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Xbox leader Asha Sharma says there's "more demand than consoles available" as Xbox hardware sales dip by 14%
Xbox hardware sales have seen a 14% year-on-year dip, despite Xbox leader Asha Sharma claiming demand outstrips supply. Microsoft's financial results show a 2% decline in overall Xbox revenue, attributed to lower console sales and reduced third-party content and Game Pass revenue, though first-party content and PC gaming showed growth. The company is facing ongoing restructuring and external criticism regarding its cloud services.
EA Lays Off Around 400 Employees After Taking “A Hard Look at Our Business” – Rumor
Electronic Arts has reportedly laid off approximately 400 employees as part of a strategic business review, impacting studios like BioWare and leading to the cancellation of some projects, including the next Mass Effect. The company is prioritizing investment in its sports titles and Apex Legends, while also developing new Star Wars Jedi and Marvel's Iron Man games. Support for Battlefield will continue, with DICE collaborating on a new project with Respawn Entertainment.
With BioWare dead, EA lays out its 'next chapter,' and it's pretty much as predicted: Guns and football are fine, and everything else is under the microscope
Following the closure of BioWare, Electronic Arts has announced a strategic shift focusing on its largest franchises like Battlefield, Apex Legends, and EA Sports FC, while reducing the scope of other projects. The company is pausing 'Project Lotus,' pausing development on the early-stage Mass Effect game, and cutting the Skate team, leading to significant layoffs and a negative sentiment towards the studio's future.
Xbox reportedly planning three more rounds of layoffs, with the first wave coming as early as this month
Xbox is reportedly planning three additional rounds of layoffs, with the first wave expected this month, followed by others in November and January 2027, as part of CEO Asha Sharma's business reset. This follows a September round of job cuts and a larger wave in July, with remaining reductions to be distributed across future quarters. Concerns are rising about the fate of The Coalition, the studio behind Gears of War: E-Day, and whether potential layoffs could impact promised bonuses.
Xbox Will Go Through More Layoffs in October, November, and January – Rumor
Xbox is reportedly planning multiple rounds of layoffs in October, November, and January, following an initial wave in July. CEO Asha Sharma cited a need to cut costs and improve profitability due to over-expansion and underperforming investments. These cuts are part of a larger plan to reduce approximately 3,200 jobs by fiscal year 2027 and have already led to the divestment of several studios.
Epic AI Change Sparks Massive Fight Over AI/Vibe Coding
Epic Games' CEO Tim Sweeney announced a significant pivot towards "maximum AI acceleration," aiming to increase AI use in development and bring benefits to Unreal Engine users. This move has sparked a heated debate within the gaming industry, with figures like artist Kenney Vleugels criticizing the embrace of AI, while an Xbox strategy manager argues that ignoring AI means planning for a "fake future."
Bloober Team's Switch 2-exclusive heralds "amazing times of GameCube" horror, thanks to "Japanese…
Bloober Team's publishing division, Broken Mirror Games, has secured a Nintendo Switch 2 exclusive horror title, Onyx: The Dark Grip. This marks a significant achievement, as Nintendo rarely partners with third-party developers for exclusive horror games. The developers express excitement about bringing back the 'amazing times of GameCube' horror era and highlight Bloober Team's growing reputation, particularly after the success of Silent Hill 2 Remake.
Xbox is crazy if it thinks making Fallout and Minecraft exclusive will work - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that Microsoft's consideration of making major franchises like Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Minecraft exclusive to Xbox consoles is a desperate and flawed strategy. The author criticizes Xbox's inconsistent decision-making and believes such exclusivity would alienate players and fail to revive the brand's former glory.
Xbox CEO reportedly warns firm will "not survive" if it only relies on existing franchises
Xbox boss Asha Sharma reportedly warned that the company will not survive if it solely relies on existing franchises, emphasizing the need for new intellectual property to reach new audiences. This comes amid recent cancellations of new IP projects like Everwild and Project Mara, and proposed studio closures. Sharma also noted that Xbox is beginning to see growth after a period of decline and announced the creation of Xbox Labs to test new ideas and technologies.
