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🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformGame Pass Was A Good Idea But It Didn’t Work, Forza Horizon 5 Creative Director Says
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown has weighed in with his thoughts on the situation at Xbox currently, and one of the things he commented on was Xbox Game Pass. He said in an interview that Xbox Game Pass, simply put, was not able to attract enough subscribers to make it viable as a business, and this contributed to the pain Xbox is going through today(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-layoffs-studio-closures-and-spin-offs-everything-announced-today/). After all, we recently found out that Microsoft was hoping to have 77 million subscribers by now(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-spent-80-billion-on-its-bet-for-xbox-game-pass-it-did-not-work/), but the number is actually only around 30 million. "That’s actually just really sad because we’re now going to see studios getting shut down or spun off," he told MinnMax(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Xf9vrPFpm4), as reported by Kotaku(https://kotaku.com/forza-horizon-5-director-reacts-to-the-xbox-mess-the-concept-of-game-pass-was-good-unfortunately-it-didnt-work-2000717725). "Loads of people are going to lose their jobs. And that is honestly just a result of a well-meaning player-focused concept of Xbox Game Pass not quite landing. And I think that’s just, it’s just a real shame." Brown, who worked at the Xbox-owned Playground for years before splitting off to start his own company, said Game Pass is a "good idea," but Microsoft could not stick the landing. "If more people had subscribed, that makes enough money, and it works and and all those studios go on and those games get made again and those teams will make other games. Unfortunately, it didn’t," he said. Microsoft invested a "fortune"(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-spent-80-billion-on-its-bet-for-xbox-game-pass-it-did-not-work/?thumbnailid=1813294) in making Game Pass work through its various acquisitions and funding efforts, Brown added. This was done with the vision of having a steady release of new games to help keep people subscribed and amass more members, but it didn't come to be. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma herself has acknowledged that Xbox Game Pass was a bet that did not pay off(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-ceo-admits-game-pass-bet-has-not-worked-out/) after Microsoft spent more than $80 billion(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-spent-80-billion-on-its-bet-for-xbox-game-pass-it-did-not-work/?thumbnailid=1813294) buying studios to help funnel content to the service. Internal strife It has been reported for some time already that some inside Xbox did not buy into the vision for Xbox Game Pass(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-spent-80-billion-on-its-bet-for-xbox-game-pass-it-did-not-work/?thumbnailid=1813294) and even tried to warn executives. Microsoft itself admitted that Xbox Game Pass could cannibalize full-game sales(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-clarifies-its-own-admission-that-game-pass-cannibalizes-some-game-sales/1100-6511503/). Recently, reporter Jason Schreier said on the Triple Click podcast(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCwOK61Lf80), "There are a lot of people out there in studio leadership within Xbox who absolutely detest Game Pass." He said these people think Game Pass has "destroyed the value of their games" and has been an overall detriment to gaming across the board "because of how it devalues games." A former Xbox studio lead, meanwhile, told Windows Central(https://www.windowscentral.com/gaming/xbox/some-xbox-studio-leads-reportedly-detest-game-pass-so-why-did-xbox-push-ahead-with-it-it-felt-like-a-race-to-zero) that launching games into Game Pass "almost creates an assumption that these titles could not sell on their own. It felt like a race to zero." So what happens next? Microsoft admitting that Xbox Game Pass is a bet that did not work out suggests the company may have some changes afoot for the service. Already, Sharma has cut the price of Game Pass and announced that new Call of Duty games will no longer be included in the service at launch(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-pass-gets-price-drop-new-call-of-duty-games-no-longer-included/1100-6539523/), so some big changes have already been enacted. No one is expecting Microsoft to completely kill off Game Pass, but instead there could be other changes, like the kind of "windowing"(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-gaming-is-dead-to-be-replaced-by-return-to-xbox-branding-report/1100-6539586/) of new releases that Microsoft has talked about. This would involve keeping key titles out of Game Pass at launch and for a period of time, similar to how movies are only available in theaters at first before coming to digital and streaming. The idea here would be to help maximize revenue with people paying full price before they are included in the catalog. New Call of Duty games, for example, now won't come to Game Pass until the following holiday season. So if you want to play Modern Warfare 4 on Xbox or PC at launch this year, you have to buy it outright, as it won't come to Game Pass until Holiday 2027 at the soonest.
