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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Could Manchester City’s Sanction Shenanigans Hit Popular Xbox Titles?
Manchester City has been found guilty of 114 out of 115 financial rule breaches, though sanctions have yet to be decided. This news raises questions about potential impacts on EA Sports titles like FC 28, particularly concerning player contracts and game updates if the club faces relegation or other significant penalties.
PHYSINT Reportedly Alters Budgets Following Xbox Switch
Reports suggest that Hideo Kojima's new Xbox game, Physint, has a significantly smaller budget than initially rumored, potentially around $150 million, compared to the $400 million figure speculated for Sony's involvement. This comes amid Xbox's efforts to improve its image and Sony's struggles with live-service titles, with sources indicating Physint is behind schedule.
Metal Gear Solid 2 Speedrunner Discovers First Ever Boss Skip in 25 Years
A speedrunner named Apel has discovered the first-ever boss skip in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, 25 years after its release. The skip allows players to bypass the Olga Gurlukovich boss fight in the Tanker chapter by manipulating game progression flags. This discovery is a significant development for the game's speedrunning community and is expected to lead to new world records.
A love letter to the Guitar Hero X-Plorer Controller
This article is a nostalgic look back at the RedOctane X-Plorer controller for Guitar Hero, celebrating its upcoming 20th anniversary. The author reflects on personal memories associated with the controller, highlighting its durability and superior feel compared to newer models, despite some minor wear and tear.
When is the Gears of War E-Day release time?
Gears of War E-Day will launch simultaneously worldwide on October 6 at 3pm UTC for Xbox and PC, with early access beginning five days prior on October 1 for those who pre-order. The game will not be available on PlayStation 5, confirming its Xbox exclusivity. Pre-installation will be available starting September 29.
New PS5 Game in Hit Bandai Namco Series Gets Stellar Reviews
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve has received strong critical acclaim, with the PlayStation 5 version holding a Metacritic score of 87/100. Critics have lauded the game's campaign and dogfighting mechanics, calling it a thrilling new entry that elevates the beloved air combat simulation series. The game is set to release on October 2, 2026, with preorders available on the PlayStation Store.
New PS5 Game in Hit Bandai Namco Series Gets Stellar Reviews
Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve, the latest installment in Bandai Namco's air combat series, has received overwhelmingly positive reviews, particularly for its PlayStation 5 version which holds a Metacritic score of 87/100. Critics lauded the campaign and dogfighting mechanics, calling it a thrilling new entry for the franchise. The game is set for release on October 2, 2026, with preorders available for standard and deluxe editions.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox is simply 'streamlining' after cutting over 5,750 jobs in three years
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella described the company's extensive layoffs, which have affected over 5,750 employees since October 2023, as 'streamlining' under new Xbox boss Asha Sharma. Despite significant studio closures and job cuts, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to produce great games and achieve growth.
Weekend Discussion - September 27, 2026
This Weekend Discussion post from Shacknews reflects on various gaming topics from the past week, including retro-style shooters like Derelikt, the Ace Combat 8: Wings of Theve review, and the Resident Evil Remake Trilogy on Nintendo Switch 2. It also touches on Fallout's publishing history and mentions staff writer Sam Chandler.
Shape Of Dreams Review | TheXboxHub
Shape of Dreams is a compelling action roguelite that blends dream and reality, now available on Xbox after its PC release. The game features randomized runs with permanent upgrades, distinct travelers with unique combat styles, and deep customization options. Its gorgeous cel-shaded visuals and slick four-player crossplay co-op make it a standout title, especially on Game Pass.
Gears of War: E-Day Review Embargo Lifts on October 1st, 6 AM PT
The review embargo for The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day will lift on October 1st, the same day Premium Edition owners can begin playing. The game returns to the series' horror roots, featuring Marcus Fenix and Bravo Squad fighting the Locust on Emergence Day. Gameplay introduces new mechanics like Weapon Mods and Active Reload, while removing wall-bouncing. PC players will require hardware ray tracing capabilities.
Whatever happened to Path of Titans, Realm of the Mad God, and EverRail?
This article provides an update on several overlooked MMOs in 2026. Realm of the Mad God has seen content updates including a reworked Third Dimension and new seasons. Path of Titans released on consoles and added new dinosaur species and features like interactive quests and climbing. EverRail entered early access in July and receives bi-weekly patches, with developers now focusing on larger content updates.
For Nier Automata, Yoko Taro just made the RPG he wanted to and "tried to stay hidden from Square Enix as much as…
Nier: Automata director Yoko Taro discusses his creative process, explaining that for the hit RPG, he made what he wanted and tried to avoid direct oversight from Square Enix. He reflects on his unique approach to game design, where he aims for 'normal' games that are perceived as 'weird' by a niche audience.
Shack Chat: Which developer would you like to see make a Konami game next?
Shacknews staff members discuss which developers they would like to see tackle Konami's classic franchises. Suggestions include Remedy Entertainment for Metal Gear, VS Studio for Bloody Roar, and Yacht Club Games for Contra, among others.
Microsoft CEO says Xbox's 'streamlining' process is 'great to see' following its most recent…
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella commented on the recent Xbox layoffs and studio restructuring, describing the process as "great to see" and comparing it to streamlining a Formula 1 car. Despite significant job cuts and studio closures, Nadella expressed confidence in Xbox's intellectual property and its ability to grow as a publisher and platform provider across PC and Xbox consoles.
It may be controversial, but this 8,000Hz TMR controller doesn't feel as good as its original 1,000Hz model with vibration and wireless play
The GameSir Tarantula 8K controller, while featuring advanced TMR sticks and an 8K polling rate, is criticized for its lack of wireless play and vibration motors, making it feel less versatile than its original 1,000Hz model. The lightweight design and wired-only connectivity are seen as drawbacks for general use, though it may appeal to competitive PC players.
Rare being controlled by Activision could actually be a good thing - Reader's Feature
A reader suggests that Activision's supervision of Rare, following Microsoft's struggles in managing the studio, could be a positive development. Despite concerns about Activision's business practices and potential for Rare to become a support studio, the author believes Activision's experience in managing developers might lead to more finished games than Microsoft's tenure.
PC gaming has more than doubled in size over the last 4 years in Japan, report finds, with global Steam hits like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG leading the charge
PC gaming revenue in Japan has more than doubled in the last four years, reaching 300 billion yen by 2025, a significant increase from 132.1 billion yen in 2021. Global hits like Counter-Strike 2 and PUBG: Battlegrounds are leading this growth, with free-to-play titles being particularly popular. While consoles from Sony and Nintendo traditionally dominate, the PC market is experiencing a substantial expansion.
Nomori Takes the Laws of Physics and Fold Them into a Pretzel, Out Now
Nomori, an adventure puzzle game that manipulates time, space, and gravity, is now available on PC and Xbox. Players control Kiko, a girl lost in a spirit world inspired by M.C. Escher and Japanese folklore, navigating floating islands and solving reality-bending puzzles.
"An Xbox that's only good for launching Steam is like subsidizing Valve's cash register": Ground-zero Xbox veteran says Microsoft needs to pick a lane before Project Helix hits a wall
Former Xbox veteran Jon Kimmich argues that Microsoft must choose between investing in the Xbox platform as a console-centric ecosystem or focusing solely on publishing games across multiple platforms. He criticizes the current 'play anywhere' strategy for diluting the Xbox brand and suggests that the upcoming Project Helix console needs a clear identity beyond simply launching PC games like Steam.
