised to contact their payment providers. Separately, Microsoft's Xbox division has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by Scott Van Vliet to explore emerging trends in game development and player experiences, particularly in the context of rapid game decompilation and remixing, though it avoids explicit mention of AI.
Microsoft reveals Xbox Labs and it's desperately pretending it's not about AI
Microsoft has announced the formation of Xbox Labs, a new division focused on experimenting with 'emerging ideas' in response to AI-driven game modding and browser-based games. Led by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who previously worked on AI at Microsoft, the division aims to explore new possibilities in game accessibility and player creation without explicitly mentioning generative AI. The initiative, headed by CTO Scott Van Vliet, is intended to leverage Xbox's expertise in game development to shape future technologies, though the article expresses skepticism about the venture's tangible outcomes and potential monetization.
Xbox announces what sounds like a generative AI-focused game-making department, Xbox Labs, while avoiding mentioning AI
Xbox has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative led by CTO Scott Van Vliet, to explore emerging trends in game development, particularly those related to generative AI and code manipulation. CEO Asha Sharma announced the initiative, emphasizing its role in understanding how players and developers interact with new technologies, while notably avoiding direct mention of AI in the announcement.
Xbox sänder en ny ID@Xbox-show nästa vecka
Xbox will host a new ID@Xbox showcase on October 20th, featuring 18 indie games. The event will include titles like The Wolf Among Us Remastered and games from Critical Reflex Games, with promises of new announcements.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
Xbox Labs is a New Team That Will Turn “Emerging Ideas” Into Things That Can be Experienced
Xbox has launched a new initiative called Xbox Labs, led by CTO Scott van Vliet, to explore making older console games accessible in web browsers. CEO Asha Sharma stated the team will focus on emerging ideas, leveraging advancements in game decompilation and AI, with a commitment to transparency and sharing tools with the industry.
Xbox Labs is the company’s response to recent game mods and decompilations
Xbox has launched Xbox Labs, a new initiative focused on exploring emerging technologies like AI for game development and player experiences. This comes in response to the growing trend of AI-powered game mods and decompilations, which have enabled games like Call of Duty: Black Ops and Minecraft to run in browsers or be combined with other titles.
Xbox is forming a whole division in response to the vibe-coded game recomp explosion – "These are unmistakably good outcomes for players"
Microsoft has launched Xbox Labs, a new division focused on exploring emerging ideas inspired by community game recompilation projects. Led by Xbox boss Asha Sharma, the initiative aims to leverage technologies like AI coding to improve game accessibility and give old games new life, even if it challenges existing business models. This move comes amid a surge in community-driven recomps for classic titles.
Hideo Kojima Reviews The Resident Evil Movie
Hideo Kojima shared his positive review of Zach Cregger's Resident Evil movie, noting its effective use of horror techniques and its ability to evoke the feeling of playing the original game. He also mentioned picking up materials for the Tom Cruise movie Digger while at the theater. The article also briefly touches on Kojima's upcoming games OD and Death Stranding.
Xbox announces Xbox Labs, a new initiative to trial emerging ideas and "new technology"
Xbox has announced the creation of Xbox Labs, a new internal unit focused on testing emerging ideas and new technologies, with a particular emphasis on user feedback. Led by CEO Asha Sharma, the initiative aims to rapidly develop and iterate on tools, products, and features, potentially leveraging AI and other advancements to enhance game accessibility and creation.