🖥 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PCModern Warfare 4 beta dates set for August, and this year Game Pass subscribers get no special treatment
Pre-order players get five extra days of playtime.
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformCall of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 gets open beta in August
Activision announces Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 beta dates and how to get into the beta playtest if you pre-order (and if you don't).
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformCall Of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta: Dates, Content, And How To Get In
Activision has confirmed the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer beta dates, which begin on August 21. The company also revealed how you can get it, what's in the beta, and when to expect more details. Read on to learn more. Modern Warfare 4 beta dates Early access to the open beta runs August 21-25 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X|S. The multiplayer beta then opens for everyone, regardless of preorder status, from August 28-September 1. The open beta also brings in Switch 2 as a supported platform. How to get in The early access period is available for people who preorder Modern Warfare 4, but the open beta is free and available to everyone. The fine print also states that an "online multiplayer subscription" may be required. The early access period is not available on Switch 2 because Switch 2 preorders don't begin until August 26. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Screenshot-2026-07-20-at-1.26.53-PM.png?w=1024) The MW4 beta begins in August. What's in the beta? The Modern Warfare 4 multiplayer includes multiple maps and modes and a "wide selection" of playable characters. The beta includes "as many as" 19 different weapons, while some of the supported modes include Search & Destroy and Kill Block, and the Training Mobility Course to help players learn the ropes. The beta also includes a "wide variety" of tacticals, lethals, field upgrades, perks, and killstreaks to try out ahead of launch. People who preorder the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare 4 can use the operators and weapons included in that version of the game during the beta. These include content from the Vault Edition preorder bundles below: Hostile Alliance Operator Pack - Price - Valeria - Ghost - Blix Special Forces Operator Pack - COM SFT (France) - KSK Amphibious (Germany) - SK Special Forces (South Korea) - SAS (United Kingdom) Signature Weapons Collection - Kastov 762 Assault Rifle and “Voltspine” Blueprint - ISO Nightshade Submachine Gun and “La Sombra Venenosa” (“The Poisonous Shadow”) Blueprint - Rezi 12 Shotgun and “Shattered Code” Blueprint - Oris 8.6 Marksman Rifle and “Volt-Edge” Blueprint - Combat Knife (Melee) and “Sombra Besada” (“Shadow’s Kiss”) Blueprint More announcements to come Activision said it will share more details on what it called an "unprecedented beta experience" in the weeks to come. This will include more details on beta rewards and "other surprises." Call of Duty Next The annual Call of Duty event, Call of Duty Next, returns on August 21, Activision announced. This live event will feature new gameplay footage, an "in-depth briefing" on Modern Warfare 4's multiplayer content, along with developer interviews and "new reveals."
