Banjo-

@Titntin Yes. The only exception would be a GOTY edition one year later or something like that. Many games have been transformed massively since they were released.

@Kilamanjaro Nice. It was cool to experience all the Halo games on Xbox One and Series X in a short period of time and witnessing the evolution. The Master Chief Collection, after the patches, was completely fine. Right from the start, I noticed that the shooting was off in Halo 4. Halo 5 has very bad battlefields with no strategy, cheap deaths and repetitive combat, not to mention the story. After that, Infinite was a very pleasant surprise and a relief.

@ElectricWizard Even got the rhyme right! 😁

I'll tell you what. "Brings us back from our graves or I will peck your head!" Kazooie just said.

The greatest improvement is that it doesn't have "XBOX" repeated three times like previous game boxes nor the awful "Optimized" badge.

@Lysterao Agreed. That's the reboot they started with Infinite although external assistance was required. Halo 5 was ridiculous, but Infinite went back to its roots. Surprisingly, it even recovered and fixed the gameplay and shooting from Bungie, that 343 Industries ruined in their first tries. 343 Industries definitely messed Halo up, but they fixed it with Infinite. I'm not talking about the story exclusively, but basic things like the shooting. I hope that the next new entry is even better and fully fledged.

Nice. There was an older version of this conflict dialog that triggered playing certain games after being offline, but this one has the progress displayed which makes clear what save you should be using. I hope that it works every time there is a save conflict and that there is a system to prevent save data from corrupting.

It's nice to see physical releases even though I'll get it digitally. I'm looking forward to this remake because the first game is also awesome. It has excellent battlefields, memorable locations and that Halo real-time strategy dealing with different kinds of enemies at different altitude and from different angles. Good stuff.

I'm not a hardcore Halo fan, but I love all of them except 5, 4 being a mixed bag. I don't get what Halo Infinite is hated, but I read that the development was difficult and that they needed external assistance for finishing the campaign.

One thing I really like about Halo Infinite is that it feels more natural than Halo 5, that has a weird story, awful battlefields and repetitive combat. Halo Infinite has brilliant gameplay and a focused story. It might be my favourite entry.

343 Industries, now Halo Studios, messed Halo up, and I don't even mean the story, but basic things like the shooting. However, they fixed it with Halo Infinite. I hope that the next new entry after the remake is even better and fully fledged.

Because of the current state of this industry, I would organise these 40+ studios differently to avoid the bloated structure and vendors that Asha mentioned. I know it's not easy and that it sounds bad, but as a business, I would get rid of the studios that have spent 7–8 years developing short games that have not even been successful, not just on Game Pass, but on Xbox, PS5 and Switch 2. Any publisher would do it and if they were independent they would have done layoffs or, more likely, would have closed years ago.

I would keep Obsidian on its own because it's both prolific and creative and Grounded is a great success, but Turn 10 would become part of Playground. Of course, I would keep the studios that I consider essential and try to fix whatever is needed: Halo, World's Edge, The Coalition, Mojang, Playground, Rare, Bethesda, Id, Zenimax Online, Machine Games. I would restructure the Activision studios, too. I would avoid duplicities (customer service, administrators) like Microsoft did after acquiring ABK and doing those layoffs. I would keep the talent and the necessary infrastructure. It's the only way forward at this point.

@Nall3k Turn 10 should become part of Playground. Forza Horizon uses their technology and they have co-developed the latest entries.

@ZeD @Questionable_Duck Of course. If Nadella (Microsoft's CEO) wanted to kill Xbox, he would have done it in one day! Why would he wait and set a façade up? Asha was hired to reboot the division because some studios were bleeding the money earned by the successful studios and dragging the profitability down to 3%. That's why it wasn't very difficult to predict that Compulsion Games, Double Fine and Ninja Theory were being evaluated. At the end of the day, Xbox is a business. Like us, Phil is a nostalgic gamer. Nadella and Asha are not.

@ZeD

I honetly think we will see a massive restructor of the studios. Heck, some may not keep their names fully. I can see it going down the root of Nintendo, Ubisoft and Rockstar (to name a few) where they have many studios that are just named after their location.

