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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Microsoft confirms 3200 layoffs and four studio departures
Microsoft has confirmed significant layoffs affecting approximately 3,200 employees across its Xbox business, including 1,600 on the day of the announcement. Four studios, Compulsion Games, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and Undead Labs, will either become independent or find new ownership, while Arkane Studios faces strategic review. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited slower-than-expected growth in Game Pass, multi-platform strategies, and content portfolio as reasons for the restructuring, which will also involve reducing management layers.
Xbox parts ways with 4 studios, with South of Midnight and Psychonauts devs going independent as Arkane begins "required consultation" to "review potential strategic options"
Xbox is undergoing a significant restructure, leading to four of its studios becoming independent or finding new ownership. Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will transition to independent studios, while Ninja Theory and Undead Labs will be acquired by new owners. Additionally, Arkane Studios is entering a consultation period to review its strategic options.
If physical games are dying, we need better laws for our digital rights
Sony's decision to end disc production for PlayStation games and the impending removal of Studio Canal films from PlayStation Video highlight the precariousness of digital ownership. The article argues for stronger consumer rights and new laws to protect digital purchases, contrasting them with the freedoms offered by physical media. It notes ongoing efforts in the EU and France to address these issues, while also pointing to PC storefronts like GOG.com as alternatives offering true ownership.
"If anyone encounters the same error, don't panic like I did" - Steam Machine suffering "red line of death" comes back to life
A user's Steam Machine, which experienced a "red line of death" error after a system update, has been revived. The issue, initially feared to be a graphics card failure similar to the Xbox 360's Red Ring of Death, was resolved by unplugging the machine overnight and performing BIOS resets. The user shared their experience on Reddit, advising others not to panic and to try similar troubleshooting steps.
How to use new controllers with retro consoles
This guide explains how to use modern controllers with retro consoles using adapters and dongles. It covers Bluetooth and 2.4GHz wireless options, detailing compatibility with various controllers like DualSense and Xbox Wireless, and discusses latency differences and charging solutions. The article also touches on ergonomic considerations for different retro systems.
Meccha Chameleon sells 15,000,000 copies to become game equivalent of Obsession
The hide-and-seek indie game Meccha Chameleon has achieved over 15 million copies sold worldwide since its launch on Steam on June 10. Developed by two Japanese indie developers in under two months, the game's success is attributed to its low price point, viral popularity on platforms like TikTok, and its classification as a 'friendslop' title. Despite its modest revenue, Meccha Chameleon has become the best-selling game of 2026 so far across Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.
Football’s Biggest Month Has Reached Xbox
The FIFA World Cup has significantly boosted football gaming on Xbox, with EA Sports FC 26 and eFootball offering dedicated tournament modes and timed events. EA Sports FC 26 features a full 48-team World Cup simulation, while eFootball provides ongoing international cup events and rewards. The World Cup's influence extends beyond consoles, with FIFA World Cup: Launch Edition available on Netflix Games.
Games Inbox: Is Nintendo Switch 2 and PC the perfect combination?
Readers discuss the potential of the Nintendo Switch 2 combined with PC gaming as a strong alternative to PlayStation and Xbox, especially in light of Sony's move towards digital-only releases. The conversation also touches on the importance of physical media for game preservation and the rising costs of PC hardware components like RAM and SSDs.
PlayStation to Allow Publishers to Re-Order Discs for Existing Titles After January 2028 – Rumor
A rumor suggests that PlayStation will allow publishers to re-order physical disc copies of existing games after January 2028, despite plans to cease new disc production. While some publishers are shifting to digital, this alleged policy change offers a potential lifeline for older titles. However, questions remain about the long-term availability and Sony's commitment to physical media preservation, especially as Xbox continues to support disc releases.
The Cub Review | TheXboxHub
The Cub is a challenging 2D platformer set in a post-apocalyptic world where humanity has fled to Mars, leaving behind a child raised by wolves. Players must navigate treacherous environments and evade pursuers from Mars, with the story unfolding through cutscenes, environmental storytelling, and a unique radio station. Despite occasional frustrating platforming and a short length, the game is praised for its gorgeous presentation, excellent audio, and memorable narrative.