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Game Pass loses Celeste and more games at the end of July
Crusader Kings 3, Rain World, and more leave Xbox Game Pass on July 31
🖥 PlayStation, Xbox, Mobile, VR, PCHow to get all Haki Skills in Haze Seas
!(https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/haze-seas-buso-trainer.jpg?width=690&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp) Last updated: July 20th, 2026 - Added new Haki locations! If there's one universal truth about Roblox, it's that One Piece adaptations are eternal. Haze Seas is yet more evidence that the cycle continues like clockwork. It's the latest One Piece-inspired RPG to grow a dedicated community, and as a result, you can expect certain mechanics to show up, a primary one being acquiring a Haki. Each Haki is a powerful ability that you'll track down while tootling across the high seas, and if you want to skip the usual song and dance of tracking them all down, we've got you covered. Below, we've listed all of the Haki locations in Haze Seas and the requirements to unlock them, so you can start aura farming ASAP. Read more(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/haze-seas-haki-guide)
🖥 PlayStation, Xbox, PCAll outfits in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced
!(https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/black-flag-gold-outfit.png?width=690&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp) If you're looking for a list of all outfits in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/games/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced), you've come to the right place. Thus far, we've counted 37 outfits for Edward Kenway, ranging from reskinned classics returning from the original 2013 version of Black Flag(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-vs-original), to some striking new duds only available as DLC purchases. Black Flag Resynced also brings an important change when it comes to these costumes. Unlike the original game, Resynced's outfits are 100% cosmetic, and any in-game benefits that they may have provided over a decade ago are instead granted via equippable trinkets. That said, Assassin's Creed has always been renowned as a fashionable franchise full of cool-looking killers in sweet hoods. This jaunt through the Caribbean is no different. Read on for a complete rundown of all 37 outfits in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, along with screenshots and detailed info on how to obtain them. Read more(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-all-outfits)
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Game Pass Is Removing A Lot More Games Very Soon
The next set of Xbox Games Pass removals has been identified, and it appears there are a bunch more games leaving the service at the end of the month. Pure Xbox(https://www.purexbox.com/news/2026/07/eight-games-are-leaving-xbox-game-pass-in-late-july-2026) was first to discover that the "Leaving Soon" tab on the Xbox mobile app lists off eight games leaving the service on July 31. These include games like Celeste, Whiskerwood, Sniper Elite: Resistance, and Crusader Kings 3, among others. You can see the full list below. Microsoft removes (and adds) games to Game Pass across two waves per month. On July 15, Microsoft removed 11 games from Game Pass(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-pass-is-removing-a-lot-of-games-very-soon/), and with a further eight getting dumped on July 31, it's proving to be a big month for removals. As a silver lining, Game Pass subscribers can save 20% on these titles before they leave. As for new additions to Game Pass before the end of the month, the biggest release for July is Halo: Campaign Evolved (July 28). For more, check out GameSpot’s rundown of the best Xbox Game Pass games(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-xbox-game-pass-games/2900-4001/). Game Pass removals for July 31 - Back to the Dawn -- console, PC, cloud - Celeste -- console, PC, cloud - Crusader Kings 3 -- console, PC, cloud - Mount & Blade 2: Bannerlord -- console, PC, cloud - My Friendly Neighborhood -- console, PC, cloud - Rain World -- console, PC, cloud - Sniper Elite: Resistance -- console, PC, cloud - Whiskerwood -- PC
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformClair Obscur Actor Jennifer English Steps Away From Tides Of Annihilation Protagonist Role
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/20/3a3c4798/tidesofannihilationbreakthemirrorgameplaytrailer.jpg.webp) Jennifer English, the award-winning voice actor of Maelle in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, has stepped away from voicing protagonist Gwendolyn in the upcoming action game, Tides of Annihilation(https://gameinformer.com/xbox-partner-preview/2025/11/20/new-gameplay-trailer-for-arthurian-action-game-tides-of). The game’s development team, Eclipse Glow Games, states that this is due to personal health reasons. The official Tides of Annihilation X account shared a lengthy post(https://x.com/playtoa/status/2078311862169686026?s=46) announcing the news, stating that in early June, English informed them she would be unable to continue providing the English-language voice of Gwendolyn. “While we were, of course, saddened by her decision, we completely understood and respected Jennifer in prioritizing her well-being,” reads the post. “We are also deeply grateful for the care and responsibility she showed throughout this process.” English will continue to be involved in Tides of Annihilation’s production in an advisory role, according to the post. In fact, with English’s help and recommendation, Gwendolyn’s English-language voice performer has already been recast. The team does not reveal the new actor’s identity, only stating “Her recent work in video games left a strong impression on both Jennifer and our team—not only for the performance itself, but for the remarkable care and dedication she showed in understanding the character—and we're excited for players to experience her interpretation of Gwendolyn.” The new voice actor has already recorded lines that will appear in Tides of Annihilation’s upcoming Gamescom demo next month, so attendees will be the first to hear the new performance. Eclipse Glow Games also confirms that it will announce Gwendolyn’s new actor during this period. Tides of Annihilation was first revealed in February 2025(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=om7mQozgOdQ) and is a stylish action-adventure game based on Arthurian legend. Gwendolyn is a warrior and the last surviving person in London after an invasion by otherworldly forces. She must defeat this threat using the power of 10 legendary, colossal knights she encounters along the way. Tides of Annihilation has no release window, but it’s slated to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformHalo Formula One and Ninja Warrior are taking the community by storm
Two dedicated communities have turned Halo into competitive extreme sports and it's a delight to watch.
