Category: Xbox

Microsoft’s recent decision to lay off around 9,000 employees across various departments has notably impacted its Xbox division. This move indicates a profound shift that may have serious implications for Xbox Game Pass, which is central to Microsoft’s gaming strategy. The intention behind Xbox Game Pass is to create a subscription model akin to Netflix, providing subscribers with day-one access to new games and a vast library of titles.

To make this strategy successful, sustaining a consistent influx of new games is crucial. Microsoft has pursued significant acquisitions to secure high-profile releases for Xbox Game Pass, exemplified by Bethesda’s Starfield and Activision’s Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. Moreover, Microsoft established its own studio, The Initiative, with expectations of producing new games for Xbox and Game Pass.

Recent successes for Xbox Game Pass have raised optimism, but the scale of the layoffs raises concerns about its future. Some have compared this moment to the “Avengers: Endgame” in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, suggesting that Xbox Game Pass might experience a subsequent slump. The layoffs have led to the cancellation of key projects like the Perfect Dark reboot and Rare’s Everwild, leaving consumers anxious about Microsoft’s ability to follow through on its promises and eroding confidence in Xbox Game Pass.

After the layoffs, industry giants such as Bethesda, Halo Studios, and Blizzard have also felt the effects, diminishing the workforce behind major franchises. The situation has even affected Call of Duty studios, raising further alarms given the franchise’s history of generating substantial revenue. With a new Xbox console set to be released, these layoff decisions cast doubt on the potential of Microsoft’s gaming hardware and leave fans worried about the long-term viability of Xbox Game Pass.

According to a senior official at Virtuos, the Nintendo Switch 2’s performance is slightly below that of the Xbox Series S, but this difference may not significantly affect the porting of well-optimized games. The compatibility between titles on the two platforms will vary depending on the game itself. Established in Singapore in 2004, Virtuos Ltd. is a major game development studio with over 4,200 employees by 2025. The studio is well-known for its expertise in porting games to new platforms, having successfully handled numerous projects, including the acclaimed remaster of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion.

Virtuos also owns the Irish studio Black Shamrock, which it acquired in 2017. The Nintendo Switch 2 combines familiar elements with exciting new features and system enhancements. During an interview with Wccftech, Black Shamrock’s Technical Director, Eoin O’Grady, discussed the console’s hardware capabilities. He indicated that while the Switch 2’s GPU performance is slightly less powerful than that of the Xbox Series S, it compensates in some areas through its support of technologies like DLSS, which the Series S lacks.

O’Grady is optimistic about the potential for Xbox Series S games to be effectively ported to the Switch 2. He noted that most modern games are GPU-bound, making it feasible for the Switch 2 to run a significant number of Series S titles. Specifically, he suggested that any game running at 60 frames per second (fps) on the Series S should transition smoothly to the Switch 2. Games that can achieve 30fps on the Series S and are not limited by CPU performance should also be easily ported.

O’Grady mentioned that the Switch 2 may support hardware-accelerated ray tracing, particularly in areas like shadows and reflections, albeit with some limitations. However, the potential for a surge of third-party games on the console might be tempered by limited access to development kits. Only a select few companies received these kits before the Switch 2’s planned launch in early June 2025, which has delayed the start of many porting projects.

The developers of Xbox Retro Classics have exciting news for gamers: they plan to introduce over 100 new titles to the Xbox Game Pass during 2025 and into the following year. Launched on May 21, the service started with more than 50 classic games from Activision.

In addition to a diverse library, Xbox Retro Classics features special achievements, challenge modes, and high-score rankings, providing added motivation for players to compete. Since its debut, Xbox Retro Classics has seen the addition of a few titles, but this latest announcement will significantly expand the library, essentially tripling the offerings.

The service is backed by the Antstream Arcade team, which has also developed a separate cloud gaming platform. This platform gives Xbox players access to over 1,300 classic games and has gained traction, now being available on the latest PlayStation consoles, including the PS5.

