Latest Xbox Game News & Updates
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🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformDouble Fine, Ninja Theory, And More Reportedly Trying To Spin Off From Xbox Game Studios
Earlier today, word broke that Microsoft is reportedly planning to close Compulsion Games(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-closing-we-happy-few-south-of-midnight-developer-compulsion-games-report/)--the studio behind South of Midnight(https://www.gamespot.com/games/south-of-midnight/), We Happy Few(https://www.gamespot.com/games/we-happy-few/), and Contrast(https://www.gamespot.com/games/contrast/)--as part of a larger round of layoffs and studio closures(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reportedly-planning-big-layoffs-for-next-month/). Now, there's word that a handful of Xbox Studios' smaller developers are taking some steps to avoid that fate. Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-15/studios-in-microsoft-s-xbox-division-brace-for-closures) is reporting that Compulsion, Double Fine, Ninja Theory, and "several other studios" have started negotiations with Microsoft to spin off their companies from Xbox Studios and avert full studio closures. Potentially, this would give the studios a chance to buy out Microsoft's stake in their companies or allow them to find financial backers who could become the new owners. However, that may not be enough to save every developer at the affected studios. Bloomberg notes that "many employees will likely lose their jobs as a result" of going independent. Consequently, employees at some of the studios have reportedly been cleared to begin looking for other work. It appears this process may be further along at Ninja Theory, with The Verge(https://www.theverge.com/games/950204/xbox-ninja-theory-shutdown-hellblade-senua) reporting Microsoft has already opted to close the studio. The scope of the potential layoffs isn't clear, and there have even been reports that Microsoft is considering spinning off Xbox itself(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-considering-spinning-off-xbox-speeding-up-elder-scrolls-and-fallout-game-releases-report/) into a new standalone company. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently stressed the need for the Xbox gaming division to pull its financial weight(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-wants-xbox-to-start-pulling-its-weight-financially/). Ahead of any big changes to Xbox itself, Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, has left the company(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-studios-boss-is-out-ahead-of-reported-layoffs-and-other-major-changes-to-reset-xbox/) after a 15-year stint with Microsoft. Duncan's chief of staff, Louise O’Connor, is also leaving Xbox.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox is closing down Hellblade creator Ninja Theory
Xbox is closing down Ninja Theory, the studio behind the Hellblade series, a source tells The Verge. Staffers were told on a call on Monday about the closure, but they are hoping the studio will find a buyer. The closure comes as "several" Xbox studios at Microsoft, including Compulsion Games and Double Fine, are in &8230;
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformCompulsion Games And Other Xbox Studios Reportedly At Risk Of Being Shut Down
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2025/04/07/79002c5b/southofmidnightrougarou.jpg.webp) Earlier today, Kotaku(https://kotaku.com/xbox-shuttering-south-of-midnight-peabody-award-compulsion-games-2000706065) reported that South of Midnight developer Compulsion Games may be closing its doors following a report from last week(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/11/report-xbox-preparing-for-significant-layoffs-as-new-ceo-asha-sharma-details-xbox-0) that Xbox is preparing another round of significant layoffs. Although we still have no official confirmation of Compulsion's status, it may not be the only studio at risk of being shuttered. Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-15/studios-in-microsoft-s-xbox-division-brace-for-closures?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTU1NDUzNiwiZXhwIjoxNzgyMTU5MzM2LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR09XOTRLSVAzTE0wMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.qu5M4E4sve-8r60rLe-Xv-LrGJvIGgWiKLxMitTl5A) reports that Compulsion Games, along with other studios, including Hellblade developer Ninja Theory and Psychonauts developer Double Fine, are at risk of being shut down by Xbox. The news comes from sources close to the situation who have not been authorized to speak to the press. According to Bloomberg's sources, each studio is negotiating with Xbox to buy itself back and go independent, though that would result in significant job cuts. Bloomberg also reports that employees at these studios have been made aware of the situation and given permission to look for new work. If true, this information lines up with Kotaku's earlier reports that Compulsion’s leadership is negotiating with Microsoft over the studio’s future; the exact details of this alleged discussion are unknown. Microsoft has not officially confirmed Compulsion’s closure, and the studio has not issued an official statement on the matter. However, some studio employees, such as writer Bijan Stephen(https://bsky.app/profile/bijan.bsky.social/post/3modtgztcks2t) and senior writer Zaire