Tag: Xbox

  • PS6, PS Handheld, Next-Gen Xbox APU Codenames Confirmed

    PS6, PS Handheld, Next-Gen Xbox APU Codenames Confirmed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony and Microsoft are developing new consoles, with Sony reportedly creating a handheld device alongside the PS6.
    2. The next Xbox APU is codenamed ‘Magnus,’ while the PS6 APU is called ‘Orion,’ and the PS handheld’s APU is ‘Canis.’
    3. The leaker confirmed the accuracy of this information and apologized for past inaccuracies.
    4. Performance expectations suggest that the Magnus APU could be significantly faster than the PS5 Pro, potentially doubling its performance under optimal conditions.
    5. Next-gen consoles are expected to launch around 2027, with speculation about a possible 2026 release for the Xbox.

    For a while now, there have been many whispers about the upcoming generation of consoles and their advanced processing units (APUs). Both Sony and Microsoft are said to be working on various devices for this new generation, with Sony reportedly developing a genuine handheld to go along with the PS6. Recently, a well-known leaker has supposedly verified the codenames for the APUs that will drive these new consoles.

    Insights from a Renowned Leaker

    The details come from Moore’s Law is Dead (MLID), who provided an update in a recent video discussing the specifications of AMD’s RDNA 5 platform. In this video, the leaker shared that ‘Magnus’ is the codename for the APU that will power the next Xbox. Several names have also been suggested for the PS6 and its handheld’s APUs. MLID appears to have received confirmation that Magnus is indeed the codename for the Xbox APU, while the PS6’s APU will go by ‘Orion,’ and the PS handheld’s APU is called ‘Canis.’

    Accuracy and Apologies

    The leaker asserted that this information is accurate and even offered apologies for previous inaccuracies.

    Future Performance Expectations

    It’s still early to make definite statements regarding the performance improvements of these next-gen consoles and their APUs. However, the leaker believes that the 68 RDNA 5 compute units (CUs) in Magnus could potentially be twice as fast as the 60 CU APU found in the PS5 Pro, assuming the integrated GPU is running at a high frequency. If the clock speed is lower, Magnus may only provide a 40-50% increase in raster performance compared to the PS5 Pro. There are also indications that Microsoft is planning to release several Xbox devices, one of which might be the first console to retail for over $1,000.

    Upcoming Release Dates

    According to the usual console lifecycle, we should expect the next-gen Xbox and PlayStation to launch in 2027. However, there are also speculations about a possible 2026 release for the next Xbox. Naturally, neither Microsoft nor Sony has confirmed any specifics about when their new consoles will be available.

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  • Xbox App Leak: Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection Launch Date Revealed

    Xbox App Leak: Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection Launch Date Revealed

    Key Takeaways

    1. Potential Release Date: The Xbox app hints that Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection might be released on September 29, 2025, though no official confirmation exists.

    2. Focus on Arcade Games: The collection is expected to center on arcade-era titles, with no indication that 3D-era games like Mortal Kombat 9 will be included.

    3. Community Speculation: Reddit users speculate about classic games like Mortal Kombat Trilogy or Ultimate MK3 potentially being featured, but specific titles are not confirmed.

    4. Announcement Timing: There is speculation that an official announcement could come during events like EVO 2025 or a Nintendo Direct, but no solid evidence supports this.

    5. Steam Page Status: The Steam page for Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection states “Coming Soon,” confirming the focus on the arcade era’s complete story without a specific release date.

    A recent entry on the Xbox app hints that Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection could be released on September 29, 2025. This information comes from a Reddit post and an image shared on Imgur.

    The Reddit user u/ByrdofMemes reported that the Xbox app momentarily displayed the collection and its release date, but there has been no official word from Warner Bros. Games or NetherRealm Studios. A screenshot was also shared on Imgur to back up the claim, but it’s uncertain if the listing was accessible to everyone or was part of hidden metadata.

    Focus on Classic Titles

    Many Reddit users have noted that the collection seems to center on arcade-era games, with no indication that 3D-era titles, such as Mortal Kombat 9, are included. User u/uncreativemind2099 stated, “The description also confirms this is an arcade-era-only collection, no 3D games.” In contrast, u/LadyValtiel expressed concern, saying, “I’ll be so sad if the 3D era and MK9 aren’t included in it.” Others have speculated that classic games like Mortal Kombat Trilogy or Ultimate MK3 might be featured in the collection, with u/LegacyofaMarshall hoping for “Trilogy.” Nonetheless, the specific games that will be in the collection are still not confirmed.

