Tag: Xbox

The new CEO of Xbox announces a new reboot for the company

Asha Sharma and Matt Booty, the current top executives of Microsoft’s gaming division, have shared a letter they sent to all Xbox employees. Speaking about how Xbox Game Pass has grown after eight months of losses and recalling the exclusivity of Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, they wanted to talk about the future of the company. Which does not seem very positive for many of its employees. A company riddled with contradictions In the letter, they state, among other things, that despite Xbox having a profit margin of 3%, this is lower than […]

Asha Sharma and Matt Booty, the current top executives of Microsoft’s gaming division, have shared a letter they sent to all Xbox employees. Speaking about how Xbox Game Pass has grown after eight months of losses and reminding about the exclusivity of Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution, they wanted to talk about the future of the company. Which does not seem very positive for many of its employees.

A company full of contradictions

In the letter, they state, among other things, that despite Xbox having a profit margin of 3%, this is lower than the profit margin from last year. This will lead to a restructuring of the company during this fiscal year to ensure they meet their expectations. This means that in the coming months they will conduct a round of massive layoffs that could also include the closure of one or several studios, although nothing has been confirmed in this regard.

At the same time, they have also wanted to emphasize that, due to the complexity of the Xbox structure, they will seek potential acquisitions. Looking to enhance their capabilities in hardware, PC, mobile, and streaming, in order not to depend on third parties, we should expect in the coming months and years that they will buy new companies to strengthen those areas where they consider themselves weaker, especially those not directly related to video game development.

To conclude, they talked about how all of this is also influenced by the hardware component crisis due to the construction of AI data. Something that Microsoft is one of the main culprits of, as 45% of the company’s tax benefits depend on OpenAI settling its debts, and Sam Altman’s company has reserved 40% of the world’s memory production. This is why this reboot for Xbox, while it may excite someone, doesn’t seem to be very different from everything they have done so far.

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Xbox lowered the price of Game Pass after losing "millions of users"

Xbox has given the best conference of the Summer Game Fest, presenting an interesting lineup of games for its near future, but that doesn’t seem to be enough to regain the faith of its fans. Or of gamers in general. Being the third party in contention for two generations now, they are having very serious problems positioning themselves as serious competition against Sony and Nintendo, even with the missteps of the latter, and it seems that even their successes are more reactions than anything else. A business with serious problems Matthew Ball has spoken with Chris Dring, head of […]

Xbox has given the best conference of the Summer Game Fest, presenting an interesting lineup of games for its near future, but that doesn’t seem to be enough to regain the faith of its fans. Or of gamers in general. Being the third player in the game for two generations now, they are having very serious problems positioning themselves as serious competition against Sony and Nintendo, even with their missteps, and it seems that even their successes are more reactions than anything else.

A business with serious problems

Matthew Ball has spoken with Chris Dring, head of the specialized video game newsletter The Game Business, about the situation that Xbox is currently facing. Highlighting some of the challenges and issues the brand is experiencing. The first of these is that, both in Spain and the US, there is no stock of Xbox Series. This is something Ball has addressed without hesitation.

“I can definitively say that the demand for our console exceeds the supply. We are bringing it to as many stores as possible, and we are producing it as quickly as we can. There is a serious limitation on how fast we can do this.” Although this does not translate into the number of console sales, which remains far lower than those of Sony and Nintendo, it seems to also be related to the issue of rising component prices, which is forcing them to ‘rethink everything we can about Helix’, their next console.

More relevant is that the price increase of around 50% for Game Pass caused them to lose millions of subscribers. This has forced Asha Sharma, since she took her current position as CEO of Xbox, to lower the price of Game Pass with a serious commitment: to remove Call of Duty from the service at launch.

All of this reveals a contradictory picture of Xbox. Although Ball constantly tries to assert that Xbox is better than ever and in a winning position, all it conveys is that the company is constantly reacting to questionable decisions they themselves have made in the past. Without an apparent clear roadmap, which includes the inability to define which games will be exclusive to Xbox and which will not and why, the brand’s fans remain marked by the uncertainty of a company that, although it claims to be more transparent now, still is not at all.