That also makes sense because she said that the Xbox infrastructure is bloated and that they rely on many vendors.

@abe_hikura

My bet is they wont close it but gut it to a small team they can attach to other games, even when it doesn't make sense.

That sounds like the most unlikely scenario for a prolific studio like Obsidian.

@CallMeDuraSouka Yes, it's not like the others that have released 0 or 1 short game in seven years! I think that Obsidian might be restructured at worst, but not closed!

I assume that Helix won't have a disc reader, but an external disc drive would solve the problem of the additional cost. I think that the disc to digital feature is more fascinating. If I understood correctly, you need an Xbox One or Series X console to read the disc in order to attach the licence to your Xbox account and, after that, you will be able to play that game on Xbox One, Series X, Series S, Helix and PC (PC supported by Play Anywhere titles only) without the disc and using the same account. If you or someone else tries to run the disc with another profile, the licence transfers to that account. It's much cleverer than what I expected.

Unlike others, Obsidian is a studio that makes a lot of sense for the Xbox library. Since 2019, they have released The Outer Worlds, Grounded, Pentiment, Avowed, The Outer Worlds 2 and Grounded 2. Let's wait until 6th July and see what really happens!

all new games releasing on PlayStation consoles will be discontinued starting January 2028.

Yesterday, I thought that this meant that the PS6 would be released after that date, because it doesn't make any sense to make physical games for a new console for a few months only, but now I think that Sony is being cheeky, might release it in 2027 and not manufacture PS6 but PS5 games until January 2028. That would not contradict this statement.

@General-Foley Good point, the prices will very likely be increased worldwide, so better get a Series X in July if you want one.

@General-Foley Yes. I had to read it a few times, but yes, that is what the report says. In that example, you also would be entitled to the PC version because it's Play Anywhere, so you could play the game on Xbox One, Series X, Series S, Helix and PC without inserting the disc. We still need an official confirmation, though.

@Booloon @SlipSlot If I understood correctly, you need an Xbox One or Series X console to read the disc in order to attach the licence to your Xbox account and, after that, you will be able to play that game on any console without the disc and using the same account. If you or someone else tries to run the disc with another profile, the licence transfers to that account. It's much cleverer than I expected.

@Markatron84 Doom Eternal is my favourite modern shooter because of the combination of acrobatics and on the fly strategy, including how to deal with each monster and in what order. It reminds me a bit of the first Halo's battlefields and the best aspects of Metroid Prime.

@Elbow No, not you saying Xbone LOL. Only the posts that start with "I mean" are as jarring.

It's not exactly that. The backwards compatibility program is not emulation, it translates the code from Power PC to x86 so it can run on Xbox One. It took years of optimisation. The first day of the project games run painfully slow, but they managed to surpass the original performance eventually. It was actually easier to have the original Xbox games running because they were also x86, but licence conflicts have kept most of them outside the program. Every copyright owner, if it still exists, has to agree with it. Series X|S were built to be compatible with Xbox One and both runs Windows. What they are doing now is refining the gaming version of Windows that runs on Rog Xbox Ally so it can run as a smooth console experience on Helix. They are very likely also porting the backwards compatibility as we speak, that would be added to both Helix, the Rog Xbox Ally, and possibly, any Windows PC.

I hope that all the "old" Xbox games are added to Play Anywhere. I mean first-party games, obviously, although the more third-party games are added, the better. This won't matter next generation because all Xbox games will be available for PC, first and third-party, but also having the old games available on gaming handhelds like Rog Xbox Ally X would be awesome.

This is awesome! I don't have but some limited edition Xbox games, but allowing Xbox fans to digitalise their physical collection is very consumer-friendly and I think that this is the first time we are seeing something similar in the industry. I understand that Xbox and Xbox 360 discs won't be supported for technical reasons, since the report also mentions that some Xbox One discs might not be compatible.

One of the biggest benefits I see here is that when you get your digital licence, you are also getting the PC version for free if the game supports Play Anywhere. Another huge benefit is for Series S owners with Xbox discs.

