Tag: Microsoft
News Phil Spencer: We're Always In The Market For New Xbox Game Studios
'There's been no signal we should be slowing down'
Xbox head Phil Spencer and the bosses of various developers under the Microsoft umbrella have been talking more about Xbox Game Studios in a fantastic feature with GamesIndustry.biz. As you can see from the title, Spencer also used this opportunity to explain that while the company is focusing on...
Rumour Xbox Tells Developers They Can't Charge For Next-Gen Game Upgrades As DLC
But there are catches
According to a report from Video Games Chronicle, Microsoft has told developers that they can't charge players to upgrade their current-gen games to Xbox Series X versions as DLC. The website says that publishing sources with knowledge of Microsoft‘s next-gen policies have revealed this information, explaining that it's...
News Bungie Almost Returned To Microsoft Before Signing 2010 Activision Deal
'Microsoft was very close to making a serious [offer]'
Former Halo and Destiny composer Marty O'Donnell has revealed developer Bungie was very close to being reacquired by Microsoft before signing its multi-year deal with Activision in 2010 (via GamesIndustry.biz). In an interview on the HiddenXperia YouTube channel, O'Donnell explained that the...
News Microsoft Might Not Show Everything At July's Xbox Showcase
"It's going to hold some things back"
As you've probably heard by now, Microsoft has officially announced its highly-anticipated Xbox Series X event will be taking place later this month on 23rd July. Although details are still limited, what we do know is that we'll be getting a proper look at Halo Infinite, as well as brand-new first-party game...
News Microsoft Reportedly Interested In Acquiring Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment
But there's some stiff competition
Back in June, it was reported that AT&T was eager to sell its video game division Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment to help pay off some of its debt, and now according to a new report, Microsoft might be interested in buying it. We're hearing this courtesy of The Information, which says that two people...
Talking Point What Do You Want To See From July's Xbox Games Showcase Event?
Let us know your wishlists
Update (Mon 6th July, 2020 15:50 BST): It's been a few weeks since we first posted this, but now the event has an official date! Let us know what games you're hoping to see later this month in the comments below. Original story (Tue 23rd Jun, 2020 19:30 BST): We're sure you know about this by now - Microsoft is hosting a...
Guide Everything We Know About July's Xbox Games Showcase So Far
Update: We have a date!
If you're a big Xbox fan, you're probably well aware of Microsoft's highly-anticipated Xbox Series X event coming up later this month. It's been a while since it was first announced however, so here's a guide to keep you up to date! Below, we've rounded up all the confirmations and notable rumours so far: What Is July's...
News Microsoft Announces Xbox Games Showcase For July 23
Mark your calendars!
Microsoft has announced that this month's highly-anticipated Xbox Series X event will take place on July 23 at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST. The event is being classed as an Xbox Games Showcase. There will also be a pre-show for the event hosted by Geoff Keighley on YouTube Gaming as part of Summer Game Fest, which...
News Xbox Boss Phil Spencer Shares Praise For PlayStation VR Game
Developed by Seattle studio Camouflaj
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer has taken to Twitter today to share praise for a PlayStation VR game - specifically Marvel's Iron Man VR, developed by the Seattle-based Camouflaj. In his tweet, Spencer noted he was proud to see the local studio launching an impressive game: This isn't quite as out of the blue as...
Video Watch Phil Spencer's Full Interview From Gamelab Live 2020
Talking Xbox Series X and more
You might have noticed that we've referenced Phil Spencer's keynote interview from Gamelab Live 2020 a few times over the past week, and now it's officially been made available to watch on YouTube. It's a fascinating fifty-minute long interview with the Xbox boss, going in-depth about everything from the Xbox Series X...
News The Head Of Xbox Live Is Leaving Microsoft After 15 Years
"I made so many friends, learned so much and truly had a blast"
Xbox Live GM Dan McCulloch has announced he's leaving Microsoft after spending 15 years with the company. In a message on Twitter, McCulloch said he "truly had a blast," and he's excited about what's next: "After 15 years at XBOX, I announced today that I would be leaving. I made so...
Rumour July's Xbox Series X Event Will Fall Around The Week Of July 20
"Of course, plans can shift and change"
We're almost into July, and that means Microsoft's highly-anticipated Xbox Series X event is just a few weeks away! And according to the latest rumour, the event is currently set to fall around the week of July 20. This comes from Jez Corden at Windows Central, who says that "multiple sources with knowledge...
News Microsoft Is Closing Its Physical Retail Stores
“It is a new day for how Microsoft Store team members will serve all customers"
Microsoft has revealed that it will be closing its Microsoft Store physical locations as part of a strategic change in its retail operations. The company announced this earlier today on its official website. According to the statement, retail team members will...
