Latest Xbox, multi-platform Game News & Updates
☁ Xbox, multi-platform News
642 articles
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformMicrosoft is laying off 4,800 employees
A year after cutting around 9,100 employees, Microsoft is making further layoffs today as it begins its new financial year. The software maker is laying off around 4,800 employees today, approximately 2.1 percent of its workforce. Most of the employees affected by today's cuts are in Microsoft's commercial sales business or the company's Xbox division. &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformAfter PS5 Disc Controversy, Microsoft Confirms Halo: Campaign Evolved Will Come On A Disc
Following Sony's announcement that it will no longer support physical game discs starting in 2028(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-confirms-playstation-disc-production-will-end-in-2028/), Microsoft has confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved's physical editions will include discs, including on PS5. Microsoft's announcement likely doesn't have anything to do with Sony's, however. In a Q&A(https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/july-community-qa-halo-campaign-evolved), Microsoft said people who buy a copy of the game will get a physical game case and disc "so that you have tangible items to add to your collection." This applies to the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S editions of the game. The timing of Microsoft's announcement about Campaign Evolved coming on a disc is conspicuous given it happened just after Sony confirmed its all-digital plans. But Microsoft no doubt had been planning to release Campaign Evolved on a disc for a very long time now given the logistics involved. Sony's announcement that PlayStation will no longer support game discs starting in January 2028 might make business sense for the company(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/why-is-sony-killing-discs-its-all-about-profitability-and-control-expert-says/?thumbnailid=1807886), but it's also causing much consternation. While Sony's own data shows an increasing share of digital game sales, the company still sells many millions of physical, disc-based games every year(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstations-disc-based-game-sales-have-dropped-dramatically-in-recent-years/). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZFVVcEM38c A lot of people still enjoy and seek out physical media. The decision has also led to even more concerns about game preservation and fears that Sony will make gaming even more expensive by eliminating the secondhand market. For what it's worth, some are saying the next-gen Project Helix console from Microsoft may not have a disc drive(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-may-not-have-disc-drive-disc-to-digital-feature-coming-reports-say/) in its own push toward digital. It's also been reported that Microsoft may soften the blow with a "disc-to-digital"(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-may-not-have-disc-drive-disc-to-digital-feature-coming-reports-say/) program that will allow people to convert their discs to digital copies. Campaign Evolved is a remaster of Halo: Combat Evolved, and if that sounds familiar, it's because Microsoft already released a remaster of the original Halo in 2011 with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary. Campaign Evolved is a campaign-only remaster of the original game, featuring brand-new prequel missions and a variety of graphical and technical improvements. The game launches on July 28 for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but if you pay more, you can start playing early(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-campaign-evolved-release-date-and-global-launch-times-revealed/). For more, check out GameSpot’s Halo: Campaign Evolved buying guide(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-campaign-evolved-release-date-and-global-launch-times-revealed/Campaign%20Evolved%20buying%20guide).
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformWhere to preorder Grand Theft Auto VI
Rockstar's long-awaited Grand Theft Auto VI is launching November 19th, 2026 for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series S/X consoles. The game will be available digitally at launch, with physical cases containing codes, not discs, so your options for preordering are straightforward. The preloading phase for the game begins on November 12th, which should give you &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformHalo remake will be on physical disc 'so that you have tangible items to add to your collection'
Halo Studios defied PlayStation and Grand Theft Auto 6 with its latest reveal for Halo: Campaign Evolved
Xbox is a disaster
This is The Stepback, a weekly newsletter breaking down one essential story from the tech world. For more on the bleak state of the video game industry, follow Andrew Webster. The Stepback arrives in our subscribers' inboxes on Sunday at 8AM ET. Opt in for The Stepback here. How it started Microsoft closed out Summer &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformStreet Fighter 6 director on year 4's controversial character picks
We talked with Street Fighter 6 director Takayuki Nakayama about Year 4's characters, Yasmine, Arjun, Bosch, and FF7's Tifa.
