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Majority Of Gears Of War: E-Day Revenue On Xbox Will Be Cannibalized By Game Pass, Analyst Says
An analyst report suggests that Gears of War: E-Day's inclusion on Xbox Game Pass will significantly cannibalize its revenue potential, despite strong initial sales on Steam. Microsoft's strategy with Game Pass is questioned, with past admissions that it can hurt full-game sales, though some executives maintain it can also boost them. The report also touches on the potential for a PlayStation 5 port and the broader implications of Microsoft's exclusivity and Game Pass strategies.
Available for XBOX Insiders: Mythic Achievements, One of our Most Player-Requested Features
Xbox Insiders can now test Mythic Achievements, a new feature that celebrates the completion of all original achievements for a game. This feature retroactively applies to past games, including Xbox 360 titles, and will be visible on player profiles. The update also introduces a new Gaming tab on profiles to track progress and milestones, with upcoming game Gears of War: E-Day mentioned as a title available on multiple platforms and Game Pass.
Eight Games Are Leaving Game Pass As Minecraft Dungeons II Arrives
Microsoft's Game Pass service is adding Minecraft Dungeons II and Keeper in late September and early October, respectively. Minecraft Dungeons II will be a day-one release for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscribers. However, eight other games will be removed from the service on September 30th.
Xbox is in freefall but all one exec can talk about is GTA 6 pre-orders
Xbox is facing significant challenges, including thousands of layoffs, poor Xbox Series X/S sales, and a failed pivot to Game Pass. Amidst this turmoil, an Xbox executive's focus on Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders on the platform has drawn criticism, especially as pre-orders are reportedly skewed towards PlayStation 5. The company is undergoing a major 'reset' which includes studio mergers and a shift for the Halo IP.
"I assume someone is being greedy somewhere" - Tim Schafer discusses current game industry woes following Double Fine's split with Xbox
Tim Schafer, founder of Double Fine Productions, discussed the studio's recent split with Xbox and his views on the current state of the game industry. He expressed support for Game Pass but questioned the economics leading to widespread layoffs, suggesting greed is a factor. Schafer praised Xbox's past support for Double Fine but noted their differing strategies.
Gears of War: E-Day to hold special event in Los Angeles — MP3s & NPCs
A special event for Gears of War: E-Day will be held in Los Angeles on September 30, allowing fans to play the game before its Early Access launch. The event will feature themed activities, giveaways, and a chance to win a custom Xbox controller. Gears of War: E-Day is set to release on October 6 for Xbox and PC, with a day-one launch on Game Pass.
Xbox Layoffs Are Not Done Yet
Microsoft has announced an additional 268 layoffs within its Xbox division as part of a broader business reset. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma cited factors like underperforming Game Pass investments and industry hardware crises for the restructuring. Further staff reductions are expected as the company continues its overhaul.
State Of Decay 3 Lives On, And Is Still Coming To Game Pass
Microsoft has confirmed that Undead Labs, the developer of State of Decay 3, has reached an agreement with a new publisher, ensuring the game's continued development. The title will still launch day-one on Xbox Game Pass when it is ready. This news follows a period of studio reshuffles within Microsoft Game Studios, with several other studios also finding new publishing arrangements.
Dune: Awakening Arrives on XBOX With New Ways to Play
Dune: Awakening has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PC, and via Xbox Game Pass, coinciding with a major update that introduces a full single-player mode, extensive gameplay customization, and the conclusion of Book One. The game, an open-world survival RPG set on Arrakis, has received numerous improvements since its initial PC release, making it the optimal time to experience its deep crafting, base building, and combat systems.
Xbox Free Play Days Gave a Generation the Habit of Trying Before Spending, No Deposit Bonus Casinos Work the Same Way
This article analyzes the business model of Xbox Free Play Days by comparing it to no deposit bonus casinos in Canada. Both strategies aim to let consumers try a product with zero financial commitment before deciding to spend money, with Xbox Free Play Days offering a cleaner 'try before you buy' experience than Game Pass by removing the subscription requirement.
Xbox plans to interrupt video games with ads according to new patent
A newly published Microsoft patent suggests Xbox is considering implementing ad breaks directly into video games, potentially for a cheaper tier of Xbox Game Pass. While the patent aims to avoid interrupting gameplay during critical moments, the prospect of ads within paid games is expected to be highly controversial.
Welcome to The World’s Game: EA Sports FC 27 Early Access Trial with EA Play Available Today
Electronic Arts has launched the 10-hour EA Play trial for EA Sports FC 27 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC for Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members. Progress from the trial carries over to the full game, and members receive a 10% discount on purchases. The trial showcases new features like 'The Grounds' mode and community-driven gameplay improvements.
The $40 Bet Behind Valor Mortis’ October Launch
Valor Mortis will launch on October 13 for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S with a $40 standard edition and a $60 Deluxe Edition, which includes a major story DLC planned for 2027. Developer One More Level and publisher Lyrical Games are pricing the game competitively due to a crowded autumn release schedule, betting on its quality and status as a new IP to attract players.
Next Week on XBOX: New Games for September 21 to 25
This weekly feature highlights new games coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC, and Game Pass between September 21 and 25. The list includes titles such as CONTROL, Dune: Awakening, EA SPORTS FC 27, and many more, with details on platforms and release dates.
Xbox 100-Day Reset Gets First Big Win with Gears of War E-Day
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's strategic reset is showing early results with the upcoming Gears of War: E-Day reaching its 'gold' milestone. The game's launch on October 6 for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass signifies a renewed focus on console exclusives and a more concentrated studio portfolio for Microsoft's gaming division.
Gears of War: E-Day Has Gone Gold, Pre-Loads Start on September 29th
The Coalition's Gears of War: E-Day has officially gone gold, with pre-loads beginning on September 29th for Xbox Series X/S and PC, including Game Pass subscribers. The Premium Edition offers early access on October 1st, while the standard release is October 6th. The studio also revealed the game's achievements list, which avoids major spoilers.
Gears of War: E-Day Has Gone Gold, Pre-Install Begins September 29, Full PC Specifications Revealed
The Coalition announced that Gears of War: E-Day has gone gold, with pre-installs beginning September 29 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, and Steam. The game will launch on October 6, with early access starting October 1 for Premium Edition players and Game Pass Ultimate/PC Game Pass members. Full PC specifications and features have also been revealed.
Dune: Awakening Finally Arrives On Xbox With A Desert Full Of Danger
Dune: Awakening has launched on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, priced from £31.99, and will be available on Game Pass from September 22nd. The open-world survival adventure allows players to forge their own path on Arrakis, aligning with different factions and building their empire. Deluxe and Ultimate Editions offer early access and additional content.
Shape Of Dreams Makes A Surprise Day One Drop On Game Pass And More
Shape of Dreams has surprise-launched on Xbox Series X|S, PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch, including day one availability on Game Pass. This action roguelite features hack-and-slash combat, MOBA-inspired teamwork, and procedurally generated worlds. The console release coincides with the Starless Path anniversary update, adding new content and characters.
Xbox Games Are at Their Best When They Let You Wander
The article argues that Xbox's greatest strength lies in the variety of experiences it offers, from open-world exploration in Forza Horizon 5 and Minecraft to competitive play in Halo Infinite. Features like Game Pass, backward compatibility, and Quick Resume enhance this flexibility, allowing players to engage with games in ways that suit their preferences and schedules.