News Microsoft 'Neck Deep' In Preparations For July's Xbox Series X Event
"Good things coming!"
It's fair to say we're very excited for Microsoft's upcoming first-party focused Xbox Series X event in July, which will be dedicated to the "incredible games coming from Xbox Game Studios." But while the event still doesn't have a definitive date yet, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg has provided an update on how it's coming...
News Microsoft: No Plans To Share Xbox User Information With Facebook
Update: Major Nelson provides clarification
Update: Major Nelson has since elaborated further on this. In response to a question about whether Microsoft will have "any access whatsoever to any of my Xbox data," Hyrb responded with the following: "I posted this elsewhere, but wanted to be sure you saw this: We are committed to respecting your...
News Microsoft Is Shutting Mixer, Teaming Up With Facebook Gaming
Mixer goes offline on July 22
Microsoft has announced that it's shutting down its Mixer streaming service, and that it's teaming up with Facebook to enable to the Mixer community to transition to Facebook Gaming. In an article posted earlier today, Xbox head Phil Spencer explained the reason for Mixer's closure: "Ultimately, the success of...
News Xbox Insiders Can Now Try Out The New Microsoft Bing App In The US
Discover trending content and search the web
If you're located in the US and you're signed up to the Xbox Insider program, you can now try out the new Microsoft Bing App for Xbox Preview. The app allows you to "discover trending content and search the web." If you want to download it, Microsoft has provided the following instructions: On your...
News Xbox Series X To Be Available In Large Quantities At Launch, Suggests Microsoft Exec
Jason Ronald talks launch plans
Xbox Series X Director of Program Management Jason Ronald recently appeared on the latest episode of IGN's Podcast Unlocked, and gave a hint as to how many Xbox Series X consoles might be available at launch. In response to a question about what his typical day is like, and how he's working to get Xbox Series X ready...
Rumour July's Xbox Series X Event Will 'Absolutely Bring The Heat'
Third-party games also set to feature
Microsoft is set to host a big first-party focused Xbox Series X event in July, and according to a trusted industry insider, the company will "absolutely bring the heat" for the Xbox 20/20 showcase. The comments were made by Shinobi602, Communications Manager at Wushu Studios, who explained to fans on Resetera...
News Aaron Greenberg Reminds Us Third-Party Games Will "Look And Play Great" On Xbox Series X
Also known as the world's most powerful console
Sony has finally revealed the PlayStation 5. As you've likely already seen, a lot of the same third-party games announced for this system are coming to the Xbox Series X. So how impressive will they be on Microsoft's next-generation video game hardware? GM of Xbox Game Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, took...
News Xbox Exec Congratulates Phil Spencer On 30 Years At Microsoft
"A great leader and a great friend"
This year marks the 30th year since Xbox boss Phil Spencer officially joined Microsoft on a full-time basis, and Xbox CFO Tim Stuart has publicly congratulated him on Twitter. Taking to the social media platform, Stuart noted that the Xbox head has been "a great leader and a great friend," and shared a picture of...
News The Xbox Series X Will Launch In Japan This Holiday, Confirms Microsoft
Revealed by Famitsu
According to Japanese outlet Famitsu, Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox Series X will launch in the country during the "2020 holiday season". Halo Infinite, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Scarlet Nexus and Bright Memory: Infinite have all been confirmed for domestic release so far (thanks VGC). This could mean Microsoft is...
Rumour Sega To Rebrand The Xbox Series X In Japan? Don't Count On It
Key opinion leader weighs in
Last week, a Japanese tech journalist teased he would reveal a "huge scoop" relating to SEGA on June 4th, as pointed out by Gematsu. But according to new reports, it won't be related to Microsoft. Various Xbox rumours were thrown around over the weekend, including that SEGA might be rebranding Microsoft's next-gen...
News The Xbox Store Is Reportedly Getting A Large Update Soon
Revealed via a new app
Some Xbox Insiders have noticed a mysterious "Mercury" app appearing on their Xbox One consoles, and according to a report from Windows Central, it's the codename of a large Xbox Store update. The website says that it believes the Xbox Store is being "rebuilt from the ground-up on new architecture, designed for 4K TVs."...
News Here's What's Included In The May 2020 Xbox One Update
Update: More improvements
Update (Fri 29th May, 2020 17:15 BST): Microsoft has now detailed this May 2020 Xbox One update more thoroughly via a post on Xbox Wire, highlighting a new simplified guide layout as part of the improvements. The company says the new guide is "designed to be cleaner and easier to read," reducing the number of tabs and also...
