Tag: Microsoft - Page 38
News Xbox's Phil Spencer Adamant Call Of Duty Will Remain On PlayStation 'Longer Term'
"Native. Call of Duty. On PlayStation!!"
Well, this is a debate for the ages! Once again, Xbox has come out to defend its position regarding the future of Call of Duty, this time via a new Phil Spencer interview with The Verge. Phil seems adamant that Xbox will continue to support CoD on PlayStation well into the future, even touching on a...
Talking Point We're Ready For The Next Limited Edition Xbox Console
Will it be Starfield-themed?
Well, we regret to inform you that we could have been playing Starfield right now on our Xbox Series consoles, as the game's initial 11/11/22 launch date has just passed. While we're disappointed that we can't go hands-on with Bethesda's next epic just yet, we're happy that the team is getting all the time it needs to...
News Xbox's Phil Spencer Chimes In On Sony's God Of War Ragnarok Launch
You love to see it
Ahead of God of War Ragnarok's PS5 launch, Xbox exec Aaron Greenberg popped up on Twitter last week to express his excitement about playing Sony's latest exclusive title. This is a typical sight for an Xbox exec at this point; the team is open and honest about what they're playing! Well, now that the game is out there in the wild,...
News Microsoft Reacts To EU's 'In-Depth' Investigation Of Activision Blizzard Deal
"We want people to have more access to games, not less"
The European Commission is the latest authority to launch a deeper investigation into Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, with the region now looking at all aspects of the deal. The EU has set itself a March 2023 deadline to make a call on the merger, and Microsoft could then be...
News Microsoft Exploring New Graphics Options To Reduce Power Consumption On Xbox
Including lowering resolution and frame rate
Xbox has been working on its console power consumption rate as of late, with sweeping changes recently made to Xbox Series X and S to help ensure the systems run more efficiently. Well, it's looking like Microsoft could be willing to take things a step further, even offering game performance-altering...
News Xbox Wants State Of Decay 3 To 'Compete Visually' Despite Smaller Dev Team
"We want that game to compete"
Undead Labs is still quietly working away on State of Decay 3 - we say quietly because we haven't seen any gameplay since its original announcement! Well, thankfully, that could be because the team wants to go all out with its third State of Decay iteration. In a new interview with Xbox's Matt Booty, State of Decay 3...
News New Microsoft Store Options Rolling Out To Xbox Insiders
What's on your wish list?
Xbox has detailed its latest dashboard update for users within the Insider program, and it brings a few minor changes relating to the Xbox storefront. The new settings revolve around notifications from your console, particularly from Wish List changes when games go on sale. For now, Microsoft says that the new settings...
News Gears Of War Creator On Sale To Xbox: 'Epic Didn't Really Know What To Do With The Franchise'
So Microsoft took charge
Gears of War creator Cliff Bleszinski recently chatted with IGN about his new book 'Control Freak', and as usual, Gears was a major talking point. In one segment, he touched on the sale of the franchise to Microsoft in 2014 - mentioning how Epic didn't really seem to know what to do with the series after he left alongside...
News Microsoft Invests In Korean Blockchain Game Developer
Wemade makes the MMORPG series 'Legend of Mir'
Xbox's parent Microsoft is always seeking new tech and gaming avenues, and the latest news doing the rounds is that it's invested in the Korean game company Wemade, which specialises in blockchain technology. According to an official PR by Wemade (via a story on VGC), the developer has received an...
News Turtle Beach 'Atom' Is The Latest Switch-Like Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller
Switching it up
Third-party accessory company Turtle Beach is getting on the Xbox Cloud Gaming train with its latest mobile controller, the 'Atom'. This gamepad is another Nintendo Switch-like affair where the controller splits up and moulds around your mobile device of choice. The Atom is officially licensed for Xbox, with Turtle Beach w
News Xbox Insists It's 'Not Taking Call Of Duty From PlayStation'
Phil Spencer: "That's not our intent"
Last week, Xbox boss Phil Spencer mentioned how Microsoft intended to treat Call of Duty like Minecraft when asked about the series' future post-acquisition. Now, during an interview with the 'Same Brain' YouTube channel, Phil has reiterated his comments about making Call of Duty as accessible as possible - in...
News Xbox Boss Remains Confident Activision Blizzard Deal Will Be Approved
"We're very focused"
Xbox's acquisition of Activision Blizzard is still in the process of being finalised, and while it might seem frustrating for the team at Microsoft, Xbox boss Phil Spencer says the ongoing discussion surrounding the size of the acquisition is warranted. In an interview at WSJ Tech Live 2022 earlier this week, Spencer reiterated...
