Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
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Weekend PC Download Deals for Aug. 21: The Humble Store Summer Sale continues
This article rounds up various PC game deals available from multiple digital storefronts, including Humble Store, Battle.net, GamesPlanet, Ubisoft Store, Green Man Gaming, Epic Games Store, Amazon Luna, Fanatical, Gamebillet, GOG.com, and Steam. Notable sales include Humble Store's Summer Sale, Battle.net's August Game Deals, and Ubisoft's Gamescom sale, featuring discounts on a wide range of titles.
EA staff worries over Saudi buyout, Grand Theft Auto 6 leaks, and Peak's last major update - Patch Notes #66
This article covers several gaming industry developments, including employee concerns at Electronic Arts following a Saudi buyout, ongoing leaks of Grand Theft Auto 6, and the final update for the game Peak. It also touches on FromSoftware's new game The Duskbloods, Compulsion Games' management buyout from Xbox, PlayStation's struggles with live-service games, and the use of AI in game development.
Geoff Keighley clarifies how trailers are selected for Gamescom Opening Night Live
Geoff Keighley has clarified the selection process for trailers featured in Gamescom's Opening Night Live, explaining that it includes both editorial placements and paid advertisements. While some games are chosen for their editorial value and receive free placement, others are paid marketing opportunities, similar to securing a booth at the physical event. Companies often earn editorial slots based on the significance of their announcements.
Give Master Chief a break – I want more Halo games like ODST and Reach
The author argues that while Halo's core FPS gameplay is legendary, its narrative potential, particularly seen in titles like Halo 3: ODST and Halo: Reach, has been underutilized in recent years. With the rebrand to Halo Studios and the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved, there's an opportunity to draw inspiration from these past successes and explore new storytelling avenues within the Halo universe, rather than solely focusing on Master Chief's main saga.
"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.
Coming to XBOX Game Pass: Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Vapor World: Over the Mind, Blood Dungeon, and More
Xbox Game Pass is adding several new titles to its library, including day-one releases like Vapor World: Over the Mind, Blood Dungeon, and Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy. The service will also see new additions such as Egging On, BlazBlue Entropy Effect X, Relooted, Starsand Island, Aerial_Knight’s DropShot, Young Suns, and Shelldiver. Additionally, Wolfenstein 3D and Once Human are receiving in-game benefits for Game Pass subscribers, while several games, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Remastered Edition and NBA 2K26, will be leaving the service soon.
Surprise first party Xbox sequel to get reveal next week hints trusted insider
A trusted insider, NateTheHate, has hinted at a surprise first-party Xbox sequel reveal expected at Gamescom's Opening Night Live on August 25. While the specific game remains undisclosed, theories suggest it could be a new installment in the Ori or Sunset Overdrive series, developed by a third-party studio and potentially releasing by year's end.
Call Of Duty studio rumoured to help out with new Halo games
Rumors suggest Microsoft is considering having Activision assist with future Halo games, potentially including multiplayer development. Activision reportedly created a prototype for a new Halo multiplayer game, though it was abandoned. This follows speculation that Microsoft might place the Halo franchise under Activision's umbrella.
Evening Reading - August 14, 2026
This week's gaming news roundup includes updates on Total War: Warhammer 3, a review of Madden NFL 27, and the opening of 2K's Small Axe Studios. Compulsion Games has removed Xbox as the publisher for South of Midnight on Steam, while Kingdom Hearts 4 is slated for a late 2027 release with an animated series coming to Disney+. The article also highlights new features for The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered on Nintendo Switch and mentions upcoming content for Modern Warfare 4.
OG Gears of War lead says "wallbouncing in Gears" is like his cult classic platformer helping turn fans into furries: "It wasn't the intended nor desired effect, yet here we are"
Original Gears of War lead Cliff Bleszinski commented that the series' signature wallbouncing mechanic, while fun, was an unintended consequence that has dominated the competitive multiplayer meta. He compared this to his earlier platformer, Jazz Jackrabbit, which he believes unexpectedly became a gateway for fans into the furry community. Bleszinski feels wallbouncing breaks the game for players who don't master it, a problem Gears of War: E-Day aims to address.
