Asha Sharma
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Xbox 100-Day Reset Gets First Big Win with Gears of War E-Day
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic reset is showing early results with the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day reaching its 'gold' milestone. The game's launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass signifies a renewed focus on console exclusives and a more concentrated studio portfolio for Microsoft's gaming division.
Why do Japanese studios suffer fewer layoffs? Because they have smaller teams and don't pay their execs $30m, says one expert
An expert suggests that Japanese game studios experience fewer layoffs due to smaller team sizes, a focus on protecting core staff, and significantly lower executive salaries compared to Western companies. While not a utopia, the Japanese industry's resilience is attributed to avoiding mega-blockbuster trends and excessive executive compensation, contrasting sharply with the widespread job losses seen in North America and Europe.
Physint Release Date-Estimate, Gameplay, And Everything We Know
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, is a tactical espionage action title being published by Xbox and developed by Kojima Productions. Originally a PlayStation project, Sony dropped the game due to concerns about budget and deadlines, but Xbox stepped in to support Kojima's vision. The game is still in its conceptual stages, with a potential release window as far out as 2030, and will feature actors like Bill Skarsgard in lead roles.
Microsoft doesn't dismiss rumours a major Xbox Game Pass shake-up is on the way, which reportedly removes day-one game offerings entirely
Rumors suggest Microsoft is planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass, potentially removing day-one game offerings and cloud streaming from all tiers. A new ad-supported tier and a family plan are also reportedly in development, with changes possibly occurring between February and April 2027. Microsoft has stated no changes are finalized but regularly tests new offerings.
Game Pass to end day one launch games say rumours and Xbox isn't denying it
Rumors suggest that Xbox Game Pass will introduce an ad-supported tier and remove day-one game releases starting in spring next year, with cloud streaming becoming a separate add-on. Microsoft has not denied these potential changes, stating they regularly test different offerings, but have not finalized any plans.
Microsoft Reacts To Xbox Game Pass Rumor That Could Change The Service In A Big Way
A recent rumor suggests Microsoft is planning a significant overhaul of Xbox Game Pass in 2027, potentially introducing tiered pricing with ads and removing day-one releases for some titles. Microsoft has responded by stating they regularly test offerings but have no finalized plans to announce. The article also touches on recent changes made by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, including price adjustments and the removal of new Call of Duty games from day-one access.
Laying off the people making The Elder Scrolls 6 while desperately trying to get The Elder Scrolls 6 finished "doesn't make any sense," says former Bethesda dev
Former Bethesda lore expert Kurt Kuhlmann criticizes Xbox owner Microsoft's decision to lay off veteran developers working on The Elder Scrolls 6, stating it makes no business sense. The layoffs, which impacted experienced creators rather than management, follow reports of pressure to speed up production for The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout.
Amid relentless layoffs at Xbox, Fable lead says "so many people" at the company see the RPG as "vital to the DNA of the platform," which "protected us over a long development cycle"
Despite significant layoffs at Xbox and the cancellation of other projects, the upcoming RPG Fable is considered vital to the platform's identity, which has protected its long development cycle. Director Ralph Fulton believes the game is important to video games as a whole, offering a unique combination of elements. Fable is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and PlayStation 5.
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.
Xbox CEO Aims to Fix Company by Being Transparent
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is implementing a leadership style focused on transparency, which contrasts with her predecessor Phil Spencer. Sharma aims to improve communication about successes and failures across Xbox divisions, emphasizing 'Clarity is kindness.' This approach comes amidst significant layoffs and a strategic refocus on core business areas.
After Death Stranding missed expectations, Sony reportedly axed Physint because Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear successor is over budget, years away, missing deadlines, and not a true exclusive
Sony Interactive Entertainment has reportedly canceled Hideo Kojima's action-espionage game, Physint, due to budget overruns, missed deadlines, and its perceived lack of true exclusivity. The project has since been picked up by Microsoft and Xbox. This decision follows disappointing sales for Kojima's previous titles, Death Stranding, and a shift in Sony's strategy away from PC releases and towards console exclusivity.
Sony tries to cancel Hideo Kojima’s Physint game but Xbox has saved it
Sony has reportedly cancelled its publishing deal for Hideo Kojima's upcoming action-espionage game, Physint. Xbox has stepped in to fund and publish the title, which is seen as a spiritual successor to the Metal Gear Solid series. This move positions Xbox as a savior for Kojima's project after Sony's withdrawal.
Kojima’s Physint Dropped By PlayStation, Rescued By Xbox
Sony's PlayStation has dropped its support for Hideo Kojima's upcoming stealth action game, Physint, leading to speculation about the reasons behind the decision. Xbox has now stepped in to publish the title, marking a significant shift for Kojima's studio, which has a long history with PlayStation. This new partnership with Xbox also extends to Kojima's horror game OD and potentially other film and television projects.
Xbox replaces Sony as Physint publisher, boosting chances of PC release
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, has switched publishers from Sony Interactive Entertainment to Xbox. This move, announced by Kojima Productions, significantly increases the likelihood of a PC release for the title, which is still estimated to be five to six years away from launch.
Hideo Kojima's Physint now being published by Xbox, as PlayStation severs ties with Kojima Productions and Microsoft steps in to take over
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, has shifted publishers from PlayStation to Xbox. PlayStation stated they "stepped away from the project" for undisclosed reasons, while Xbox expressed honor in supporting Kojima Productions. This move comes after Physint was initially announced as a PlayStation exclusive, and Kojima confirmed development is ongoing.
PlayStation tried to cancel Hideo Kojima's Physint, now Xbox is publishing it
Hideo Kojima's upcoming game, Physint, will now be published by Xbox after PlayStation Studios attempted to cancel the project. Kojima Productions is moving forward with the 'tactical espionage action' title, which Kojima described as "both a game and a movie at the same time."
XBOX and KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS Expand Partnership to Publish PHYSINT
Xbox and Kojima Productions have expanded their partnership to include the development and publishing of the new action-espionage game, Physint. This collaboration also extends beyond games into film and television projects, aiming to bring new stories to broader audiences.
Blizzard union workers ratify historic contract covering 1,900 employees
Employees at Blizzard Entertainment, a subsidiary of Microsoft, have ratified a new union contract covering 1,900 workers represented by the Communications Workers of America (CWA). The historic agreement includes protections for AI usage, layoff recall rights, improved severance, wage increases, and a three-day hybrid work week, setting a new industry standard.
'No-one puts Double Fine out of business except me', says Tim Schafer on taking Double Fine independent:…
Double Fine has become an independent studio again after parting ways with Microsoft, a move initiated by new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's significant layoffs. Studio head Tim Schafer expressed that while the games industry has harsh realities, he is determined to keep Double Fine afloat and sees the transition as a creative awakening, despite having to lay off 23 employees himself.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is "not going to shoot my dog," says now-independent Double Fine boss Tim Schafer, who initially opposed Microsoft ownership because "you guys love closing studios"
Double Fine has regained its independence from Microsoft, with founder Tim Schafer expressing relief that new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma is not planning to close studios. Schafer initially opposed the acquisition due to Microsoft's history of studio closures, but found the experience under Phil Spencer and Matt Booty to be largely positive until recent leadership changes. The studio announced its new game, Thank You Bus Driver, shortly after regaining independence, though it also had to lay off 23 employees.
