Xbox Game Studios
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Game Studios.
Games Inbox: Is Halo: Combat Evolved worth pre-ordering on PS5?A PlayStation-only gamer expresses excitement for Halo: Combat Evolved but is hesitant to pre-order due to Xbox's shifting multi-platform strategy. The reader questions the long-term viability of Halo on PlayStation and draws parallels to Gears of War. Other readers discuss analyst predictions for Grand Theft Auto 6 sales, the risks of digital game ownership, and the historical performance of consoles like the Master System and NES in the UK.
"I don't know how anyone remaining at Xbox Studios can feel safe" - New report reveals environment of uncertainty and fear, and a "staggering" loss of institutional knowledgeA new report details an environment of fear and uncertainty within Microsoft's Xbox Studios following recent layoffs, with employees unsure of future cuts and the impact on game development. Studios like id Software and Bethesda Game Studios have lost significant talent, raising concerns about the loss of institutional knowledge and the ability to maintain core franchises and proprietary technology.
How The Coalition and NVIDIA are Building Gears of War: E-Day for PCThe Coalition and NVIDIA are partnering to enhance the PC version of Gears of War: E-Day, built on Unreal Engine 5 and DirectX 12. The collaboration will integrate NVIDIA's GeForce RTX technologies, including ray tracing, DLSS 4.5 with Dynamic Multi Frame Generation and Super Resolution, and Reflex for improved performance and visual fidelity. The game will also support AMD FSR, Unreal Engine TSR, Intel XeSS, and Advanced Shader Delivery for broad hardware optimization and reduced load times.
One week after going independent in the Xbox bloodbath, South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games is looking for workCompulsion Games, the developer of the BAFTA and Peabody Award-winning title South of Midnight, has announced it is seeking new collaborations after becoming independent following recent layoffs at Xbox. Microsoft, which acquired Compulsion in 2018, allowed the studio to go independent rather than closing it. The studio is leveraging its experience in creating original intellectual property to partner with other companies in the games and entertainment industry.- Former Xbox Studio Compulsion Games Says It's Open to CollaborationsFollowing negotiations that secured its independence amidst recent Xbox Game Studios layoffs, Montreal-based developer Compulsion Games has announced on LinkedIn that it is open to collaborations. The studio is seeking opportunities to work with other developers and publishers, potentially as a support studio on external projects.
Halo Studio Leadership Accused of Mistreating Employees, “Destroying the Halo Franchise” – RumorHalo Studios leadership, including studio head Pierre Hintze, is accused of mistreating employees and mismanaging the Halo franchise. Allegations detail verbal abuse, disregard for work-life balance, favoritism, and poor decision-making that have negatively impacted development and employee morale. Several former employees and industry figures have come forward with complaints.
The best action game of 2025 is a game nobody bought - Reader’s FeatureA reader argues that Ninja Gaiden 4, despite poor sales, is the best pure action game of last year and potentially this generation. The article praises its combat, traversal mechanics, and enemy design, while acknowledging pacing issues and lack of variety compared to earlier titles.- Xbox After The Layoffs: Studios Left And What They’re MakingXbox has undergone significant restructuring, including layoffs and the divestment of five studios, as it aims to increase profitability and focus on major intellectual properties. This shake-up impacts numerous development teams and projects across Xbox Game Studios, Activision, Blizzard, and Bethesda, with a renewed focus on core franchises and a shift in business strategies like the exclusion of Call of Duty from Xbox Game Pass day-one launches.
"We mean business" - Bethesda union members to march in protest of sweeping Xbox job cutsBethesda Game Studios union members are planning protests against recent layoffs impacting Microsoft's Xbox division. The union criticizes Microsoft's framing of the cuts and asserts their legal right to bargain over the impact of these layoffs, demanding preferential transfers, stronger severance, and recall rights for affected workers. The layoffs have reportedly caused plummeting morale and may significantly affect the development of The Elder Scrolls 6.
"Great job Microsoft": Former id Software artist says the legendary dev has been "relegated to support studio size" after Xbox's strategy of "nuking a team into the dirt"Former id Software artist Derek Best stated that Microsoft's recent layoffs have reduced the iconic FPS developer to a support studio size. Best, who was among the 136 employees laid off, criticized Microsoft's strategy, noting the significant loss of institutional knowledge and the impact on the id Tech engine team. The layoffs have raised concerns about the future of id Software's core franchises like Doom and Quake.