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Gabe Newell denies that Valve has a monopoly, demonstrating that he doesn't know what a monopoly is

In 2021, Wolfire Games sued Valve under antitrust laws. This has led to a long legal battle, which is still ongoing, and has had huge ramifications that, depending on how it is resolved, could have significant consequences for Gabe Newell’s company. Worse now, thanks to Bloomberg, we have statements from Newell himself after he testified in court in 2023 about the idea that Valve is a monopoly. Demonstrating that either he does not know what a monopoly is or he has good lawyers. The discussion about what a monopoly is “Users have a huge amount […]

In 2021, Wolfire Games sued Valve under antitrust laws. This has led to a long legal battle, which is still ongoing, and has had enormous ramifications that, depending on how it is resolved, could have significant consequences for Gabe Newell’s company.

Worse now, thanks to Bloomberg, we have statements from Newell himself after he testified in court in 2023 about the idea that Valve is a monopoly. Demonstrating that he either does not know what a monopoly is or has good lawyers.

The discussion about what a monopoly is

“Users have a huge number of options,” he said about the possibility of where to buy games. “Whether it’s buying a game on Xbox, buying it on Steam, buying it on the Epic Games Store, or buying it directly from software developers,” thus denying that there is any kind of monopoly by Valve due to the existence of other possibilities in the market.

The problem is that the market does not work that way. Monopoly does not mean that a single company controls the market, with no competition at all, but something much more subtle: monopoly is when a company has the ability to control the market, whether or not there are other companies selling the same products or services.

In fact, that is what is being studied in court and what they are being accused of. David Rosen, founder of Wolfire Games, accused Steam of that, when trying to lower the price of his game Overgrowth in other stores, Steam “responded by saying they would remove Overgrowth from Steam if I allowed it to be sold cheaper anywhere else, even on my own website without Steam keys and without Steam DRM”. This makes Newell’s defense not only weak but also counterproductive.

Although Newell has denied that this rule exists, stating that “Valve does not have a policy or practice of dictating the prices of software developed by third parties on other platforms“, it also does not deny that they will remove such software if certain specific conditions are not met.

While it doesn’t seem that the trial will conclude soon, it could have significant ramifications for Valve. In addition to the antitrust actions that could be taken against Valve and the compensation that could be awarded to Wolfire Games, another lawsuit in the UK for $900 million for violation of consumer rights is closely tied to the success of this case. Therefore, Valve is very interested in winning this lawsuit. Because if it doesn’t, it could find itself in trouble.

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Subnautica 2 is already the fastest-selling Steam game of 2026

Subnautica 2 has been for years the game on the most wanted lists on Steam and at its launch, on May 14, it was an absolute sales success. Sweeping among critics and the public, managing to captivate an audience eager for more Subnautica, they have achieved what seemed impossible: it is the fastest-selling game of 2026. This translates into spectacular figures. Subnautica 2 is sweeping. A week after its release, according to Rhys Elliot, market analysis director at Alinea Analytics, Subnautica 2 has sold 4.1 million copies and has generated 100 million […]

Subnautica 2 has been for years the most wished game on Steam and at its launch, on May 14, it was an absolute sales success. Sweeping among critics and the public, managing to captivate an audience eager for more Subnautica, they have achieved what seemed impossible: it is the fastest-selling game of 2026. This translates into spectacular figures.

Subnautica 2 is taking the world by storm

One week after its release, according to Rhys Elliot, market analysis director at Alinea Analytics, Subnautica 2 has sold 4.1 million copies and generated 100 million dollars in revenue. In comparison, on Xbox it has sold a much more modest 100,000 copies, demonstrating the problem Microsoft has in attracting audiences to its platform.

