Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Expedition 33 Wins Yet Another GOTY--See All The Winners From The 2026 Game Dev AwardsClair Obscur: Expedition 33 was the big winner at the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards, taking home Game of the Year, Best Visual Art, Best Narrative, Best Audio, and Best Debut. Blue Prince also received multiple awards, including Best Design and Innovation. Don Daglow was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and Rebecca Ann Heineman received the Ambassador Award posthumously.
2026 Game Developers Choice Awards winners announcedThe winners for the 2026 Game Developers Choice Awards have been announced. Several titles were recognized across various categories, including Best Audio, Best Debut, Best Design, Innovation Award, Best Narrative, Best Technology, Best Visual Art, Social Impact, and Audience Award. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Blue Prince were among the most nominated games.
Bafta Games 2026 nominees announced and it’s another Clair Obscur sweepThe nominations for the Bafta Games Awards 2026 have been announced, with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 leading the pack with 12 nominations, matching its record at The Game Awards. Dispatch and Arc Raiders also received multiple nominations, including for Best Game. The awards ceremony is scheduled for April 17.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and Dispatch Lead BAFTA Game Awards 2026 Nominations - IGNClair Obscur: Expedition 33 leads the BAFTA Games Awards 2026 nominations with 12 nods, including Best Game and Debut Game. Dispatch follows with nine nominations, while Ghost of Yōtei and Death Stranding 2: On the Beach also received multiple nominations. The awards ceremony will take place on April 17.
Unannounced Fallout Project Was Being Made by Another Microsoft Studio, Never Coming Out – RumorJournalist Jeff Gerstmann reported that an unannounced Fallout project being developed by another Microsoft-owned studio has been canceled and will not be released. He believes Bethesda Game Studios, under Todd Howard's leadership, will continue to develop major Fallout and The Elder Scrolls titles internally rather than outsourcing them.
Avalanche Studios reveals its Highlander-style, survival of the fittest R&D strategyAvalanche Studios Group is shifting its game development strategy to a 'survival of the fittest' R&D model, inspired by mobile game development. This approach involves small teams creating prototypes that are rigorously tested with their 'Front Runners' community to ensure audience appeal before significant investment. This comes after a period of studio closures and layoffs, with TheHunter: Call of the Wild remaining their flagship title.
The future of RPGs is isometricThe isometric role-playing game genre is experiencing a significant resurgence, driven by the success of titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Disco Elysium. This trend sees developers embracing the classic top-down perspective, bridging the gap between modern AAA RPGs and older, more hardcore cRPGs, with new projects emerging across indie, AA, and even AAA studios.
Master Chief voice actor demands White House remove his voice from 'disgusting and juvenile war porn' videoSteve Downes, the voice actor for Master Chief in Halo, has requested the White House remove his voice from a video posted on their X account. The video, titled "JUSTICE THE AMERICAN WAY," is described as propaganda related to the war in Iran. Downes joins other performers who have objected to their likeness or voice being used by the White House for political messaging.
South of Midnight PS5 and Switch 2 Release Date AnnouncedXbox Game Studios and Compulsion Games have announced that South of Midnight will be released on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch 2 on March 31. New trailers showcasing the game on these platforms have also been released. The game was previously launched on April 8, 2025, for Xbox Series and PC.
PS5 Players Can Finally Explore This Award-Winning Xbox GemThe action-adventure game South of Midnight, developed by Compulsion Games, is coming to PlayStation 5 on March 31st. Previously an Xbox exclusive, the game features a Southern Gothic aesthetic and won the Games for Impact award. It was praised for its storybook visuals and engaging narrative, though its combat mechanics were noted as lacking.
12 Massive Upcoming Games That Could Completely Dominate Gaming | Invision Game CommunityThe gaming industry is poised for a significant shift with a dozen highly anticipated titles expected to dominate player attention. These upcoming releases, from long-awaited sequels like Grand Theft Auto VI to new projects from acclaimed studios, span various genres including RPGs, open-world adventures, and survival games. If these games meet expectations, they could redefine the gaming landscape for years to come.
Xbox "Project Helix" confirmed to run Xbox and PC games - competition for the Steam MachineMicrosoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma confirmed 'Project Helix,' the codename for the next-generation Xbox console, which will be capable of playing both Xbox and PC games. This move positions the new Xbox as a direct competitor to Valve's Steam Machine and potentially influences Sony's strategy regarding PC ports.
Xbox Announces Next Generation Console, Codenamed 'Project Helix'Microsoft has officially announced its next-generation console, codenamed 'Project Helix', confirming its continued commitment to the Xbox brand. The new console will support both Xbox and PC games and is expected to lead in performance. New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharna will discuss Project Helix further at GDC.
Project Helix is the Next Generation of Xbox ConsolesMicrosoft has revealed 'Project Helix' as the codename for its next-generation Xbox console. New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma confirmed the project will focus on performance and playing both Xbox and PC games. While a 2027 release is rumored, potential delays due to global RAM shortages could push it to 2028.
The Outer Worlds 2 Patch 1.1.0.0Players discuss the underperformance of The Outer Worlds 2, attributing it to poor marketing, a buggy launch on PC, and the impact of Game Pass. Some argue that day-one releases on subscription services may cannibalize sales and question the long-term sustainability of such models for developers.
Industry veteran launches indie-focused talent agency Rocket Game TalentIndustry veteran Fiona Cherback has launched Rocket Game Talent, a new agency focused on providing AAA hiring expertise to indie game studios. The agency aims to help smaller teams with talent acquisition, employer branding, and recruiting processes. Cherback previously held talent acquisition roles at PlayStation and Xbox Game Studios.
Marathon post-launch content includes free seasonal updates, new Runner shell, and moreMarathon will receive free seasonal updates, a new Runner shell, and more post-launch content. Additionally, Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration, Stuffed, Moving Out 2, and Anno 117: Pax Romana are available for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members through Free Play Days.
Every Game Delayed Right Now (2026 Edition)Numerous video games scheduled for release in 2025 and 2026 have been delayed, with developers citing reasons such as the need for additional polish, relocation due to conflict, or engine changes. Notable titles affected include Grand Theft Auto VI, Ark 2, Fable, and Path of Exile 2, with new release windows now extending into late 2026 or beyond for many.
NINJA GAIDEN 4: The Two Masters Expansion Adds New Chapters, Weapons And TrialsThe Two Masters, a new expansion for NINJA GAIDEN 4, is now available for £14.49 on Xbox Series X|S and PC. This DLC adds three new playable chapters continuing the story of Yakumo and Ryu Hayabusa, introduces two new weapons, and features a challenging Abyssal Road endurance mode.
PlayStation and Xbox veteran launches talent agency to support small studiosFiona Cherbak, a former talent leader at PlayStation and Xbox Game Studios, has launched Rocket Game Talent, a boutique agency aimed at providing triple-A recruiting expertise to independent game studios. The firm offers services like full-cycle recruiting, employer branding, and talent operations infrastructure to help smaller studios compete for top talent.