Clockwork Revolution
News, coverage and analysis tracking Clockwork Revolution across the outlets.
Latest coverage
Xbox Has Started Surveying Users About Future Games Being Exclusive – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly surveying users about making future games, excluding Call of Duty, console exclusive to the Xbox ecosystem. Franchises like DOOM, The Elder Scrolls, Minecraft, Diablo, and Fallout were mentioned as potential exclusives. This move aims to gauge player interest in investing in Xbox for exclusive content, with titles like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution already confirmed as non-timed exclusives.
Xbox CEO: We Must Rely On The Past, But We Cannot Rely On The Past
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma emphasized the need for Microsoft's gaming division to balance reliance on major franchises with the creation of new intellectual property for long-term survival. While acknowledging the importance of established titles like Halo and Gears of War, Sharma stressed that innovation and new IP are crucial to reaching new audiences and preventing stagnation.
Asha Sharma reportedly tells rattled Xbox employees: "We have to find new ways, and courage, to have invention on new IP"
Xbox leader Asha Sharma reportedly stated that the company must innovate and create new intellectual property to survive, rather than solely relying on existing franchises. This comes despite recent studio closures and consolidations that have impacted developers known for creating new game ideas.
Gears Of War: E-Day–How’s It Selling? Let’s Unpack Things
Gears of War: E-Day has sold approximately 230,000 copies across Steam and Xbox platforms, with a significant portion of players acquiring it through Game Pass. Analysts suggest that while direct sales are soft, the Game Pass model, including premium upgrades, generated substantial revenue, but questions are being raised about Xbox's overall strategy and its ability to drive console sales.
"This is your Dreamcast moment": Former PlayStation boss thinks Xbox needs to "pick a lane" with exclusive games to fix itself
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox needs to commit to a clear strategy regarding exclusive games to improve its standing. He argues that a platform without exclusives lacks meaning, and that trying to be both a platform and a major third-party publisher is unsustainable. Layden compares Xbox's current situation to Sega's Dreamcast era, suggesting a pivot to publishing is possible.
"Xbox is not for sale": CEO Asha Sharma says "we will do whatever it takes" to turn the console maker's fortunes around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the company is not for sale, despite significant internal restructuring and studio layoffs. She affirmed a commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to ensure Xbox's success. Separately, Rockstar Games detailed advancements in Grand Theft Auto 6's weather system, promising dynamic cloudscapes and localized, persistent weather effects.
Majority Of Gears Of War: E-Day Revenue On Xbox Will Be Cannibalized By Game Pass, Analyst Says
An analyst report suggests that Gears of War: E-Day's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass will significantly cannibalize its revenue potential, despite strong initial sales on Steam. Microsoft's strategy with Game Pass is questioned, with past admissions that it can hurt full-game sales, though some executives maintain it can also boost them. The report also touches on the potential for a PlayStation 5 port and the broader implications of Microsoft's exclusivity and Game Pass strategies.
Xbox is reportedly paying a "fraction" of the $400 million Kojima quoted Sony for Physint
Reports indicate that Xbox is paying significantly less than the rumored $400 million for Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth game, Physint. Sony reportedly withdrew funding after budget and deadline issues, leading Kojima Productions to secure a deal with Xbox, which includes movie and TV licensing rights.
Microsoft CEO Says “Streamlining” by Xbox Team is “Great to See” in the Wake of Layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and future game development despite recent restructuring and significant layoffs. He praised Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's streamlining efforts and reiterated the goal of sustainable business models for broader game accessibility. However, the division faces challenges including declining hardware revenue and pressure to deliver successful exclusives.
The Xbox reset doesn't have an end date | Opinion
The ongoing Xbox business reset, initiated by CEO Asha Sharma, has extended far beyond its initial 100-day target with no clear end date or vision. The extensive layoffs and studio closures, including the likely shuttering of Ninja Theory, have created an atmosphere of instability and uncertainty, raising questions about Microsoft's long-term strategy for the Xbox brand.