Looking ahead, the Antstream Arcade team has hinted at a roadmap containing approximately 120 classic retro titles set to launch in the near future. While they have not specified which games will be included in the Xbox Retro Classics, fans can look forward to new challenges and tournaments for these upcoming titles.

Despite past collaborations with major brands like Disney, it’s unclear whether any of those titles will feature in the new batch for Xbox. This news arrives as speculation about a potential price increase for Xbox Game Pass circulates.

While Microsoft’s future pricing strategies remain uncertain, the addition of numerous titles could enhance the service’s value. For now, while gamers anticipate the arrival of the 120 new titles, several exciting new retro games, including remakes like Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana, will soon be available on Xbox Game Pass.

A World of Keflings, a beloved city-building game from almost 15 years ago, is making its return to the gaming world with a release on Steam scheduled for July 29, 2025. Originally developed by NinjaBee and launched for Xbox 360 in December 2010, the game enjoyed a warm reception, particularly among casual gamers. This success followed the praise received by its predecessor, A Kingdom of Keflings, which was released in 2008. The announcement for the Steam port came in June, alongside an engaging trailer that highlighted the game’s charming features.

Players can expect a wide array of city-building options, cooperative gameplay for up to eight participants, and an impressive selection of 40 co-op emotes. Localization support will be available for eight languages, including Spanish and Japanese, ensuring a broader audience can enjoy the game. Players will step into the shoes of city-planning giants, aiding the Keflings across three unique in-game worlds. The gameplay revolves around constructing customizable structures and fulfilling various quests, like rescuing a princess or helping quirky witches.

Notably, the game does not include enemies or time limits, nor does it feature character death, making it an inviting experience for fans of cozy titles akin to Stardew Valley. The upcoming Steam version promises to be “updated for modern machines” while maintaining the essential gameplay that fans love. Early comparisons show improved visuals, including sharper textures and enhanced lighting. NinjaBee’s game designer, Steve Taylor, expressed excitement about bringing A World of Keflings to a new audience, noting that fans had long requested this port.

The revival of A World of Keflings indicates a potential trend, as other Xbox 360 titles might also be poised for re-release, making it an exciting time for enthusiasts of this classic console.

Xbox Game Pass has welcomed two exciting titles for its subscribers: Rise of the Tomb Raider and Little Nightmares 2. These acclaimed games add to the impressive collection available through Microsoft’s subscription service, which features a rotating selection of hundreds of titles, including some that are available on launch day. Xbox Game Pass continues to provide significant value for gamers, with an array of choices to suit various interests.

In recent months, Xbox Game Pass has experienced remarkable success, leading some to wonder if this streak can be sustained. Among the standout additions in 2025 are Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered, and Balatro, all of which have garnered attention from subscribers. With such a wealth of options, determining which games stand out can be a challenge.

For July, Xbox Game Pass subscribers can anticipate the arrival of Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, two titles that promise to engage players. Both games were originally released several years ago, ensuring they are available to subscribers across all tiers except Core. Rise of the Tomb Raider, launched in 2015, follows Lara Croft on her adventurous journey in pursuit of a legendary city in Siberia.

With a “Mighty” rating on OpenCritic, the game has been praised for its stunning graphics, rich storytelling, and captivating stealth gameplay. Little Nightmares 2, a follow-up to Tarsier Studios’ popular adventure game, introduces new characters and challenges as players control Six and Mono through the eerie world of Pale City. The game has received a “Very Positive” rating on Steam, making it appealing to fans of both horror and stealth genres.

While the complete lineup for July’s Xbox Game Pass titles has yet to be announced, subscribers can look forward to other exciting releases, such as Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 on July 11 and the much-anticipated Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24.

Microsoft has revealed the Xbox Game Pass Wave 1 lineup for July 2025, featuring seven new games set to be added to its subscription service over the next two weeks. The company regularly keeps fans updated on the upcoming titles, allowing them to anticipate what’s joining the service. The Xbox Game Pass model has become more complex following Microsoft’s decision to divide the service into different tiers. The original version, now called Xbox Game Pass Standard, seldom includes day-one releases.

