Phil Spencer
Reporting and statements that mention Phil Spencer.
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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.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma once again stresses Xbox's need for affordability
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reiterated the company's need for affordability and efficiency, particularly in light of rising component costs and recent layoffs. She emphasized that the entire industry must innovate to offer players more choices in how they purchase and play consoles. Sharma also touched upon the company's disc-to-digital program.
The Biggest Gaming Stories That Happened Since GTA 5 Came Out 13 Years Ago
Since Grand Theft Auto 5's release in September 2013, the gaming landscape has seen significant shifts, including the rise of live-service games like Fortnite and the eventual decline of E3. Major events include numerous Skyrim ports, the expansion of the Watch Dogs franchise, Halo appearing on PlayStation, and Grand Theft Auto 5 itself releasing on multiple new platforms. The period also saw the rise of Andrew Wilson at EA, the entire Phil Spencer era at Xbox, the successful launch and dominance of the Nintendo Switch, and a significant increase in console prices.
'We didn't have layoffs before, and now all of a sudden we have yearly layoffs': Bethesda artist says 'something has changed' under Microsoft
Bethesda artist Alex Nguyen stated that yearly layoffs have become a norm under Microsoft's ownership, contrasting with the studio's past. He highlighted the erosion of institutional knowledge and the impact on long-term commitment among staff. This comes amidst industry-wide concerns about corporate greed and job security, with Microsoft also implementing significant job cuts in its gaming divisions.
Xbox and IKEA are teasing gaming furniture together – please let it be called the ÄKSBOXX
Xbox and IKEA are teasing a new furniture collaboration, with a video showcasing items inspired by Xbox controllers and analog sticks. While details are scarce, the reveal suggests more information may be shared around gamescom. IKEA's existing gaming range focuses on more restrained designs, but this new collection appears to embrace a bolder aesthetic.
Elder Scrolls VI år 2031 är inte så orimligt som det låter
An analysis of The Elder Scrolls VI's potential release date suggests it may not arrive until 2030 or later, considering its development phases and recent layoffs at Bethesda. Despite a brief gameplay viewing by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, the game remains in full production, with previous estimates from Phil Spencer placing it at least five years away. The article speculates on how ongoing workforce changes and development timelines could impact the final release.
Games Inbox: Is No Man’s Sky worth playing 10 years on?
This article discusses the 10th anniversary of No Man's Sky, praising Hello Games for its redemption and the new Cosmos update. It also touches on speculation about Grand Theft Auto 6's online mode, recommendations for indie games like Big Walk, and theories surrounding Silent Hill 2. Additionally, it includes commentary on industry practices, developer criticism of publishers, and anticipation for upcoming titles like A Plague Tale and The Legend of Zelda.
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.
Fallout 3 and New Vegas Remasters are a good start, but before Fallout 5 Bethesda could be doing so much more
The announcement of Fallout 3 and New Vegas remasters highlights the long neglect of the Fallout series, with Fallout 5 not expected for many years. While new content for Fallout 76 and a potential Obsidian project are on the horizon, the article argues that Xbox and Bethesda could leverage other studios within their ecosystem to develop more Fallout titles and better manage the franchise's potential.
After 25 Years, Halo Is Finally On PlayStation
Halo: Campaign Evolved has launched in early access on July 23, marking the first time a Halo game has been available on PlayStation consoles after 25 years of Xbox exclusivity. Developers aim to reconnect the community and reach new audiences by bringing the franchise to PlayStation 5 and other platforms. This move is also seen as a financial strategy for Microsoft, which has seen success with its multiplatform releases.
Microsoft is bringing original Xbox exclusives to PC for the first time, starting with four 'classic games'
Microsoft has launched a new program to bring original Xbox exclusive games to PC for the first time, starting with four titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase on PC and included with all Game Pass plans, offering enhanced features like customizable graphics. This initiative is part of a broader effort by Xbox to preserve and make older games accessible on modern platforms.