That said, there is a reason for it. According to Elliot, “many Xbox players accessed Subnautica 2 through Game Pass,” so the total number of players is “well above six million.” This makes Subnautica 2 the best-selling and most played game of 2026 so far.

Something that didn’t seem so likely just a few months ago. The company that was going to publish it, Krafton, tried to cancel it to avoid paying 200 million in profits to its creators if they met the objectives. Finally, although the game has been self-published by its developers, Unknown Worlds, the judge in the trial where it was decided to return the rights stated that, if the conditions for their bonus are met, Krafton will still have to pay them the same. Something that seems to be more than sealed already.

For all these reasons, it points out that Subnautica 2 is one of the great games of the year. And Unknown Worlds is one of the big winners of 2026 in the video game industry. While they started poorly, it seems they are going to end this year very well.

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Xbox has realized that you don't want an AI on your console and has just withdrawn Copilot at full speed

You might hear people throughout the day looking for things in ChatGPT, or even using other secondary AI agents like Grok, but no matter how hard Microsoft tries, Copilot isn’t really catching on… precisely because they are being very aggressive about it. It’s like someone wants to give you a plate of macaroni with tomato sauce but keeps shoving the spoon down your throat over and over again. And of course, they have ended up realizing it. What can I do for you today, gamer? Asha Sharma has inherited the presidency of Xbox, which is like inheriting a house […]

You may hear people throughout the day looking for things on ChatGPT, or even using other secondary AI agents like Grok, but, no matter how hard Microsoft tries, Copilot is not really catching on… precisely because they are being very aggressive about it. It’s as if someone wanted to give you a plate of macaroni with tomato sauce but kept shoving the spoon down your throat over and over again. And of course, they have ended up realizing this.

What can I do for you today, gamer?

Asha Sharma has inherited the presidency of Xbox, which is like inheriting a burning house with barely any survivors, and her first action was obvious: stop the development of Copilot on the console and start reducing the use of AI in mobile games. She is not going to acknowledge the failure so clearly, but she has indeed recognized on Twitter that she will be removing features that “do not align with our goals”.

Copilot has 20 million paid users (which pales in comparison, for example, to OpenAI’s 50 million… which still aren’t enough to keep the company afloat), and it definitely wasn’t the right time to put it on consoles, no matter how much Xbox wanted to win our friendship by claiming it would be “your personal gaming buddy” that would help you at any moment and give you game recommendations. Just what I wanted: for a machine to want to be my friend. Yay.

The future of Xbox is one of the biggest questions in today’s video game world, and Sharma seems aware of it: “Xbox needs to move faster, increase our connection with the community and address the friction with players and developers. In other words: he has bought fire extinguishers for the burning house. Now we just have to see if they are not expired and if he can save the furniture.

Subnautica 2 leaves behind the drama and announces release date and new trailer

The release date for the continuation of the underwater survival saga, Subnautica 2, created by Unknown Worlds, has finally been revealed. This game, which is under development by Krafton, will be available in early access starting May 14 on Xbox Series, Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store. It has taken some time, but here it is. As part of this announcement, a new cinematic trailer has been released that offers a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world that players will explore. The sequel promises intense survival experiences, pitting players against fearsome creatures […]

Finally, the release date for the continuation of the underwater survival saga, Subnautica 2, created by Unknown Worlds, has been revealed. This game, which is under development by Krafton, will be available in early access starting May 14 on Xbox Series, Steam, Epic Games Store, and the Microsoft Store.

It has been difficult, but here it is

As part of this announcement, a new cinematic trailer has been released that offers a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world that players will explore. The sequel promises intense survival experiences, pitting players against fearsome alien creatures in a cavernous and often terrifying environment.

The fundamental premise of the game remains the same as the previous title: survive while uncovering the secrets of a hostile aquatic world.

Subnautica 2 will offer players the option to choose from four pre-designed characters, in addition to the ability to modify them with various features, allowing for a customization that will enrich the gaming experience.