    Speculation on Announcement Timing

    While the Xbox app briefly mentioned September 29, 2025, as the release date, there’s no formal confirmation from NetherRealm or Warner Bros. Some members of the community believe that an official announcement could occur during EVO 2025 or an upcoming Nintendo Direct, but no solid evidence supports this theory at the moment.

    Currently, Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection has a Steam page stating “Coming Soon,” without any release date provided. The page does confirm that players will be able to experience the complete story of the arcade era.

    Given this information, it’s likely that games like Mortal Kombat (1992), Mortal Kombat II, and Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3 may be part of the collection.

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    Xbox App Leak: Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection Launch Date Revealed

     

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  • Sony PlayStation Strategy Shift: New Jobs Hint at Xbox, Nintendo, PC Ports

    Sony PlayStation Strategy Shift: New Jobs Hint at Xbox, Nintendo, PC Ports

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony is shifting from exclusive console games to a multiplatform strategy, targeting digital platforms like Steam, Xbox, and Nintendo.
    2. A new job opening for a Senior Director of Multiplatform and Account Management highlights this strategic change at Sony.
    3. Sony is actively exploring partnerships and licensing games for other platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.
    4. Successful Xbox titles have performed well on PlayStation, indicating a lucrative market for multiplatform releases.
    5. This shift suggests Sony is transitioning to a publisher role, learning from Microsoft’s successful multiplatform approach.

    Sony Interactive Entertainment is making a significant shift by moving away from being exclusive to its consoles. A recent job opening for a Senior Director of Multiplatform and Account Management was listed on Sony’s official site. This position involves “shaping and executing the global commercial strategy for PlayStation Studios software titles across all digital platforms beyond PlayStation hardware, including Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox, Nintendo, and mobile.”

    New Partnerships in the Works

    HazzdorGamin also shared the new job listing on X, noting that the new Senior Director will oversee partnerships with platforms like Xbox, Nintendo, Steam, and Epic. Those who are successful in landing this position will directly report to the VP of Commercial Management.

    Sony’s latest shift is happening as Microsoft adopts a multiplatform strategy that has proven to be commercially successful on its platform. Xbox titles such as Forza Horizon 5 have topped the sales charts on the PlayStation Store, and Gears of War: Reloaded stands as the leading PS5 pre-order title in both the U.S. and U.K.

    Testing New Waters

    In addition, Sony is already exploring this new path by licensing intellectual properties like Patapon 1+2 Replay, Everybody’s Golf: Hot Shots, and Lego Horizon Adventures for the Nintendo Switch. Furthermore, Sony stirred the gaming world by announcing Helldivers 2 for the Xbox Series S|X, which is scheduled for release on August 26, 2025.

    Sony CEO Hideaki Nishino and Worldwide Studios head Hermen Hulst have emphasized that the company is intentionally choosing to release games on multiple platforms while still focusing on the PlayStation console as the primary gaming experience. The corporation also finalized a $460 million agreement with Elden Ring publisher Bandai Namco and has a 14% share in FromSoftware’s parent company, Kadokawa Corporation.

    A Shift in Strategy

    Microsoft is thriving, even with lower console sales, thanks to its strategy of releasing games across multiple platforms. It appears Sony is learning from this success and is likely shifting towards becoming more of a publisher instead of just a hardware provider.

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  • Microsoft to Release The Outer Worlds 2 and Xbox Games on Discs

    Microsoft to Release The Outer Worlds 2 and Xbox Games on Discs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has decided against a $80 price tag for certain first-party games, like The Outer Worlds 2, amidst gamer concerns about digital-only releases.
    2. After the Xbox Games Showcase, Microsoft is now offering physical disc versions for some upcoming titles, including Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2.
    3. The most affordable Standard Editions of these games are not available in physical stores, raising concerns about the amount of data on the discs.
    4. Critics of digital games express frustration, but physical copies allow for buying and selling used games, a feature still valuable to many players.
    5. While some upcoming titles like Oblivion Remastered will have physical versions, others, such as Gears of War: Reloaded, may only be available digitally, indicating a trend away from physical media in gaming.

    Recently, Microsoft has chosen not to impose a price of $80 on certain first-party games, such as The Outer Worlds 2. Many gamers have expressed frustration over the growing trend of the publisher relying solely on digital releases.

