Game Pass
Ongoing coverage on Game Pass.
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XBOX CEO Tells Employees There Will be “Hard Decisions” in Internal Memo – Rumor
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has informed employees via an internal memo about upcoming "hard choices" and strategic shifts necessary to rebuild the brand. The memo touches on potential layoffs, the need for a better value proposition for Game Pass, and considerations for future console pricing and availability, while also noting a rebranding from Xbox to XBOX.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Moved Beyond The Game Pass Argument
Forza Horizon 6 has surpassed six million players in its first week, demonstrating strong performance despite the ongoing discussion around Game Pass. While many players accessed the game through the subscription service, significant sales figures on Steam and Xbox indicate that the title can achieve both high player counts and commercial success. The game's release on PlayStation 5 is also expected to further boost its sales, highlighting its ability to thrive in various market conditions.
Release Dates/Windows
Shift at Midnight released a Game Pass trailer on June 17th. Additionally, Tavern Talk announced its release date on June 9th.
Echo Generation 2 Lands Day One On Game Pass!
Echo Generation 2 has launched day one on Xbox Game Pass for Ultimate and PC subscribers, available on Xbox Series X|S and PC with Play Anywhere support. The sequel shifts from small-town mystery to sci-fi, featuring six playable characters, deckbuilding combat with over 150 cards, and a unique voxel art style.
How to Master Deckbuilding Combat in Echo Generation 2
Echo Generation 2, launching May 27 on Xbox consoles, PC, and Game Pass, features a deep deckbuilding combat system with over 150 collectible cards. This guide offers five tips to master combat, including understanding status effects, rebuilding decks, managing battery charges, spending skill points, and building around powerful synergies. The game is a turn-based sci-fi deckbuilding RPG from Cococucumber, featuring six playable heroes and a multi-perspective story.
Is 007 First Light on Game Pass?
This article addresses whether the game 007 First Light is available on Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service. It aims to clarify its inclusion within the service's library.
Microsoft Reaches $250 Million Settlement in Lawsuit With Activision Blizzard Shareholders
Microsoft has settled a shareholder lawsuit related to its acquisition of Activision Blizzard for $250 million. The lawsuit, led by the Sjunde-AP-Fonden fund, accused former Activision Blizzard executives, including CEO Bobby Kotick, of breaching fiduciary duties by agreeing to the acquisition price. Both Microsoft and Kotick deny the allegations, with the settlement aimed at avoiding litigation distractions. The acquisition was finalized in October 2023, bringing Activision Blizzard into the Xbox family.
Forza Horizon 6 Charts At #2 - Is Xbox Mounting a Recovery?
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved a surprising #2 debut on the UK physical sales charts, a rare feat for an Xbox exclusive. The game also set a franchise record for early access engagement, suggesting a potential resurgence for Xbox in the UK market. While not a complete comeback, the strong performance indicates renewed player interest and positive momentum for the brand.
Forza Horizon 6 Has Sold Almost 5 Million Copies – Rumor
According to estimates from Alinea Analytics, Forza Horizon 6 has sold approximately 4.9 million copies across PC and Xbox Series X/S, generating over $325 million in revenue. Despite being available on Game Pass, the game has seen strong performance on Xbox platforms and Steam, with a significant portion of players utilizing the subscription service. A PlayStation 5 release is anticipated later this year.
Early Forza Horizon 6 Sales Are Looking Good As It Nears 5 Million Copies Sold
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved nearly 5 million copies sold and generated approximately $325 million in gross revenue within its first week of release. Xbox accounted for 2.1 million of these sales, with an additional 3 million players accessing the game via Game Pass. The title is currently the 4th best-selling game of the year so far.
PC Game Pass Revenue Growth Outpaces Traditional Console Market In 2026
Microsoft's Q3 2026 earnings reveal a significant decline in Xbox hardware revenue, contrasting with the surge in the PC gaming market. The company is recalibrating its strategy to prioritize PC Game Pass, lowering its subscription price to attract the vast PC player base and combat high churn rates by focusing on esports and live service games for retention.
Microsoft Cancelled Game Pass Family Plan Due to Objection From EA – Rumor
Microsoft has reportedly cancelled its plans for a Game Pass Family Plan due to objections from partners, primarily Electronic Arts. The proposed plan would have allowed up to four users to share a single subscription. This decision comes despite the family plan being a highly requested feature by Xbox players.
Forza Horizon 6 has already tripled the series' peak player count on Steam
Forza Horizon 6 has achieved a new series record on Steam, surpassing 273,000 concurrent players following its standard edition release. This figure more than triples the previous record held by Forza Horizon 5. The game's popularity is attributed to its Japan setting, positive reviews, and availability on PC via Steam and the Xbox Game Pass subscription service.
Forza Horizon 6 Now Available on Xbox Series X|S and PC
Forza Horizon 6 is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass. The game features over 550 cars and the most dense map yet, set in Japan with diverse biomes and driving experiences. A PlayStation 5 version is planned for release later this year.
Xbox Users Want Microsoft To Double Down On What Once Made Xbox Different
Microsoft has launched the Xbox Player Voice, a forum for users to submit feedback and ideas for the Xbox ecosystem. Top suggestions include a return to traditional exclusives, reviving the backward compatibility program, and offering free online multiplayer. The company emphasizes that not all feedback will result in changes but aims to improve visibility between user input and platform development.
Game Pass adds Forza Horizon 6, Escape Simulator, Jurassic World Evolution 3, and more in late May to early June
Microsoft has announced that several new games will be added to its Game Pass subscription service in late May and early June. Titles include Forza Horizon 6, Escape Simulator, and Jurassic World Evolution 3, among others.
Xbox Users Want Microsoft To Double Down On What Once Made Xbox Different
Microsoft has launched the Xbox Player Voice, a forum for users to submit and vote on ideas for the Xbox ecosystem. Top suggestions include a return to traditional exclusives, reviving backward compatibility, and offering free online multiplayer. While not all feedback will be implemented, Microsoft aims to improve visibility between user input and platform changes.
XBOX continues stunning good-faith streak with new ‘Player Voice’ feedback system
Xbox has launched a new 'Player Voice' program to streamline player feedback, allowing users to submit input and receive updates on its review status. This initiative aims to improve transparency and make it easier for the community to see how their suggestions are handled. The program replaces the Xbox Cloud Gaming feedback portal and works alongside existing channels like the Xbox Insider Hub.
Xbox Is Rebranding Itself, Sort Of
Xbox, under CEO Asha Sharma, has seemingly rebranded its social media accounts to all caps "XBOX," mirroring the original console's naming convention. This change follows a fan poll and may be an effort to evoke nostalgia amidst recent hardware and game sales declines. The company is also adjusting its Game Pass strategy, with Call of Duty titles no longer receiving day-one access.
Forza Horizon 6 Crushes Franchise Record On Steam Despite The Need To Pay Extra
Forza Horizon 6 has set a new franchise record for peak concurrent players on Steam, surpassing Forza Horizon 5's previous record. This achievement is notable as the game is currently only available through premium editions or via Game Pass. The game is also slated for a PlayStation 5 release later this year.
