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Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 players will require an Xbox account and gamertag to play – as well as PS Plus to play split-screen co-op
Players will need an Xbox account and gamertag to play Halo: Campaign Evolved on PlayStation 5, regardless of platform, to ensure smooth cross-platform progression. Additionally, PlayStation 5 players will require a PlayStation Plus subscription linked to a Microsoft account for split-screen and online co-op play.
We are watching the end of Xbox in real-time and it’s heartbreaking - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of Xbox, suggesting Microsoft's management and strategy, including the costly Game Pass model and lack of console exclusives, have led to significant studio closures and layoffs. The author fears this marks the beginning of the end for the Xbox brand as a major console player, drawing parallels to Sega's transition to a third-party publisher.
MMO Business Roundup: Global games revenue, Sony’s store lawsuit, and Microsoft’s impending ‘bloodbath’
This industry roundup covers several key topics: Sony faces a lawsuit over its PlayStation Store "buy now" buttons, global games revenue reached $201.6 billion in 2025 with mobile dominating sales, and Microsoft is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs within its Xbox division.
Report: Former Xbox president Sarah Bond and Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick linked to Peter Thiel's secret society
Former Xbox president Sarah Bond and Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick have been linked to 'Dialog,' an exclusive society founded by Peter Thiel. Internal records exposed by a hacktivist revealed the names of 113 individuals associated with the group, which convenes for off-the-record retreats discussing various topics, including geopolitical events and technology.
"Going independent meant taking a massive, massive risk": How Toys for Bob split off from Activision and Xbox…
Toys for Bob has successfully spun off from Activision and Xbox to regain its independence, a move described as a massive risk. The studio is now developing a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, set to release in 2027. This independence allows Toys for Bob to return to making games they are passionate about, leveraging their expertise from the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot franchises.
What We Played – The Adventures of Elliot, Control Resonant & Cat Quest 3
This week's gaming experiences include The Adventures of Elliot: The Millennium Tales, Control Resonant, and Cat Quest 3. Other titles played include Hot Wheels: Infinite Rush, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Tour de France 2026, Lost Castle 2, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, Witchspire, Destiny 2, Copa City, Bellwright, Crimson Desert, The Necromancer's Tale, 007 First Light, Gothic Remake, God of War HD, Umineko: When They Cry, Touhou: Legacy of Lunatic Kingdom, Granblue Fantasy: Relink - Endless Ragnarok, Starseekers, and 33 Immortals.
EA Has Started Informing Staff of Layoffs, Will Affect Multiple Divisions – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly begun informing staff of layoffs across multiple divisions, though the initial round may be small. This news comes amid wider industry trends of job cuts, with Microsoft also expected to implement significant layoffs, particularly affecting studios not directly tied to major franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls. Developers at BioWare had already expressed concerns following EA's acquisition by an investor consortium.
How Ninja Theory Paved A Way For The Elden Ring Movie
Despite potential closure, Ninja Theory's legacy in game development and its influence on filmmaking are highlighted, particularly its collaboration with Alex Garland on titles like Enslaved: Odyssey to the West and DmC: Devil May Cry. This experience is credited with Alex Garland's approach to writing and directing the upcoming Elden Ring movie adaptation.
PlayStation CEO responds to reports Sony is abandoning PC, seemingly confirms big single-player games will be PS5…
PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino has indicated that Sony will prioritize PlayStation 5 exclusivity for its in-house developed single-player games, while live-service titles will continue to be released on both PS5 and PC. This strategy shift suggests a move away from the multiplatform releases previously seen with titles like Horizon and The Last of Us, aligning with reports that PlayStation is re-evaluating its PC release strategy for major first-party games.
Amid Concern Over Xbox Studio 'Bloodbath,' New Report Says Developers Are Being 'Punished Today for Following Orders'
A new report indicates significant layoffs are expected within Xbox studios, potentially leading to studio closures. Developers are reportedly feeling punished for following company directives amidst these organizational changes.