Xbox’s XP Is A Fancy New Name, But We’re Failing To See What’s Really Different Here
Xbox has announced a new division called XP, overseeing investments in media, products, places, and partnerships, led by Kayleen Walters. Despite the rebranding, the article suggests this is largely a reshuffling of existing efforts with no new concrete investments in film or TV announced, and questions the timing given recent studio closures and layoffs. This announcement comes as Xbox hardware sales reportedly declined significantly.
Xbox aim to wring more cash out of the games they've not cast into oblivion by launching new licensing arm and handing Minecraft to ex-Meta monetisation lead
Xbox is launching a new licensing division, Xbox Products (XP), to generate more revenue from its major game franchises through film, TV, merchandise, and events. This initiative comes as Xbox undergoes significant layoffs, with a total of 3200 employees being let go. Mojang, the developer of Minecraft, has appointed Maria Angelidou-Smith, formerly of Meta, as its new CEO, bringing extensive experience in product and monetization but no direct gaming industry background.
How to run an indie game studio: Part 2, Defining your future
Business coach Martijn van Zwieten outlines how indie game studios can define a long-term future goal, known as a Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG), to guide all future decisions. This article, part two of a series, details an exercise for teams to collaboratively establish a 5-10 year vision and then set yearly goals to achieve it.
GTA 6 PC Release Date Estimate, Rumors, And News
Grand Theft Auto 6 is slated for a November 19, 2026 release on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a PC version estimated for Q1 2028. This estimate is based on Rockstar Games' historical release patterns for PC versions of their titles, which often follow console launches by 12-19 months. While Rockstar has not officially announced a PC version, Take-Two Interactive CEO Strauss Zelnick has emphasized the growing importance of the PC market.
Xbox CEO says Battle.net isn't turning into Steam after The Witcher 3 deal: "We will do it the right way"
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that Blizzard's Battle.net storefront will not become a direct competitor to Steam, despite adding titles like The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. Sharma emphasized a selective, curated approach for Battle.net, focusing on games that align with its existing player base, and assured that the platform will be developed "the right way."
Xbox is Returning to Growth After Previous Game Pass Strategy Sent it Into “Freefall” – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the company is returning to growth after a period of decline attributed to previous Game Pass strategies. Despite significant layoffs, Sharma indicated a positive trend with new game releases like Gears of War: E-Day contributing to improved sentiment and business performance. Sharma also discussed plans to expand the Windows audience and streamline third-party support, while reaffirming that Xbox is not for sale.
"This is your Dreamcast moment": Former PlayStation boss thinks Xbox needs to "pick a lane" with exclusive games to fix itself
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes Xbox needs to commit to a clear strategy regarding exclusive games to improve its standing. He argues that a platform without exclusives lacks meaning, and that trying to be both a platform and a major third-party publisher is unsustainable. Layden compares Xbox's current situation to Sega's Dreamcast era, suggesting a pivot to publishing is possible.
'Xbox is not for sale,' CEO Asha Sharma says
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma stated that the division is not for sale, despite ongoing struggles and rumors of restructuring or spin-offs. Sharma emphasized a commitment to finding the right partnerships and operating model for success, while acknowledging the need for industry disruption. The comments come after significant layoffs and studio closures within Xbox.
"Xbox is not for sale," says CEO despite rumors: "We will do whatever it takes to set the company up for…
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has firmly stated that the company is not for sale, despite ongoing rumors fueled by recent layoffs and studio closures. Sharma emphasized a commitment to partnerships and operating models to ensure Xbox's success and profitability within Microsoft, acknowledging a long road ahead.
Asha Sharma says ‘Xbox is not for sale’
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has directly refuted rumors suggesting Microsoft is considering selling the Xbox division. In a New York Times interview, Sharma stated unequivocally that 'Xbox is not for sale,' amidst ongoing company restructuring and layoffs.
"Xbox is not for sale": CEO Asha Sharma says "we will do whatever it takes" to turn the console maker's fortunes around
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has stated that the company is not for sale, despite significant internal restructuring and studio layoffs. She affirmed a commitment to doing "whatever it takes" to ensure Xbox's success. Separately, Rockstar Games detailed advancements in Grand Theft Auto 6's weather system, promising dynamic cloudscapes and localized, persistent weather effects.