    Change in Strategy

    After the Xbox Games Showcase in June, fans noticed limited physical pre-order options for the revealed titles. However, Microsoft appears to have shifted its approach, now providing disc versions for both Obsidian’s action-RPG and Ninja Gaiden 4.

    Social media user Wario64 was the first to spot that Canadian retailer PNP Games had updated listings for upcoming Xbox games. Gamers can now pre-order Ninja Gaiden 4 and The Outer Worlds 2, which include disc and download codes. Since these are labeled as Deluxe or Premium editions, it’s probable that the additional content will be in digital format. Though the box art mentions “Digital Game Code,” it’s common for covers to be revised prior to release.

    Availability Concerns

    Sadly, the most affordable Standard Editions for these games are not found in physical shops. Furthermore, it remains uncertain how much data will actually be stored on the discs. For instance, Doom: The Dark Ages requires about an 85GB download before it can be played. This situation isn’t unique to Xbox games, as many PS5 titles have similar requirements; however, first-party PlayStation releases usually come on physical media.

    Digital Xbox game critics might still be upset with the current direction. Yet, a notable benefit of physical copies is the option to buy and sell used games. Nintendo is also making efforts to guide its fans into this new gaming landscape with Game-Key Cards. Even though these Switch 2 games rely on servers for installation, players can utilize them across different consoles.

    Upcoming Releases

    When Oblivion Remastered launches on the Xbox Series X|S in October, a physical version will also be available. Still, other first-party Xbox titles might not follow the lead of The Outer Worlds 2 or Ninja Gaiden 4. As it stands, Gears of War: Reloaded seems to be available only in digital form for Xbox users. Nevertheless, despite some trade-offs, the gaming industry is rapidly moving away from physical discs and cartridges.

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  • Experts Predict PS6 May Feature 24 GB of RAM

    Experts Predict PS6 May Feature 24 GB of RAM

    Key Takeaways

    1. Sony’s PS6 is expected to release in 2027, with speculation about its potential features already circulating among fans and insiders.
    2. The PS6 may feature 24 GB of RAM, enhancing machine learning and ray tracing capabilities compared to the current PS5’s 16 GB.
    3. Digital Foundry’s experts suggest this RAM increase signifies a new generation of consoles, although it remains speculative.
    4. A leak suggests the possibility of a Zen 6 CPU for future consoles, though it’s deemed too bulky for the PS6.
    5. The upcoming Xbox may include a high-end model with a Magnus APU and 36 GB of GDDR7 RAM, potentially exceeding $1,500 in price.

    Sony’s upcoming PlayStation console has been the focus of numerous leaks in recent months. With the console refresh cycle pointing towards a 2027 release, the PS6 is still a bit off, yet this hasn’t stopped fans and industry insiders from speculating about its potential power. In this context, it is believed that the next PlayStation will feature 24 GB of RAM, which would be a significant improvement over the current specifications.

    Insights from Digital Foundry

    In a recent episode of DF Direct Weekly, experts from Digital Foundry weighed in on the RAM capacity for future consoles. Alexander Battaglia mentioned that while he isn’t sure about Xbox’s direction with their next console, he believes that Sony will probably equip the PS6 with 24 GB of RAM. The logic behind this is that since the PS5 and PS5 Pro are already performing well with 16 GB of RAM, the additional memory will enhance on-hardware machine learning and improve ray tracing capabilities.

    Speculation on Upgrades

    This RAM increase seems sufficient to warrant a new generation of traditional consoles, as Alex puts it, but it’s important to note that this is merely speculation at this time. Recently, there was a leak concerning a Zen 6 CPU for a “Magnus” APU, suggesting that it might power the next-gen consoles. However, while this could be plausible for the next Xbox or one of its anticipated devices, it appears too bulky and costly to fit within the PS6, and it doesn’t align with the typical codenames Sony employs.

    Possible Features of the Next Xbox

    Regarding the upcoming Xbox, there may be a higher-end model using the Magnus APU, which is based on a 3nm process and could include 36 GB of GDDR7 RAM. Naturally, this would come with a higher price point, likely exceeding $1,500. Last month, a well-known leaker, Kepler_L2, indicated that the next Xbox could be priced above $1,000, attributing this to its multi-storefront capabilities. Combined with the new APU, this could push the cost beyond $1,500.