Elder Scrolls and Fallout developer Bethesda "will be fine" as "they make all the money," but layoffs for the rest of ZeniMax "have begun," Duke Nukem co-creator says
George Broussard, co-creator of Duke Nukem, has confirmed that layoffs have begun at ZeniMax Media, the parent company of Bethesda Game Studios. While Bethesda is reportedly unaffected due to its profitability, other studios under ZeniMax may face deeper cuts. Broussard attributes these issues partly to mismanagement and recent changes within Microsoft's Xbox division.
Xbox's latest tactics display 'a basic misunderstanding of how the interactive entertainment world moves', says former PlayStation exec
Former PlayStation executive Shawn Layden believes Xbox's recent strategic decisions demonstrate a fundamental misunderstanding of the interactive entertainment industry. He criticizes the company's studio closures, reliance on live service games, and industry consolidation. Former Activision CEO Bobby Kotick also previously advised Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella against entering the gaming market, citing a lack of creative DNA.
Xbox is Punishing its Studios For Following Previous Orders – Report
A report indicates that Xbox is punishing its studios for following previous directives, leading to significant layoffs and studio closures. This follows major investments like the Activision Blizzard acquisition and the push for Game Pass, with some studios being criticized for prioritizing the subscription service over individual game sales. The situation has created an environment of fear and uncertainty, impacting game development.
Xbox’s Biggest Problems May Still Be Ahead
Xbox is facing significant internal challenges despite a recent showcase of upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day. CEO Asha Sharma admitted to substantial financial losses and poor investment returns over the past five years, citing issues with funding franchises and inadequate infrastructure. Reports suggest impending layoffs and potential restructuring, including spinning off Xbox as a subsidiary or forming joint ventures, as Microsoft seeks to make its gaming division a sustainable business.
'There Are Other Xbox Studios in Trouble': Ominous Reports as Microsoft 'Bloodbath' Looms
Journalist Jason Schreier reports that Xbox is facing significant layoffs and potential studio closures beyond Ninja Theory, Double Fine, and Compulsion Games. These "bloodbath" events are expected within the next two weeks, with negotiations underway for studio spin-offs or sales. The situation is attributed to financial pressures, including the costly Activision Blizzard acquisition and a failure to grow Game Pass significantly.
Report: Xbox was set on splitting with Ninja Theory when unveiling its new project
A report suggests Microsoft planned to separate from Ninja Theory around the unveiling of its new project, Senua. This comes amid broader reports of internal turmoil at Xbox, with multiple studios reportedly negotiating to become independent due to potential shutdowns of less profitable teams. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a reset for the division, which may include significant cuts and reduced budgets.
Microsoft's games are bigger than Xbox. So just scrap Xbox.
This article argues that Microsoft should discontinue the Xbox as a hardware platform due to its financial unsustainability and focus instead on its game development studios. The author suggests spinning off the gaming division into an independent entity to maximize revenue from its vast portfolio of games like Call of Duty and Minecraft, decoupling them from expensive console hardware.
Just Weeks After Launching Highly Rated PS5 Game Luna Abyss, the Team Has Been Laid Off
Kwalee Labs, the development team behind the recently released PlayStation 5 game Luna Abyss, has been laid off just weeks after the game's launch. Despite receiving positive reviews and player reception, all nine members of the team are now available for work. This news comes amidst broader industry concerns about layoffs, with reports suggesting further redundancies at companies like Xbox.
Newly Revealed PS5 Action Adventure Game Already in Trouble
A newly revealed PlayStation 5 action-adventure game, Senua, from developer Ninja Theory, may be in jeopardy. Reports suggest Microsoft is considering shutting down or selling Ninja Theory, with the game's announcement at the Xbox Showcase potentially intended to attract a buyer. The future of the studio and the game remains uncertain.
Xbox Reportedly Used Ninja Theory’s New Game Trailer To Attract Buyers
A report suggests that Xbox may have utilized a trailer for Ninja Theory's new game as a tool to attract potential buyers for the studio. This comes amidst speculation about potential studio closures.