Comments 369

Re: Rumour: Journalist Suggests Two Xbox Studios Are 'At Risk Of Being Closed' In 2026

Benjamin

I would have shuddered at the mention of Arkane but... Arkane Austin made Prey - an all time great - then took six years to make Redfall. Arkane Lyon made Deathloop and have been working on Blade - of which we've seen nothing - for five years now.

Both of the creative leads that Directed the studios' best games have left. Arkane as we knew it is gone I imagine.

Re: Xbox's CCO Might Have Just Revealed The First-Party Order For Late 2026

Benjamin

I want to see evidence that Xbox studios are healthy and have some bangers on the way - including some original ideas and new franchises.

I was pining for a return to form for Halo (not happening) and something new from Rare but... none of the key people who made the games I love are there now. I've accepted that it's not happening, so my attention is on the active studios who show promise.

Playground and the Initiative have something to prove with Fable and Gears, both having adopted franchises with no original creators there. Obsidian (while not the Obsidian of old) is clearly a talented studio although nothing has clicked for me yet. Arkane Lyon is hopefully doing well with Blade.

Just a very shaky time for the studios and the IP at Xbox.

Re: Microsoft Issues Statement On Why 'This Is An Xbox' Campaign Has Been Retired

Benjamin

Small changes, dynamic themes existing on more than just the home page of the dashboard (like PS manages) and a fresh wave of back compat for classic Xbox games would be great.

But crucially, good games releasing shortly after announcements (12 months max) and capitalising on legacy franchises (Perfect Dark, Banjo!) are the changes I’d like to see.

Re: 'Keep The Feedback Coming' - Xbox Boss Says New Console Features Were Built Two Weeks Ago

Benjamin

Add Medals for 1000/1000 achievements points. Make browsing achievements better. Take a bit from PS and a bit from 360.

And while at it, they should take a leaf out of Playstation's book and make the next Xbox's dashboard beautiful. No ads, a theme that remains for the entire console 's life, visuals and sounds that align with the physical console design. What we have for XB1 and X/S is functional but dull as bricks. PSP, 3, 4, and 5 have had increasingly gorgeous user interfaces.

Re: ENDS Is A London-Based GTA-Style RPG, And It's Planned For Xbox

Benjamin

I can't get behind anything that glamourises UK gang culture. I played the Getaway and watched the Guy Richie films in the 00s. Thousands of kids weren't emulating that. But in 2025, they roam in balaclavas, ready to mug strangers and stab each-other before their 15th birthdays. A steady influence of weed, drill and county-lines grooming has ruined so many areas of the UK.

Re: The Best Xbox Soulslike Games NOT Made By FromSoftware

Benjamin

I'm playing Ocarina of Time, for the first time, in 2025. It has made clear what FromSoft games lack: gameplay variety and fresh new ideas throughout the journey. After six VERY similar gameplay experiences across DS, DS2, BB, DS3, ER, Sk I'd encourage anyone feeling SoulsBorne fatigue to give Ocarina a go.