Xbox Game Pass Core offers a limited selection of titles but includes the benefits previously tied to Xbox Live Gold, such as online multiplayer access. The PC Game Pass is self-explanatory, while Xbox Game Pass Ultimate encompasses all lower-tier benefits along with exclusive perks. With these various tiers in mind, subscribers can look forward to several exciting titles. Legend of Mana and Trials of Mana are scheduled to arrive on Game Pass Standard on July 2.

The following day, Ultimate Chicken Horse will be available on all tiers except for Core. On July 8, The Ascent will return to Ultimate, PC, and Standard, while Minami Lane will be added to Ultimate and PC on July 9. A highly anticipated release, Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, will launch as a day-one game on Game Pass Ultimate and PC on July 11, followed by High on Life, which arrives on multiple tiers on July 15. Interestingly, High on Life is making a return to Game Pass after previously being removed, coinciding with the news that High on Life 2 will also debut as a day-one Xbox Game Pass game.

This allows subscribers who missed the original to experience it before the sequel arrives. Additional titles expected in July include Wheel World on July 23, Wuchang: Fallen Feathers on July 24, and Grounded 2 for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers on July 29.

Microsoft has announced that six games will be leaving its subscription service, Xbox Game Pass, on July 15. Among the titles departing are notable games like Mafia: Definitive Edition and The Callisto Protocol. With new releases and in-game benefits on the horizon for July, gamers are encouraged to try these titles before they vanish. The rise of subscription services in gaming has been notable in recent years.

While services like PlayStation Plus and Xbox Game Pass initially focused on granting access to additional games, they have evolved to include various in-game perks. For instance, Rockstar Games’ GTA+ provides subscribers with extra currency and early access to new in-game content, along with the opportunity to play other Rockstar titles such as Red Dead Redemption and Bully. Despite the increasing competition in the subscription market, Xbox Game Pass retains its appeal, primarily due to its day-one releases and a strong library of games. However, it is important for subscribers to remember that games come and go from the service.

Along with new titles being added, six specific games will be unavailable after July 15. These include Flock, Mafia: Definitive Edition, Magical Delicacy, Tchia, The Callisto Protocol, and The Case of the Golden Idol. Until the cutoff date, these games can be accessed through the Cloud, Console, and PC variants of Xbox Game Pass. Among these games, Mafia: Definitive Edition stands out, particularly with the upcoming release of Mafia: The Old Country on August 8.

The 2020 remake showcases updated graphics and a more intricate storyline that aligns with contemporary gaming mechanics. While it’s disappointing for subscribers to see familiar titles leave, Xbox Game Pass did complement this news by adding two highly rated games, Little Nightmares 2 and Rise of the Tomb Raider, on July 1, with more exciting additions expected throughout the month.

A founding member of the original Xbox project has expressed concerns regarding Microsoft’s commitment to its console hardware business. The platform skepticism reflects worries about the sustainability of Xbox’s current content strategy in light of dwindling hardware sales.

After substantial investments in acquiring developers, Microsoft began shifting towards multi-platform game publishing in February 2024. This transition became evident when it released Obsidian’s Pentiment on the latest PlayStation consoles and the Nintendo Switch.

Over the following months, titles such as Hi-Fi Rush, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves also went multi-platform, with Forza Horizon 5 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle following a year later. By June 2025, Microsoft announced two third-party Xbox devices, further emphasizing its diminishing focus on in-house hardware.

Amid these changes, a credible source indicated that Microsoft has abandoned plans for an in-house Xbox handheld console, opting instead for collaborations with third-party companies. This strategic shift has drawn scrutiny from Laura Fryer, a key figure in the Xbox project and former director of the Xbox Advanced Technology Group.

