Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Xbox says hardware pricing boom represents "great" opportunity for games streaming
Xbox's Chief Strategy Officer, Matthew Ball, stated that the current increase in hardware prices presents a significant opportunity for game streaming services like Xbox Cloud Gaming. He noted a rise in users trying the platform due to factors like high hardware costs, console supply shortages, and the availability of exclusive titles. Ball emphasized that streaming is a key component of Microsoft's multi-faceted gaming strategy, alongside console and PC play.
Xbox announces business 'reset' amid reports of layoffs and studio closures
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma announced a business 'reset' for Microsoft's gaming division, signaling significant layoffs and potential studio closures following years of declining revenue. The memo cites a substantial increase in component costs for hardware and memory, exacerbated by past expansion choices, as a major challenge. Sharma and Xbox content chief Matt Booty aim to revive the company by evolving its business model and partnerships over the next 100 days.
"We have found ourselves over extended", new Xbox CEO says amid reports of plans for major job cuts
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty are reportedly planning significant job cuts across the gaming division. Sharma cited declining revenues despite substantial investments and rising component costs as reasons for a business 'reset'. The planned layoffs follow Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard King and come amid reports of internal questioning regarding the company's broad strategy and complex infrastructure.
Sony angry at Xbox for cutting Halo trailer from State of Play says insider
An insider report suggests Sony is angered by Microsoft's decision to pull a Halo trailer from a recent State of Play, indicating a potential shift back to Xbox exclusives. This move, affecting games like Gears Of War: E-Day and potentially Forza Horizon 6, has reportedly strained the relationship between the two companies and surprised many within Xbox.
Don't panic: Xbox is still releasing games on PC despite exclusivity push
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has clarified that despite "Gears of War: E-Day" being a console exclusive, it will still be available on PC and cloud streaming. Chief Content Officer Matt Booty confirmed that PC releases will continue as normal, alleviating concerns about a return to delayed PC ports. This comes amidst broader changes at Xbox, including the discontinuation of Microsoft's Copilot AI tool and a reduction in Xbox Game Pass costs, alongside reports of significant layoffs and budget cuts.
Xbox reportedly preparing for "significant" lay-offs, as Asha Sharma's big "reset" plan comes into full force
Xbox is reportedly preparing for significant layoffs and budget cuts as part of new CEO Asha Sharma's business reset plan. A memo outlines the company's financial challenges, including decreased revenue and a low accountability margin, and addresses rising hardware costs due to generative AI. The company is also focusing on console exclusivity for upcoming titles like Gears of War: E-Day.
Xbox CCO Matt Booty says he's seen The Elder Scrolls 6, 'it looks amazing, and it's coming along…
Xbox CCO Matt Booty has stated he has seen The Elder Scrolls 6 in development at Bethesda and described it as 'amazing' and 'coming along well'. While not shown at the recent Xbox Showcase, Booty explained the decision to wait for the right moment to reveal the game, emphasizing that when it is shown, it will be close to release. Bethesda previously announced the title in 2018, and both Todd Howard and Booty have reiterated the studio's focus on returning to the classic Elder Scrolls style after Starfield and Fallout 76.
Evening Reading - June 10, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading covers various gaming news, including updates on Among Us Story: On Guard, Alien: Isolation 2, Pokemon Pokopia, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Saw: Genesis. It also mentions Steam discontinuing physical gift cards, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's statement on restructuring, and new game announcements for Minecraft Dungeons 2 and Resident Evil Veronica. Additionally, it highlights Bradley the Badger being published by Focus Entertainment, Geoff Keighley and Hideo Kojima reuniting at Summer Game Fest, and Floyd Norman receiving an honorary Oscar.
Xbox speedruns 'we're so back' to 'it's so over' pipeline at a speed previously thought…
Xbox is facing internal contradictions, with new CEO Asha Sharma announcing free consoles for fans while simultaneously warning employees about overspending on studio acquisitions and impending layoffs. The company's "Xbox Reset" initiative highlights a struggle to balance ambitious growth plans with a reported 3% profit margin, leading to a perception of inconsistent strategy and potential job cuts.
