Forza
News, coverage and analysis tracking Forza across the outlets.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be bothFormer PlayStation leader Shawn Layden argues that Xbox must choose between being a major game publisher or a platform holder, stating it cannot effectively be both. He highlights the need for exclusive content to support a platform, contrasting it with the multiplatform approach required for a top publisher, a dilemma exacerbated by recent Xbox layoffs and strategic shifts.
Games Inbox: Is the Xbox doomed to failure?Readers express concerns about the future of Xbox, citing recent studio closures and a reliance on aging franchises like Halo and Gears of War. The discussion also touches on the shift towards digital-only games, the impact on game preservation, and the potential for companies like Sony to influence Kickstarter campaigns.
The Xbox reset is not going to work if it’s just a retreat to the pastMicrosoft's Xbox division continues to face significant challenges, marked by recurring mass layoffs and declining results. Despite the high volume of job cuts and studio closures, the company's future strategy remains unclear, with speculation that new leadership may be attempting to revert to past successes rather than innovate. The article questions the sustainability of this approach, especially concerning hardware sales and the exclusivity of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6.
After Describing Them as 'Antiquated', Xbox Now Says It 'Must Have Exclusive Content and Services'Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has indicated a shift in the company's stance on exclusive content, stating that to be a great publisher, games must reach large audiences, but to be a platform, exclusive content and services are necessary. This contrasts with previous statements from Sarah Bond, who called exclusives 'antiquated'. The company is now considering an 'exclusive content and services' approach on a case-by-case basis for its titles, potentially experimenting with games like Gears of War: E-Day.
XBOX is “Talking” About How to Handle Showing Competing Platform Logos – CEOXbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged fan feedback regarding the display of competing platform logos in Xbox showcases, stating the company is discussing adjustments for future events. This follows comments from Xbox Chief Content Officer Matt Booty about including all platform logos. The debate touches on Microsoft's strategy shift towards multi-platform releases for franchises like Halo and Forza, versus fan desire for more Xbox hardware exclusives.- Sunday ConsolidationXbox Insiders can now personalize their experience with new color options and on-screen controller settings. Matt Booty also discussed upcoming games, including Forza and Call of Duty, in a recent interview.
Matt Booty Talks Games Showcase, Forza, CoD, and More | Official XBOX PodcastMatt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, discusses the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase, the future of the Forza franchise, and the integration of Call of Duty into the Xbox ecosystem. The conversation touches on the company's overall strategy and upcoming releases.
Introducing the XBOX Game Studios ShopXbox Game Studios has launched the Xbox Game Studios Shop, a new online destination for official merchandise from its popular titles like Halo, Forza, Gears of War, and Fable. The shop will feature a growing range of items, including collectibles and apparel, with new products planned to coincide with major game releases.- Diskutera – Tidernas bästa bilspelThis article discusses the best racing games of all time, featuring titles like Mario Kart, Forza, and Gran Turismo. It prompts readers to share their opinions in the comments section on whether arcade or simulation racing games are more enjoyable.
- Morning Tech BitsGoogle I/O 2026 is set to feature updates on Gemini AI and smart glasses, as detailed in a live blog. Separately, a report claims Intel is pressuring PC makers to adopt their 18A CPUs to secure supply. The article also briefly mentions Forza.
How Online Pokies Quietly Borrowed Their Playbook From Video GamesOnline pokies have increasingly adopted production values, design language, and progression mechanics from mainstream video games, a trend particularly evident in Australia due to high console ownership and gambling rates. This convergence includes cinematic intros, named characters, achievement systems, and procedural generation, blurring the lines between gambling and gaming. Regulators are examining this overlap, especially concerning mechanics like loot boxes in video games that share similarities with slot machine engagement.
Former Head of Xbox Film/TV Kiki Wolfkill Has Left Microsoft After 28 YearsKiki Wolfkill has departed Microsoft after 28 years, having worked on games like Forza, Mass Effect, and Fable, and served as executive producer on Halo 4. She also contributed to transmedia projects such as the Halo TV show, a Minecraft movie, and Amazon's Fallout TV series. Wolfkill expressed gratitude for her career at Microsoft and excitement for future endeavors.
Jock Blaney, The Voice Of Star Fox 64's Wolf & Bill Grey, Has DiedVeteran radio broadcaster and voice actor Jock Blaney, best known as the original English voice of Wolf O'Donnell and Bill Grey in Star Fox 64, passed away last month at the age of 76. Blaney also had credits in games like No One Lives Forever and the Professor Layton series. His iconic lines from Star Fox 64 remain memorable for fans.- Trolli Reveals, Forza, Diablo IV, And Warcraft LineTrolli has announced a new product line featuring collaborations with the Warcraft, Diablo IV, and Forza franchises. This merchandise aims to appeal to fans of these popular gaming series.
Trolli Reveals, Forza, Diablo IV, And Warcraft LineTrolli has revealed a new line of products featuring Forza, Diablo IV, and Warcraft. Further details about the specific items and availability are expected soon.- Gear.Club Unlimited 3 (NS2) Review | VGChartzGear.Club Unlimited 3 is a middling racing simulation for the Nintendo Switch, failing to impress compared to titles like Mario Kart or Gran Turismo. The game features a substantial story mode, limited multiplayer, and subpar visuals, despite some successes in its workshop upgrades and highway duels.
Phil Spencer Was Good for Xbox, but His Legacy Is Complicated - IGNPhil Spencer is retiring after 38 years with Microsoft, concluding a 12-year tenure as Head of Xbox. His legacy is viewed as complicated, with shareholders seeing massive stock growth while some hardcore gamers point to increased subscription prices, fewer exclusives, and studio closures. Despite these criticisms, the article argues Spencer was a net positive, crediting him with saving Xbox during the Xbox One era, championing features like backwards compatibility and cross-play, and building a strong portfolio of studios and games.
Microsoft quietly retires 'This is an Xbox' marketing campaignMicrosoft 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.
Microsoft CEO Calls Gaming One of Company’s “Core Identities” During Internal Q&AMicrosoft CEO Satya Nadella stated during an internal Q&A that gaming is one of the company's core identities, emphasizing continued investment in both hardware and software. He highlighted gaming as a key entertainment category and discussed the importance of active player engagement over passive consumption. Nadella also stressed the need to maintain and strengthen the loyalty of existing Xbox and PC players while exploring new avenues for growth.
The Xbox isn’t ending, but it needs these 3 changes to return to gloryDespite recent reports and speculation, Xbox is not ending but is entering a critical rebuilding phase. To regain its former glory, the platform needs to focus on three key areas: successfully launching its next-generation 'Project Helix' hardware, consistently delivering high-quality games from its studios, and rebuilding its community culture by reintroducing personality and prioritizing game preservation.