Lanier(https://bsky.app/profile/zeestermeester.bsky.social/post/3modlhhdqzs2q), made social media posts today announcing they are looking for work. Last week, it was reported that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty were planning layoffs. A message penned by the pair(https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/) was sent to staff detailing an “Xbox Reset” to address ongoing issues at the company. Part of this message stated that Xbox “overextended” itself by acquiring so many game studios over the last several years, while acknowledging other challenges such as declining revenue, hardware component shortages, and systems described as "overly complex" and not ready for the years ahead. "For some of you, these realities will be surprising and even frustrating to discover. We won’t succeed by hiding hard truths, nor will we succeed by doing the same thing and expecting different results. Like the ‘everyday wins’ mentality from the first 100 days, we will sprint to make progress against hardware, content, experience, and services together," reads a section of Sharma and Booty's message. Microsoft announced its acquisition of Compulsion Games and Ninja Theory during E3 2018; at the 2019 show, it announced it had purchased Double Fine. Compulsion's most recent release was South of Midnight(https://gameinformer.com/review/south-of-midnight/a-toe-tapping-tapestry), which launched in 2025 to positive reviews. As noted by Kotaku, the studio had announced it was hiring(https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7442511014853533696/) only two months ago for work on a new IP. At the Xbox Games Showcase during Summer Game Fest last week, Ninja Theory announced a new Hellblade game simply titled Senua(https://gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/senua-is-an-action-adventure-game-in-the-hellblade-universe) and billed it as a pure action experience compared to previous entries. Senua is scheduled to launch in 2027. Double Fine launched its multiplayer party game Kiln(https://gameinformer.com/xbox-developer-direct/2026/01/22/double-fine-announces-online-multiplayer-pottery-brawler-kiln) earlier this year, and has shipped 2024's Keeper and 2021's Psychonauts 2 under the Xbox umbrella. Game Informer has contacted Compulsion Games for comment and will update this story should they respond. Keep in mind that this is a developing story and nothing has been confirmed. We'll be keeping an eye on the situation and will update the story as more details become available.
🖥 Xbox, PCXbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
Studio closures are expected as Xbox's new leadership looks for a fresh start.
🖥 Xbox, PCXbox is reportedly closing South of Midnight studio Compulsion Games after bragging about its award-winning developers earlier this year
The shutdown comes just a few days after a report claiming that major layoffs at Xbox were on the way.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox in tumult as key executives leave, South of Midnight studio potentially shutting down
Things are not going well at Xbox, as it loses its Head of Xbox Game Studios and reportedly plans to shut down Compulsion Games.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Closing We Happy Few, South Of Midnight Developer Compulsion Games – Report
Microsoft is reportedly going to close the Canadian developer Compulsion Games, which is known for Contrast, We Happy Few, and South of Midnight. According to Kotaku(https://kotaku.com/xbox-shuttering-south-of-midnight-peabody-award-compulsion-games-2000706065), the cuts could affect more than 90 people. Another report, from Mike Straw of Insider Gaming, said Arkane is also set to be closed(https://x.com/MikeStrawMedia/status/2066555775720243583) as part of Microsoft's "reset" of the Xbox business. GameSpot has contacted Microsoft seeking comment on the reports. Microsoft acquired Compulsion in 2018 and took ownership of Arkane following its buyout of Bethesda owner ZeniMax. Arkane Austin was closed in May 2024. Arkane Lyon, meanwhile, is developing the upcoming Marvel's Blade game. As for Compulsion, the studio's latest release was the highly celebrated, Peabody Award-winning game(https://peabodyawards.com/award-profile/south-of-midnight/) South of Midnight. A recent report said Microsoft will cut staff and potentially close studios in July(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reportedly-planning-big-layoffs-for-next-month/), following the end of the company's fiscal year on June 30. Xbox Games Studios boss Craig Duncan, and his chief of staff, recently left the company(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-studios-boss-is-out-ahead-of-reported-layoffs-and-other-major-changes-to-reset-xbox/). Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, meanwhile, recently made headlines for talking about making changes to Xbox to improve its economic stability(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-boss-wants-xbox-to-start-pulling-its-weight-financially/). In a blog post(https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/) announcing what's to come for Xbox in the next 100 days, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma alluded to major changes, and difficult ones. "For some of you, these realities will be surprising and even frustrating to discover," she told staff. "We won’t succeed by hiding hard truths, nor will we succeed by doing the same thing and expecting different results."
