Tag: Microsoft - Page 24
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...
News Holy Smokes! This Game Of Thrones Xbox Series S Looks Amazing
House of the Dragon
Microsoft seems to have a conveyor belt of custom Xbox Series S consoles going over there at Xbox HQ! Their latest effort is a seriously impressive one though, with an elaborate Game of Thrones design completely encompassing a Series S console. This thing looks like it has an entire vault case surrounding it, almost like a...
News Xbox Details September ID@Xbox Showcase Featuring Game Pass Announcements
On a particular anniversary...
Showcase season is continuing well into September this year it seems! Xbox's Tokyo Games Show livestream takes place later this month, and literally a day before that, Microsoft is now delivering a fresh ID@Xbox showcase for us all. The team's ID@Xbox fall show goes ahead on September 14th, at 10am PT / 1pm ET / 6pm...
News Xbox Unveils New Home UI For 2023, And Your Feedback Is Wanted
Here's a quick overview
Xbox has announced that the team is working on a brand new 'Home UI' experience for its console dashboard, set for public release in 2023. The new UI will change the core console interface a little bit, while also adding features like a dedicated store tile, a new 'jump back in' bar, and more. The new UI in its current form...
News Aaron Greenberg Promoted To Xbox's VP Of Games Marketing
Congratulations!
If you're a close follower of the Xbox team, you'll be well aware of Aaron Greenberg. He's a really nice guy who is always busy promoting the latest game and hardware. It seems he's recently been promoted - with his LinkedIn profile revealing how he's gone from Xbox Games Marketing General Manager to Xbox Games Marketing Vice...
PSA Now's Probably A Good Time To Use 'Energy Saver' Mode On Xbox Series X|S
Bills, basically
Since things have moved over to those super speedy SSDs in Xbox consoles, we've been happily using 'Energy Saver' mode on Xbox Series X and S. The bootup speed boost gained from 'Instant On' just isn't really there with the new systems, not to mention the cost and environmental benefits from the console properly shutting down when...
News Xbox's 'Approach' With Starfield Is Leading To More ActiBlizz Scrutiny
The UK CMA is once again concerned
Earlier today, we covered a little bit about the UK Competition and Markets Authority's concerns over the Activision Blizzard deal. Those concerns mostly related to how big some of Activision's games are, and whether Microsoft owning them could harm competition. Well, the whole first phase document has now been...
News Xbox App Search Function Finally Sees Improvements In Latest Update
Hurrah!
Searching for content on Xbox has always been a bit hit and miss, and that extends to secondary devices like mobile as well. Players have long complained about the usefulness — or lack thereof — of the search bar on the Xbox app on mobile, and well, Microsoft seems to be making some changes. A new update for the Xbox app has just gone...
News UK Authority Reveals 'Concerns' Over Xbox's Acquisition Of Activision Blizzard
It could end up being investigated further
Update: Xbox boss Phil Spencer has now responded to this in a long letter on the Microsoft website: Read More: Xbox's Phil Spencer Responds To 'Concerns' Over Activision Blizzard Deal Original story: We've got some not-so-good news to share on the progress of the Activision Blizza
News Xbox Will Be At Tokyo Game Show 2022 With Japan-Focused Livestream
"This will be a show curated for our players in Japan and Asia"
Team Xbox has revealed that it'll return, at least digitally, to the Tokyo Game Show this year, which takes place mid-September. Xbox will host a livestream focused mainly on Japanese and Asian titles from "developer partners" around the world. The team has tempered expectations...