Microsoft

Microsoft wanted to create a game directly inspired by Uncharted when the Xbox One was released. But the project never saw the light of day and was completely abandoned.

New Xbox consoles rumored for a 2027 debut may no longer be a certainty. An insider believes that the company will instead emphasize cross-platform games and services. Another Xbox price increase, combined with an unclear strategy, has led some buyers to lose interest in future hardware.

Some regions have been hit considerably harder than the US when it comes to Microsoft's new Xbox Game Pass pricing clocking in as much as a 100% increase in price in certain situations.

A Halo: Combat Evolved remake is reportedly in development at Halo Studios, with insider Rebs Gaming citing sources that Abstraction Games is leveraging a “hybrid” approach with core mechanics on a modified Blam Engine from Halo: Reach and visuals driven largely by Epic's Unreal Engine 5.

It seems as though Mortal Kombat may make an appearance in Xbox Game Pass when it announces the next round of games available to Premium members. While Microsoft and Xbox have not yet announced that Mortal Kombat will be coming to Game Pass, marketing material for Mortal Kombat 1 was spotted in a Microsoft Store ad for Game Pass.

Some observers dismissed warnings from the FTC head before Microsoft’s Activision Blizzard merger. On the heels of another Xbox Game Pass price increase, Lina Khan’s concerns about rising costs seem justified. She argues that when one company dominates a market, it inevitably will hurt consumers.

After a price increase, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers are finding fewer benefits to the service. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 beta testers will no longer save money on add-ons. Microsoft has also removed discounts on DLC for other popular Xbox games like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.

Microsoft’s steep Xbox Game Pass price hike has players fuming, and even GameStop is chiming in with memes and a cheeky reminder that its cards are still cheaper (for now, at least).

The Series S console was once a reasonably inexpensive way to access popular AAA titles. It’s no longer as affordable following another Xbox price increase, but Sam’s Club is clearing out remaining inventory. Warehouse members are reporting an Xbox Series S price of 40% off its MSRP.

Avalanche Studios, known for its work on the Mad Max and Just Cause franchises, has embarked on a journey to cut down on its workforce at other locations even as it moves to close down its Liverpool office.

Xbox Game Pass might be a much more price-elastic subscription than Microsoft had bargained for based on recent user activity following a price hike in the US.

Xbox leadership is increasingly emphasizing how the ROG Xbox Ally supports many PS5 games. In a Tokyo Game Show interview, Sarah Bond referred to Spider-Man titles as popular cross-platform games. She also reaffirmed Microsoft’s commitment to the Xbox Series X|S, but skeptics remain unconvinced.

Dedicated gaming used to be enough to cover the monthly cost of Xbox Game Pass subscriptions. Unfortunately, gamers are learning that Microsoft Rewards will soon have more restrictions. The company recommends using Xbox gift card codes, but these often require more points to redeem.

The former Blizzard president is anxious to attend a funeral for the Xbox Series X|S. Some stores no longer sell the consoles, following another Xbox price increase. Mike Ybarra advocates for Microsoft to now focus strictly on cross-platform games.

A new build of Edge has suggested that Microsoft could allow default search engine and default browser to be used in the Windows Search box. This functionality is already available in the EEA but may reach other users as well.

PlayStation 5 players might have to wait a considerable amount of time to be able to play, unlike PC and Xbox players who will have day one access to the title.

Some gamers scoff at the ROG Xbox Ally X price, but the Windows 11 handheld is selling out at retailers. The model with AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme processor is out of stock on Asus and Microsoft stores. eBay scalpers are conducting ROG Xbox Ally X pre-orders with asking prices more than double MSRP.

Microsoft's Xbox Series X and Series consoles may no longer be stocked by America's most beloved big-box retailer, even as price increases are on the horizon even as the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch remain unaffected.

Windows 10 support will end on October 14, 2025, leaving millions of private users without free security updates. However, this period can be extended by one year with Extended Security Updates (ESU). Following confusing information from Microsoft, the final rules for Europe are now available.

Despite the steep ROG Xbox Ally and Xbox Ally prices, they aren’t bundled with many extras. Microsoft has suggested official ROG Xbox Ally accessories available for pre-order or already on sale. Options include a microSD card, PCIe Gen4 NVMe SSD, and a carrying case with Xbox and Asus logos.

The wait to learn the ROG Xbox Ally and ROG Xbox Ally X prices is over. Buyers can pre-order the more affordable gaming handheld for $599 or the Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme model for $999.99. These MSRPs are higher than earlier leaks had projected, indicating Microsoft and Asus considered tariff impacts.

The Art Director and Cultural Consultant working on Forza Horizon 6 have shared insights on why they chose Japan and how the seasons will change the gameplay. More information about the game is expected on January 27.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is finally coming to the PlayStation 5 this December, with full PS VR2 support promised for 2026. The game brings its massive global map, hundreds of aircraft, and varied mission types to Sony’s console, complete with DualSense features.

There are still opportunities to purchase Xbox gaming consoles at discounts. A New Zealand Costco is offering buyers a Series X bundle at half price. Other stores have stopped stocking the console ahead of another U.S. Xbox price increase in October.

