Gears of War
News, coverage and analysis tracking Gears of War across the outlets.
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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: Are you still an Xbox fan?
Readers express deep concern over recent layoffs at Xbox and the perceived decline of the brand's relevance and developer support. While some praise Capcom's successful year and positive employee treatment, others question Microsoft's strategy and the future of its studios.
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.
Dags att sätta betyg på tids-äventyret Justin Wack!
Justin Wack and the Big Time Hack is a charming point-and-click adventure that offers a delightful time-traveling experience. The game is praised for its engaging narrative and well-crafted puzzles, making it a standout title.
15 video game franchises that need to end - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that numerous long-running video game franchises have overstayed their welcome and should be retired to encourage innovation. Titles like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Halo, and The Last of Us are cited as examples of games that have become repetitive and are primarily cash grabs, with the author suggesting developers should focus on new intellectual properties instead.
The Last of Us director apologizes for using God of War Laufey as an example of "lack" of innovation in AAA:…
Naughty Dog veteran Bruce Straley has apologized to the Santa Monica Studio team behind God of War for using their game as an example of a lack of innovation in AAA development. Straley explained that his comments were taken out of context and used for clickbait, and that he was trying to illustrate a broader industry concern about stagnant gameplay loops and a reluctance to take risks.
Ex-Naughty Dog Dev Apologizes To God Of War Studio For What He Said About Laufey
Former Naughty Dog director Bruce Straley has apologized to Santa Monica Studio for his previous comments expressing a lack of excitement for God of War, despite acknowledging its visual quality. Straley clarified that his remarks were intended as a broader critique of the AAA games industry's stagnation and lack of innovation, not a specific attack on God of War. He is now working on smaller independent titles.
Game’s Price Is Lower Because This Fall Is So Packed, Dev Admits
Developer One More Level and publisher Lyrical Games have priced Valor Mortis at $40 and made it available day-one on Xbox Game Pass to compete with a crowded fall release schedule. Lyrical Games boss Blake Rochkind stated the lower price allows the game to be an "and game" for consumers, while Game Pass provides reach to players who might not otherwise purchase it. The first-person souls-like set during the Napoleonic Wars will launch on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.
PHYSINT – So… What Exactly Is Going On?
PlayStation has canceled its partnership with Hideo Kojima's Kojima Productions for the upcoming game Physint, citing a difficult decision after three decades of collaboration. Kojima Productions has since partnered with Xbox for the project, which is described as an 'action espionage game' and also working on the horror title OD. The article speculates on the reasons for PlayStation's decision, including high budgets and a potential shift towards live-service games, while highlighting Xbox's eagerness to support Kojima's ambitious vision.
Gears of War Launches Fifth Year of “Never Fight Alone” Suicide Prevention
Gears of War has launched its fifth annual "Never Fight Alone" campaign in partnership with Crisis Text Line and illustrator Luke Preece to support suicide prevention. The Coalition donates 1% of net revenue from its products to Crisis Text Line, which has supported over 16,000 conversations to date. New merchandise and an in-game bundle for Gears of War: E-Day will also contribute to the cause.
In a world of Slime Rancher and Palworld, I still crave more Viva Piñata
This article reflects on Rare's 2006 title Viva Piñata, contrasting its charming life simulation gameplay with the studio's earlier, edgier titles and later Microsoft projects. Despite not being a commercial success, Viva Piñata is praised for retaining Rare's distinctive design magic and offering a surprisingly deep experience with a hidden dark side.
Fall’s Video Game Release Slate Is Intimidatingly Good And Completely Doomed
The Fall 2026 video game release schedule is packed with highly anticipated titles, but this glut is predicted to cause a 'bloodbath' in the industry. Intense competition for consumer dollars and a worsening global economy are expected to lead to significant underperformance, layoffs, and potential studio closures, particularly for smaller developers. Even major publishers may struggle to navigate the crowded market, with few likely to emerge unscathed.
Games Inbox: Did Sony just put on the worst State of Play ever?
Readers express significant disappointment with Sony's recent State of Play presentations, criticizing them as lazy and lacking excitement, especially in contrast to the company's stated business plans. Concerns are also raised about Microsoft's new cloud gaming limits on Game Pass and potential IP sales.
Games Inbox: Are retro video games becoming more popular?
This collection of reader letters discusses the growing popularity of retro gaming, the anticipation and potential console exclusivity of Grand Theft Auto 6, and the perceived resurgence in quality of Sonic the Hedgehog games. Other topics include Capcom's future releases, Sony's State of Play, and the long wait for Nintendo's Zelda remakes.
Gears Of War: E-Day Had To Solve One Big Lore Problem – How Do You Get A Lancer Into The Game?
The Coalition is addressing a lore problem for Gears of War: E-Day by introducing a Lancer prototype, as the iconic weapon was canonically created a year after Emergence Day. Creative director Matt Searcy explained that they are respecting the established lore, including elements from Karen Traviss's novel Gears of War: The Aspho Fields, to integrate the Lancer into the game's Emergence Day setting. The game is set to launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptations for "more than a dozen games" – including Elder…
Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptation rights for over a dozen of its games, including Halo, The Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and Diablo, to major streamers like Netflix, Paramount, and Universal. Microsoft is seeking around $300 million for potential deals, aiming to capitalize on the current trend of successful video game adaptations in Hollywood.
Games Inbox: What will be in the Netflix GTA 6 show?
Readers speculate about the content of a rumored Grand Theft Auto 6 Netflix show, with some anticipating a short gameplay reveal padded with interviews. The discussion also touches on disappointing game leaks, the difficulty of modern Mega Man titles, and the current state of the Star Wars and Xbox franchises.
Gamescom 2026, dag 1. Lugnet före stormen.
This article provides a preview of the first day at Gamescom 2026, detailing the author's experiences in Cologne before the event officially begins. It includes personal anecdotes about daily routines, chance encounters with industry figures like Shams Jorjani of Arrowhead Game Studios, and a hands-on preview of the game Hela (Mice and Magic) from Windup Games.
Gears of War: E-Day somehow feels exactly like a direct continuation of the original Xbox 360 trilogy, for better and for worse
Gears of War: E-Day aims to recapture the classic feel of the original Xbox 360 trilogy, focusing on Marcus Fenix's early days against the Locust horde. Despite changes in developers, the game promises a return to the series' roots with familiar cover-based shooting mechanics and visceral combat. The preview suggests that players who enjoyed the original Gears of War games will find E-Day a satisfying continuation, while those who didn't may not be swayed by its adherence to established tropes.