News Xbox Game Studios Creating "The Biggest And Best Line Up Of Exclusives In Xbox History"
Led by Halo Infinite
Microsoft further detailed its plans for backwards compatibility on Xbox Series X yesterday, confidently calling it the "most powerful and compatible next-gen console with thousands of games at launch." But the company didn't just talk about backwards compatibility. Jason Ronald, Director of Program Management for Xbox Series X...
News Microsoft Hints At Potential For More Xbox And Xbox 360 Backwards Compatible Games
"The team continues to listen to feedback"
As part of a backwards compatibility deep dive on Xbox Wire earlier today, Director of Program Management for Xbox Series X Jason Ronald spoke a little about the possibility of adding more original Xbox and Xbox 360 games to the backwards compatible program. At the end of the article, Ronald revealed...
News How Backwards Compatible Games Play Better On Xbox Series X
Microsoft reveals all
Microsoft has put out a new article on Xbox Wire detailing the Xbox Series X's backwards compatibility features, revealing that thousands of games are already playable on the system. As part of this, Director of Program Management for Xbox Series X Jason Ronald also talked about some of the ways Xbox, Xbox 360 and Xbox One...
News Microsoft: Thousands Of Games Are Already Playable On Xbox Series X
More than 100,000 hours of play testing completed
Microsoft has discussed various new details about the backwards compatibility features on Xbox Series X, revealing that thousands of backwards compatible games are already playable on the system. In a post on Xbox Wire, Director of Program Management for Xbox Series X Jason Ronald revealed that the...
News You Can Now Manage Your Kids' Xbox Habits With A New Mobile App
"Simple tools to manage your family's gaming activities"
Microsoft has revealed a new Xbox Family Settings app for Android and iOS devices, which is currently in preview. You can download it right now from Google Play and the Apple Store to begin managing your kids' Xbox gaming activities. So, what does it do? The Xbox Family Settings app has a...
News Phil Spencer Feels 'Really Good' About Xbox Series X Launch This Holiday
"We've had to work through some challenges"
Xbox boss Phil Spencer recently appeared on the Talking Games With Reggie And Harold podcast, and was questioned about whether things were on track with the Xbox Series X. In response, Spencer revealed that the team had another hardware review last week at the time of recording, and that the company feels...
News Xbox Head Phil Spencer: We Were In A Tough Spot Six Years Ago
"The team had lost trust in the leadership"
Xbox head Phil Spencer recently appeared on the Talking Games With Reggie and Harold podcast with former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé and author/journalist Harold Goldberg. In a question regarding the biggest challenge he's faced during his career, Spencer highlighted the period when he...
News Microsoft Has Created An Official Pre-Order Page For The Xbox Series X
"Coming soon"
Eagle-eyed Xbox fans have noticed that Microsoft has created an official pre-order page for the Xbox Series X on the Microsoft Store, although pre-orders haven't gone live as of yet ("coming soon"). The page itself goes into a breakdown of some of the new features coming to Xbox Series X, reiterating it as "the most powerful Xbox...
Poll Do You Think The Xbox Lockhart Will Be Revealed In June?
Give us your thoughts
Ever since it was first rumoured, we've been eagerly wondering when/if Microsoft will unveil the Xbox Lockhart (or 'Xbox Series S') console. This is said to be a cheaper, less-powerful next-gen system compared to the Xbox Series X, but it hasn't been mentioned at all by the company so far. Despite this, rumours continue to...
News The Xbox One Was Revealed 7 Years Ago Today
It's come a long way
Seven years ago today, Microsoft publicly unveiled the Xbox One for the first time at the Xbox Campus in Redmond, Washington. And let's just say the reception wasn't great. The event was an hour-long demonstration of what the Xbox One could do, but centred heavily around its entertainment features such as TV integration, Snap...
News Source Code For The Original Xbox Has Reportedly Leaked Online
Microsoft comments
According to a new report, source code for the original Xbox has leaked online. This was revealed by website The Verge, which confirmed that the leaked Xbox OS was genuine. The leak is said to include the kernel for the console's operating system, which was a custom version of Windows 2000. It also apparently includes internal...
News Phil Spencer Talks Xbox Series X Events, COVID-19 Challenges
"We're trying new things"
Head of Xbox Phil Spencer recently took to Twitter to respond to a fan's comment about Xbox Series X reveal events. In their question, they asked the Xbox boss what the biggest challenge was in regards to how to present the team's next-gen vision/events during the COVID-19 pandemic. In his response, Spencer highlighted...
News Xbox Series X Production Has Reportedly Begun
Exciting news!