Xbox Game Pass Hidden Gems: 20 Games Worth Playing Right Now (2026) | TAGThis guide highlights 20 under-the-radar games available on Xbox Game Pass, categorized by their time commitment. It focuses on titles that are either new, forgotten, or obscure, offering recommendations for various playstyles and schedules. The article emphasizes that these games are worth owning even if they leave the service.
Pitches for a co-op Doom, a new Perfect Dark, and a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game were cooking at id Software before Microsoft layoffs reportedly led to 136 job cutsid Software reportedly had multiple projects in development, including a new Perfect Dark, a John Wick-inspired cyberpunk game titled Fury, and a multiplayer Doom title, before significant layoffs occurred. These pitches were made after the completion of Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC, and the studio's future now seems uncertain as Xbox reportedly pushes for faster releases of major franchises like The Elder Scrolls 6 and Fallout 5.
Report: Obsidian to work on Fallout title as unannounced projects cancelledObsidian Entertainment is reportedly developing a new Fallout game, led by Fallout: New Vegas director Josh Sawyer, as part of a wider Xbox restructuring that has led to the cancellation of several unannounced projects and layoffs. A small team will continue work on an Avowed sequel, while others focus on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. This news follows a significant increase in Fallout game sales after the premiere of the Prime Video adaptation.
Obsidian Ditches Avowed Sequel for New Fallout Game — Too Much Gaming | Video Games Reviews, News, & GuidesObsidian Entertainment has cancelled an Avowed sequel and laid off 52 employees as it shifts focus to a new Fallout title, led by Josh Sawyer. The studio is also continuing work on DLC for The Outer Worlds 2 and the multiplayer game Grounded 2. This comes as Xbox Game Studios undergoes significant restructuring, impacting multiple studios including Id Software.
Games Inbox: Is The Elder Scrolls 6 going to be worth the wait?Readers express concerns about the lengthy development of The Elder Scrolls 6, criticizing Bethesda's recent game output and treatment of developers. The discussion also touches upon the shift to digital-only distribution, the impact of layoffs at Microsoft and Bethesda, and the future of subscription services like Game Pass.
Microsoft, Please Don’t Ruin MinecraftMicrosoft's new CEO Asha Sharma is reportedly looking to increase investment in Minecraft, drawing comparisons to Roblox's business model. This shift, occurring amidst significant studio cuts within Xbox, raises concerns that Microsoft may alter Minecraft's core gameplay and creative freedom to boost profitability, potentially moving away from its established identity as a sandbox for crafting and survival.
Rather than rip and tear id Software apart, Xbox should have put the FPS pioneers on Gears of WarFollowing significant layoffs at Xbox Game Studios, including a reported 50% staff reduction at id Software, the article argues that Xbox should leverage id Software's expertise for the Gears of War franchise. It suggests that id's talent for creating visceral first-person shooter experiences would be a better fit for Gears of War than continuing with their own struggling franchises like Quake Champions or Rage 2.
Buckshot Roulette: The Viral Horror Phenomenon Joins XBOX Game Pass TodayThe viral indie horror game Buckshot Roulette is now available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and cloud gaming, included with Xbox Game Pass. This psychological showdown transforms Russian Roulette into a brutal 12-gauge shotgun experience where players face off against The Dealer in a tense battle of probability and luck. The game also features multiplayer support for up to four players with crossplay.
After 8 years and no new releases, Undead Labs' biggest contribution to Xbox is the tech it leaves behindDespite not releasing new games in eight years, Undead Labs, acquired by Xbox Game Studios in 2018, has made significant technological contributions. Their 'Shared Save' technology, initially developed for State of Decay 2 and later expanded, enabled Obsidian's Grounded and will support State of Decay 3's larger communities. This tech allows for shared world-data as a cloud save, reducing the need for dedicated servers.- There Is No Reason To Buy Another PlayStation Or XboxThe author argues that upcoming PlayStation and Xbox consoles will be too expensive and lack compelling reasons to purchase, especially with the shift to digital-only distribution. Concerns are raised about the impact on the used games market, accessibility for players with poor internet, and the overall viability of the console market as attention shifts to mobile and other forms of entertainment.