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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Arc Raiders introduces separate Solo, Duo and Trio tracking so you can be friendly in one and a rat in the others
Arc Raiders has implemented a significant update to its matchmaking system, allowing for separate tracking of player behavior across Solo, Duo, and Trio playlists. This change addresses previous issues where aggressive play in one mode could negatively impact matchmaking in others, enabling players to adopt different playstyles depending on their squad size.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 4 here
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising money for Doctors Without Borders. Day 4 features a diverse schedule of speedruns across various platforms, including PC, Nintendo Switch, and retro consoles. The event has already raised over $485,000.
Safe Gaming Guide for Adults: Anti-Toxicity in 2026 | TAG
This guide offers strategies for adult gamers to combat online toxicity and improve their gaming experience. It introduces TAG's safety score for rating games based on community health and provides platform-specific tools for managing communication and blocking players. The article emphasizes the benefits of private lobbies, playing with trusted friends, and seeking out positive communities to mitigate the negative impacts of toxic online environments.
Microsoft is reportedly considering making more of its first-party games exclusive to Xbox
Microsoft is reportedly considering making more of its first-party games exclusive to Xbox consoles to incentivize purchases. While major multiplayer titles will remain multiplatform, upcoming games like Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are confirmed Xbox console exclusives, with The Elder Scrolls 6 potentially following suit. This strategy shift comes amidst significant layoffs and studio closures within Microsoft's gaming division.
Here's the Black Flag Resynced release time for your region
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced, a remake of the original pirate-themed game, is set to launch on July 9th. The remake includes new quests, pets, and improved ship battles. Preloading is available now, with the game requiring 65 GB of storage space on PC and consoles.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced "is on track to be a much-needed hit for Ubisoft," says analyst, selling 5 times the Steam copies Assassin's Creed Shadows did pre-release
Analyst Rhys Elliott suggests that the upcoming remake, Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, is poised to be a significant success for Ubisoft, potentially revitalizing the company. Pre-release sales on Steam for Resynced have already surpassed those of Assassin's Creed Shadows and even the lifetime sales of Skull and Bones, indicating strong anticipation driven by nostalgia and the game's PC presence.
Over 2 years since launch, Palworld hits 40 million players right before its 1.0 release, and now has over 8 million…
Pocketpair announced that Palworld has surpassed 40 million players across all platforms just before its 1.0 release on July 10. This milestone highlights the game's massive success since its Early Access launch over two years ago, with the survival game having previously reached 32 million players in February 2025. The developer thanked the community for their support, noting the game's significant growth and its impressive player count compared to historical Pokemon game sales.
Microsoft Reportedly Plans to Make More of Its Best Games Console Exclusive So People Have a Reason to Buy an Xbox — So What Could Skip PlayStation?
Microsoft is reportedly planning to increase console exclusivity for its top-tier games to drive Xbox hardware sales. This strategy raises questions about which major titles might bypass the PlayStation platform in the future.
STAR TREK ONLINE: UNDISCOVERED IS AVAILABLE NOW ON PC
Arc Games and Cryptic Studios announced that Star Trek Online: Undiscovered, the latest season for the free-to-play MMORPG, is now available on PC and will launch on PlayStation and Xbox consoles on July 29, 2026. This update reimagines the 'The Ultimate Klingon' story arc, featuring actors Robert Picardo and Lisa LoCicero, and introduces new features like Deep Space Encounters and the Undiscovered Event.
Xbox Games With Casino Vibes
This article explores how certain Xbox games incorporate casino-like elements, such as suspense, risk, and rewards, to enhance player engagement. Games like Red Dead Redemption 2, Grand Theft Auto Online, and Yakuza: Like a Dragon are highlighted for their immersive casino atmospheres and mechanics that evoke the thrill of gambling.
IO Interactive Is Closing Its Istanbul Studio Following Loss Of Funding
IO Interactive is closing its Istanbul studio due to a loss of funding for Project Fantasy, stemming from a partnership with Xbox. The company plans to continue developing the game independently.
I massively improved my hide and seek game with these Meccha Chameleon tips
This guide provides tips for Meccha Chameleon, a viral hide-and-seek game. It covers strategies for both hiding and hunting, including practicing in private servers, using the 'hide in plain sight' mechanic with the 3D Eyedropper tool, and downloading custom maps. The article also touches on potential platform releases for Mac, consoles, and mobile.
Unusual Findings’ “Vinny’s Diary” Update Launches July 10 on All Platforms — Review Codes Available
The "Vinny's Diary" update for the 2D pixel-art action-adventure game Unusual Findings will launch on July 10 across PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. This free update includes new content, improved controls, expanded hint options, and performance enhancements. Review codes are available for media and content creators.
Nobody Plays New Games Anymore: The 2026 Playtime Data | TAG
Recent data from Valve's Steam Replay and Newzoo reports indicate that new game releases consistently capture only 14-17% of player playtime on PC, with older titles dominating the remaining hours. This trend holds true across platforms, with Xbox showing the highest engagement for new releases at 18%. The analysis suggests this is due to factors like the prevalence of live service games, adult time constraints, and the value proposition of established back-catalog titles, rather than a decline in player interest.
Evening Reading - July 6, 2026
The video game industry is facing significant challenges, with Microsoft confirming mass layoffs that will lead to Double Fine Productions and Compulsion Games becoming independent. Xbox has appointed Helen Chiang, head of Mojang Studios, as its first Chief Operating Officer. Additionally, Nintendo plans to discontinue original Switch consoles in Europe in 2027, while Microsoft is being sued in Wisconsin over data center practices.
Subscriptions, Clouds, and Streams
A new report suggests that Microsoft's Xbox division is undergoing a significant restructure that could lead to major changes for its Game Pass subscription service. The article speculates on potential shifts in how subscriptions, cloud gaming, and game streaming are integrated.
The Steam Machine’s Red Line Of Death Is Less Scary, And More Useful, Than You Might Think
The Steam Machine's 'Red Line of Death' error, reminiscent of the Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death, is discussed as a useful diagnostic tool rather than a catastrophic failure. Valve has implemented a system where different LED bar colors and animations indicate specific hardware issues, aiding users in troubleshooting and communicating problems to support.
Early access survival sandbox Bellwright finally got co-op functionality online for console players
Donkey Crew has released online co-op functionality for their early access survival sandbox game Bellwright on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The studio cited rigorous certification processes by Sony and Microsoft as the reason for the delay compared to the PC version. Crossplay is the next planned feature, with a release date to be announced after certification.
The $69 Billion Hangover: Every Xbox Layoff Since The Activision Blizzard Merger
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $68.7 billion has been followed by significant layoffs and studio closures within its Xbox division. These cuts, described by Xbox CEO Asha Sharma as a "reset" due to an unhealthy business, have impacted thousands of employees and led to the cancellation of several game projects across various studios since January 2024.
No Announced Xbox Games Are Getting Axed In Microsoft Layoffs, Company Says
Microsoft has announced significant layoffs affecting 1,600 employees at Xbox, with another 1,600 planned over the next year. Despite these cuts and studio sales, the company stated that no already announced first-party Xbox games are being canceled. Titles like Clockwork Revolution, Gears of War: E-Day, Hellblade, and State of Decay 3 are still confirmed to be in development.
