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Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptations for "more than a dozen games" – including Elder…
Xbox is reportedly pitching movie and TV adaptation rights for over a dozen of its games, including Halo, The Elder Scrolls, World of Warcraft, and Diablo, to major streamers like Netflix, Paramount, and Universal. Microsoft is seeking around $300 million for potential deals, aiming to capitalize on the current trend of successful video game adaptations in Hollywood.
Sensor Tower: Netflix US mobile viewership increased 35% during GTA 6 extended preview
Netflix's mobile viewership in the US increased by 35% during the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended preview, with web traffic surging 125% and causing the streaming platform to crash. Sensor Tower data also indicated a 50% rise in mobile app users and reported 4.6 million pre-orders for GTA 6, predominantly for PlayStation 5. The article also touches on recent gameplay leaks and Rockstar Games' response.
Evening Reading - August 27, 2026
This article is a collection of news and internet happenings from August 27, 2026. It highlights new details about Grand Theft Auto 6, including a return to a 6-star wanted level system and various activities. Other topics include potential tariffs on gaming hardware, a review of Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, and a humorous KFC x Oreo collaboration in China.
Games Inbox: Was the GTA 6 Netflix show a disappointment?
Readers express mixed feelings about the Grand Theft Auto 6 extended preview, with some finding it dull and others impressed by the graphics. Discussions also touch upon the decline of physical media, digital refund policies, and the overall direction of the games industry.
Cyberattack Sparks ‘Global Disruption’ at Pacemaker Maker Boston Scientific
Boston Scientific confirmed a cyberattack is causing a global disruption to its operations, leading to thousands of staff being sent home and impacting shipping and order processing. The company has not provided a timeline for system restoration or commented on whether patients using its medical devices, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, are affected. This incident follows similar breaches at other health technology firms like Abbott Laboratories, Medtronic, and Stryker.
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.
The Most Expensive Xbox Ever Sold Out, And People Are Already Flipping It For Thousands
Microsoft's limited-edition 25th-Anniversary Xbox Series X sold out immediately upon preorder, with many units being resold by scalpers for thousands of dollars. This situation echoes the console shortages experienced at the beginning of the current generation and highlights the ongoing issue of scalping impacting collectible markets.
Halo co-creator praises Witcher 3 Songs of the Past, wonders "what it would have been like if we’d kept…
Former Halo co-creator Joseph Staten expressed admiration for The Witcher 3's new expansion, Songs of the Past, and reflected on the potential for similar expansions for Halo games. He mused about how Halo 3 ODST-like expansions could have offered new stories and mechanics, though acknowledged this likely wouldn't have happened if Bungie had remained with Microsoft, thus preventing the creation of Destiny.
Xbox discs will now grant digital access to games as part of Microsoft's self-proclaimed 'broader commitment…
Microsoft is launching a new program for Xbox Insiders that allows physical game discs to grant digital access to titles, enabling play without the disc in the tray. This initiative is framed as a commitment to game preservation and aims to help players transition their libraries. The feature will initially support thousands of titles and offers access via Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming.
Saber exec: The game industry must look beyond North America and dilute risk
Saber Interactive's Tim Willits argues the game industry needs to look beyond North America to mitigate rising development costs and financial risks. He highlights Saber's success with titles like SnowRunner and World War Z, which were developed economically with smaller teams, contrasting this with the expensive, overscoped projects often seen from North American publishers. Willits also advocates for slate funding and co-development to dilute risk and ensure profitability.
Xbox Series X X25 Special Edition pre-orders go live today, here's where to grab the console and controller
Pre-orders for the special edition Xbox Series X 25th Anniversary console and controller are now live at select retailers, including Amazon and Best Buy. The console, priced at $899.99 and bundled with Halo: Campaign Evolved, features a translucent green design. The accompanying controller is available for $79.99.
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.
If You Thought Console Prices Were Too High, Things Could Get Even Worse
The US administration is reportedly considering new tariffs on imported computer chips, which could lead to increased prices for gaming consoles, laptops, and servers. This potential move aims to encourage foreign tech companies to build manufacturing plants within the US. Previous tariffs have impacted console prices, with companies like Sony and Nintendo benefiting from tariff refunds, though these were not passed on to consumers.
Former PlayStation Studios President Praises Xbox’s Solution To A Digital-Only Future
Former PlayStation Studios President Shuhei Yoshida praised Microsoft's new disc-to-digital program as a "great move by team Xbox." This initiative allows Xbox users to obtain a digital license for their physical games, ensuring playability in a future potentially without disc drives, a contrast to Sony's current approach for PlayStation.
I barely remember the last time Nvidia mentioned gaming at all in an earnings call
Nvidia's latest earnings call reveals a significant shift in company priorities, with the data center and artificial intelligence segments now dominating revenue and strategic focus. Gaming, once a core business, is no longer reported as a separate segment and has minimal impact on the company's bottom line, despite the continued release of high-end GPUs like the RTX 50-series.
"All of the industry needs to start to innovate on affordability and efficiency" - Xbox's Asha Sharma wants change and "more choice" for people buying consoles
Xbox boss Asha Sharma is calling for the entire gaming industry to innovate in affordability and efficiency for future console generations, citing current component price crises. She highlighted the need for more consumer choice in how consoles are purchased and used, and mentioned that Microsoft is considering new business models beyond traditional hardware sales. Sharma also noted the impact of AI datacenter demand on component pricing, which has led to recent price increases for Xbox Series S and X consoles.
Physical games are never coming back as even disc drives are dying out
The article discusses the declining relevance of physical game media, citing Microsoft's disc-to-digital scheme and the collapsing supply chain for disc drives. It suggests that future consoles like the PlayStation 6 will likely be digital-only, forcing players to adapt to digital distribution despite some resistance.
Xbox announces disc-to-digital feature that lets you digitise physical Xbox One and Series X games
Xbox has announced a new disc-to-digital feature allowing players to convert physical Xbox One and Xbox Series X games into digital licenses. This feature, available for testing to Xbox Insiders starting August 31st, aims to enhance game preservation and provide greater flexibility for players. The digital entitlement means discs will no longer be required for play and enables benefits like Play Anywhere on PC and cloud streaming where supported.
Bill Gates: The AI Industry Knows the Risks and Is Staying Quiet About Them
Bill Gates expresses significant concerns about the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence, warning that the industry is downplaying the risks for financial gain. He highlights potential job displacement, the ease of creating bioweapons, and the addictive nature of AI companions. Gates advocates for robust regulation and international oversight bodies, rather than industry self-regulation, to manage the profound societal changes AI is expected to bring.
Xbox to focus on "efficiency and affordability alongside performance" for next-gen console amid rising hardware costs and innovations in AI
Xbox is prioritizing efficiency and affordability alongside performance for its next-generation console, acknowledging rising hardware costs and advancements in AI. Xbox boss Asha Sharma stated that the industry needs to innovate in affordability and efficiency to provide players with more choices. Sharma also discussed the company's stance on AI, emphasizing a commitment to human-crafted games and avoiding 'soulless AI slop'.
