Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
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Gears of War: E-Day expands Horde Mode for more PvE action
Gears of War: E-Day will feature significant updates to its classic Horde Mode, including a new 12-player 'Horde Siege' variant and customizable loadouts. The game also retains its traditional Versus Mode with familiar gameplay mechanics. Gears of War: E-Day is set to launch on October 6, 2026.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox has "the best IP" and "talented studios around the world," is confident it'll "return" to growth after its worst quarter in years amid mass layoffs
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's future growth despite a recent poor financial quarter and mass layoffs, stating the company possesses "the best IP" and "talented studios." He anticipates a return to growth by fiscal year 2027, emphasizing necessary decisions to reset the business. This comes after Xbox head Asha Sharma admitted the division is currently "unhealthy."
Halo: Campaign Evolved Peaks at 25,376 Players as the Series’ Weakest Steam Launch Yet
Halo: Campaign Evolved experienced a significantly weaker launch on Steam compared to previous entries like Halo Infinite and Halo: The Master Chief Collection, peaking at 25,376 concurrent players. Despite a mixed reception from users, the game was found to be enjoyable on PlayStation 5, with its performance on the PS5 Pro version being competitive with PC.
After gaining independence from Xbox, Double Fine are laying off a quarter of their staff
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees, approximately 25% of its staff, following its recent split from Xbox and return to independent operations. Studio head Tim Schafer stated the decision was made for the survival of the studio as it transitions to a sustainable size. Xbox confirmed Double Fine is now fully independent and manages its own operations.
After escaping Xbox, Double Fine lays off 23 people as Tim Schafer says "only the survival of our studio would ever make us consider such a painful action"
Double Fine Productions has laid off 23 employees as it transitions back to an independent studio after years under Xbox ownership. Founder Tim Schafer stated the decision was made for the studio's survival and that they are committed to supporting the affected staff. The layoffs represent roughly a quarter of the studio's workforce.
After playing Halo: Campaign Evolved's prologue, I don't want another Halo remake – it's time for a…
The review of Halo: Campaign Evolved criticizes the game for being a "wasted opportunity" despite its strengths as a pure first-person shooter. While the new prologue from Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries) effectively captures the essence of the original Halo's gameplay and introduces Master Chief well, the article suggests the focus should be on original content rather than remakes.
How to play the Halo games in order: chronologically and by release date
This guide details how to play the Halo games in both chronological and release date order. It lists all major titles and spin-offs, providing their original release years and their place within the Halo timeline, including platforms where they are currently playable.
All Halo Campaign Evolved Terminal locations
This guide details the locations of all 13 Terminals within Halo Campaign Evolved, noting that their positions differ from Halo Combat Evolved Anniversary. Activating these Terminals unlocks lore entries and is presented as a manageable task for players.
'I have been hunted down by HR reps, lawyers, and comms people:' Developers discuss the pain and prevalence of side work clauses
Developers discuss the prevalence and impact of restrictive side work clauses in the video game industry, where companies often claim ownership of personal projects. While some employees have successfully negotiated these terms, many face broad restrictions that hinder personal and professional growth. Legal experts note that clauses are generally enforceable if the side work falls within the scope of employment, emphasizing the importance of transparency and written agreements.
Gears of War: E-Day Gameplay Reveal Deep Dive | Official XBOX Podcast
Developers from The Coalition discuss the gameplay reveal for Gears of War: E-Day, detailing new mechanics like sliding and an expanded cover system built from scratch in Unreal Engine 5. The interview highlights the game's focus on the early days of the Locust invasion, character details for Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, and the return of iconic elements like the chainsaw Lancer, all while celebrating the franchise's 20th anniversary.
Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones
Microsoft has released four original Xbox console games on PC via backwards compatibility, including Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The article criticizes the selection of games and the lack of achievements at launch, suggesting more popular titles like Halo: Combat Evolved or Jade Empire would have been better choices.
Halo: Campaign Evolved shows love for Craig, the ugly brute who became an internet meme after Halo Infinite's…
The game Halo: Campaign Evolved has incorporated the internet meme character 'Craig,' the brute from Halo Infinite. This inclusion suggests that Craig's distinctive appearance is now explained within the game's lore as a result of Covenant experimentation, rather than a graphical oversight from an early demo.
Halo Campaign Evolved Pillar of Autumn Skulls and Terminal locations
This guide details the locations of Skulls and Terminals within the first level, The Pillar of Autumn, of Halo Campaign Evolved. It provides specific instructions for finding each collectible, noting that some are easily missed during initial playthroughs. The article also mentions that these collectible locations differ from those in Halo: The Master Chief Collection.
All Halo Campaign Evolved changes and new features
Halo Campaign Evolved introduces significant changes to the original Halo Combat Evolved, including new prequel missions, a Campaign Remix mode, and four-player online co-op. The remake also expands the weapon and vehicle sandbox, adds new enemy types like Jackal snipers and Flood Tank Forms, and modernizes gameplay with features like sprinting and smart-link aiming. Visuals have been updated using Unreal Engine 5, and accessibility options have been greatly expanded.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for July 27 to 31
Xbox has announced a slate of new games arriving on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between July 27th and July 31st. Titles include remakes like Halo: Campaign Evolved, new adventures such as Dispatch and Mistfall Hunter, and various other genres like city builders, RPGs, and puzzle games.
New Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition DLC sure looks like a canceled expansion from last year, adding 2 civilizations, over 25 maps, and much more
World's Edge is releasing the Baltic Powers expansion for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition on September 10, adding two new civilizations, the Kingdom of Denmark-Norway and the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, along with over 25 maps and new game modes. This expansion appears to be the revival of a previously canceled DLC, with an open beta available now on Steam. The free trial for Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition will be retired on Steam on August 13.
Lanseringstrailern för Halo: Campaign Evolved är här
The launch trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved has been released, showcasing the polished campaign, split-screen and online co-op, and a third-person mode. While the Premium edition allows early access, some players experienced issues with upgrade purchases, which have since been resolved. Initial reviews are mixed, with Opencritic giving it an 83, but Steam reviews are only 67% positive due to performance and technical problems.
Secret Halo: Campaign Evolved ending strongly hints that another Halo 2 remake is in the works – "See you in…
The secret ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved, unlocked on Legendary difficulty, strongly suggests that a remake of Halo 2 is in development. Sergeant Avery Johnson's line, "See you in the sequel!", implies a follow-up to the recently released remake, fueling rumors of a complete original trilogy remake project by Halo Studios.
Xbox Is Putting Ads Before Games, And It Feels Gross
Xbox is testing an ad-supported model for cloud gaming where players can watch ads before playing owned games for an hour. While optional and intended to add value, the author argues this move crosses a line for the industry, potentially leading to more intrusive advertising and broken promises from Microsoft.
How long does it take to beat Halo Campaign Evolved?
The main campaign for Halo Campaign Evolved takes approximately 10 hours to complete, with variations based on difficulty and player experience. Including the three-mission bonus prequel campaign and over 50 collectibles like Skulls and Terminals can extend the total playtime to 20+ hours for 100% completion.
