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Playground Games confirms Forza Horizon 6 leak, threatens "franchise-wide and hardware bans" for anyone…
Playground Games has confirmed that Forza Horizon 6 has leaked ahead of its May 19 launch, denying any connection to pre-load issues. The studio is implementing strict enforcement actions, including franchise-wide and hardware bans, against individuals found accessing the leaked build.
Discord Nitro Now Comes With Game Pass “Starter Edition”
Discord and Xbox have partnered to offer a "starter edition" of Xbox Game Pass to Discord Nitro subscribers, including over 50 games. This edition has limitations on game streaming and console online multiplayer, primarily targeting PC users. Eligible Game Pass users will also receive exclusive Discord perks.
Gears of War E-Day release window potentially hinted at by AAA TripleMania sponsorship
The Gears of War E-Day logo appearing as a presenting sponsor for AAA TripleMania 34, an event with historical ties to video game release announcements, suggests a potential September 2026 release window. This timing aligns with the one-year anniversary of Gears of War: Reloaded's launch on current-generation platforms, including PlayStation 5, potentially capitalizing on a newly expanded player base.
Xbox Game Pass "starter edition" now officially bundled with Discord Nitro memberships, with more benefits coming soon
Xbox Game Pass has officially partnered with Discord Nitro, offering a starter edition of the subscription service to eligible Nitro members. This collaboration also includes deeper integration within Discord, allowing users to easily access and try Game Pass titles. Separately, a debate is ongoing in California regarding consumer protection law AB 1921, which aims to ensure offline access or refunds for games when online services cease, with the ESA opposing it and consumer groups like Stop Killing Games supporting it.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
Xbox and Discord are expanding their partnership to offer more benefits to players, focusing on subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming services. This collaboration aims to enhance the player experience through integrated features.
Xbox Game Pass And Discord Nitro Partnership Integrate For Better | Console Creatures
Xbox and Discord have announced a new partnership integrating Xbox Game Pass benefits with Discord Nitro memberships. Eligible Discord Nitro members will receive a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass subscribers will gain access to specific Discord Nitro perks. This collaboration aims to enhance flexibility and discovery for users across both platforms.
Xbox Game Pass and Discord: Building on Our Partnership to Bring More Benefits to Players
Xbox and Discord are expanding their partnership to offer more benefits to players. Discord Nitro members will receive a starter edition of Xbox Game Pass, and soon, eligible Xbox Game Pass subscribers will gain access to Discord Nitro benefits, including monthly Discord Orbs and Shop discounts. This collaboration aims to enhance social gaming experiences and make it easier for players to discover and play games together.
Discord Nitro Now Includes Game Pass Starter Benefits, Game Pass to Get Nitro Benefits “Soon”
Xbox and Discord have announced a new partnership that will integrate benefits between Discord Nitro and Xbox Game Pass. Initially, Discord Nitro will include a Game Pass Starter subscription, with Game Pass subscribers gaining access to exclusive Discord Nitro benefits in the future. This collaboration aims to enhance game discoverability and social features for players.
Workers for Xbox studio Double Fine are forming a union
Workers at Xbox studio Double Fine, known for the Psychonauts series, are forming a labor union. The employees are organizing with the Communications Workers of America.
Weekend Console Download Deals for May 8: Xbox Game Studios Sale
Xbox is currently featuring a sale on its first-party titles, while PlayStation has no comparable deals available this weekend. The article highlights the ongoing discounts on Xbox Game Studios releases.
SEGA y Xbox presentan STRANGER THAN HEAVEN
SEGA and Xbox revealed new details for Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio's upcoming game, STRANGER THAN HEAVEN. The action-adventure title will feature a 50-year story spanning five eras and cities, an international cast including Snoop Dogg and Tori Kelly, and an innovative combat system. The game is set to release in winter for Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Steam, and PlayStation 5.
Summer Game Fest schedule 2026: all the dates, times, and where to watch the showcases
The Summer Game Fest 2026 schedule has been announced, with the main showcase hosted by Geoff Keighley kicking off on June 5. The event will feature showcases from Xbox, Wholesome Games, and Day of the Devs, among others, with potential reveals for games like Lara Croft: Legacy of Atlantis and The Duskbloods. The festival runs until June 8, including an invite-only demo event called SGF: Play Days.
Xbox plans to share more on its next console, Project Helix, 'later this year'
Xbox VP of next generation Jason Ronald confirmed that more details about the upcoming console, codenamed Project Helix, will be revealed later this year. Early hardware is expected to ship to developers in early 2027, suggesting a potential consumer release within the next couple of years. This announcement follows the discontinuation of Copilot for Xbox and abandonment of Xbox mobile app functionality.
GamesStop wants eBay, Nintendo confirms Switch 2 price hike, and union boss says EA buyout is a national security risk - Patch Notes #51
This week's gaming news roundup covers GameStop's $55.5 billion takeover bid for eBay, Nintendo's confirmation of price hikes for the Nintendo Switch 2, and concerns raised by a union boss regarding the potential Saudi Arabian buyout of Electronic Arts, citing national security risks. The article also touches on internal leadership changes at Xbox, layoffs at 2K, and the rebranding of CCP Games.
Your Xbox console and handheld could soon look the same, but I'm wary of Microsoft's UI pitch
Microsoft is planning a unified user interface for its Xbox consoles and handheld gaming devices like the ASUS ROG Ally. This initiative aims to reduce fragmentation and provide a consistent "distinctly Xbox" experience across different platforms, considering factors like screen size and input methods. The company, under new CEO Asha Sharma, is prioritizing brand consistency, with Jason Ronald showcasing the UI plans in a recent Game Dev Update.
New Xbox Boss Reportedly 'Treading Carefully' Amid Exclusivity Rethink
New Xbox boss Asha Sharma is reportedly approaching decisions about game exclusivity with caution. The company is re-evaluating its strategy regarding exclusive titles.
Xbox Games Showcase 2026 + Gears E-Day Direct Details | Invision Game Community
Xbox has announced its annual gaming event, the Xbox Games Showcase 2026, scheduled for Sunday, June 7. The showcase will be immediately followed by a dedicated "Gears of War: E-Day Direct" presentation from The Coalition. The event will also celebrate Xbox's 25th anniversary with the return of Xbox FanFest.
STRANGER THAN HEAVEN Revealed in Xbox Showcase | Invision Game Community
SEGA of America and RGG Studio revealed STRANGER THAN HEAVEN during an Xbox showcase, detailing its 50-year crime saga across five Japanese cities and featuring a diverse international cast including Snoop Dogg and Ado. The game introduces an innovative "Showbiz" system where players craft music and manage performances, alongside a unique, reactive combat system. STRANGER THAN HEAVEN is set to launch this winter on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
New Xbox CEO Considering "Range Of Options" For Exclusive Games Going Forward - Report
New Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly evaluating various options for the company's exclusive games strategy, considering a data-driven approach that could impact decisions for years to come. While fans are calling for a return to traditional exclusives, Microsoft has recently expanded its first-party releases to platforms like PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch, a move that has generated significant revenue.
Xbox boss reveals what the next gen Project Helix will sound like
Xbox head Asha Sharma has revealed the new boot-up animation and sound for Xbox consoles, which will also be featured on the upcoming next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, expected in 2027. This branding update is part of a larger effort to revitalize the Xbox brand, with fans responding positively to the changes. The article also touches on the potential for improved backwards compatibility for older titles on the new hardware.