Xbox Reportedly Planning Major Layoffs As Internal Memo Warns “This Cannot Continue”
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly planning significant layoffs in July, potentially impacting around 1,000 employees. This move follows financial struggles and aims to reassess the company's strategy and reintroduce exclusive games.
Xbox's Matt Booty has seen Elder Scrolls 6 gameplay and says it "looks amazing" and is "coming along…
Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty has seen gameplay footage of the highly anticipated The Elder Scrolls 6, describing it as "amazing" and stating that the game is "coming along well." Booty acknowledged the challenges of announcing games too early, a sentiment echoed by Bethesda's Todd Howard, but assured that the project is progressing and will be revealed at the appropriate time.
XBOX to Suffer Layoffs to Counter Falling Revenue in July – Rumor
A report from Bloomberg's Jason Schreier suggests that Xbox is planning significant layoffs in July as part of CEO Asha Sharma's strategy to address falling revenue. The company has reportedly seen a nearly half-billion dollar decline in annual revenue over the past five years, excluding Activision Blizzard King. Alongside layoffs, budgets for marketing and other areas are expected to be reduced.
XBOX Leadership Outlines Five “Realities” Faced by the Company Going Forward
Xbox leadership, including CEO Asha Sharma and Chief Content Officer Matt Booty, have outlined five key "realities" the company faces. These include fighting for player attention despite a large user base, a recent fiscal year decline due to investments, rising hardware component costs, the need to reassess investment priorities for game development, and an outdated platform infrastructure that requires rebuilding.
Xbox Finally Has Big Exclusives Again, But Gamers Are Still Confused
Xbox is facing confusion regarding its exclusive game strategy, with recent announcements like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution being console exclusives while other titles remain multiplatform. This shift back towards exclusives, despite years of opening up its games, has led to criticism about inconsistent communication and strategy from Microsoft executives like Asha Sharma and Matthew Ball. The article questions the long-term viability and clarity of this approach, especially concerning future titles and the impact on player trust.
Gears of War: E-Day – 15 Major Details Before Launch
Gears of War: E-Day is set to launch on October 6th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with no PlayStation 5 version planned. The prequel focuses on the early days of the Locust War, showcasing the bond between Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, and returns to urban combat with detailed city environments. The game will feature new mechanics like low-ground cover and sliding, enhanced destruction, revamped facial animations, and a return of 2-player split-screen co-op alongside a 4-player online co-op and a revamped 12-player Horde Siege mode.
Xbox’s July Layoffs Could Involve Studio Closures – Rumor
A report from The Verge suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division may implement layoffs in July, potentially including the closure of a studio. This follows a Bloomberg report indicating major job cuts are planned by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma to mitigate revenue losses. Sharma and CCO Matt Booty acknowledged a 3 percent accountability margin decline and discussed challenges with rising hardware component costs, necessitating a new business model for future projects like 'Project Helix'.
Games Inbox: Does the Nintendo Switch 2 have enough good games?
Readers express mixed opinions on the recent Nintendo Direct, with many finding it disappointing due to a lack of major first-party announcements and an over-reliance on ports and less popular franchises. Concerns are raised about whether the Nintendo Switch 2 has enough compelling games to justify its upcoming price increase, especially when compared to the more impactful presentations from PlayStation and Xbox.
Yet more layoffs reported at Ubisoft, this time in San Francisco
Ubisoft has reportedly laid off dozens of employees from its San Francisco studio as part of an ongoing restructuring, following studio closures in Winnipeg and Belgrade. Meanwhile, Xbox is also reportedly planning significant layoffs and budget cuts across marketing and other areas as new CEO Asha Sharma initiates a "reset" for the business, aiming to improve efficiency and player value.
Xbox CEO says current margins 'cannot continue' in public letter to staff
Xbox CEO Phil Spencer has indicated in a letter to staff that the company's current profit margins are unsustainable. This statement suggests potential shifts in business strategy or pricing models for the Xbox division in the future.
Xbox Planning Major Layoffs Next Month, Could Involve Studio Closures
Xbox is reportedly planning significant layoffs next month, which may include the closure of some studios. Employees were reportedly shocked by the cancellation of Gears of War. The publisher also announced several new games for the PlayStation 5, including State of Decay 3 and Senua.