Latest Xbox, multi-platform Game News &amp; Updates

Amazon says it wants to win gaming, but won't be the next Xbox

Tomb Raider, 007, and Prime Video are key to Amazon's future in gaming. Not so much King of Meat and MMOs.

PolygonNews2 months ago

🎮 Grand Theft Auto🎮 Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Order Date And Cover Art

Grand Theft Auto VI Pre-Order Date And Cover Art Revealed

!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2025/05/06/30f856b3/leonidakeys05.jpg.webp) It's not a new gameplay trailer, but Rockstar Games has released a new promotional video for Grand Theft Auto VI, announcing the game's pre-order date and revealing its official cover art. Pre-orders for the game on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S open on June 25, which is one week from today. The cover art is fashioned in the traditional Grand Theft Auto style: a collage of panels depicting the two main characters, Lucia and Jason, along with bank robber Raul Batista and music mogul/entrepreneur Boobie Ike. Because the game is set in a fictionalized Florida, it's fitting to see the center panel occupied by the state's unofficial mascot, an alligator. Check out the trailer and the full cover art below. !Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/18/c70bc082/gta-6-coverart-official-fullsize.jpg.webp)(https://gameinformer.com/href) Grand Theft Auto VI launches on November 19. You can catch up on news about the game by watching its first trailer(https://gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/04/grand-theft-auto-vi-revealed-with-first-official-trailer-alongside-2025-release), its second trailer(https://gameinformer.com/2025/05/06/rockstar-just-unveiled-the-second-grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer), and our previews detailing the cast(https://gameinformer.com/2025/05/06/rockstar-details-nine-of-grand-theft-auto-vis-presumably-many-many-characters) and six of the major areas(https://gameinformer.com/2025/05/06/rockstar-shows-off-six-major-areas-of-vice-city-in-grand-theft-auto-vi) players will explore. In related news, Rockstar announced yesterday that the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S upgrade for Grand Theft Auto V is officially free(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/17/rockstar-announces-free-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs-upgrade-for-grand-theft-auto-v) for owners of the last-gen versions.

GTA 6 Preorders Begin June 25, Cover Art Revealed; Take-Two Stock Jumps On The News

At long last, preorders for GTA 6 will begin on June 25, Rockstar Games has announced. Additionally, the game's official cover art(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/a-history-of-grand-theft-auto-box-art-from-gta-1-to-gta-6/) has been revealed. Crucially, Rockstar did not announce any pricing details for GTA 6, nor did the company list off the various editions of the game that will no doubt be available. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-18-at-9.08.53-AM-1.png) Behold, the GTA 6 cover art. Rockstar also did not say exactly when preorders will begin on June 25. However, fans can wishlist GTA 6 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S to receive alerts. Additionally, Rockstar clarified that June 25 is when preorders for GTA 6 begin on digital stores and "select" retailers only. - Wishlist GTA 6 on Xbox Series X|S(https://www.xbox.com/en-us/games/store/grand-theft-auto-vi/9nl3wwnzlzzn) - Wishlist GTA 6 on PS5(https://www.playstation.com/en-us/games/grand-theft-auto-vi/) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiQEBYDoxk An update to the official website also revealed a new glimpse of Vice City(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-gta-6-screenshot-shows-off-a-beautiful-bustling-nighttime-scene-by-the-water/) itself. You can check out our GTA 6 screenshots(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/gta-6-screenshots-images/2900-6525/) collection for an in-depth look at everything shown off so far. Many are wondering if Rockstar and parent company Take-Two plan to charge something above $70 for the game's standard edition. A Bank of America stock analyst believes GTA 6 should be priced at $80(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-6-should-be-80-and-other-companies-should-raise-prices-too-bank-of-america-says/1100-6539759/) to help encourage other developers to raise prices as well. Strauss Zelnick, the head of Take-Two, recently said it doesn't make sense that prices have not gone up very much(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-6-price-commented-on-by-rockstars-owner/1100-6539688/) for new game releases in the past decade. Whatever it costs, GTA 6 is going to be 2026's biggest hit, with projections saying it could sell 40 million copies in its first year(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-could-make-3-billion-in-first-year-alone/1100-6528605/). Following the announcement that GTA 6 preorders will begin soon, Take-Two's stock price jumped by more than 3.5%. This is likely due to excitement about Take-Two finally getting money in the bank from GTA 6 after so many years. In other GTA news, everyone who owns GTA 5 digitally on PS4 or Xbox One can now get a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S edition(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-5-for-ps5-and-xbox-series-xs-will-be-free-for-last-gen-owners-this-week/). The freebie offer comes just ahead of the release of GTA Online's next big update in July.

