Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
Latest coverage
Consoles continue their trend of just becoming worst PCs
The article argues that modern consoles like PlayStation and Xbox are becoming inferior versions of PCs, losing their unique advantages. Factors like the shift to digital-only, rising prices, and the diminishing value of exclusives are making PCs a more compelling and flexible gaming platform.
Here Are Your Free PlayStation Plus Essential Monthly Games For July, 2026
Sony has announced the free PlayStation Plus Essential monthly games for July 2026. Subscribers can claim Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, For The Queen 2, and CrossCode. Despite Microsoft's ownership of the Call of Duty franchise, Sony continues to offer it as part of its subscription service.
Xbox is reportedly testing a feature to digitize physical game collections as PlayStation decides to phase out discs
Xbox is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature that would allow users to convert their physical game collection into digital entitlements. This comes as PlayStation plans to phase out disc-based games by 2028, and other publishers like Take-Two are opting for digital-only releases, signaling a significant shift in the industry away from physical media.
PlayStation killing discs is bad for everyone, whether you care about physical games or not
Sony's decision to cease production of physical PlayStation game discs in 2028 is a significant loss for consumers, impacting game preservation and the used games market. While digital distribution benefits publishers, the end of physical media raises concerns about long-term game access, potential surveillance pricing, and Sony's complete control over its ecosystem.
IO Interactive’s online fantasy RPG Project Fantasy sees Xbox pull funding and begins studio layoffs
IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy, is facing significant challenges as Xbox has withdrawn its funding. This decision has led to studio layoffs, though IO Interactive remains committed to completing the game. Xbox stated that while overall investment in games remains, their investment strategy is shifting.
Indie Selects for July 2026: Gameplay That Will Make Summer Pop
Xbox highlights five indie games for July 2026: Mina the Hollower, Realm of Ink, Bellwright, Coffee Talk Tokyo, and NBA The Run. These selections feature strong personalities, rewarding progression, and distinct worlds, offering a variety of genres from action-adventure and roguelites to survival and visual novels.
Xbox reportedly wants to put a stake in Blade and sell off Arkane, even though Todd Howard says development is going…
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios or selling it off as part of a cost-cutting strategy, despite assurances from Todd Howard and Jean-Luc Monnet regarding the development of the game Blade. The game, which was initially slated for release this year, has reportedly been delayed to late 2027 and is running over budget, fueling concerns about its future and the studio's survival.
Sony to discontinue physical discs for new games launching on PS consoles from January 2028
Sony Interactive Entertainment will cease physical disc production for new games launching on PlayStation consoles starting January 2028, citing shifting consumer preferences towards digital formats. This transition means games will only be available digitally through the PlayStation Store and other retailers from that date. The company stated this move aligns with the majority of its community's preferred method of accessing and playing games.
Why Sony Is Killing Disc-Based PlayStation Games And The Implications For PS6 And Beyond
Sony will cease releasing PlayStation games on physical discs starting in 2028, a move industry expert Piers Harding-Rolls suggests will likely delay the PlayStation 6's launch until at least that year and will result in a disc-less base model. This transition to all-digital is driven by shifting consumer preferences towards digital downloads, which now account for 80% of PlayStation game sales, and aims to streamline retail and improve profit margins by reducing costs associated with disc manufacturing and physical distribution.
Modern Warfare 4 is coming to Xbox Game Pass, but not for a long time
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 will be available on Xbox Game Pass starting in Holiday 2027, a year after its October 23, 2026 release date. While previous Call of Duty titles launched day one on Game Pass, Modern Warfare 4 will require a separate purchase for day-one access. This decision comes as Microsoft aims to boost sales for the new installment amidst ongoing studio closures and cost-cutting measures.
With Xbox Speeding Up Work on New Fallout Games, One Former Bethesda Dev Warns Faster Sequels 'Risk Fan Fatigue' — but Could New Vegas Developer Obsidian Be Drafted in to Help?
