Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Date Everything wins two accolades at The Gayming Awards 2026The Gayming Awards 2026 celebrated achievements in LGBTQ+ representation within gaming. Sassy Chap Games' 'Date Everything' won Best LGBTQ+ Indie Game and the Gayming Fan Favourite Award, while Compulsion Games' 'South of Midnight' took home Game of the Year. The ceremony recognized various categories, including voice acting, content creation, and contributions to esports, highlighting diversity and inclusivity.
Gears Of War: E-Day PS5 promo refutes Microsoft's claims about Xbox exclusivityAn official Xbox podcast trailer for Gears Of War: E-Day briefly showed PlayStation 5 and Steam logos, contradicting Microsoft's claims of it being an Xbox exclusive. Despite Xbox's vice president of games marketing Aaron Greenberg denying a last-minute pivot, the inclusion of the PS5 logo suggests it was initially planned for the platform. This incident adds to confusion surrounding Microsoft's evolving exclusivity strategy for its first-party titles.
Ninja Theory cancels Project MaraNinja Theory has cancelled its experimental horror title Project Mara to focus all studio resources on the third Hellblade game, Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2. Studio head Dom Matthews stated the decision was made to consolidate the expertise of their 85 creatives onto the Hellblade franchise. Project Mara was intended to be a realistic portrayal of mental terror, while Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice and its sequel are recognized for their depiction of mental health experiences.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Preorders Are Here, Including A Massive Collector’s EditionPreorders are now available for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5. The game features a remastered campaign with new missions and gameplay enhancements, and will be released on July 28. Multiple editions are available, including a Premium Edition with digital extras and early access, and a Collector's Edition with physical collectibles like a Master Chief statue.
"Our business today is not healthy": Xbox exec says plan for exclusive games is "not ready" but…Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball stated that the company's current business is "not healthy" and a new plan for exclusive games is being developed under new CEO Asha Sharma. While some games like Gears of War: E-Day will be console exclusives, live-service titles will remain multi-platform, with a clearer strategy to be communicated to players soon.
State of Decay 3 playtests will expand this year ahead of 2027 release: "We are dying for players to come…State of Decay 3 is slated for a 2027 release, with developer Undead Labs planning to expand alpha and beta playtests throughout the year. Creative director Kevin Patzelt expressed enthusiasm for player feedback, encouraging sign-ups on the official playtest website. The game will be available on Xbox, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Gears of War: E-Day trailer quickly removed after PS5 logo accidentally appearedA PlayStation 5 logo briefly appeared in an Xbox Podcast video for Gears of War: E-Day, reigniting rumors of a multiplatform release. Microsoft has since clarified that the game will be exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC, launching on October 6, 2026. The prequel is built in Unreal Engine 5 and promises a darker, horror-focused experience.
Gears of War: E-Day's PS5 port is reportedly mostly complete as Xbox only recently decided to U-turn on its console…A report suggests that a PlayStation 5 port of Gears of War: E-Day is nearly complete, despite Xbox recently deciding to keep the game as an Xbox exclusive. This change in strategy reportedly occurred after Phil Spencer's retirement, with current leadership re-evaluating which single-player games will be ported to other platforms on a case-by-case basis.
Halo: Campaign Evolved – Creating New Cosmetics for Master Chief That Honor the Halo LegacyHalo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, will feature new cosmetic skins for Master Chief, inspired by the series' legacy. These include recreations of the original Mark V armor, a Forerunner-inspired design, and unique themed sets. The game will also offer a rebuilt campaign with modern visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, and network co-op for up to four players, launching July 28, 2026, with early access starting July 23.
Hellblade studio kills its mysterious 'horrors of the mind' project so it can make a new Senua game insteadNinja Theory has canceled its "Project Mara" to fully dedicate its resources to a new Senua game, simply titled Senua. Studio head Dom Matthews stated the new title will be an action-adventure game with broader gameplay and combat depth, set in Purgatory after the events of Hellblade 1 and 2. The studio aims to deliver a fresh experience that welcomes new players while building on the established themes and characters.