News InXile Says Xbox Ended Up Being The 'Perfect Match' For The Studio
"They wanted us to do what we do best"
Believe it or not, but not everyone is happy about Microsoft's Xbox division scooping up select video game companies in big-budget acquisitions. If you did have any doubts about it though, there's a lovely reminder in InXile Entertainment's new 20th anniversary documentary about how it can be both a positive...
News Xbox Game Pass Growth Slower Than Expected After Microsoft Sets High Targets
How much?!
Although Xbox Game Pass usually gets all the plaudits for its incredible value, questions are often thrown around about its ability to be sustainable. While Phil Spencer recently told the world that Game Pass is indeed profitable, the service seems to be growing at a slower pace than Microsoft had hoped for. In a new
News Xbox Still Open To Streaming Device, But It Could Be 'Years Away'
Keystone will remain a prototype
Xbox's project 'Keystone' has come up in conversation during Phil Spencer's recent interview with The Wall Street Journal. As you might recall, earlier this month we saw an old prototype of Keystone on Phil's shelf. Now, in his latest interview, the Xbox boss has mentioned how the company decided to pivot to working...
News Xbox Almost Cancelled Its Adaptive Controller Before A Change Of Heart
"No, this is actually important for the world"
Xbox's Adaptive Controller is one of the most innovative gaming products we've ever seen from one of the big manufacturers; it opens the door for many, many different ways to play. While Microsoft has been lauded for developing and releasing the accessory, as it turns out, the controller almost never...
News Nearly Half Of Series S Owners Are New To Xbox, Reveals Microsoft
Breaking down barriers
Microsoft just published its latest quarterly earnings report up to the end of September 2022, and it provides an interesting look at all thing
News Microsoft Announces Age Of Mythology: Retold For PC Game Pass
Another definitive edition is on the way
The floodgates have opened for the Age of Empires series on Xbox, with the announcement Age of Empires II and Age of Empires IV will be coming to the system next year. It's left many Xbox fans wondering what else could be added to this console lineup in the future. Apart from Age of Empires III: Definitive...
News Xbox Gaming Revenue Up 4% YoY In Latest Earnings Report
Hardware revenue is up by 13%
Microsoft's latest earnings results have been published for the quarter ended September 30th, 2022 (FY23 Q1) and Xbox's gaming revenue is up by 4% year-over-year. Xbox's hardware revenue increased by 13%. Once again, this was thanks to the continued demand for Xbox Series X|S around the globe. However, Xbox's "content...
News Xbox Mobile App Gets New GameDVR Feature In Latest Update
Quick edits
Xbox is beginning to rework its somewhat flawed GameDVR system, with the feature's latest changes coming to the Xbox Beta app for mobile devices this week. As originally spotted by The Verge's Tom Warren, a recent app update has added the ability to edit / trim clips on Xbox Live,
News Microsoft Layoffs Are Reportedly Affecting Team Xbox
Along with other divisions of the company
Microsoft has reportedly initiated a number of layoffs across various divisions, including the Xbox team. According to a report by Business Insider, the internal shift amounts to "less than" 1,000 employee redundancies at Microsoft. As mentioned, Xbox is apparently one of the divisions to suffer, alongside...
News Microsoft Intended To Release Xbox Game Pass On PlayStation, Sony 'Blocked' It
PlayStation Game Pass?
More and more information from the UK authority's scrutiny of Xbox's ActiBlizz deal is starting to trickle out, and this drop is a juicy one. Again via The Verge's Tom Warren, Microsoft has discussed Game Pass and the fact that the service could have been on PlayStation, had Sony wanted it. In defending its Activision...
News Take-Two CEO Backs Microsoft's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard
"It's a good thing for Microsoft and for the industry"
We're hearing a lot of discourse online about Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard and whether it's a good or bad thing for the industry. In a recent video interview with The Grill, Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick was asked about his own thoughts, and mentioned how he's "in favour" and...
News Xbox Argues With UK Regulator Over Activision Blizzard Deal
"The CMA's concerns are misplaced..."
Right, the gloves have come off over at Microsoft HQ it seems. The Xbox owners have begun, well, arguing with the UK's competition regulator regarding its 'Phase 2' analysis of the Activision Blizzard merger. In short, Microsoft is accusing the UK CMA of taking Sony's comments into serious consideration without...
News Xbox's Latest Limited Edition Controller Is From Another Planet
Go hands on with the Lunar Shift pad, starting today!
Just a couple of weeks after revealing the Mineral Blue Camo Controller, Microsoft is back with another brand new Xbox pad, this time from another planet entirely! The Lunar Shift Xbox Controller launches today in select markets, and serves as a follow-up to the Aqua Shift edition from last year...