🎮 GTA🎮 Cover Art

🎮 Call of Duty🎮 Black Ops 1 And 2 Are

Black Ops 1 And 2 Are Coming To PS4 And PS5

While the older Call of Duty games have remained on Xbox through the console generations, PlayStation owners haven't seen the first two Black Ops games available on their hardware since the PlayStation 3 era. That's going to change this summer as Call of Duty: Black Ops and Call of Duty: Black Ops 2 make their modern debut on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The Black Ops ports were rumored(https://www.ign.com/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-1-and-2-ports-have-apparently-leaked) earlier this month, but they've now been confirmed by developer Treyarch(https://x.com/alexhtmll/status/2067332228909048101) for a July release via social media. Per the announcement, the ports were handled by Iron Galaxy. However, these are not remasters of the original games. In other words, don't expect dramatic visual upgrades. https://twitter.com/Treyarch/status/2067321420032721282 Black Ops 1 was released in 2010 and it was followed by Black Ops 2 in 2012. Since then, Black Ops has been one of the most popular mini-franchises within the Call of Duty brand. There were even two games--Black Ops 6 and Black Ops 7--released back to back(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-dev-explains-how-were-getting-new-black-ops-games-in-consecutive-years/1100-6534117/) in 2024 and 2025. For this year's Call of Duty title, the Black Ops franchise is taking a break in favor of a new installment in the Modern Warfare games. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/preorder-call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-vault-edition-and-save-10/) is slated to hit Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and PC on October 23. However, there is an early-access option(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-brings-back-campaign-early-access-heres-how-to-get-it/) for preorders and pre-purchases for the MW4 standard digital edition or the Vault edition. Modern Warfare 4 is also adding a GTA-like wanted system(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/call-of-duty-modern-warfare-4-dmz-adds-gta-like-wanted-system/) to its DMZ.

🎮 Call of Duty🎮 New Call of Duty: Black Ops rereleases

New Call of Duty: Black Ops rereleases announced

Activision and Treyarch are rereleasing COD: Black Ops and Black Ops 2 in a pair of new ports for PlayStation consoles in July

PolygonNews2 months ago

A New Report Claims Xbox Had Already Planned To Close Ninja Theory Despite Senua Announcement

!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/17/bf72c4a4/senua-screenshot-face.jpg.webp) The big developing news this week is Xbox’s reported plans to cut several studios from its game division(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/15/compulsion-games-and-other-xbox-studios-reportedly-at-risk-of-being-shut-down), with Compulsion Games (South of Midnight), Double Fine (Psychonauts), and Ninja Theory (Hellblade) specifically cited as being at risk of closure. Ninja Theory was especially surprising given it had revealed a third Hellblade title called Senua(https://gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/senua-is-an-action-adventure-game-in-the-hellblade-universe) during the Xbox Games Showcase less than two weeks ago. However, a new report alleges that this had always been the plan. Game File(https://www.gamefile.news/p/xbox-studio-contraction), a newsletter written by veteran reporter Stephen Totilo, reports that Xbox had already planned to either sunset or split with Ninja Theory before the announcement of Senua, per an anonymous source said to be familiar with Microsoft's plans. This was done with the idea that announcing a new game would attract investors to fund the studio following an Xbox divorce or studio closure. Game File also reports that it is unknown if Ninja Theory’s leadership was involved in this plan. Neither Xbox nor Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, or Double Fine has publicly confirmed any of the reports regarding their status over the last couple of days. However, The Verge(https://www.theverge.com/games/950204/xbox-ninja-theory-shutdown-hellblade-senua) reported earlier this week that Ninja Theory has already been closed and is currently seeking a buyer. The reported studio closures follow Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty's plans for a "reset' of the Xbox division(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/11/report-xbox-preparing-for-significant-layoffs-as-new-ceo-asha-sharma-details-xbox-0), which would involve significant layoffs. Senua was announced as the third Hellblade game, but is billed as a full-on action-adventure title with an increased emphasis on combat. It is scheduled to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

Xbox's secret weapon could change everything for The Elder Scrolls 6

Microsoft wants its gaming division to pump out hits ASAP, but how will a studio like Bethesda make it happen for TES6?

🎮 Elder Scrolls

PolygonNews2 months ago

🎮 Elder Scrolls🎮 Cyberpunk 2077

Canceled Project Blackbird May Have Been Perfect Replacement For Destiny, Insider Says