Another former Xbox studio is "independently owned, again" after Microsoft shut it down in 2024
Alpha Dog Games, a studio previously shut down by Microsoft in 2024, has reemerged as an independently owned entity. Studio founder Shawn Woods updated his LinkedIn profile to reflect the change, indicating the studio regained independence in May 2025. This follows a trend of studios becoming independent after Microsoft's recent closures and layoffs.
"The concept of [Xbox] Game Pass was good" despite its eventual faceplant now contributing to mass job losses, reckons Forza Horizon 5 director
Mike Brown, former creative director for Forza Horizon 5, believes the concept of Xbox Game Pass was fundamentally good, despite its current struggles leading to significant layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. He suggests that while the service was a well-intentioned, player-focused idea, it failed to gain enough subscribers at the necessary price point to be financially viable. Brown also defended Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, acknowledging their roles in the Game Pass push while noting the harsh criticism they face on social media.
Is Game Pass Still the Right Strategy for Xbox?
This article analyzes the current state and future strategy of Xbox Game Pass, questioning its sustainability and impact on game value. Despite initial excitement and acquisitions to bolster its library, internal sentiment appears negative, with reports of studios detesting the service and subscriber growth falling short of projections. While Game Pass remains a key, albeit paradoxical, component of Xbox's offerings, its future is uncertain amidst internal challenges and a need for renewed growth.
Xbox Studio Leadership Has “A Lot of People” Who “Absolutely Detest Game Pass” – Rumor
According to a report by Jason Schreier, a significant number of Xbox studio leaders reportedly "detest" the Game Pass subscription service, believing it devalues their games and the industry. This sentiment comes amid questions about Game Pass's sustainability and subscriber growth targets, even as Xbox continues to add new titles to the service.
Does anyone know how to drive this thing?
The article critiques the current state of the video game industry, highlighting a perceived lack of direction and a focus on short-term profits over sustainable development. It points to Sony's struggles with live-service games and Microsoft's costly acquisition spree and subsequent layoffs as examples of poor management. The author argues that this trend of layoffs and uncertainty is detrimental to game development and player experience, contrasting it with companies like Capcom and Larian that have maintained stability and achieved success.
Evening Reading - July 14, 2026
This edition of Evening Reading from Shacknews covers various gaming industry updates, including pre-order guides for Halo: Campaign Evolved and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves DLC. It also reports on Ubisoft Barcelona developer strikes over layoffs, a delay for the PlayStation FlexStrike Fight Stick, and the retirement of Dead Space creator Glen Schofield. Additionally, the article touches on non-gaming news regarding data centers and healthcare.
The Elder Scrolls Online's developer deserved better than to get sucker-punched by Microsoft twice in two years
Microsoft's recent layoffs at ZeniMax Online Studios, impacting an estimated 60% of the workforce, are criticized as cruel and short-sighted. Despite The Elder Scrolls Online's profitability and a recent positive shift in player sentiment and development strategy, the studio has faced significant workforce reductions, including the cancellation of the long-in-development Project Blackbird. This analysis argues that these cuts jeopardize the future of the MMO and the Elder Scrolls franchise's presence in the gaming landscape.
Xbox needs to make a choice, says former PlayStation leader Shawn Layden: be a publisher or a platform, but you can't be both
Former 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.
'I find myself in the novel position of looking for a job' — 27-year Bethesda veteran who designed Skyrim's humanoid races and a Microsoft dev behind Xbox backwards compatibility have been laid off
Xbox has undergone a significant restructuring, leading to the layoff of thousands of employees, including industry veterans Christiane Meister from Bethesda Game Studios and Kevin LaChapelle from Xbox. Meister, who designed races for The Elder Scrolls series, and LaChapelle, a lead developer for Xbox's backward compatibility, are now seeking new employment. This wave of layoffs also affected studios like Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory.