News PlatinumGames Would Still Be 'Very Happy' To Work With Xbox On Scalebound
If Phil has changed his tune, that is
In the years since the unfortunate cancellation of Xbox exclusive Scalebound, we've heard plenty of thoughts on a potential project revival, although nothing really concrete. Well, in a new interview with Scalebound developer PlatinumGames, the original team has once again expressed its desir
News Did Phil Spencer Just Reveal A New Xbox Device On His Shelf?
Project Keystone?
Update: It sounds like this could be an "old prototype", as hinted by the official Xbox Twitter account: "Now what did we say about putting old prototypes on your shelf boss?" Original story: It's that time again, folks! Xbox boss Phil Spencer has just posted a new shelf pic, and as you'd expect, we've already analysed it in...
News Xbox Activision Blizzard Deal Officially Approved In Brazil
Another one off the list
Xbox's Activision Blizzard deal might be receiving its fair share of scrutiny from various government authorities, but it's beginning to pass the test in certain markets. Back in August, Saudi officials accepted the deal's terms with no changes needed, and now Brazil has officially approved the merger too. Hurrah! Brazil's...
News UK Authority Sets March 2023 Deadline For Verdict On Xbox ActiBlizz Deal
Activate Phase 2
The UK government authority on market competition has laid out its timeline for delivering a verdict on Xbox's Activision Blizzard deal. Phase 2 of its analysis in now underway, and the final report is said to be delivered by March 1st, 2023. In theory, this means the deal won't go through until at least that date and even then,...
News Microsoft Lays Out 'Benefits' Of Xbox + Activision Blizzard On New Website
"More choice and more games for people everywhere"
Xbox is continuing to try and sell its case for merging with Activision Blizzard, via a new website that details the benefits that'll come from the merger. Microsoft's new online portal is dubbed "our vision for gaming", and it basically brings all the info on the deal under one roof, including the...
News Halo & F1 Partnership Spawns Amazing Master Chief-Inspired Helmet
HCS and Quadrant team up
British Formula One rep Lando Norris, who is currently racing with McLaren, has unveiled his very own Halo Master Chief style helmet. The racer will be wearing it at the upcoming Singapore Grand Prix, taking place this coming weekend. Lando has always been a fan of the Halo series, mentioning in an interview on social media...
News Phil Spencer Says New Quick Resume Feature Is 'On The List' At Xbox
"Good feature ask, makes sense"
'Quick Resume' was one of Xbox's big new features at the turn of the console generation, allowing users to pick up games right where they left off from a previous session. The feature is a solid one, although it can be spotty in terms of functionality with certain games. Well, Xbox's Phil Spencer has taken to Twitter...
Talking Point Do You Consider A Game's Length When Browsing Xbox Game Pass?
Alexa, how long to beat?
In a world filled with seemingly infinite choices on games, TV shows, movies, you name it, we tend to prefer our gaming experiences to fall on the shorter side in this day and age. That's not to say we don't love getting stuck into a huge RPG every now and then, but sampling a wider variety of shorter titles is typically our...
Rumour Xbox Is Talking To 'Major' Japanese Publishers About Acquisitions
Even while the ActiBlizz deal is underway
Xbox is continuing to push for growth in Japan, highlighted by its recent Tokyo Game Show livestream which was one of Xbox's best in recent memory. The show brought a bunch of Japan-focused news, like Ni No Kuni shadow dropping on Xbox Game Pass and much more. Well, if fresh rumours are to be believed, then...
Deals All 20+ Backwards Compatible Games In This Week's Xbox Sales (Sept 27 - Oct 3)
Xbox classics
As usual, Xbox has put a selection of backwards compatible titles on sale this week to go alongside its mammoth list of Xbox One and Series X|S games. It ain't the biggest back compat sale the week, but there's still some notable stuff on offer. Deals: 500+ Games Included In This Week's Bumper Xbox Sales (Sep 27 - Oct 3) Here's the...
News Xbox Unveils 'Mineral Camo' Special Edition Controller, And It's Out Now
Oooh shiny
Woah there, new controller just dropped! Yep, Xbox has just officially unveiled the 'Mineral Camo' Xbox Series X|S controller, and there's no lead time on this one - it's out right now! Mineral Camo joins Night Ops Camo, Arctic Camo, and Daystrike Camo as part of the 'camo series', with Xbox labelling its main colour as a "bold mineral...
Deals 500+ Games Included In This Week's Bumper Xbox Sales (Sept 27 - Oct 3)
Fill up!
Another week, another set of Xbox sales, and this week it's a substantial one. More than 500 titles are discounted across various different promotions, with some notable new releases like Saints Row already on sale. So, we've gathered a selection of highlights across this week's Xbox sales, and of course, the full list is live on Xbox...
