Phil Spencer
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Hideo Kojima’s OD Is Reportedly Safe From Upcoming Xbox Cuts
Hideo Kojima's upcoming Xbox console-exclusive horror game, OD, is reportedly safe from potential studio closures and game cancellations at Xbox. Despite widespread rumors of layoffs and restructuring within Xbox, a source indicates OD remains in development at Kojima Productions and will still be published by Xbox. This news comes as Xbox undergoes changes under new CEO Asha Sharma, with several other studios and games reportedly facing uncertainty.
Xbox reportedly stops signing third-party Game Pass deals
Xbox has reportedly halted new third-party deals for Game Pass, with sources indicating that developers were informed of a pause in negotiations. This decision comes as new Xbox boss Asha Sharma assesses the company's strategy following significant acquisitions and a recent price increase on consoles. While the future of third-party content on Game Pass is uncertain, the service remains a key component of Xbox's business model.
Former Halo art director who complained about "fraud" and "cronyism" warns looming Xbox layoffs are a chance for bosses to settle scores
Former Halo art director Glenn Israel warns that impending Xbox layoffs could be used by executives to retaliate against employees who have raised complaints about misconduct. Israel, who claims he was driven out of his job after reporting alleged fraud and cronyism, advises current staff to seek legal counsel and document evidence before potential job cuts occur.
Analysts attempt to make sense of Xbox's latest exclusivity pivot
Xbox is undergoing another strategic shift regarding game exclusivity, moving from a multiplatform approach back towards select console exclusives. This pivot, occurring under new leadership, aims to re-establish reasons for consumers to invest in the Xbox ecosystem, balancing a console business with a platform-agnostic publishing strategy.
Big companies told Hideo Kojima he's 'crazy' for making OD: 'it's something that no one has…
Hideo Kojima revealed that major companies rejected his new horror game concept, OD, deeming it too unconventional. The game, co-written with Jordan Peele and published by Xbox Game Studios, is described by Kojima as a new game system unlike anything seen before. Despite initial skepticism from other companies, Xbox leadership, including Phil Spencer and Asha Sharma, supported Kojima's vision for the project.
Hideo Kojima Says Every Publisher Told Him His Idea For OD Was “Crazy”
Hideo Kojima revealed that multiple publishers rejected his horror game concept OD, deeming it "crazy" and unfeasible. The game, developed in partnership with Xbox, is described as a "new game system" and aims to be as scary as possible, with a feature to help players who get too frightened. OD will feature celebrity actors and is part of Xbox's effort to support diverse game development.
Hideo Kojima says his pitch for OD sounded "crazy" to every publisher except Xbox
Hideo Kojima revealed that his pitch for the upcoming horror game OD was initially met with skepticism from most publishers, who considered the concept 'crazy.' However, former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer understood and supported the project. OD is being developed by Kojima Productions in collaboration with horror director Jordan Peele and is described as a unique horror experience that goes beyond conventional scariness.
Xbox is publishing Kojima's mysterious horror game OD because apparently no one else wanted it - they didn't understand the concept
Xbox is publishing Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror title OD, a project that many publishers reportedly rejected due to its unconventional concept. Kojima described OD as a new form of media blending games and film, starring Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and Udo Kier, with input from director Jordan Peele. Phil Spencer was instrumental in bringing the project to Xbox after Kojima pitched it to numerous companies who found the concept "crazy".
Kojimas OD ska ge oss en "överdos av rädsla"
Hideo Kojima's upcoming horror game OD aims to deliver an "overdose of fear" with a new game system designed to push the boundaries of the genre. Despite initial challenges in finding partners due to the concept's novelty, the project has garnered support from Xbox leadership, with Phil Spencer and Asha Sharma expressing enthusiasm for its unique approach.
OD Will Have a System For Players That Are Too Scared to Continue, Says Hideo Kojima
Hideo Kojima discussed his upcoming Xbox-exclusive horror game OD, revealing a system designed for players who might find the game too scary. He also shared that the concept for OD originated during the development of Death Stranding, and many companies rejected the idea as too unconventional. The game is being developed with Unreal Engine and MetaHuman, and is expected to utilize Microsoft's cloud technology.
5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft
Microsoft has recently cancelled several promising game projects, including 'Odyssey,' 'Everwild,' 'Perfect Dark,' 'Contraband,' and 'Project Blackbird,' as part of a broader cost-cutting strategy under new CEO Asha Sharma. These cancellations have led to studio closures and significant layoffs, with former employees expressing disappointment over the loss of potentially exciting titles and the shift away from riskier, ambitious projects.
We are watching the end of Xbox in real-time and it’s heartbreaking - Reader’s Feature
A reader expresses concern over the current state of Xbox, suggesting Microsoft's management and strategy, including the costly Game Pass model and lack of console exclusives, have led to significant studio closures and layoffs. The author fears this marks the beginning of the end for the Xbox brand as a major console player, drawing parallels to Sega's transition to a third-party publisher.
"Going independent meant taking a massive, massive risk": How Toys for Bob split off from Activision and Xbox…
Toys for Bob has successfully spun off from Activision and Xbox to regain its independence, a move described as a massive risk. The studio is now developing a new Spyro game, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, for PC, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X, set to release in 2027. This independence allows Toys for Bob to return to making games they are passionate about, leveraging their expertise from the Spyro and Crash Bandicoot franchises.
Xbox Game Studios-chef lämnar – efter 20 månader
Craig Duncan, head of Xbox Game Studios, has resigned after only 20 months, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. This follows recent news of potential studio closures and layoffs within Microsoft's gaming division. The departures occur amidst a strategic shift for Xbox, including price adjustments to Game Pass and a re-evaluation of multi-platform releases.
Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and more Xbox studios reportedly at risk of closure
Microsoft's Xbox division is reportedly considering closure for several studios, including Double Fine and Ninja Theory, as part of a "reset" under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some studios like Double Fine are in negotiations to spin off, job losses are expected. This comes after a period of significant studio acquisitions by Microsoft, including Bethesda and Activision Blizzard.
Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
Xbox Game Studios head Craig Duncan and chief of staff Louise O'Connor have stepped down, with their departures coinciding with a planned "Xbox reset" by new leaders Asha Sharma and Matt Booty. The company is reportedly considering significant layoffs and potential studio closures, with Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory mentioned as being at risk.
Xbox reportedly shutting down South of Midnight dev Compulsion Games
Xbox is reportedly shutting down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight and We Happy Few. This closure, which could affect over 90 employees, comes amid broader financial challenges and restructuring within Xbox's gaming division under CEO Asha Sharma. The report suggests an official announcement is imminent.
Microsoft's Xbox Game Studios boss steps down after less than two years, amid major changes for the platform
Craig Duncan has stepped down as head of Xbox Game Studios after less than two years, with chief of staff Louise O'Connor also departing. Duncan, formerly head of Rare, oversaw numerous studios during his tenure. Matt Booty will temporarily lead the studios until a replacement is found, amidst broader leadership changes at Xbox under Asha Sharma.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox must become 'sustainable' as it reportedly considers major spinoff
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stated that Xbox must become a 'sustainable' business, implying it has been subsidized rather than profitable. This follows reports that Microsoft is considering spinning out Xbox into a standalone unit, potentially to sell it or find a partner. The company also aims to speed up development for major franchises like Halo and The Elder Scrolls, while addressing challenges like memory chip price increases driven by AI companies.
Xbox’s real exclusivity problem is they don’t make games people want - Reader’s Feature
A reader argues that Xbox's primary issue is a lack of desirable games, not its exclusivity policies. Despite owning major studios like Activision Blizzard and Bethesda, the author believes Xbox has been mismanaged for over a decade, leading to a decline in relevance and a lack of compelling titles that justify purchasing an Xbox Series X console.