One of the big casualties of Microsoft's layoffs in 2025 was Project Blackbird, an action-RPG MMO from The Elder Scrolls Online team at ZeniMax. Described as Destiny 2 meets Cyberpunk 2077(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-details-emerge-about-elder-scrolls-online-teams-reportedly-canceled-mmo/1100-6533760/), the game was reportedly canceled(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-cancels-new-mmo-from-elder-scrolls-online-team-in-latest-wave-of-cuts-report/1100-6532915/) in mid-2025. According to Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier, it could have been the game to succeed Destiny 2--now that Bungie has wound down development(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/destiny-2-is-getting-last-content-update-soon-as-bungie-moves-onto-its-next-big-game/1100-6540084/) on it--as he believes it could have been a huge hit if it had been released. In a new video on his YouTube channel, Schreier spoke about the current state of Xbox and how he'd heard nothing but good things about Blackbird. "Destiny just died, and if Xbox had a game like Blackbird ready to go to kind of fill that void that Destiny has left, that could have been a hit. I've heard nothing but good things about that game. Granted, a big, very expensive project that spent a lot of time in development and was having struggles of its own, but everything I've heard about that game is so positive. It's really a shame that it was canceled, I think, because I think it could have helped fill a much-needed gap, for Xbox right now." https://youtu.be/wfJ8qreLv8k Currently, Xbox's next big games include Gears of War: E-Day from The Coalition and Clockwork Revolution from InXile Entertainment. Moon Studios CEO Thomas Mahler--who led development on the two Ori games that Xbox published--also recently gave his informed take on Xbox and how the company leans too heavily on legacy IP(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ori-dev-ceo-says-xbox-was-too-focused-on-protecting-its-legacy-to-build-its-future/) instead of nurturing the talent needed to create the next generation of blockbusters. "Xbox has struggled for a long time to identify, empower, and protect the key creative people and teams who could have kept the brand at the top," Mahler wrote(https://x.com/thomasmahler/status/2066810669962330434?s=46) in an online post. As for why Microsoft killed Blackbird? That could be due purely to financial reasons, as Microsoft has focused more than ever on remaining profitable in recent years. "You could be at the best studio in the world, and decisions happen that impact people. I didn't agree with what happened, but I understood the reasoning behind it. It is just financial," former The Elder Scrolls Online director Matt Firor said in a recent interview(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-killed-mmo-project-blackbird-because-it-was-a-line-item-on-a-ledger-dev-says/1100-6539672/). "We're a number on a ledger, and if that number is large, it is ripe for analysis, shall we say, and that number was always large."

Rockstar Announces Free PS5 And Xbox Series X/S Upgrade For Grand Theft Auto V

!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/17/f3e859fe/gta-v-michael-chase.jpg.webp) As the entire gaming world waits with bated breath for the release of Grand Theft Auto VI(https://gameinformer.com/news/2023/12/04/grand-theft-auto-vi-revealed-with-first-official-trailer-alongside-2025-release), Rockstar Games has announced a surprise treat for those still playing the last-gen versions of the previous entry, Grand Theft Auto V. Starting tomorrow, June 18, owners of any PlayStation 4 version of Grand Theft Auto V or the digital Xbox One version will be able to upgrade to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S versions for free. The news was announced via a Rockstar Newswire(https://www.rockstargames.com/newswire/article/517k8ak75ao327/the-next-big-score) blog, and it coincides with an upcoming update for GTA Online called The Kortz Center Heist, a big new mission launching in July. The PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions of GTA V were first released on March 15, 2022, and originally had no free upgrade path. Instead, the current-gen versions were priced at $39.99 (and included GTA Online). These upgraded versions boast improved resolutions (up to 4K), HDR, ray tracing, improved textures and draw distances, and up to 60 frames per second gameplay. The PS5 version also features 3D audio and DualSense haptic feedback. Story progress from the PS4/Xbox One versions can also be transferred to the current editions. PC players can experience the same improvements by upgrading from the Legacy to the Enhanced edition for free. GTA+ members can also play GTA V’s story mode as part of the GTA+ Games Library. As we march towards the November 19 release of Grand Theft Auto VI, it seems Rockstar wants players to revisit GTA V or play it for the first time in the best way possible. This may not be a new update on GTA VI, but you can remind yourself of what’s in store for that game by watching its latest trailer(https://gameinformer.com/2025/05/06/rockstar-just-unveiled-the-second-grand-theft-auto-vi-trailer) from May 2025.

🎮 Grand Theft Auto

We got free GTA V upgrades before GTA VI

Rockstar Games will allow players to upgrade older versions of Grand Theft Auto V to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X / S for free just months before the launch of GTA VI. Starting June 18th, players with any GTA V copy on PS4 or the digital version on Xbox One can get the current-gen &8230;

🎮 GTA🎮 Grand Theft Auto

TheNews2 months ago

GTA 5 For PS5 And Xbox Series X|S Will Be Free For Last-Gen Owners This Week

Ahead of GTA 6's release in November, Rockstar Games has announced that anyone who owns a digital copy of GTA 5 for PS4 or Xbox One will get a free upgrade to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S version. The native versions for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S normally cost $40. They include better graphics and faster loading times, among other things. This starts on June 18, Rockstar said. The free upgrade offer is coming ahead of the release of GTA Online's next big update, The Kortz Center Heist, which releases in July. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/Screenshot-2026-06-17-at-11.02.48-AM.png?w=1024) The Kortz Center. The Kortz Center Heist is a multi-stage heist where players will break into The Kortz Center(https://gta.fandom.com/wiki/KortzCenter) and steal works of art. "Now the time has come to raid this prestigious gallery’s esteemed collection for personal gain," Rockstar said. That's all Rockstar had to say about the upcoming expansion, but more information will be announced in the weeks ahead. GTA 5 and GTA Online have been enormously successful, with GTA 5 passing 230 million copies sold(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/top-10-best-selling-video-games-of-all-time/2900-4814/) and GTA Online staying strong with its ongoing updates. GTA 6 releases on November 19, and Take-Two's top boss recently re-committed to that date and explained why the game is taking so long(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/gta-6-release-date-confirmed-again-by-ceo-who-also-explains-why-its-taking-so-long/).

🎮 GTA