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  • 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

    8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox is now available on Amazon after a month of pre-orders in the UK and Europe.
    2. The controller features a larger 3,000 mAh battery, offering up to 40 hours of playtime, but only 20 hours with RGB lighting enabled.
    3. It includes twelve large, low-profile mechanical switches and sixteen Kailh Wizard switches that can be replaced via a hot-swappable PCB.
    4. The controller supports 2.4 GHz connectivity and has a low wired latency of just 4 ms.
    5. The retail price for the 8BitDo Arcade Controller is $99.99, with pre-orders set to ship starting July 25.

    8BitDo has revealed that its latest Xbox licensed Arcade Controller is now officially available on Amazon, following a month of pre-orders in the UK and Europe. To summarize, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox was launched in May, alongside the standard version, featuring benefits such as a larger battery and RGB lighting.

    Enhanced Battery Life

    The Xbox version of the 8BitDo controller boasts a battery that is three times larger, coming in at 3,000 mAh, allowing for up to 40 hours of playtime. In contrast, the standard model provides 20 hours of gameplay with its 1,000 mAh battery. It’s important to mention that when RGB lighting is turned on for the Xbox version, the battery life estimate drops to 20 hours, even though it has a much bigger battery.

    Unique Features

    This reduction in battery life is partly due to the RGB lighting that illuminates twelve large, low-profile mechanical switches. Additionally, 8BitDo has integrated sixteen Kailh Wizard switches, all connected to a hot-swappable PCB, permitting users to replace the switches when needed. For your information, while the controller supports 2.4 GHz connectivity, the wired latency is impressively low at just 4 ms when in wired mode.

    Pricing and Availability

    Right now, the 8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox can be purchased on Amazon for $99.99. At the time of writing, 8BitDo is set to start shipping pre-orders as soon as July 25. For more information, check out 8BitDo’s Amazon store link.

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    8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon8BitDo Arcade Controller for Xbox Now Available on Amazon

     

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  • Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Sales Revealed by Ex-Xbox Employee’s LinkedIn

    Forza Horizon 5 PS5 Sales Revealed by Ex-Xbox Employee’s LinkedIn

    Key Takeaways

    1. Forza Horizon 5 launched on PS5 on April 29, marking its first appearance outside Xbox and PC.
    2. The game sold two million copies on PS5 within one month of its release.
    3. The sales achievement was credited to cross-platform features developed by a former Turn 10 Studios designer.
    4. Turn 10 Studios has undergone significant layoffs, reducing its workforce by half and shifting focus to the Forza Horizon series.
    5. Reports indicate that the Forza Motorsport series may be discontinued, with a new Forza Horizon entry expected next year.

    Earlier this year, Xbox shared that Forza Horizon 5 would be coming to the PS5, almost four years after its debut on Xbox and PC. The game officially appeared on PlayStation 5 on April 29, marking the first Forza title to be offered on a platform outside of Xbox and PC. Recently, a LinkedIn post by an Xbox worker has shown how well the game performed on PlayStation.

    Impressive Sales Figures

    A tweet from Zuby_Tech revealed that Forza Horizon 5 for the PS5 sold a remarkable two million copies within just one month. This information was sourced from the LinkedIn profile of Harrison Bolin, a former game designer at Turn 10 Studios, which is part of Microsoft Game Studios. Sadly, Bolin was part of a recent layoff that affected multiple employees at Xbox.

    In his profile, the designer mentioned that he/she was responsible for creating the cross-platform features that enabled Forza Horizon 5 for the PS5 (available on Amazon for $499) to reach two million sales in just one month. This is a striking achievement for a game that has been out for several years on Xbox. While current total sales figures are unknown, it is likely that they have surpassed two million units, given that it has been over two months since the game’s release on the PS5.

    Turn 10 Studios in Transition

    The recent layoffs at Xbox have significantly impacted Turn 10 Studios, primarily known for the Forza Motorsport series. The studio has seen a reduction of half its workforce and is now primarily focused on supporting the Forza Horizon series. Moreover, reports suggest that the Forza Motorsport series has been discontinued, leaving the open-world Forza Horizon series, which is developed by Playground Games. A new entry in the Forza Horizon series is anticipated to be released next year.