The Xbox Series X is currently scheduled to release in Holiday 2020, and it looks like production for the console has officially begun! We're learning this courtesy of an article from French website Xboxygen, which recently spoke to Xbox France director Ina Gelbert. We're not masters of the French language here at Pure Xbox, so
Random Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X Includes Coloured HDMI Cable
It's "never" been done before
If you've watched the recently published video about the limited-edition Cyberpunk 2077 Xbox One X, you might already know this, but for those who haven't - it comes with a coloured HDMI cord. Yep, believe it or not, but this has "never" been done before, according to Xbox Design Director Carl Ledbetter. "It's just a...
Video The Making Of The Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X
See how it came together
Xbox has put out a video on its YouTube channel showing the design process behind the upcoming Cyberpunk 2077 Limited Edition Xbox One X, which will be the final limited edition version of the console to ever be released, and will be restricted to just 45,000 units. In the video, which you can see above, Xbox Design...
News Xbox Boss Comments On Yesterday's Stunning Unreal Engine 5 Demo
"Many of our XGS studios are using Unreal"
Yesterday's tech demo showing off the new Unreal Engine 5 was undoubtedly impressive, but was notably said to be running on a PS5 devkit. Following the event, Xbox head Phil Spencer took to Twitter to congratulate Epic Games on the reveal, and share more Xbox specific details. "Incredible work by the team...
News Unreal Engine 5 Unveiled, Will Support Xbox Series X And Xbox One
Launching next year
Epic Games has revealed Unreal Engine 5 via today's Summer Game Fest announcement, showing off an impressive tech demo of a game using the engine, running on a PS5 devkit. The company says that the new engine will support many platforms including Xbox Series X and Xbox One. Epic claims that one of its next-generation goals "is...
Video Take A Look At The New Arctic Camo Special Edition Xbox Controller
The latest design
There's a new Xbox Wireless Controller for you to get your hands on, and it's called the Xbox Arctic Camo Special Edition Wireless Controller. You can see Microsoft unboxing the latest design above, which features a "rugged" camouflage pattern, etched trigger grip and much more. The Arctic Camo Special Edition controller is now...
News Thrustmaster Confirms Its Xbox One Accessories Will Work On Xbox Series X
"We're excited about Xbox's commitment to forward compatibility"
Microsoft has already revealed that the vast majority of Xbox One accessories will also work on Xbox Series X, including controllers, headsets and more. Thrustmaster, known for its racing wheels, has also now commented on this, confirming that its Xbox One accessories will indeed be...
News Microsoft: Standard 60FPS Not A Mandate On Xbox Series X
"Developers always have flexibility"
Yesterday, a comment from a Ubisoft representative caused a fair bit of commotion when it was reportedly revealed that Assassin's Creed Valhalla will run "at least" 30fps on Xbox Series X, suggesting 60fps (or higher) support for the game will either be absent, or is still being worked on. While not commenting...
News You Can Now Get The Xbox Series X Boot Audio On SoundCloud
Listen to it over and over
We don't know about you, but we've probably watched that official Xbox Series X start-up sequence tens of times since it was revealed last week. If you really like the sound of it and want to use it for your alarm clock, as a text tone, or simply to play on repeat until your drive your neighbours insane, you can now do so...
News Game Progress Will Carry Over With Smart Delivery On Xbox Series X
Confirmed by Xbox exec
We detailed upcoming Xbox Series X title Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2 earlier today, noting that it will feature cross-generation character saves via Smart Delivery. And according to GM of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg, we can expect more of this on Xbox Series X. Greenberg responded to someone earlier this...
News Phil Spencer Feels Good About Progress Of Xbox Series X, Says He's Playing It "Most Nights"
Bring on the holiday period
The coronavirus outbreak has raised concerns about whether or not the next-generation console hardware will be released before the end of this year. At the start of this month, Head of Xbox Phil Spencer admitted Xbox Series X games could potentially be delayed, but as for the system itself, everything appears to be on...
Reminder Today Is Your Last Chance To Get Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 For Free
Don't miss out
In case you missed it, Bandai Namco has been giving away Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 for free on Xbox One as a goodwill gesture due to the coronavirus pandemic. It's been available since the 24th of April, but today (May 10th) is the final chance you have to grab it. We're not sure what time it'll revert back to its original...
News The Xbox Series X Will Feature A Revamped Dashboard
"We're really happy with the early results"
Microsoft has confirmed that the Xbox dashboard will be getting a revamp for the Xbox Series X. This was mentioned by director of program management Jason Ronald in a recent interview with Gamespot, who stated that more information on specifics will shared later in the summer. Ronald told the website that...