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Explains What Makes A Game An Xbox Exclusive
Amidst mass layoffs(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-layoffs-studio-closures-and-spin-offs-everything-announced-today/) and increasing hardware prices(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-is-increasing-the-cost-of-xbox-consoles-again-starting-in-august/), one of the other side effects of the Xbox "reset" is a renewed focus on console exclusives. While we know that Gears of War: E-Day(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gears-of-war-e-day-skipping-ps5-means-reaching-fewer-players-and-microsoft-is-ok-with-that/) and Clockwork Revolution(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/clockwork-revolution-is-another-xbox-console-exclusive-coming-in-2027/) will only be available on Xbox Series X|S and PC, they won't be the only two exclusives landing on those platforms. "I can assure you, Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are not the only titles we're planning," chief strategy officer Matthew Ball said to GamesRadar(https://www.gamesradar.com/games/xbox-return-to-console-exclusivity-report/section-the-return-of-first-party-exclusives). "To grow a platform like ours, you have to have exclusive games and services. These are not going to be the only two titles. To return our platform to consistent growth, we need a reliable pipeline of exclusive games. Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are just the first." While Xbox has its eye on drawing more people to its platforms through the power of exclusives--it is aiming to "entertain" a billion people every day(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-wants-to-entertain-1-billion-people-every-day-it-cant-even-explain-how/), eventually--not every game will be locked to Xbox. Ball added that "large live-service titles" will continue to be multiplatform titles, and some single-player games could also make their way to hardware like the PS5. As Ball explained, Microsoft has a "framework" in place for deciding which games will be Xbox exclusives and which ones will expand to additional platforms, as the company decides on a case-by-case basis. "I recognize that this approach is not obvious to all of our players, and we are committed to making this clearer," Ball said. While the new Gears of War and Clockwork Revolution won't be landing on PS5, Halo: Campaign Evolved(https://www.gamespot.com/games/halo-campaign-evolved/) and Fable(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/fable-4-everything-we-know/1100-6485774/) will be available on the Sony platform the same day and date as the Xbox and PC versions of the game. Halo: Campaign Evolved executive producer Damon Conn added that going multiplatform was the right approach for the game as it celebrates its 25th anniversary, as this will allow friends to enjoy shared experiences no matter which system(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-campaign-evolved-cross-play-and-cross-saves-explained/) they're on. While Xbox seems adamant to offer exclusive games once again, one analyst believes that Gears of War: E-Day and Clockwork Revolution are being used as sacrificial lambs(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/upcoming-xbox-exclusives-are-being-sent-out-to-die-analyst-says-xbox-pushes-back/) to win back hearts and minds, following several months of bad news at the Microsoft gaming division. The Best Xbox Series X Games In 2026 !4412246-4410073-indy.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4412246-4410073-indy.jpg?w=1024) !007-First-Light-main(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/007-First-Light-main.jpg?w=1024) !4214719-4151108-alanwake2.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4214719-4151108-alanwake2.jpg?w=1024) !4623906-gamespotimagetemplate(9).jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1864/18643033/4623906-gamespotimagetemplate(9).jpg?w=1024) !4475838-avowed.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4475838-avowed.jpg?w=1024) !4638327-arcraiders.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4638327-arcraiders.jpg?w=1024) !4475834-blueprince3.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4475834-blueprince3.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-xbox-series-x-games/2900-3818/)
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox still isn't revealing if the new Fallout games are console exclusives
Xbox and Bethesda recently announced Fallout 5 and more new titles, but frustratingly won't say whether or not they are Xbox console exclusives