Even if Microsoft is keeping the details secret, some stores may know the Asus ROG Xbox Ally price. A new leak spotted marketing materials for the gaming handheld at Argos. The UK retailer lists the cost of the cheaper Windows 11 system, but doesn’t provide information on the ROG Xbox Ally X.

Mike Ybarra has shared his disapproval of the second price hike and called it unjustified. He believes that the company is making its consumers pay for problems of unsatisfactory profits.

The award-winning Forza Horizon 5 has been heavily discounted ahead of Tokyo Game Show. Microsoft is also expected to announce the sequel, Forza Horizon 6, at the event.

Mike Ybarra thinks tariffs are a convenient excuse to raise Xbox console prices further. The former Microsoft executive believes that dwindling hardware profits are the main motivator. Critics counter that some manufacturers are still realizing the full ramifications of tariffs.

Wallpaper engine and similar apps won't be needed soon, as Microsoft has decided to reintroduce the ability to use video as the desktop background in Windows 11. The feature was abandoned long ago and was last available in Windows Vista.

Contending with rising Xbox and PS5 prices, retailers are selling fewer consoles compared to previous eras. Data firms show how console owners are becoming older and more affluent. With an abundance of cross-platform titles, buyers are also relying more exclusively on PC gaming.

Even before the Asus ROG Xbox Ally release date, gamers are testing the new Xbox full-screen experience. In one benchmark, ROG Ally performance sees noteworthy improvements in this mode. Still, similar results are possible on other Windows 11 handhelds after disabling background apps.

Despite soaring stock prices and strong earnings, the tech industry has already seen massive layoffs this year. Giants like Intel, Microsoft, Meta, Amazon, Oracle, and others have all announced significant job cuts — driven both by shareholder pressure to reduce costs and by rapid advances in AI and automation.

Released November 19, 2021, the Lenovo Tab P12 Pro doubles as a portable Xbox Remote Play screen with 60 FPS, low latency, and stunning AMOLED visuals.

Sandfall Interactive's turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 continues to build on its numbers across multiple platforms despite being playable day one on Game Pass for PC and Xbox alike.

Microsoft hat das optionale Vorschau-Update KB5065789 für Windows 11 in Version 25H2 veröffentlicht.

Despite Microsoft's somewhat extensive cull of its Xbox game division and its underlying studios, the studio game director remains upbeat about the prospects and the update pipeline for The Elder Scrolls Online.

Microsoft hopes its upcoming handheld gaming PCs will have wide appeal. With cost being a major factor, Best Buy has leaked an Asus ROG Xbox Ally price of $549.99. Targeting the enthusiast market, the $899.99 ROG Xbox Ally X will compete with the Lenovo Legion Go 2 handheld gaming PC.

Microsoft and LG have made an announcement at IAA Mobility 2025 that should move the bar for in-car entertainment, with the latter integrating Xbox Game Pass Cloud on a plethora of vehicles that support its webOS Automotive Content Platform.

While Game Pass might directly help certain titles, others that are not designed to monetize their user base post-release might be laggards, at least fiscally, as per former Xbox Game Studios General Manager Shannon Loftis.

Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard could benefit gamers with a wealth of classics. Unfortunately, a list of missing Xbox Game Pass games reveals how many titles are inaccessible. Licensing issues and a hesitation to overshadow newer games may explain the limited selection.

According to a film industry insider, Steven Spielberg reportedly pitched a Call of Duty film, but his demand for complete control over the project spooked Activision executives into saying no.

The highly anticipated indie title Hollow Knight: Silksong is one of 6 titles to become part of the Xbox Game Pass library this month as confirmed by Microsoft.

Xbox is reportedly planning a "Breaker" controller series - Heartbreaker, Stormbreaker, Icebreaker - launching Sept 9 at 79.99 (EUR/USD) and £74.99. Designs will be quite similar to past Arctic/Mineral Camo colorways. Preorders are expected around Sept 3.

How well Microsoft can accommodate console gamers may determine the fate of the ROG Xbox Ally X. Digital Foundry discovered that its interface is in a rough state. With the ROG Xbox Ally X release date approaching, multiple aspects of the UI are works in progress.

In past generations, many consoles became cheaper within a few years after release. Instead, gamers are contending with a PS5 price increase and more expensive Xbox and Switch systems. A new study reveals how much cheaper today’s consoles would be if they followed historical trends.

A recently started beta test will bring the Xbox Cloud Gaming experience (in beta form) to its lower-end Xbox Game Pass tiers, essentially increasing its addressable user base considerably.

Microsoft's Copilot AI is now available on select 2025 Samsung TVs and monitors, offering hands-free voice interaction and personalized entertainment insights. It can deliver show recommendations, episode summaries, and actor bios.

A new report reveals how reliant Microsoft wants its employees to be on AI. Candy Crush and Farm Heroes Saga developer King has already seen 200 jobs sacrificed, with more upheaval possible. The unaffected mobile game developers will eventually use AI tools exclusively.

Gears of War: Reloaded has launched on PC and PlayStation 5. It is priced at $40 and comes with 4K assets, ultrawide support, HDR, VRR, and up to 144 FPS in multiplayer.

Microsoft is gradually rolling out the ability to resume Android apps on Windows 11 for Insiders, starting with Spotify. The feature is currently limited to Windows Insiders in the Dev and Beta Channels.