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformHow to download games on older consoles
Your past game purchases are still available to download on Wii, Wii U, 3DS, DS, and Xbox 360, even after being delisted. You just have to know how.
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformAssassin’s Creed: Black Flag Resynced Launch Times And Preload Schedule Revealed
A whole bunch of games are shipping out in July(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-biggest-new-game-releases-of-july-2026/), but if you're in the mood for some treachery and leaps of faith on the high seas, then you're likely looking forward to Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced this month. Out on July 9, Ubisoft has revealed the official times for when you can expect to start playing, as well as the preload times in case you've preordered the game already(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-buying-guide/1100-6539598/). !4687544-acbf-standard.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4687544-acbf-standard.jpg?w=300) Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced - Standard Edition (PS5, Xbox Series X) $60 | Releases July 9 Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY5YZC4P?tag=gamespot-preorders-20 "Preorder at Amazon") View at other stores Preorder at Best Buy(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fbestbuy.7tiv.net%2Fc%2F1804712%2F614286%2F10014%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fproduct%252Fassassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-playstation-5%252FJ3ZY37H99C&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at Best Buy") Preorder at Target(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fgoto.target.com%2Fc%2F1804712%2F81938%2F2092%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Ftarget.com%252Fp%252Fassassin-39-s-creed-black-flag-resynced-playstation-5%252F-%252FA-1011165365%2523lnk%253Dsametab&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at Target") Preorder at GameStop(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.gamestop.com%252Fvideo-games%252Fplaystation-5%252Fproducts%252Fassassins-creed-black-flag-resynced----playstation-5%252F445519.html%26cuid%3D--&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at GameStop") !4687545-acbf-de.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4687545-acbf-de.jpg?w=300) Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Digital Deluxe Edition (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC) $70 | Releases July 9 Preorder at Ubisoft Store(https://store.ubisoft.com/us/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-deluxe-edition/699e950e2f25b911ef69de9a.html?lang=enUS&ucid=UWB-275125comparison-table "Preorder at Ubisoft Store") !4687543-resynccollectmod.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4687543-resynccollectmod.jpg?w=300) Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced Collector's Edition (PS5, Xbox Series X, PC) $200 | Releases July 9 Preorder at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GY5RPBFS?tag=gamespot-preorders-20 "Preorder at Amazon") View at other stores Preorder at Best Buy(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fbestbuy.7tiv.net%2Fc%2F1804712%2F614286%2F10014%3Fu%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.bestbuy.com%252Fproduct%252Fassassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-collectors-edition-playstation-5%252FJ3ZY37H96G&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at Best Buy") Preorder at Target(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fhowl.link%2Fkwxcfii4w5hdh%3Farticlename%3DGamespot%26articleurl%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.gamespot.com%252F17770271087236&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at Target") Preorder at GameStop(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.gamestop.com%252Fvideo-games%252Fplaystation-5%252Fproducts%252Fassassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-collectors-edition---playstation-5%252F445513.html%26cuid%3D--&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at GameStop") Preorder at PS Direct(https://clicks.trx-hub.com/xid/fandom32094gamespot?q=https%3A%2F%2Fredirect.viglink.com%3Fkey%3Dfbff19622bfc4d759c94ca50d964e98d%26u%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fdirect.playstation.com%252Fen-us%252Fbuy-games%252Fassassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-collectors-edition-ps5%26cuid%3D--&p=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.gamespot.com%2Ffeeds%2Fnews&articleid=1807881&eventtype=click&fntitle=Assassin%26%238217%3Bs+Creed%3A+Black+Flag+Resynced+Launch+Times+And+Preload+Schedule+Revealed&fnauthor=darranged&fndate=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnupdated=2026-07-02+11%3A12%3A52&fnarticleid=1807881&fncategory=Gaming%7CNews&fnstorytype=News "Preorder at PS Direct") Xbox Series X|S players have had the option to preload the Black Flag remake for over a week, while PS5 and PC players will have to be patient until July 7 before they can prepare for the return of Edward Kenway--the wait might be worth it on PS5 Pro, for extra-realistic hair effects(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-ps5-upgrades-include-dedicated-hair-rendering-tech/). Assassin's Creed Black Flag: Resynced aims to modernize the original game with a whole host of improvements(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-might-be-adding-as-many-problems-as-its-fixing/1100-6540069/), but it might have created a few new problems(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-might-be-adding-as-many-problems-as-its-fixing/1100-6540069/) in the process. Other Upgrades include an overhauled combat system, craftier enemies, social stealth, and various options to customize the Jackdaw, Kenway's vessel for his trip across the Caribbean. To get you in the mood for the swashbuckling adventure, you can sing along to the game's sea shanties(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/you-can-now-stream-the-best-part-of-assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-its-sea-shanties/) and check out how some of the game's daredevil moves were recreated in real life(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/assassins-creeds-wildest-move-just-got-recreated-in-real-life/). Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced preload times - Xbox Series X|S: June 22 at 2 PM UTC - PS5: July 7 at 12 AM local time - PC: July 7 at 2 PM UTC Assassin's Creed: Black Flag Resynced launch times (July 9) Los Angeles - 7 AM PT (PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5) New York - 10 AM PT (PC, Xbox Series X|S, PS5) Montreal - 10 AM (PC) - 12 AM (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) Mexico - 8 AM CST (PC) - 12 AM CST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) Sao Paulo - 11 AM BRT (PC) - 12 AM BRT (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) London - 12 AM BST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 3 PM BST (PC) Warsaw - 12 AM CEST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 4 PM CEST (PC) Paris - 12 AM CEST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 4 PM CEST (PC) Abu Dhabi - 12 AM GST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 6 PM GST (PC) Johannesburg - 12 AM SAST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 4 PM SAST (PC) Shanghai - 12 AM CST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 10 PM CST (PC) Tokyo - 12 AM JST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 11 PM JST (PC) Seoul - 12 AM KST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 11 PM KST (PC) Sydney - 12 AM AEST (Xbox Series X|S, PS5) - 12 AM AEST (PC) | July 10 10 Ways Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced Differs From Ubisoft’s Original Pirate Adventure !4686856-assets2026041776873758acbfrkeyartstandardedition16x923.04.26615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686856-assets2026041776873758acbfrkeyartstandardedition16x923.04.26615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686858-assets2026041776874362acbfrannebonnycloseupstatic16x923.04.26615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686858-assets2026041776874362acbfrannebonnycloseupstatic16x923.04.26615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686855-assets2026041776874487acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9edwardparry230426615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686855-assets2026041776874487acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9edwardparry230426615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686857-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9havanavista230426615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686857-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9havanavista230426615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686859-assets2026041776874489acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9vistasunrise230426615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686859-assets2026041776874489acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9vistasunrise230426615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686860-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9stealth230426615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686860-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9stealth230426615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) !4686861-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9navalgameplay230426615pmcest.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1587/15875866/4686861-assets2026041776874488acbfrscreenshotstatic16x9navalgameplay230426615pmcest.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/10-ways-assassins-creed-black-flag-resynced-differs-from-ubisofts-original-pirate-adventure/2900-7683/)
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformThe video game disc is dead
For decades, to be a gamer was to accumulate a lot of stuff. Consoles, controllers, accessories, weird VR gloves that never worked properly, but mostly the games themselves. Over the years, games have come in every shape and size you can imagine. And now that era appears to be ending. On this episode of The &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformOntos, next sci-fi game from Amnesia and Soma studio, delayed to 2027
We'll have to wait a bit longer to play Frictional Games' Ontos.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformCall Of Duty: Black Ops 7, Diablo 4, And More Games Are Free On Xbox This Weekend
If you have some downtime over the 4th of July weekend and are looking for a game to play, Microsoft is bringing back its Free Play Days promotion, offering up some top titles to play for the low, low price of $0. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7's multiplayer and Zombies modes are free now through July 6, while Diablo IV is free through July 7. Demonschool and The Stone Madness have free two-hour trials now through July 5. None of these games require an Xbox Game Pass subscription during the free period. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/freeplaydays.jpg?w=1024) Free is a nice price. Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure is part of the Free Play Days promotion through July 5, but you'll need Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential. This Free Play Days event comes at a tumultuous time for Xbox, as the company is expected to begin mass layoffs on July 6(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/this-week-in-games-was-bad-but-next-week-may-be-worse/). Microsoft may close at least five studios as well(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-could-cancel-marvels-blade-and-close-its-developer/), though it's possible other arrangements could be made that does not result in studio closures or game cancellations.