@themcnoisy I hope you can sort it out, I'm sure you will if you contact them. I haven't noticed any game disappearing, but I asked for a refund because I hated the controls in Snake Pass and it was granted. I also made a mistake when purchasing Forza Horizon 3 and they reversed the transaction. I ended up buying the most expensive version, but was my free choice and I was happy about it LOL. It still is my most expensive digital purchase ever because, back then, the Ultimate Edition didn't include the Expansion Pass, that I also purchased, plus the Porsche expansion. Now that you mention next-gen Helix, I'm looking forward to playing Forza Horizon 3 in 60fps as a Play Anywhere title. As I said, I draw the line at digital "ownership" and being able to play my digital purchases on future hardware and so far I haven't been disappointed by Xbox.

@ILuvGames Yes. The problem is not the politics but the politicians.

@ILuvGames I was raised in an open-minded environment. Each person is different and I can like or dislike them for many reasons, not being the most private ones of any relevance except in the obvious scenario. This society is too politicised and polarised for my tastes, so I just live my life. I believe that the internet doesn't reflect the real life which is much simpler, fortunately.

@themcnoisy It seemed to be a glitch reported on Pure Xbox in 2024 that affected certain users. Did you contact Xbox about this? You might be able to solve it.

@Schonks Another advantage of the Xbox store is that it allows refunds if you haven't played the game for long, like Steam.

@MinervaX76 That's the main selling point of Xbox for me, being able to play my digital games on future consoles and, when there are upgrades, they are for free.

@ZeD There's still work to do, but on Xbox, when you select a game, it displays all the bundles related to it, which is a massive improvement compared to the old store where you would need to browse the different editions and bundles separately.

There is still a weird occurrence when pre-order editions are considered different products after the release date. It's because the pre-order edition had a pre-order bonus, but I can't find that on the store after the release date even though I pre-ordered. It kind of makes sense because that edition and bonuses are not available after the release date, but I need to go to owned games and I wish the store just said, "You own the pre-order edition of this."

Another good thing they added is that when you download a game, it automatically downloads all those goodies or add-ons so you don't forget about any, and you can tick the ones you want to keep or delete.

@arka_neqho Very well written. The way you present this idea, it makes sense. I envision it as a kind of memory that would be plugged into the expansion memory port that would also be used for storage expansion. It won't be cheap if it's as fast and avoids installation, but as an option, I don't see anything wrong with that. It would need an adapter for PCs, though.

@Jaxx420 I think that Nintendo's older games are better than the new ones anyway, so I still play like back then quite often. I have a PAL SNES, a SNES Mini, an RGB-modded PAL N64, a GC with the original digital video output, a Wii that I barely touch because of Wii U and also the Mega Drive (Mini) that I always wanted to have. There is also Evercade, that I don't have but many here do. The future seems digital, but there's more than the future.

@Jaxx420 All of them will comply with the law eventually. PS is the dominating video game console in EU where consumer and antitrust laws are more common. Sony removed third-party codes and has been accused of abusive practices in EU already, but of course these laws will apply to all the storefronts, Xbox, Nintendo and Apple included, and that will benefit all consumers.

EDIT: Sony has confirmed that codes will be available at retailers, so that's one way to avoid digital monopoly lawsuits.

@Jaxx420 It doesn't really affect me because my physical collections are Nintendo games. They would not be playable if it wasn't for the fact that I still own all those consoles. However, I respect and agree 100% with what Daniel says about physical games.

You have proven many times that preferring a certain platform should not equal being a *******, so I wanted to publicly thank you and acknowledge that! That's the reason why I'll always respect and reply to you whether we agree or not. This is how a community should be.

@Daniel1221 I agree 100% with that and I'm also surprised that nothing has happened yet regarding the removal of digital content without refunding. Microsoft stopped selling new movies and TV content, but you can still access your previously purchased content on Windows and Xbox devices. Google cancelled Stadia, but they refunded everyone. That's how it is supposed to be. One of those two options. Any other option is unacceptable and should be illegal.

Regarding physical games, I also hope that physical remains an option even if the disc reader is available separately and that would be a win Xbox. I would fully support the idea.

