Game Pass
Ongoing coverage on Game Pass.
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Xbox first-party content partially offsets 2% drop in Q1 revenue, hardware decreases 14%
Microsoft reported strong overall revenue for the first quarter, with Xbox content and services revenue seeing a slight 2% decrease, partially offset by growth in first-party titles like Minecraft and Call of Duty. Hardware sales declined 14%, but the company anticipates mid to high-single digit growth for Xbox content and services in the next quarter, driven by upcoming game launches. The report also noted ongoing workforce reductions within the Xbox division.
Xbox revenue falls 2% in first results since layoffs as decline narrows from 10%
Xbox's revenue saw a 2% decline in the July-September quarter, marking its fifth consecutive decrease, though the drop is less severe than in previous periods. While console sales and Game Pass subscriptions continue to shrink, Microsoft is anticipating stronger growth during the holiday quarter. The company's content and services business experienced a smaller 1% slip when currency changes are excluded, exceeding Microsoft's own forecasts.
XBOX Game Pass Is Coming to Eligible T-Mobile Customers
T-Mobile has announced T-Mix, a new program that allows eligible customers in the U.S. to choose Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or Premium as a benefit in their wireless plan. This marks the first time Xbox Game Pass will be available through a U.S. wireless carrier, offering access to a library of games on various devices including Xbox consoles, PCs, and Smart TVs.
Arkane Lyon’s Deadline to Find a New Buyer Has Been Pushed Back to December 13th
Microsoft has extended the deadline for Arkane Lyon to find a new buyer to December 13th, allowing the studio to continue development on Marvel's Blade. This decision comes amidst wider Xbox cost-cutting measures, including significant job cuts and the divestiture of other studios, which have led to anger and concern among employees and union representatives.
Xbox reveals pricing for cloud gaming limits, starting at $3.99 for 10 hours
Xbox has revealed pricing for its Game Pass cloud gaming limits, introducing 'cloud playtime packs' starting at $3.99 for 10 hours. These packs offer ad-free streaming with shorter wait times. The decision to implement limits and pricing was made due to the increasing costs of providing the service.
Xbox cloud gaming prices revealed, with 50 hours of ad-free game-time priced $11.99
Microsoft has announced pricing for its Xbox cloud gaming service, offering 50 hours of ad-free playtime for an introductory price of $11.99. The service will be available to all Xbox players in November, with tiered pricing options starting at $3.99 for 10 hours. Despite the paid service, users may still experience wait times during peak hours.
Cloud Playtime Now Available to Test with XBOX Insiders
Xbox Insiders can now test purchasing cloud playtime without a Game Pass subscription. This preview offers introductory pricing for cloud gaming hours, with packs ranging from 10 hours for $3.99 to 50 hours for $11.99, providing an ad-free experience with improved streaming quality and reduced wait times. The feature is expected to roll out more broadly in November.
Project Helix reportedly launching in late 2028, projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800
Xbox is reportedly planning a next-generation console codenamed 'Project Helix' for a late 2028 launch, with an estimated price of $1,200 to $1,800. The company is also developing a new handheld device for late next year and considering a tiered Game Pass overhaul. These plans come amidst significant restructuring, including layoffs and a reassessment of past business strategies.
Next gen Xbox console out in 2028 and more expensive than PS6 claims report
A report suggests Microsoft's next Xbox console, codenamed Project Helix, will launch by Christmas 2028 and may cost between $1,200 and $1,800, significantly more than the anticipated PlayStation 6. This comes amid ongoing component shortages and a reported failure of the current Xbox Series X/S. The report also indicates a new next-generation handheld device will be released by Christmas 2027.
Next Xbox Console Planned for Holiday 2028, “Next-Generation Handheld” Coming in 2027
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has revealed that the next Xbox console is planned for a Holiday 2028 release, with a "next-generation handheld device" set to launch in Holiday 2027. The next-gen console is projected to cost between $1,200 and $1,800. Plans for a revamped Game Pass subscription service with tiered features are also in development.
ID@XBOX x IGN Showcase Recap: All the News and Announcements
The ID@XBOX x IGN Showcase revealed numerous indie titles coming to Xbox and PC, with many also heading to Game Pass. Highlights include the reveals of A Game About Digging a Hole Together, Magenta Down, and Chronoscript: The Endless End, alongside updates on games from Critical Reflex like Arctic Eggs, Mouthwashing, and No, I’m Not a Human. Several titles will also support Xbox Play Anywhere.
Build a Living Room Game Pass Box
This guide explains how to build a compact PC for a living room setup to access Game Pass, offering a console-like experience without needing a dedicated gaming console. It details the necessary hardware, software setup for Windows and the Xbox app, controller pairing, and optimization tips for a smooth gaming experience on the big screen.
Mr Magpie’s Harmless Card Game Trailer Reveals Matt Mercer as Part of the Cast
Giant Light Studios released a new trailer for its upcoming horror deckbuilder, Mr Magpie's Harmless Card Game, confirming Matt Mercer as the voice of the titular character. The trailer showcases gameplay and reveals the game will launch in early 2027 for PC and Xbox Series X/S, arriving on Game Pass day one.
Xbox is appointing someone to focus on physical games just to spite PlayStation
Microsoft is reportedly hiring a strategist to focus on the launch of physical Xbox games, a move seen as an attempt to gain a public relations advantage over Sony. This comes as Sony plans to phase out physical game support after 2027, a decision that has faced backlash. While Xbox has historically favored digital releases, Microsoft appears to be capitalizing on Sony's controversial decision.
Chained Beasts Turns Co-Op Combat Into A Gladiatorial Game Pass Circus
Chained Beasts, a four-player co-op gladiator roguelike developed and published by Featherweight Games, is now available on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. The game features players chained together, requiring intense teamwork to survive deadly arenas and challenging bosses.
Forza Horizon 6 is 2026’s Highest Revenue Earner With 8.8 Million Sales – Rumor
A report from Alinea Analytics estimates that Forza Horizon 6, an Xbox console exclusive, has achieved 8.8 million sales and $579.2 million in revenue, making it a potential top earner for 2026. Despite concerns about Game Pass impacting sales, the game appears to be performing well, with anticipation high for its PlayStation 5 release.
FreeStyle Football 2 gets December 2026 release date — MP3s & NPCs
FreeStyle Football 2 is set to launch on December 3 for PlayStation 5, PC via Steam, and Xbox Series X, with day one availability on Game Pass. The team-based action football game from JOYCITY and WOORE allows players to control characters with unique abilities and work together to score goals. Pre-orders will include exclusive outfit sets, with the Ultimate edition offering premium and future seasonal outfits.
Meet the XBOX Nano Controller
Microsoft has unveiled the Xbox Nano Controller, a compact and lightweight accessory designed for portability and accessibility, priced at $49.99 USD. It features all standard gameplay inputs and supports Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth connectivity. Bundles with Game Pass Ultimate are available with select Samsung TVs and Meta Quest purchases.
Gears of War: E-Day’s Reported Sales Raise Some Serious Questions
Despite critical acclaim and leveraging Unreal Engine 5, Gears of War: E-Day's reported sales figures, particularly on PC and Xbox consoles, have raised concerns about its financial performance. The article suggests that Xbox's strategy, heavily reliant on Game Pass, may be hindering the profitability of its first-party exclusives, potentially impacting studio futures and leading to layoffs.
Battlefield 6 is Finally Adding a Server Browser and Platoons in December
Battlefield 2042 is set to receive long-requested features, including a server browser and Platoons, in December. These additions will arrive in phases, with Season 5 launching on October 13th and the new features expected by December 8th. The game will also be available on Game Pass starting October 13th.