Gears of War E-Day pre-orders are live, but PS5 players will have to sit this one outGears of War E-Day is set to launch on October 6, 2026, for Xbox Series X/S and PC, with pre-orders now available. Despite initial ratings, the game will be an Xbox console exclusive and will not be released on PlayStation 5. Various editions are offered, including a Collector's Edition featuring a Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago diorama, and the game will be available on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate at launch.
Dive Into the Depths in Grounded 2’s Into the Abyss UpdateGrounded 2's 'Into the Abyss' update, launching August 11, introduces a large new area centered around the pond, allowing players to explore both above and below the water's surface. The update features new progression systems, challenges, and an amphibious Toe-biter Buggy for traversing land and water. Grounded 2 is available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, ASUS ROG Ally, Steam, and PlayStation 5, with options for Game Pass.
Halo PS5, PS5 Pro Trailer Confirms We’re in for a Big TreatXbox Game Studios has released a new trailer for Halo: Campaign Evolved, showcasing gameplay captured on the PlayStation 5 Pro and confirming its July 2026 release date. The game will feature three editions: Standard, Premium, and Collector's, with the Premium and Collector's editions including early access, exclusive cosmetic packs, and digital content. The Collector's edition also boasts a Master Chief statue and other physical collectibles.
Marvel’s Blade Isn’t Dead, Despite Recent Rumblings – ReportDespite recent speculation fueled by its absence from the Xbox Games Showcase, Marvel's Blade is reportedly not canceled. Journalist Jeff Grubb clarified that while there are reasons for the lack of recent updates, they do not indicate problems with the game's development by Arkane Lyon.
Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s EditionThe Coalition has revealed the Gears of War: E-Day Collector's Edition, which includes a premium Xbox Series X version of the game and physical collectibles. The Collector's Edition, featuring a statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, launches on October 1, 2026, with early access to the game ahead of its global release on October 6, 2026. It is available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with pre-orders open now.
Halo PS5 Collector's Edition Instantly Sells Out, and for Good ReasonThe Collector's Edition for Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved campaign for current-generation consoles, has instantly sold out on the Xbox Game Studios Shop. Priced at $199.99, the edition included a Master Chief statue, the game on disc and digital voucher, and early access. Resellers are already listing the edition for significantly higher prices on eBay.
Arkane Lyon's Blade game isn't dead, despite rumours following Xbox Games Showcase no-showDespite rumors suggesting the cancellation of Arkane Lyon's Marvel's Blade game, insider Jeff Grubb has clarified that the project is not dead and is still in development. The game, which was revealed at The Game Awards 2023 and is set in Paris, has not been shown publicly since, leading to speculation about its status. Arkane Studios director Dinga Bakaba previously stated the team was hard at work on the title.
Fable pre-orders are live, and the Collector's Edition includes a Jack of Blades statue for die-hard fansPre-orders for the upcoming game Fable are now available, with a planned release date of February 23, 2027. Multiple editions are offered, including a Standard Edition, a Premium Edition with digital extras and early access, and a Collector's Edition featuring a Jack of Blades statue. Fable will also be available on Xbox Game Pass on its release date.
Xbox boss explains logic behind PS5 exclusivity and it makes no sense at allXbox boss Matt Booty attempted to clarify Microsoft's shifting strategy on game exclusivity, stating that major multiplayer and live service titles will remain multiplatform. However, the decision to make Gears Of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution Xbox console exclusives, while other titles like Senua and State Of Decay 3 will be multiplatform, has caused confusion. This 'case by case' approach, similar to past vague statements, raises questions about Xbox's long-term vision for its exclusive content.
All Switch 1 & 2 Games Shown at XBOX Showcase | June 7, 2026 - NintendoFuseDuring the Summer Game Fest 2026 showcase, XBOX Studios revealed several games coming to the Nintendo Switch and Switch 2. Titles announced include Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember, Crazy Taxi: World Tour, Minecraft Dungeons II, Spyro: A Realm Beyond, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, and Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse.