Jez Corden
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Xbox Is Paying A Lot Less Than Normal For Kojima’s Physint, Possibly Under $200 Million – Report
Xbox is reportedly paying significantly less than typical for Hideo Kojima's new game, Physint, with figures possibly under $200 million, a stark contrast to earlier rumors of a $400 million Sony deal. Sony reportedly dropped the project due to budget and delays, while Xbox's agreement also includes film and TV rights. This deal, along with the horror game OD, marks a new publishing partnership between Xbox and Kojima.
Physint Deal is “Substantially Below” Developing a Premium Game, Says Xbox CEO
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company's deal for Kojima Productions' Physint is substantially below the typical cost of developing a premium game, contradicting speculation about massive budgets. This comes after Sony reportedly dropped its publishing deal due to the game's high costs and missed deadlines, with reports suggesting Xbox's deal is a fraction of the rumored $400 million. Hideo Kojima expressed surprise at Sony's decision, while acknowledging ongoing development and potential technological support from Xbox.
PHYSINT Reportedly Alters Budgets Following Xbox Switch
Reports suggest that Hideo Kojima's new Xbox game, Physint, has a significantly smaller budget than initially rumored, potentially around $150 million, compared to the $400 million figure speculated for Sony's involvement. This comes amid Xbox's efforts to improve its image and Sony's struggles with live-service titles, with sources indicating Physint is behind schedule.
Hideo Kojima's Physint isn't costing Xbox $400 million after all, with new reports suggesting the Metal Gear successor's actual budget is "significantly less"
New reports suggest that Xbox's deal for Hideo Kojima's upcoming game Physint is significantly less than the rumored $400 million. While Sony reportedly canceled the game, Xbox has picked it up for publishing. Despite ongoing rumors about budget concerns, sources indicate the actual cost is much lower, though still substantial for a AAA title.
Physint Cost Xbox “A Fraction” of Alleged $400 Million Budget – Rumor
Reports suggest that Xbox's deal with Kojima Productions for the game Physint is significantly less than the rumored $400 million figure that PlayStation was reportedly considering. While the exact cost for Xbox is described as a 'fraction' of that amount, the deal may include enhanced terms for Hideo Kojima's horror title OD. The article also touches on previous reports of missed deadlines and the project's distant release window.
Xbox is Avoiding its Layoff Target of 1,600 More Cuts by End of Fiscal Year – Rumor
A report suggests Xbox will miss its target of 1,600 layoffs by restructuring divisions and divesting studios instead. Companies like Double Fine, Ninja Theory, Undead Labs, and Compulsion Games are becoming independent or being sold. This comes after 268 roles were eliminated, with further consolidation and potential studio closures, including Ninja Theory, being discussed.
New Halo Announcement is Coming Soon – Rumor
Rumors suggest Xbox is preparing a significant announcement regarding the Halo franchise soon, with industry insiders hinting at future plans. However, reports also indicate recent title Halo: Campaign Evolved underperformed expectations, and potential layoffs at Halo Studios could be part of the news, creating mixed reactions.
StarCraft Shooter Has a “Full-Blown” Single-Player Campaign, Akin to Space Marine 2 – Rumor
Rumors suggest Blizzard Entertainment is developing a StarCraft shooter with a full single-player campaign, drawing comparisons to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and Far Cry. Jez Corden of Windows Central claims to have seen pre-alpha footage and believes the game will feature a strong narrative focus, potentially with co-op elements, though multiplayer is also expected.
Don't count on the rumoured StarCraft game being a Destiny-like, says Jason Schreier
According to reporter Jason Schreier, the rumored next StarCraft game is unlikely to be a Destiny-style live service shooter. Information from Jez Corden suggests it might be more akin to Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 or Far Cry. Blizzard Entertainment is expected to reveal more at BlizzCon.
Blizzard Was “Top-Performing” Studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26 – Rumor
A report suggests Blizzard Entertainment was the top-performing studio at Xbox in Q4 FY26, with Blizzard president Johanna Faries congratulating staff on growth and record fiscal performance. This success, driven by Diablo 4: Lord of Hatred and Overwatch, contrasts with Xbox's overall revenue decline and recent layoffs.
