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Available for XBOX Insiders: Home Improvements, Local Save Game Management, and Profile Badges
Xbox Insiders can now test new console updates that enhance the Home experience, manage local game saves, and introduce profile badges. Features include more control over the Recent Games list, an immersive background mode, and the ability to view and delete unused local game saves. A new commemorative badge celebrates the 25th anniversary of Xbox and the release of the Xbox One.
$1,000 Consoles Could Have This Dramatic, Negative Effect On Gaming – Report
An analysis by Ampere Analysis suggests that if next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6 and Xbox Project Helix launch at a $1,000 price point, sales could be 38% lower in the first five years, costing the market $3.4 billion by 2031. The firm recommends strategies such as delaying launches, subsidizing hardware, or innovating on form factor to avoid such high prices.
Copilot was bamboozled into revealing how to hack itself, security researchers claim: 'Copilot wasn’t…
Security researchers at Varonis Threat Labs have discovered a vulnerability in Microsoft's Copilot AI, dubbed 'CoSnitch.' By persistently questioning the AI, they were able to trick it into revealing details about its internal architecture and an undocumented URL parameter that allowed for unauthorized prompt execution. Varonis disclosed the issue to Microsoft in December, and it was patched on August 18, though the researchers warn the 'meta-hacking' technique could be applied to other agentic AI platforms.
Redfall Director Pleaded With Microsoft to Release Final Patch, Despite Already Being 'Fired'
Redfall director Harvey Smith revealed he asked Microsoft to allow one final patch for the game, despite having already been dismissed. The plea was made to improve the critically panned Xbox console exclusive, even after his departure from the project.
Redfall Bosses Explain What Happened With The Failed Xbox Exclusive
Former Arkane directors Harvey Smith and Ben Horne, now heading Black Pony Immersive, discussed the challenges and missteps in the development of the Xbox exclusive Redfall. They cited the industry's focus on live-service games and external factors like the COVID-19 pandemic and the great resignation as contributing to the game's difficulties and poor reception. Despite the studio closure and layoffs, a small team returned to release a significant update, 1.4, which improved the game.
"We chose the worst time in history" – Harvey Smith on starting his own studio after Arkane
Former Arkane Studios director Harvey Smith has co-founded a new studio called Black Pony Immersive with Ben Horne, aiming to create immersive sim games. Smith acknowledges the challenging timing for starting a new studio due to the current game business landscape but expresses a desire to build games their way, focusing on player-driven experiences and creative tools. The studio has already reunited several former Arkane colleagues and is working on its first project.
"Through the looking glass": as Arkane fight for their future, Dishonored veteran Harvey Smith reveals new studio dedicated to immersive sims
Harvey Smith, a veteran developer from Arkane Studios, has announced the formation of Black Pony Immersive, a new studio focused on creating imaginative first-person action RPGs and immersive sims. The studio, which includes other former Arkane developers, aims to build single-player games that reward player creativity and exploration. This announcement comes during a period of industry volatility, with Microsoft having recently closed Arkane Austin and currently negotiating the future of Arkane Lyon.
"Without us, Bethesda games aren’t Bethesda games": Rallies against Microsoft layoffs at Elder Scrolls studio continue, with unionised devs' morale "on the upswing"
Unionized developers at Bethesda Softworks continue to rally against Microsoft's recent layoffs, which have impacted staff across Xbox Game Studios. Developers express concern over the company's handling of the reductions in force and the effect on game development timelines for titles like The Elder Scrolls 6. Despite low morale regarding work, there is optimism about the ongoing union organizing efforts.
Leaker claims Nintendo Switch 2 version of Diablo 4 will finally arrive two days after BlizzCon and include two…
A leaker claims that Diablo 4, along with its expansions Vessel of Hatred and Lord of Hatred, will be released on the Nintendo Switch 2 on September 15. This rumored 'Age of Hatred Collection' would include a code in the box for the physical edition and is expected to cost $69.99. The release date follows BlizzCon 2026, with pre-orders potentially starting during the event.