Hidden Gems of Game Design Vol 49
This article highlights several underappreciated games, including the solo-developed survival horror Tache Noire, the free roguelite KIBORG: Arena which shaped its full release, a Game Boy Advance port of Crazy Taxi, and the Gothic-inspired adventure The Island of Doctor Morose. It discusses their unique gameplay mechanics, potential bugs, and reasons for their obscurity.
Summer Games Done Quick 2026: Watch Day 1 here
Summer Games Done Quick 2026 is underway in Minneapolis, Minnesota, raising money for Doctors Without Borders. The week-long speedrunning marathon features a variety of games, including Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Kirby Air Ride, and Absolum, with schedules available for viewers on Twitch and YouTube.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is "sort of the successor" to Final Fantasy creator's overlooked JRPG Lost Odyssey, lead says: "Truly one of the most powerful, emotional experiences of my life"
Guillaume Broche, director of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has praised Hironobu Sakaguchi's JRPG Lost Odyssey, calling it a successor to his own work and one of the most powerful emotional experiences he's had as a gamer. Broche highlighted Lost Odyssey's linear structure, random battles, and ambitious story, noting its rarity as a turn-based game with realistic graphics. He also mentioned that Lost Odyssey is available digitally on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
The Best Wireless Earbuds We’ve Reviewed
This article reviews and ranks the best wireless earbuds available, focusing on their performance for gaming and general use. The SteelSeries Arctis GameBuds for Xbox are highlighted as the overall winner due to their versatility and native Xbox wireless support. Other top contenders include the Status Pro X for premium audio, Status Between 3ANC for noise cancellation, GravaStar Sirius Plus for value, and final VR3000 Wireless for gamers prioritizing low latency.
The first wave of Steam Machines are dropping. Here's what people think.
The initial reception for Valve's Steam Machine has been mixed, with early adopters noting its high price point compared to traditional consoles due to recent hardware inflation. While some users praise its ability to run PC games and quiet operation, others, including Shuhei Yoshida, have expressed concerns about long game boot times and overall performance. Reports of hardware failures, such as GPU issues leading to bricked units, have also surfaced, drawing parallels to the Xbox 360's 'Red-Ring of Death'.
What on earth is happening to the video games industry? - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses frustration with the current state of the video game industry, citing issues like mass layoffs, Sony's focus on live service games, and Microsoft's acquisition strategy. Concerns are raised about the move towards digital-only sales and the potential high cost of future consoles like the PlayStation 6. Despite these criticisms, the reader acknowledges the strength of the indie scene and the resurgence of companies like Capcom.
DEAD OR ALIVE 6 Last Round Review | TheXboxHub
Dead or Alive 6: Last Round is presented as the definitive version of the 2019 fighting game, including previously released DLC fighters and a new photo mode. However, the article notes a lack of substantial new content, leading to negative reception on Steam for players who already purchased DLC. Despite these criticisms, the core fighting mechanics, presentation, and online modes remain strong, making it an easy recommendation for fans of the original.
Fallout 76 developers discuss next-gen update and Super Mutant as a playable race
Fallout 76 developers discussed the game's upcoming next-gen update and the possibility of Super Mutants becoming a playable race. Production Director Bill Lacoste mentioned the technical challenges of updating libraries for PlayStation and Xbox platforms. While player Ghoul was considered, the team is exploring if a Super Mutant race could fill a gameplay niche.
Steam Machine hits 'Red Line of Death' issues — but there's no need to panic about bricked PCs yet
Some Steam Machine units are experiencing a 'Red Line of Death' indicating a GPU failure, similar to the Xbox 360's 'Red Ring of Death'. While early reports suggest this is not widespread, Valve is investigating the issue, with affected users advised to contact support for potential returns or repairs.
The hard truth about Sony killing PlayStation games on disc
This article argues that the shift towards digital game sales on PlayStation, driven by consumer convenience and industry trends, is inevitable despite vocal opposition. It highlights that legal ownership of games is often a license rather than true ownership, and physical discs are becoming less reliable and representative of the final product.
