Xbox
Xbox business and news from across the web.
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Windows 11 is getting an ″Xbox mode″ in April and it’s a big deal
Windows 11 is set to receive an "Xbox mode" in April, which is expected to be a significant development for PC gaming. The article discusses the current console landscape, noting the slower exclusive release cadence for PlayStation 5 compared to Xbox Series X. It also touches on past leadership issues within Xbox and the potential for PC gaming to offer a wider library of titles.
Microsoft's weird "This is an Xbox" marketing appears to be getting quietly swept under the rug amid…
Microsoft appears to be phasing out its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, with related content being removed from official Xbox channels. This shift follows leadership changes within Microsoft Gaming, including the exits of Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, who reportedly championed the campaign. The effectiveness and internal reception of the 'Xbox everywhere' initiative remain subjects of discussion.
NETMARBLE CONFIRMS GLOBAL LAUNCH DATE FOR MONGIL: STAR DIVE ON April 15
Netmarble has announced that its monster-taming action RPG, MONGIL: STAR DIVE, will launch globally on April 15 for PC and mobile platforms. The game, built with Unreal Engine 5, features a three-character tag battle system and a "Monsterling Collection" system. Pre-registration is currently open, offering in-game rewards.
Xbox Confirms Yet Another Phil Spencer-Era Initiative Is Dead
Xbox has confirmed that Project Moorcroft, an initiative designed to support game demos for developers through Xbox Game Pass, will not be moving forward. The program, first teased in June 2022, aimed to help indie developers gain visibility and analytics. Xbox now focuses on other demo-related features and festivals.
Microsoft Silently Does Away With "This Is An Xbox" Campaign
Microsoft has quietly removed most evidence of its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign from the internet, including a now-blank webpage for its announcement. This change follows the appointment of Asha Sharma as Xbox's new executive vice president and CEO and comes less than a month after former CEO Phil Spencer retired and president Sarah Bond departed. The campaign, reportedly driven by Bond, aimed to show Xbox as more than just a console but was met with consumer confusion and internal criticism.
Xbox claims Project Helix alpha dev kits should be ready to ship in 2027
Xbox, under new CEO Asha Sharma, is reportedly preparing to ship 'Project Helix' alpha development kits in 2027. This move signals Microsoft's commitment to an "exciting new era" for the Xbox brand.
Xbox Targets 2027 for Project Helix Dev Kits, Calling Rumoured PS6 Release Into Question
Xbox has indicated that development kits for its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, will be available from 2027, potentially extending the current console generation. This contradicts rumors of a 2027 PlayStation 6 launch and suggests Sony may be considering a longer lifespan for the PlayStation 5, with some reports suggesting 2028 or 2029 releases.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
Jason Ronald, Vice President of Next Generation for Xbox, delivered a keynote address at the Xbox Developer Summit during the Game Developer Conference. The presentation focused on building the next generation of Xbox consoles and development.
Microsoft Teases “Iconic” Xbox Games for Backwards Compatibility With “Entirely New Ways” to Play
Microsoft's Xbox division is expanding backwards compatibility with iconic older games playable in new ways, according to VP Jason Ronald. While not fully detailed, hints suggest these games could become available on PC, with Fuzion Frenzy being a notable example. The company is also developing a next-generation console codenamed Project Helix, designed as a hybrid PC/console machine with advanced ray tracing capabilities.
Microsoft Has Seemingly Retired “This is an Xbox” Marketing Campaign
Microsoft appears to have retired its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, with related content removed from Xbox Wire. The campaign, spearheaded by former Xbox president Sarah Bond, aimed to position Xbox as a multiplatform brand through services like Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. This move follows recent leadership changes at Microsoft Gaming, including the departure of Bond and the appointment of Asha Sharma as CEO.
From GDC: Building the Next Generation of Xbox
The author expresses optimism for the future of Xbox under new leadership, particularly regarding Project Helix, and compares its exclusive release cadence to PlayStation 5. The piece also touches on perceived media hypocrisy regarding console versus PC gaming and the historical lack of support from previous Xbox leadership.
I guess this wasn't an Xbox after all
Microsoft has removed the original Xbox Wire blog post that launched its "This is an Xbox" marketing campaign, signaling a potential shift in future promotions. The company may be moving away from the campaign due to confusion, especially with the development of Project Helix hardware that blurs the lines between console and PC gaming.
Microsoft quietly retires 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign
Microsoft has seemingly retired its 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaign, removing related blog posts from Xbox Wire. This shift occurs shortly after leadership changes and as Xbox continues its multiplatform strategy, releasing titles like Forza and Halo on competing consoles. The company remains committed to its next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, which will also support PC titles.
‘This is a passion project for all of us here’: Xbox keeps pushing the envelope on preservation efforts
Xbox is prioritizing game preservation, aiming to keep older titles accessible and playable with modern enhancements like Auto HDR and FPS Boost. The company plans to release iconic retro games with new features as part of its 25th anniversary celebration later this year, potentially including remasters or remakes of titles like Fallout: New Vegas.
Xbox mode is coming to Windows 11, and PC gaming will never be the same
Microsoft is rolling out an "Xbox mode" to Windows 11 starting in April, transforming PCs into a controller-optimized gaming interface. This feature, inspired by the Xbox gaming OS and tested on the ASUS ROG Ally, aims to provide a seamless transition between productivity and play. The update will be available on all Windows 11 form factors, including laptops, desktops, and tablets.
Outersloth shares contract terms and game funding lessons
The author expresses optimism for Xbox's future under new leadership, noting the strong game library available on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. They discuss past perceived lack of support from Xbox compared to PlayStation and suggest that Xbox's openness to PC games could be a significant advantage going forward. The piece also touches on perceived hypocrisy in gaming media regarding console versus PC gaming.
Everything can be a console in a few weeks’ time as Microsoft plans to bring an ‘Xbox Mode’ to all Windows devices
Microsoft is bringing its 'Xbox Mode' to all Windows devices starting in April, transforming them into a console-like experience. This feature, inspired by the ASUS ROG Ally's success, will offer a unified interface for games from various platforms and include technologies like Advanced Shader Delivery. The move aims to create a more consistent and distinct Xbox gaming experience across different devices.
Xbox Mode Is About To Be On Every Windows 11 PC | Console Creatures
Xbox Mode, previously exclusive to the ROG Ally handheld, is coming to Windows 11 PCs in select markets next month. This feature provides a controller-optimized experience for launching games, browsing libraries, and using Game Bar. Microsoft aims to create a consistent Xbox experience across devices and simplify development for creators.
Project Helix alpha development kits to ship in 2027; Xbox mode coming to Windows 11 in April
Microsoft Gaming announced that alpha development kits for its next-generation 'Project Helix' hardware will ship in 2027, featuring custom AMD technology for enhanced ray tracing and performance. Additionally, an Xbox mode will be integrated into Windows 11 in April, allowing for a seamless transition between productivity and gaming.
Sony is more worried about Steam Machine than Xbox's Project Helix says dev
A former Bluepoint Games developer suggests Sony's reduced focus on PC ports is a strategic response to Valve's potential Steam Machine ecosystem, rather than competition from Microsoft's Project Helix. The argument posits that a successful Steam console offering PC library access with console simplicity could undermine traditional console market dominance.