Games Inbox: Will the PS6 release be delayed?
Readers discuss the upcoming console generation, with skepticism regarding the PlayStation 6's 2027 release due to cost and component shortages, suggesting a delay to 2028. There's also commentary on Xbox's strategic shifts, potential studio closures, and the future of the Xbox brand as a more PC-centric platform. Additionally, discussions touch on game design choices in Fire Emblem and the importance of character design in the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise.
What the Hell is Going on With Halo and Xbox?
Xbox Game Studios has announced significant layoffs at Halo Studios, formerly 343 Industries, with 268 roles eliminated. A smaller team will continue to support existing Halo titles, while a new, separate team under Activision will develop the next mainline Halo installment. This move is part of a broader strategy to accelerate franchise output and streamline development, though it has led to widespread criticism regarding job security and studio management.
What Is Xbox Game Studios At This Point?
Recent changes and layoffs within Xbox have led to a significant restructuring of its studios, questioning the identity and purpose of the 'Xbox Game Studios' brand. With only four studios remaining under its direct banner and others absorbed into Bethesda or Activision Blizzard, the publisher's internal structure has become complex and its future branding uncertain.
Hideo Kojima doesn't know if Physint will be released on PS5, and he hasn't decided if it's going to use Sony's Decima game engine
Hideo Kojima has revealed that the platform release for his upcoming game Physint is undecided, with the decision resting with Xbox, who are now publishing the title after Sony's withdrawal. Kojima is also still experimenting with game engines for Physint, considering Xbox's technological support and the possibility of using Unreal Engine 5, despite previous use of Sony's Decima engine for Death Stranding.
2027 Upcoming Games Release Schedule
This article provides a comprehensive release schedule for video games anticipated in 2027. It details specific titles with their planned release months and platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Games with broader 2027 release windows are also listed.
Amid rumors of Xbox Game Pass dropping day one games, Microsoft will only confirm that previously announced games are…
Microsoft has not confirmed or denied rumors that day-one game releases will be removed from Xbox Game Pass. While the company stated that previously announced day-one titles are safe, they indicated that future plans are not finalized, potentially impacting upcoming games like Fable and Physint. This news comes amid speculation about potential price increases and changes to the service's features.
The Elder Scrolls 6 Exclusivity Question Avoided by Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and other executives have avoided clarifying the exclusivity status of The Elder Scrolls 6. While acknowledging the need for exclusive content, Sharma stated that the game is 'beautiful' when pressed on the matter, and other Xbox strategists have indicated a continued commitment to exclusives.
Will The Elder Scrolls 6 be Xbox exclusive? CEO Asha Sharma won't say, but "every platform needs some form of…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma addressed the ongoing question of The Elder Scrolls 6's exclusivity, stating that while every platform needs exclusive content, she did not directly confirm if the game would be exclusive to Xbox consoles. Sharma also mentioned that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution will be console exclusives for Xbox. The Elder Scrolls 6 has been in development for years, with limited official information released.
Xbox CEO Plays Coy About Whether Elder Scrolls 6 Will Skip PlayStation
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discussed the company's strategy regarding exclusive games, suggesting that Microsoft will continue to prioritize them. While she remained coy about The Elder Scrolls 6's platform status, documents from the Microsoft vs. FTC case indicated it was not planned for PlayStation 5. Sharma also addressed recent layoffs at Bethesda, acknowledging the impact on employee morale.
Console Exclusivity Is Creeping Back: Inside Xbox and Sony’s Quiet Retreat From Multiplatform
Xbox and Sony appear to be scaling back their multiplatform strategies, with recent game trailers omitting mentions of competing consoles. This shift suggests a renewed focus on strengthening their respective ecosystems, with Sony reviving its 'only on PlayStation' branding and Xbox making permanent exclusivity promises for select titles.