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  • Next Xbox Console May Lack Backwards Compatibility, Says Leaker

    Next Xbox Console May Lack Backwards Compatibility, Says Leaker

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft has laid off around 9,000 employees in its gaming division and canceled major upcoming games like Everwild and Perfect Dark.
    2. The CFO of Microsoft has set challenging financial goals for Xbox, indicating potential future difficulties for Xbox studios and projects.
    3. There are concerns about the next Xbox consoles’ backwards compatibility, with leaks suggesting they may not fully support games from previous Xbox generations.
    4. Speculation exists that the next Xbox will function more like a PC, complicating the ability to run older games due to emulation and licensing issues.
    5. The current state of Microsoft’s gaming division is marked by confusion and lack of clear direction, leaving the future of Xbox’s backwards compatibility uncertain.

    It has been a challenging time for Xbox supporters and the developers working on Xbox’s first-party games. Recently, Microsoft laid off about 9,000 employees from its gaming division and scrapped highly anticipated games like Rare’s Everwild and Perfect Dark. Additionally, The Initiative, which is Microsoft’s “AAAA” game studio, has shut down.

    Financial Pressures

    To make matters worse, the CFO of Microsoft has set an unrealistic financial goal for Xbox, indicating that there could be more difficulties ahead for Xbox studios and ongoing projects. It’s clear that the challenges aren’t just limited to employee layoffs and canceled games.

    Backwards Compatibility Concerns

    Adding to the woes of Xbox fans, a new leak from Moore’s Law Is Dead indicates that upcoming Xbox consoles may not fully support backwards compatibility with games from before the Xbox Series X | S. This is in direct contradiction to earlier reports that suggested Xbox One and Xbox 360 games would run natively on the next generation of Xbox consoles.

    According to MLID, the information stems from a private discussion a developer had with Xbox about the ROG Xbox Ally devkits and game certification processes. They claim to have seen screenshots of this discussion where a representative from Xbox mentioned that ROG Xbox Ally devkits won’t be provided and that game developers do not have to submit their titles for certification because the ROG Xbox Ally functions merely as a PC.

    Future Uncertainties

    Furthermore, MLID speculates that there are no assurances that the next Xbox console will support games from the Xbox One, Xbox 360, or the original Xbox. This aligns with reports suggesting that the next-gen Xbox functions like a PC running Windows. Running Xbox One or 360 games on a PC involves emulation, which brings up numerous issues related to licensing and contracts.

    Currently, Microsoft’s gaming division is in disarray, characterized by mixed messages, rapidly changing strategies, and a notable absence of clear direction. Therefore, we can’t make any definitive statements about the future of Xbox’s backwards compatibility. All we can do is wait for an official statement from the company.

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  • Microsoft Xbox Division Faces Pressure from Unrealistic Financial Goals

    Microsoft Xbox Division Faces Pressure from Unrealistic Financial Goals

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox division faces tough times with layoffs and unrealistic financial targets set by Microsoft’s CFO, Amy Hood.
    2. Debate exists regarding the realism of financial expectations, particularly after the Activision Blizzard acquisition.
    3. Xbox revenue dropped significantly from $21.5 billion in 2023 to $15.7 billion in 2024, due to lower hardware sales.
    4. Xbox Game Pass subscriber growth is steady but far from the target of 100 million users by 2030, with 35 million expected by mid-2025.
    5. Significant layoffs have impacted key studios, leading to restructuring challenges within Xbox Game Studios.

    The Xbox section of Microsoft is facing tough times, with layoffs and challenging financial goals that could harm its future, insiders reveal. This situation seems to stem from rising pressure from upper management. The Xbox team has been assigned a “completely unrealistic financial target,” which might hinder its progress.

    Insider Insights

    According to Windows Central’s Jez Corden, who shared the update on X, Microsoft’s CFO Amy Hood has set an “unrealistic” financial target for Xbox. Corden suggested that these high expectations could “keep hurting the division.” This news comes right after significant layoffs at Microsoft, which have severely impacted Xbox and its associated studios.

    Different Opinions

    Tom Warren from The Verge added his thoughts, arguing against the “unrealistic” tag, saying, “I don’t think it’s unrealistic; it’s just the reality of the Xbox business after the ABK acquisition. Without that deal, Xbox revenue would be lower, and the Game Pass bet hasn’t paid off yet.”

    The ABK Acquisition

    The acquisition being discussed is Microsoft’s $68.7 billion purchase of Activision Blizzard, which has boosted the company’s portfolio with franchises like World of Warcraft, Diablo, DOOM, and Call of Duty.