Xbox Could Potentially Have a “Window” to Leave Steam – Rumor
A rumor suggests that Microsoft, under Xbox's new strategy, might be planning to exit Steam for its PC releases. While Jez Corden of Windows Central reported that Microsoft has plans which could allow them to leave Steam, he also expressed doubt due to the significant revenue involved. This speculation follows recent Xbox console exclusive announcements and price hikes.
Xbox Series X/S Consoles Are Still Sold at a Loss Even After Price Hikes – Rumor
Despite price increases, Microsoft's Xbox Series X/S consoles are reportedly still sold at a loss of around $150 each, a situation expected to continue even after future price hikes. This financial strain may impact the pricing strategy for the upcoming 'Project Helix' console, which is rumored to be an open platform with a high price point due to reliance on hardware revenue. Reports also indicate that Xbox Ally users primarily subscribe to Game Pass rather than purchasing games directly, highlighting the dominance of platforms like Steam in the handheld market.
Xbox Rolling Out Disc-to-Digital Conversion for Insiders This Week – Rumor
Microsoft is reportedly testing a "Disc to Digital" feature for Xbox Insiders that would allow users to convert physical game discs into digital licenses. This feature, codenamed "Positron," is expected to support Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles, but not older console generations. The move could be a way for players to maintain access to their libraries if future Xbox consoles omit disc drives.
Xbox Layoffs’ Effects on Blizzard Have Been “Comparatively Minimal” – Rumor
Blizzard Entertainment president Johanna Faries addressed staff regarding Xbox's recent layoffs, stating the impact on Blizzard has been comparatively minimal. While further details will be shared, the company plans to focus on its major franchises like Diablo, StarCraft, and Warcraft, with potential cross-media adaptations and BlizzCon 2026 still planned. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma indicated that the layoffs are part of a broader reset due to failed bets and overextension, with approximately 3,200 job cuts planned for the fiscal year.
Next-Gen Xbox May Not Have Disc Drive, Disc-To-Digital Feature Coming, Reports Say
Reports suggest Microsoft's next-generation console, codenamed Project Helix, may omit a disc drive, following similar trends from Sony. Microsoft is reportedly testing a "disc-to-digital" feature that would allow users to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S discs into digital entitlements tied to their Microsoft account.
State of Decay 3 “Nails the AAA Feel”, Might Show Up During June 7th XBOX Showcase – Rumor
According to a rumor from Jez Corden of Windows Central, State of Decay 3 is expected to be featured at the upcoming June 7th Xbox Showcase. The game is reportedly in private alpha testing and has achieved a polished 'AAA' feel, a significant improvement over its predecessor. While other Xbox Game Studios titles like those from Ninja Theory and Double Fine are unlikely to be shown due to early development stages, potential reveals include projects from Toys for Bob and InXile Entertainment, as well as a possible new Xbox Elite Controller.
XBOX is “Talking” About How to Handle Showing Competing Platform Logos – CEO
Xbox 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.
Jez Corden believes next Fallout remaster is due in 2027
Microsoft insider Jez Corden suggests that a Fallout remaster, widely believed to be Fallout 3, is targeted for a 2027 release. He also indicated that The Elder Scrolls 6 is still some years away, potentially launching in 2028 or 2029. Bethesda has shown support for the Nintendo Switch with potential remasters of Fallout 4 and The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion.
Microsoft Cancelled Game Pass Family Plan Due to Objection From EA – Rumor
Microsoft has reportedly cancelled its plans for a Game Pass Family Plan due to objections from partners, primarily Electronic Arts. The proposed plan would have allowed up to four users to share a single subscription. This decision comes despite the family plan being a highly requested feature by Xbox players.
Xbox is Exploring “a Range of Options” to Reach 30 Percent Profit Margins by 2030 – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly exploring various strategies to achieve a 30 percent profit margin by 2030, including potential cost-saving measures and a shift towards being more software-focused. These efforts are influenced by pressure from Microsoft and a desire to capitalize on upcoming hardware sales, such as for Grand Theft Auto 6. The company has also adjusted its Game Pass strategy, with new Call of Duty titles no longer launching day one on the service.