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformNintendo Could Inherit The Physical Gaming Crown By Default
Sony plans to sell PlayStation games exclusively as digital products(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-confirms-playstation-disc-production-will-end-in-2028/) starting in 2028, and it's rumored that Microsoft will also adopt a digital-only approach(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-may-not-have-disc-drive-disc-to-digital-feature-coming-reports-say/) with its next-gen Xbox Project Helix(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-xbox-release-date-specs-display-price/1100-6525379/), a move that could leave Nintendo as the only console manufacturer that will still release games physically--at least for this current gaming generation. Speaking to VGC(https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/playstation-ditching-physical-games-unlikely-to-influence-nintendos-plans-says-analyst/), Circana senior director and video game industry advisor Mat Piscatella commented on how he believes that both the PS6 and Project Helix will be digital-only gaming consoles. The upside to this is that, thanks to Nintendo operating in its own bubble, it doesn't look like it'll be ditching cartridges in response to Sony and Microsoft's plans. "My gut says Nintendo does what Nintendo wants to do, and I don't see them changing anything in their plans based on what Sony or Microsoft do on anything, really," Piscatella explained. "Nintendo is going to be Nintendo, for better and/or worse. Retail has already leaned into Nintendo support more and more over the past few years--Nintendo also holds a very strong share of physical software and hardware sales since the launch of Switch 2 in particular--so this could continue to increase, sure." According to its FY25/26 end-of-year report(https://www.nintendo.co.jp/ir/pdf/2026/2605084e.pdf), Nintendo says that digital sales of its games account for 67.2% of software purchases. Digital sales on Sony platforms have climbed dramatically over the last decade, with 78% of its sales being digital purchases. Reports now claim that both the PS6 and Project Helix will do away with disc drives(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/next-gen-xbox-may-not-have-disc-drive-disc-to-digital-feature-coming-reports-say/?thumbnailid=1806575) entirely. While Nintendo still has a sizable physical presence, it's worth noting that many games--especially third-party ones--are sold as Game-Key Cards(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/certain-nintendo-switch-2-physical-games-are-game-key-cards-for-downloads/1100-6530576/). These are essentially authentication keys in cartridge form, as players will still have to install game data to their Switch 2 and keep the cartridge inserted to play their games. Fortunately, the carts are not locked to a Switch 2 account or console(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/nintendo-switch-2-game-key-cards-wont-be-tied-to-your-account/1100-6530654/), and they can be resold, allowing a new user to download a game--for as long as the servers are kept online, that is. PlayStation and Xbox game discs have functioned along the same lines for years now, as both consoles required users to download data from the discs onto their respective machines and keep the physical media for authenticating the installs. While Game-Key Cards are designed to be a cheaper publisher-friendly alternative, they're not without criticism, as some historians have expressed fears over the future(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/switch-2s-game-key-cards-are-a-little-disheartening-for-game-preservation-says-dev/1100-6531262/) of video game preservation efforts. The Best Games Of 2026 (So Far) !4650771-2026games.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4650771-2026games.jpg?w=1024) !4642853-cairn.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4642853-cairn.jpg?w=1024) !4686459-diablo-4-loh.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4686459-diablo-4-loh.jpg?w=1024) !4664332-esoteric-ebb.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4664332-esoteric-ebb.jpg?w=1024) !4664744-marathon.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4664744-marathon.jpg?w=1024) !4648432-mewgenics.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4648432-mewgenics.jpg?w=1024) !Mina-the-Hollower(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Mina-the-Hollower.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/the-best-games-of-2026/2900-7436/)