@chatbot Abandoning consoles and expanding an ecosystem beyond consoles is not the same, but okay.

@Daniel1221 @Jaxx420 It's not a simple issue as you both say, but I draw the line at digital "ownership" which translates to the right to re-download indefinitely. Google removed Stadia, but they refunded everyone, so fair enough. Removing access to digital content and not refunding should be illegal and it will probably be soon, at least in EU. It's like selling a disc or cartridge and taking it away from you without refunding.

I'm sure that Sony will have looked at the number of digital VS physical PS5 console editions that have sold, the percentage of games played via disc VS digital, and the cost of implementing disc drives into consoles,

Actually, I think it's more related to turn the whole business into a digital store which they already control 100%, but that also might trigger some anti-trust laws, as others have said and as has happened before.

@FraserG @Scummbuddy And the SNES and Mega Drive Mini, especially here that we had PAL back in the day. 😁

@hoffa007 "PS5 had a digital-only model" does not mean that "PS5 had only a digital model", so I assume this is a misunderstanding.

@Jaxx420 I didn't have an Xbox 360 or PS3, so my physical collections are for N64, GC, Wii, Wii U, DS, 3DS, Switch, some PS4 games and a few limited Xbox One editions. I didn't see the point in physical since 2013 because games need patches and to be installed, although I keep my Rare Replay as new.

You make very good points. I also find ironic that Xbox is ahead in gaming preservation because PS and Nintendo users appreciate physical much more and, in the case of Nintendo, many claim to not buy digital games, yet they are stuck on game key cards which are codes in a fake cartridge that can be played on another Switch 2, but need an online server verification. Some PS5 users that visit this site daily have also claimed that they reject digital. I'm seeing some contradictions already.

PS5 has been supporting physical games more than Series X so, although this doesn't really surprise me because I was expecting it, I can see why Sony fans that want physical media would be shocked or disappointed, because I assume PS5 games will be released beyond 2027.

As long as digital libraries are respected on subsequent hardware like on Steam and Xbox, I'm fine with them.

@acmiguens I've been reading about the memory crisis and it's more complicated that it seems, a multi-layered problem that will probably last until 2030. A combination of manufacturers wanting the best prices, not that many suppliers and demanding skyrocketing and requiring more advanced modules. It affects computers and mobile phones, but we were used to subsidised consoles, so the difference is more noticeable. Better start saving now for our next-gen console.

So they are confirming 2028 as the release year of PS6. It doesn't surprise me because PS5 had a digital-only model, like Xbox One S years earlier, and PS5 Pro doesn't have a disc reader. Helix won't either, so I'll keep my Series X, not for my Xbox games that are digital, but for CDs, DVDs and BDs. 😁

On second thought, considering how important physical games are for some PS fans and that PS5 games will be released beyond 2027, with many of these users rejecting digital-only releases, this must be terrible news.

I'm looking forward to knowing, since all so far are rumours, what studios and games are being sold and cancelled. If that's the only way for Xbox to keep the studios and games that are performing well, so be it! The hands-off approach, unlimited budgets and previous marketing didn't work, so a reboot of sorts was needed, anyway. This only proves how excellent the studios they own that have done an excellent work so far are, e.g., Playground Games, The Coalition, Id, Machine Games, Obsidian...

Nobody knows, including myself, but I don't think that Hideo Kojima's game will be cancelled even if its development is more expensive than anticipated. Same for State of Decay 3. The three studios that I predicted would be in trouble are Double Fine, Ninja Theory and Compulsion Games, based on their development schedules, the games themselves and their commercial performance (including PS5 and Switch 2). None of these names surprised anyone that knows a little about the Xbox studios. Undead Labs, I admitted, also had inner problems, but State of Decay 3 is almost finished and they released 70+ minutes of gameplay. Let's hope that the game is a success, because it's likely their last chance to prove they found their feet again.

@chatbot Not abandoning, merging. Consoles are PCs with parts specifically selected for gaming since PS4 and Xbox One. The difference is that the library will be the same between PC and console, with settings profiles for each device like on Xbox Rog Ally X. You buy a game and you can play it on a console, a computer or a handheld. This is an idea that started in 2016 with Play Anywhere. The difference is that every new Xbox game will be "Play Anywhere" by default and not require different builds for console and PC. Not just first-party games, but third-party games, once Helix releases.