News Microsoft CEO 'Very Confident' About Activision Blizzard Approval
The Xbox & ActiBlizz merge is ongoing
We've heard from Phil Spencer recently about how the Xbox Activision Blizzard deal is progressing, especially in regards to Call of Duty and its exclusivity terms moving forward. While some aspects of the merger seem uncertain at this stage, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella still seems pretty confident it'll all go...
News White Xbox Series X Console Spotted In Astro Headset Ad
Is this Microsoft's next Series X model?
Okay, so, this is a weird one. Astro has just dropped a new ad for its upcoming A30 headset revision, and it contains a suite of gaming hardware to match, including a PS5 and an Xbox Series X. However, the Series X system on show is white - a colour scheme we've not yet seen since the generation began. Now,...
News Xbox Series S Outsold The PlayStation 5 In Japan Last Week
Following on from a strong display at TGS 2022
Xbox has been trying to crack the Japanese market for some time now, and it seems it's recently had some sales success according to the latest Famitsu sales data. Between September 9th and September 18th, the Xbox Series S hardware managed to shift 13,211 units. This is seemingly one of its best weeks...
News Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (September 22)
Out on the slime ranch
Microsoft is bringing three more titles to Xbox Game Pass today, September 22, as part of the latest update to the library. Headlining the bunch today is the newly released Slime Rancher 2, from developer Monomi Park. As these are all brand new releases, they might not be available right away, but each title will arrive...
News Logitech G CLOUD Handheld Launches Next Month With Xbox Cloud Gaming Built In
But where's our Xbox portable?
Early last month, Logitech revealed that it was working with Xbox, in some capacity, on a cloud-based gaming handheld. Well, the tech company has now fully revealed its Logitech G CLOUD system, and it's out as early as next month. The handheld device launches on October 17th in the US for $350, with no other regions...
News Xbox September 2022 Update Adds Tons Of Features, Including New Game Install Options
Choose install location by game type!
Xbox has detailed its September console update for all users, and it's safe to say it's a biggie! There are a lot of notable new features packed in here, including new install options, the ability to change your Xbox controller LED colour, and much more. Let's start with the installs shall we? We brought news...
Random Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream Appears In Xbox Game Pass Library
Half baked
Okay, this isn't something we thought we'd see today, but here we are! A Reddit user spotted Ben & Jerry's appearing as an Xbox Game Pass title, yes, the ice cream brand. The app wasn't titled as such, but all the media related to Ben & Jerry's ice cream. After coming across the post we thought we best check for ourselves, and lo...
News Once Again, Xbox Says 'No' To The Return Of The Xbox 360 Blades Dashboard
"No, you can’t have the blades back"
Another year, another dream killed eh? Look, we've always been huge fans of the Xbox 360 blades UI, and while we know it'd take some tweaking to bring back in 2022, we'd still love to see it return. Well, once again it looks like that won't be the case anytime soon. On a recent episode of Major Nelson's Xbox...
News EA Sees 'Tremendous Opportunity' If Call Of Duty Goes Xbox Exclusive
Beyond the existing agreement
There's been a lot of back and forth recently between Xbox and PlayStation over the future of Call of Duty. Microsoft feels that it's laid out a generous plan for the next few years of CoD if the Activision deal goes through, while Sony doesn't feel the same way. Now, EA has had something to say on the matter; they...
Rumour Xbox Initially Planned To Launch 9 Exclusives In 2023
But how will things actually pan out?
Due to 2022's unfortunate slate of delays, we've always looked at 2023 as a pretty stacked year for Xbox Game Studios. Redfall, Starfield, and Forza Motorsport are all planned for the first half of next year, however it appears Xbox originally had a pretty packed lineup planned for 2023 anyway. VentureBeat...
News Xbox Series X Update Makes Great Change To Game Installs
But there's still room for improvement
Xbox has implemented a pretty awesome new feature in its latest console update! The Xbox Series X 2206 update has made some welcome changes to offline installs for physical games. Basically, prior to this update Xbox One disc games required an online 'check in' for use on Xbox Series X, even when a Smart...
News Microsoft Announces 343 Industries Leadership Team Restructure
Pierre Hintze is the new studio head
Yesterday, the Xbox and Halo community got some "shock news" - with Head of 343 Industries Bonnie Ross announcing she would be leaving the studio (as well as Microsoft) due to a family medical issue. In case you missed it, her replacement will be Head of Production Pierre Hintze. Hintze is an industry veteran...
News Here's Your First Look At Xbox's New Home UI In Motion
It's already rolling out to select Xbox Insiders
Xbox yesterday announced it was working on a brand new 'Home UI' experience for its console dashboards. It'll be released to the public in 2023 and will add some nifty new features like a new 'jump back in bar'. This new dash is already available to Xbox Insiders. If you're wondering how it looks in...