The cooperative multiplayer mode will also be a fundamental part of the adventure, enabling friends to join forces to explore forgotten ruins and gather crucial information about the submerged planet on which the game is set.

The arrival of the game on the mentioned platforms is just the beginning; it is expected that the content will evolve and improve over time thanks to the early access model. In addition, Unknown Worlds has a deadline until September 15 to reach a specific number of sales that could mean a payment of 250 million euros, a goal that Krafton has been trying to avoid, thus creating a high-expectation environment around the title.

Project Helix is getting closer and in a few days we will be able to learn much more about it

Microsoft has taken a significant step towards transparency in its operations related to Xbox, communicating more effectively with players and developers. The company has introduced Project Helix, its upcoming console, which promises to set the course for the next generation of Xbox. This ambitious project will be one of the central topics of the new event format titled Xbox Game Dev Update, which will be streamed on YouTube. The future of Microsoft The first episode of Xbox Game Dev Update is scheduled for May 7 and aims to establish a communication bridge with programmers and technicians. According to […]

Microsoft has taken a significant step towards transparency in its operations related to Xbox, communicating more effectively with players and developers.

The company has introduced Project Helix, its upcoming console, which promises to set the course for the next generation of Xbox. This ambitious project will be one of the central themes of the new event format titled Xbox Game Dev Update, which will be streamed on YouTube.

The future of Microsoft

The first episode of Xbox Game Dev Update is scheduled for May 7 and aims to establish a communication bridge with programmers and technicians. According to information shared by Microsoft, this new program will be designed to showcase highlights directly from the teams developing Xbox, providing technical context about the news and its importance in hardware and software development.

With this initiative, Microsoft aims not only to keep developers informed about updates and changes but also to strengthen the connection with Xbox fans. This will allow players to discover the mechanical side of the brand’s strategies and how these will influence video game production.

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has highlighted a focus on transparency that involves all stakeholders in the video game industry, reinforcing the company’s commitment to improving its relationships with both creators and the gaming community.

This new event format is another effort by Microsoft to strengthen its relationship with developers, being a continuation of previous initiatives, such as Developer_Direct and Partner Preview. With Xbox Game Dev Update, Microsoft’s gaming division aims not only to inform but also to inspire trust and collaboration in a constantly evolving sector.

Xbox suffers a 33% decline in hardware sales and its CEO promises changes

Xbox faces a discouraging financial outlook, as confirmed by Microsoft in its latest report. The company has reported a year-over-year decline of 7% in revenue generated from content and services sales, along with a concerning 33% drop in hardware sales. This setback is due to multiple factors, including the decrease in sales of titles like Call of Duty, the price increase of the Game Pass subscription service, and the notable scarcity of releases in recent months. The company is in very serious trouble The message from the new leader […]

Xbox faces a discouraging financial outlook, as confirmed by Microsoft in its latest report. The company has reported a year-over-year decline of 7% in revenue generated from the sale of content and services, along with an alarming 33% drop in hardware sales. This setback is due to multiple factors, including the decrease in sales of titles like Call of Duty, the price increase of the Game Pass subscription service, and the notable scarcity of releases in recent months.

The company is in very serious trouble

The message from the new Xbox leader, Asha Sharma, has been clear and direct, using social media to address these disappointing results. Her closeness and transparency with users have been well received, and the open communication strategy seems to mark a positive shift in perceptions towards the brand. Asha Sharma has not hesitated to acknowledge the current issues, which is uncommon in the leadership of large companies, and her approach has generated an atmosphere of greater trust among the gaming community.

With the arrival of a new generation of consoles on the horizon and the announcement of Project Helix —a proposal that could offer high-performance hardware albeit at a high cost—, there is uncertainty about how it will be received by consumers. Sharma’s success in prioritizing direct communication with users could be crucial for the acceptance of future projects, despite any reluctance that may exist due to its price.

Although the challenges are evident, the direction that Xbox is taking under Sharma’s leadership could mean a shift in the brand’s narrative. As we move into a new era in the world of video games, the coming months will be crucial in determining whether this strategy will succeed in reversing the negative sales trend and strengthening user loyalty.