The official list from Microsoft suggests that there are over 2,500 Play Anywhere games now, with older titles being added constantly. This is great because every addition is an Xbox One or Series X|S build getting its PC equivalent and adding it to your library for free.

Yep, this is what many of us were expecting when they talked about "entirely new ways". Backwards compatibility is, in my opinion, the best console feature ever and what defines Xbox in the gaming space, along with Play Anywhere.

Windows computers and handhelds will run not just the same games as Helix will, but also the backwards compatible games, and that's amazing. Xbox will have the biggest library: backwards compatible games (Xbox and Xbox 360), Xbox One games, Series X|S games and next-gen games, and not just on Helix, but on any computer and handheld, with a single purchase. Xbox is the best of both worlds, console and PC, together.

@ILuvGames @Toecutter I haven't played any of those games yet, although I bought Mass Effect Trilogy years ago. I played Immortals of Aveum on Game Pass and I'd say that the problem with it was not the inclusion, but the overdone features and making it feel completely unnatural, from dialogues to the characters themselves, despite it being fantasy and me personally loving fantasy. Another more realistic example would be including a number of different races in small villages in an era and time when it's known that the vast majority of the population then and there belonged to one of them, contradicting history and accusing the developer of racism, which is ignorant. This happened and it's a real story between Warhorse and EG. By their logic, Resident Evil 5 would be racist too.

@PeterPanana Since Series X|S support low frame rate VRR, around 40fps would be awesome. Otherwise, I'll probably wait for Helix to play this.

@Toecutter I don't know if I'm getting too deep here or if this could be misunderstood, but many gay gamers just feel like any other and don't relate to specific contexts or games that might artificially paint a picture of something that is defined by certain others that only share with them a sexual preference.

@FraserG Rockstar might not be willing to spend additional time to get a current-gen version running at 60fps, but the current technology makes it easier than ever to release a VRR/unlocked patch. A patch for the current gen wouldn't really surprise me, but it also seems unlikely. I'm absolutely sure that there will be a next-gen version of GTA VI, and if Helix releases next year, it'll be less than two years.

@abe_hikura That's what Capcom did with Monster Hunter World and it's 60fps 4K on Series X thanks to that. I was one of those that believed that Starfield would get a 60fps mode on Series X and it did, and it's great on VRR displays.

@ElectricWizard Right and fair you are. In between, the Xbox store is excellent since they overhauled it and made it part of the dashboard. The upgrade was very noticeable. The review system, well, what review system does work exactly as intended? Games are review-bombed for the stupidest reasons wherever reviews are available (Xbox, Steam...) In this case, just remove the option to review before the release date.

@Toecutter The ideal thing would be to include sexual diversity as a regular thing and not make specific games for that, like Fable since the first game. I believe that there are many different kinds of games and ideas that can work and be well received, but they need proportionate budgets and development time, and that's what failed at the mentioned Xbox studios. I don't want every Xbox game to be a AAA shooter, but I don't think that certain linear, short games deserved those budgets and development time either. You can have a few blockbusters and that's fine, Nintendo and Sony have their flagships and templates as well, but when any of them is making something different and riskier, the one paying the bills can't afford paying hundreds of millions and 8 years of development only to realise that the reception does not justify the investment.

@Rodimusprime13 Basically that, which doesn't mean the end of third-party deals. Game Pass is a winner for Xbox, it just needs adjustments. Xbox has fewer users, but the engagement ratio is much higher according to State of Gaming 2026. Still, some Game Pass deals don't make sense from a business perspective. Some TV series on streaming platforms are ended just because the number of viewers is not enough, even when they are good and the company has other profitable areas of business like Amazon. The same applies to Game Pass. I'm sure that Xbox is happy about the performance of some third-party deals, but it's only fair to assess third-party performance if they are assessing first parties. They are seeking the right balance and it makes sense since they are rebooting the gaming division.