In a video posted to her YouTube channel, Fryer analyzed Microsoft’s new direction, suggesting it is easier to rebrand existing hardware, like the Asus ROG Xbox Ally X, than to develop in-house products. Fryer has stated bluntly, “I think Xbox hardware is dead,” asserting that Microsoft’s focus on Xbox Game Pass reflects this shift.

She highlighted the release of the first-ever $80 Xbox game, The Outer Worlds 2, as evidence that the company is prioritizing subscription services over traditional game sales. While Fryer acknowledged Microsoft’s extensive IP library and some successes like Oblivion Remastered, she questioned the long-term viability of this strategy.

She posed critical questions about the future of Xbox, seeking answers on what will keep the platform relevant in 25 years. Despite Fryer’s assertions about first-party hardware being effectively finished, rumors suggest that Microsoft is still working on a new in-house console.

Insider reports indicate that this next-gen Xbox may take the form of a PC in a TV-friendly shell, projected to launch between late 2027 and 2028, coinciding with the anticipated PS6. However, plans for a handheld console, which Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer had confirmed as a prototype, seem to be on hold as the company shifts toward portable gaming partnerships.

The Xbox Game Pass subscription service is enjoying remarkable success, consistently adding exciting new games. Early 2025 featured several standout titles, but April marked a significant turning point.

This month could be remembered as one of the best ever for Game Pass, introducing the highly-anticipated Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as a day-one release, alongside the captivating first-person puzzle game Blue Prince and the unexpected arrival of The Elder Scrolls 4: Oblivion Remastered. May continued the momentum with the addition of Doom: The Dark Ages on its release day, while June brought fresh content with titles like The Alters.

The upcoming months appear promising as well, with notable releases scheduled, including Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 and Wuchang: Fallen Feathers in July, Gears of War: Reloaded in August, and a trio of day-one games in October featuring Ninja Gaiden 4, Keeper, and The Outer Worlds 2. Additionally, if there are no further delays, fans may finally see Hollow Knight: Silksong added to Game Pass by year-end.

However, some critics wonder if Xbox Game Pass might eventually experience a decline similar to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) after its peak with Avengers: Endgame. While the MCU enjoyed immense popularity for over a decade, its recent films have struggled to generate the same excitement.

This raises an intriguing question about the longevity of Xbox Game Pass’s current success. Currently, the platform boasts an impressive lineup of both available and upcoming titles.

While 2025 could represent the high point of Game Pass, it doesn’t mean the service will lack big releases in the future. As the service rolls into 2026, there are high expectations for new games like Fable, a Gears of War prequel, and a potential Halo remake.

It remains uncertain whether Game Pass will replicate its 2025 success, but it certainly suggests a bright future ahead.

Activision has officially confirmed that Jack Black will make a cameo in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, set to launch on July 11, 2025. The Hollywood actor will reprise his role as Officer Dick, originally featured in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2.

In addition to Officer Dick, Black will portray a new character named Constable Richard, a British adaptation of his original role. Fans can catch a preview of Constable Richard in a teaser video released by Activision.

Jack Black’s history with the Tony Hawk’s franchise dates back to the 2020 remaster, where he enthusiastically accepted the role of Officer Dick without expecting any payment. His passion for the series and his excitement about being part of it after 20 years made the collaboration all the more special.

Black is no stranger to the gaming world, having made memorable appearances in various titles over the years. The evolution of Officer Dick between the games adds an interesting twist.

In the previous title, he was depicted as a school security guard notorious for his disdain for skaters. According to game director Kurt Tillmanns, the character has taken on a new role as a campus security sheriff in the upcoming remaster.

While the methods for unlocking Officer Dick or Constable Richard have yet to be revealed, anticipation is high among fans. Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater series has become synonymous with quirky celebrity cameos, embracing both real and fictional personalities.

Alongside Jack Black, the franchise has featured notable figures like Billie Joe Armstrong, Gene Simmons, and popular fictional characters from the comics and gaming world. The upcoming remasters promise to keep this tradition alive while appealing to both new and returning players.