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The new Fable has specialists making the cutscenes: Blizzard Entertainment

Blizzard Entertainment is collaborating on the creation of the cinematics for the new Fable game, which has significantly raised expectations among fans. This collaboration was announced by Matt Booty, head of content at Xbox, who explained on the Official Xbox Podcast that various Xbox studios are coming together to leverage their strengths on different projects. Known for their excellence in creating cinematics, Blizzard’s work has set a benchmark in the industry for decades, as evidenced by the acclaim for the cinematics of titles like Diablo and World of Warcraft. Specialists in animations Playground […]

Blizzard Entertainment is collaborating on the creation of the cinematics for the new Fable game, which has significantly raised expectations among fans. This collaboration was announced by Matt Booty, head of Xbox content, who explained on the Official Xbox Podcast that various Xbox studios are coming together to leverage their strengths in different projects.

Known for their excellence in creating cinematics, Blizzard’s work has set a benchmark in the industry for decades, as evidenced by the acclaim of the cinematics from titles like Diablo and World of Warcraft.

Animation Specialists

Playground Games, the studio behind the Forza series, is developing Fable, a role-playing game expected to be released in the fall of 2026. Although the team is famous for its racing titles, they now face the challenge of working on an RPG, a task they must master while receiving artistic support from Blizzard.

This partnership not only promises to enhance the visual quality of Fable, but also generates strong excitement in the gaming community, who eagerly await the results of this collaboration.

In addition to Blizzard, other collaborations between Xbox studios are underway. The Coalition, known for its work with Unreal Engine, is supporting studios like inXile, while Compulsion Games is using motion capture technology from Activision. These efforts reflect a collaborative approach within the Xbox ecosystem that seeks to optimize resources and experiences.

The return of Fable, a title that has been away from consoles for a considerable time, adds pressure but also excitement, as fans anticipate not only innovative gameplay but also cinematics that elevate the game to a new visual level. While some rumors suggest that the release of the title could be delayed due to competition with GTA 6, Playground Games has reaffirmed that their Fable is still on track for 2026.

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Xbox announces that we should expect the return of many of its classic games

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Xbox, the company has announced significant plans for video game preservation, including the re-release of iconic classics that will be played in completely new ways. In a talk at the Game Developers Conference, Jason Ronald, vice president of Xbox’s next-gen division, emphasized the importance of preserving and modernizing past games so that new generations can enjoy them. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to preserving the heritage of video games, which has gained momentum in recent years. They continue to seek to preserve their classic games Ronald mentioned that […]

On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of Xbox, the company has announced significant plans for video game preservation, including the re-release of iconic classics that will be played in completely new ways. In a talk at the Game Developers Conference, Jason Ronald, vice president of the next-gen division of Xbox, emphasized the importance of preserving and modernizing past games so that new generations can enjoy them. This initiative is part of a broader commitment to preserving the heritage of video games, which has gained momentum in recent years.

They continue to seek to preserve their classic games

Ronald mentioned that the game preservation team has been working hard to make classic titles accessible using new technologies, such as auto HDR and frame rate boost (FPS boost). These features not only enhance graphical quality and performance but also allow games conceived before the arrival of HDR to feel fresh and updated. Although specific titles that will be re-released have not been revealed, the promise is that they will offer experiences that resonate with modern players.

Despite these initiatives, some criticisms have arisen regarding certain approaches to preservation, highlighting the need for robust long-term strategies. Recently, it became clear that not all attempts to use advanced technology, such as generative AI, have been well received in the gaming community, underscoring the complexity of the challenge facing the industry.

Since the creation of job listings focused on emulating systems, Xbox seems to be taking concrete steps to ensure that the history of video games remains accessible. Ronald’s vision regarding preservation reflects not only a commercial reality but also an emotional connection, as many believe that great games are timeless and should be enjoyed by everyone.

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