Gears of War: E-Day's Steam player count has once again blown past the series all-time peak thanks to the…
The open beta for Gears of War: E-Day has achieved a new series record on Steam, with over 22,000 concurrent players. This surpasses previous records set by titles like Gears 5 and Gears Tactics. The beta, available on PC and Xbox Series X|S, includes a tutorial, PvP Versus mode, and the PvE Horde Siege mode.
Xbox's Separation from Compulsion Games Seems Complete as Studio Is Listed as the Publisher of South of Midnight on Steam
Xbox's relationship with Compulsion Games appears to have concluded, as the developer is now listed as the publisher of its upcoming game South of Midnight on Steam, rather than Xbox Game Studios. This change follows recent layoffs and a broader restructuring within Xbox's gaming division.
Shoutout to this particular skeleton, who researchers believe is the first confirmed case of being totally obliterated…
Researchers have identified Skeleton 150, unearthed at Stirling Castle in Scotland, as potentially the first confirmed victim of a trebuchet. The skeleton, dating to the 1300s, exhibits over 160 fractures consistent with being struck by a large, high-velocity projectile, likely from the English siege engine known as 'The War Wolf' during the siege of 1304.
Get Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta
The Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta will be available across two weekends this summer, with early access from August 6-10 for Game Pass Ultimate or PC members and pre-order customers. The game is developed by The Coalition and published by Xbox Game Studios, with a release date set for June 7, 2026, on Xbox Series X and PC.
Sandustry on Game Pass Turns Every Pixel Into A Factory Floor
Sandustry, a factory simulation game where players build automated production lines on a destructible planet, has launched in Game Preview on PC Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate. Developed by Lantto Games and published by Hooded Horse, the game treats individual grains of sand and other elements as physical resources with unique properties. Priced at £12.99, Sandustry is currently PC-only despite its Xbox Store listing and is considered a work in progress.
Free Play Days – Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta, Sunderfolk and Asdivine Cross
Xbox Game Pass members can enjoy Free Play Days featuring the Gears of War: E-Day open beta, Sunderfolk, and Asdivine Cross. The Gears of War: E-Day beta runs from August 13-17, offering Horde Siege and Versus PvP modes on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Sunderfolk and Asdivine Cross are available for the full weekend for Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members.
Xbox Live Party Chat Poker Nights Are Back, Here’s How Cross-Play Changed The Game
Cross-play has revitalized social gaming experiences, particularly for activities like online poker nights, by removing platform barriers that previously fragmented friend groups. Microsoft's continued investment in cross-platform compatibility, exemplified by Xbox's approach since gamescom 2026, ensures that players on Xbox, PlayStation, and PC can easily connect. This shift has allowed social gaming circles to remain active for longer periods, transcending console generations and fostering stronger friendships through shared online activities.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Sold 1.2 Million Copies, Performed Worst on Steam – Rumor
Halo: Campaign Evolved has reportedly sold 1.2 million copies, generating an estimated $67 million in revenue, with Steam sales underperforming significantly compared to Xbox and PlayStation. This underperformance on Steam is attributed to the value proposition of Halo: The Master Chief Collection, which includes multiple titles and competitive multiplayer, features lacking in Campaign Evolved. A substantial portion of Xbox players accessed the game through Game Pass.
Halo: Campaign Evolved needed PvP to match Call of Duty: Black Ops 1 and 2 PS5 sales, analyst says
An analyst suggests that Halo: Campaign Evolved's lack of PvP maps is hindering its sales on PlayStation 5, causing it to significantly underperform compared to older Call of Duty: Black Ops ports. While Halo: Campaign Evolved sold 1.2 million copies, the PS5 ports of Black Ops 1 and 2 sold a combined 12 million units, with the analyst attributing the difference to the strong multiplayer component in the Call of Duty titles.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Review | TheXboxHub
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernized remake of the original Xbox launch title, celebrating 25 years of the franchise. It features the iconic ten-mission campaign, enhanced visuals using Unreal Engine 5, and new prequel missions focusing on Sgt. Johnson and Master Chief. While PvP is absent, the remake introduces weapons and features from later Halo games and overhauls challenging levels like 'The Library', offering a definitive experience for both newcomers and long-time fans.