Games Inbox: How much disruption will GTA 6 launch cause?
Readers discuss the potential disruption caused by the Grand Theft Auto 6 launch, comparing it to Pokémon Go and anticipating media coverage. Other topics include the success of recent Star Wars games, competition between publishers like Activision and EA, the Amiga retro scene, the high cost of Star Citizen, concerns about Bethesda's game development quality post-layoffs, and the secrecy surrounding Nintendo's Zelda: Ocarina of Time remake.
Bethesda Layoffs Were Rare Before Acquisition by Microsoft, Says Developer
A lead character artist at Bethesda, Alex Nguyen, stated that layoffs were rare at the studio before its acquisition by Microsoft. Since the acquisition, however, the studio has experienced yearly layoffs, impacting employees on the ground rather than just management. This shift has led to protests and concerns about employee morale and the impact on game development.
Former PlayStation Executive Says He’s “A Totally Digital Consumer” on Subject of Discs
Former PlayStation executive Shuhei Yoshida stated he is a "totally digital consumer" and prefers not to manage physical discs, aligning with the convenience of digital distribution. He acknowledged the value of physical games for collectors but argued that the necessity of downloading patches and updates makes the absence of a disc less significant. Yoshida also suggested that flexible digital pricing and regular discounts could mitigate concerns about the loss of the second-hand market.
Surprise Xbox Game To Be Announced At Gamescom, Insider Says
Insider NateTheHate 2 claims Microsoft is preparing to announce a new game at Gamescom, which will be part of an existing Xbox franchise but developed by a studio not owned by Microsoft. While not a new intellectual property or a Banjo-Kazooie title, the specific game and developer remain unknown. The announcement may occur during Geoff Keighley's Opening Night Live event.
Game Pass Has Five Games To Check Out This Week, Including A New Day One Arrival
Microsoft's Game Pass service is adding five new games this week, with Vapor World: Over The Mind being the only true new arrival. Egging On, Starsand Island, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, and Relooted are also becoming available to Premium subscribers across Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, handheld, and PC platforms.
Memory crisis is driving uncertainty over PlayStation 6's launch date
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki stated that the launch date for the PlayStation 6 remains undecided due to the ongoing global memory and chip shortage, exacerbated by AI data center investments. Analysts had anticipated a 2025 release, but this is now uncertain. Totoki emphasized survival as a CEO's primary task amidst these challenges, while also expressing optimism about AI's potential to enhance creativity.
Microsoft is finally letting us turn the Windows 11 right-click context menu into something more like Windows 10
Microsoft is introducing changes to the Windows 11 context menu, allowing users to revert to a more Windows 10-like appearance. Insiders can now customize the menu to display main commands inline and move the 'Properties' option to the bottom. These updates aim to improve the performance and usability of the operating system's core elements.
Xbox Game Pass August 2026 Wave 2 Lineup Announced
Microsoft has revealed the lineup for the second wave of Xbox Game Pass titles in August 2026. The announcement includes several games that will be available on day one of their release.
Xbox Game Pass Reveals Its Next Wave Of August 2026 Games
Xbox Game Pass has revealed its second wave of games for August, including several day-one releases available on PC and Xbox Series X. Notable additions include Egging On, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, and Starsand Island. The service will also lose The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt on August 31.
PS6 Is Still A Mystery To Sony, Including When It’s Coming Out
Sony CEO Hiroki Totoki confirmed that the company has not yet set a release date or price for the upcoming PlayStation 6 console. The company is navigating challenges related to the current tech climate, supply chain disruptions, and feedback on digital-only releases. This uncertainty comes as the PlayStation 5 approaches its sixth anniversary and console prices, like the PS5 Pro at $900, have already seen increases.
Xbox Game Pass Is Losing The Witcher 3 And Several More Games In August
Xbox Game Pass will lose five games on August 31, including the critically acclaimed The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt Complete Edition. Other titles departing the service are Another Crab's Treasure, I Am Your Beast, Neon Abyss, and One Lonely Outpost. Subscribers can purchase these games at a 20% discount before they are removed.