    To compare, Microsoft’s overall revenue for the fiscal year 2022 was $198.27 billion, with the Xbox division contributing a mere $16.23 billion during that time. In 2024, Microsoft’s Xbox revenue dropped to $15.7 billion, a significant decline from the previous year’s $21.5 billion. Insiders suggest that this decline is due to lower Xbox hardware sales, with Microsoft selling only 2.7 million units, while Sony managed to sell 4 million PS5 units in the same timeframe.

    Game Pass Growth

    On a brighter note, Xbox Game Pass reached 34 million subscribers in early 2024. By mid-2025, it’s reported that the subscription service has surpassed 35 million subscribers, which is considerably below Microsoft’s target of achieving 100 million users by 2030.

    Game Pass generated $4.7 billion in revenue in 2024 and is expected to bring in around $5.5 billion by 2025. However, this growth is not likely to compensate for Microsoft’s larger financial commitments.

    Restructuring Challenges

    Clearly, the financial strain has been intense, as Microsoft laid off 9,100 employees, impacting AAA studios like Turn 10, Rare, Romero Games, and The Initiative.

    Xbox Game Studios is going through a significant restructuring phase, and the path forward appears quite challenging. The effects of the layoffs have resonated throughout the gaming sector, evident on LinkedIn where former employees have shared their layoff experiences, often unexpectedly.

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  • Xbox Game Studios Confirms 40+ Games in Development Amid Layoffs

    Xbox Game Studios Confirms 40+ Games in Development Amid Layoffs

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft laid off 9,100 workers, nearly 4% of its total staff, with significant cuts in the Xbox division.

    2. Xbox Game Studios is still developing over 40 games despite the layoffs, emphasizing a focus on exciting game creation.

    3. Major projects like the Perfect Dark reboot and Rare’s Everwild have been canceled, impacting long-standing staff.

    4. Turn 10, the Forza Motorsport studio, experienced a workforce reduction of about 50%, but Xbox CEO Phil Spencer is not retiring.

    5. Microsoft maintains a positive outlook, with many upcoming titles still on track for release, aiming to realign priorities for future success.

    A large number of layoffs happened at Microsoft earlier this week, with the company deciding to part ways with 9,100 workers, which is nearly 4% of its total staff across various departments. The Xbox division faced significant cuts, being one of the most affected areas.

    Game Development Continues

    Even with the layoffs, Xbox Game Studios has confirmed that over 40 games are still actively being developed. This information came from an internal message sent by Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios. Booty emphasizes that the company is still focused on its main strategy of creating exciting games for players and expanding its biggest franchises.

    Cancellations and Changes

    Unfortunately, the layoffs also led to the cancellation of the Perfect Dark reboot and the shutdown of its studio, The Initiative. Additionally, Rare’s project Everwild, which had been in the works for nearly a decade and even had a trailer released in July 2020, has now been scrapped. Consequently, Rare’s long-time director and executive producer for Everwild has left the studio after 35 years of service.

    Staff Reduction Impact

    The studio known for Forza Motorsport, Turn 10, reportedly saw half of its workforce laid off during this round of cuts. There were whispers that Xbox CEO Phil Spencer might also be among those leaving, but Microsoft has clarified that he won’t be retiring “anytime soon.”

    In the restructuring process, an unannounced project from Zenimax Online Studios was also put on hold, which coincided with the exit of studio head Matt Firor, who had been with the company for 18 years.

    Positive Outlook

    However, Booty’s message was straightforward. The majority of Xbox’s game lineup remains intact, and the company is “keeping momentum on titles being released this fall, along with a strong lineup leading into 2026.”

    This means that all the games recently showcased at the Summer Game Fest and Xbox Games Showcase are still under development. Key titles include Clockwork: Revolution, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and State of Decay 3. Furthermore, active games that are nearing release include: The Outer Worlds 2, set for October 29, High on Life 2 for Winter 2025, NINJA GAIDEN 4 for October 21, Grounded 2 for July 29, and Gears of War Reloaded for August 26, 2025.

    These layoffs have understandably caused concern among many industry analysts and developers regarding the future of Xbox and gaming as a whole. Nevertheless, Microsoft’s leadership maintains that the layoffs are part of a larger plan to “realign priorities and focus resources to prepare our teams for greater success within a changing industry landscape.”

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