Xbox is reportedly accelerating development on new entries in The Elder Scrolls, Fallout, and Halo franchises under new leadership. However, a former Bethesda developer has cautioned that rushing sequels could lead to fan fatigue, suggesting that studios like Obsidian Entertainment might be considered to assist with Fallout development.
007 First Light studio IOI facing layoffs as Xbox pulls funding for Project Fantasy RPG
Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision will lead to layoffs at the Hitman and 007 First Light developer. Xbox stated they are re-evaluating investments to focus on their highest priorities, though they maintain their overall investment in games remains the same.
Xbox ends deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's Project Fantasy; redundancies expected
Xbox has ended its deal to fund and publish IO Interactive's online fantasy RPG, Project Fantasy. This decision, attributed to Xbox reshaping its investment priorities, is expected to lead to redundancies at IO Interactive. Despite the setback, IO Interactive remains committed to releasing the game.
Xbox claim they're "not reducing [their] investment in games" despite looming cuts, as report claims under 2.5% of Microsoft's total workforce are in the firing line
Despite reports of potential studio cuts and funding deal withdrawals, Xbox asserts it is not reducing its overall investment in game development. A new report indicates that planned Microsoft layoffs will affect less than 2.5% of the company's total workforce, with cuts expected early next week.
PS5's latest firmware update just started rolling out, here's what you need to know
Sony has begun rolling out a new PlayStation 5 system software update, version 26.04-13.42.00, which focuses on improving system performance and stability. Separately, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered is confirmed to release on Nintendo Switch 2 on August 11th, with its physical version containing the full game on cartridge and targeting 900p/30fps handheld and 1080p/30fps docked.
How to build an Xbox game night for every kind of player
This guide provides advice on hosting a successful Xbox game night for players of all skill levels and preferences. It emphasizes selecting a variety of games, structuring the evening in rounds, and accommodating both active players and spectators. The article also touches on practical tips like food choices, room setup, and utilizing services like Game Pass.
Uppsägningar hos Io Interactive när Xbox drar in finansiering
Io Interactive has announced layoffs due to the termination of a partnership with an external party for their fantasy RPG, 'Project Fantasy'. Bloomberg reports that Microsoft, which was set to be the financier and publisher, has withdrawn its support. While the project is not canceled, its future is uncertain without external funding. Xbox stated that their investment strategy is shifting, not decreasing overall.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy Hands-on Preview – Simple action but deeper adventure
A hands-on preview of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy reveals a shift towards action-combat inspired by games like Uncharted and Ghost of Tsushima, moving away from the series' signature stealth gameplay. Set 15 years before A Plague Tale: Innocence, players control Sophia on Minotaur's Island, engaging in swordplay and solving puzzles involving light manipulation and a dual-timeline mechanic with the hero Theseus. While the visuals and music are praised, the preview expresses caution about the frequent combat and deviation from the established Plague Tale identity.
IO Interactive Layoffs: Xbox Pulls Project Fantasy Funding — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & Guides
IO Interactive is continuing work on Project Fantasy despite Xbox pulling its funding, and will now seek alternative funding or self-publish. This is part of a larger "reset" at Xbox under new CEO Asha Sharma, with reports indicating several studios like Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, Arkane, and Double Fine are in talks to avoid closure. Xbox is reassessing its investment priorities to better fund its existing franchises and ensure a reliable pipeline of exclusive content.
Xbox weighs closing Arkane Studios while pulling out of IO Interactive's next project
Xbox is reportedly considering closing Arkane Studios and cancelling Marvel's Blade due to development concerns. Additionally, Xbox has withdrawn funding and publishing support for IO Interactive's new fantasy project, codenamed 'Project Fantasy,' forcing the Danish studio to seek alternative arrangements. These moves are part of a broader restructuring by Xbox to refocus investments on its highest-priority titles and IPs.