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox turmoil continues with a studio closure and executive departures
Last week, Xbox boss Asha Sharma sent a memo warning of an Xbox "reset" ahead of expected layoffs, and today, Kotaku reported that Xbox plans to shut down Compulsion Games, the studio behind South of Midnight. Since taking over in February, Sharma has made some big decisions, including cutting the price of Xbox Game Pass &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformHalo: Campaign Evolved Release Date And Global Launch Times Revealed
Microsoft's next big game is Halo: Campaign Evolved, which launches at the end of July for Xbox, PlayStation, and PC. Ahead of that, Microsoft has published the official release times for the game, which begins with early access on July 23. Read on to find out exactly when Halo: Campaign Evolved release where you live. The game is having a global launch, Microsoft said, which suggests the game will arrive in all regions at the same time. Halo: Campaign Evolved early access release times July 23 - 8 AM PT - 11 AM ET - 4 PM GMT July 24 - 12 AM JST - 1 AM AEST - 3 AM NZST Halo: Campaign Evolved global release times July 28 - 8 AM PT - 11 AM ET - 4 PM GMT July 29 - 12 AM JST - 1 AM AEST - 3 AM NZST To get the five days of early access, people need to buy the game's $70 Premium edition or the $200 collector's edition--however, the CE is currently sold out(https://shop.xboxgamestudios.com/products/halo-campaign-evolved-collectors-edition). There is no word yet on preloading or the file size for Halo: Campaign Evolved, but keep checking back with GameSpot for more. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DPrm70EK2f0 Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remake of the 2001 original Halo: Combat Evolved, and it's releasing this year for the franchise's 25th anniversary. It's coming to Xbox Series X|S and PC, as well as PlayStation 5, marking the franchise's debut on a PlayStation platform after more than two decades of exclusivity on Xbox. See at Amazon(https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Campaign-Evolved-Standard-PlayStation-5/dp/B0H27DX7HP/https://www.amazon.com/Halo-Campaign-Evolved-Premium-Windows/dp/B0H4MRNRCM/tag=gamespot-preorders-20) In addition to better graphics and updated features, Halo: Campaign Evolved includes Operation: Meteorite, which is a set of three prequel missions. For more, check out GameSpot's Halo: Campaign Evolved buying guide(Campaign Evolved buying guide).
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Game Studios Boss Is Out Ahead Of Reported Layoffs And Other Major Changes To “Reset” Xbox
Craig Duncan, the head of Xbox Game Studios, is leaving the company after 15 years at Microsoft, and so is his chief of staff. The changes come ahead of reported layoffs and possible studio closures at Xbox(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reportedly-planning-big-layoffs-for-next-month/) under the leadership of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, who has vowed to "reset" the Xbox business. Duncan was the longtime studio head at Sea of Thieves developer Rare before he got promoted to overall Head of Xbox Game Studios in November 2024. He took over that position from Matt Booty, who was himself promoted to executive vice president and chief content officer at Xbox. Prior to his tenure at Xbox, Duncan was a development manager and director of product development for Codemasters. He also worked on the executive team at Midway Games until its closure in 2009. He then went to Sumo Digital before starting at Rare in 2011. Duncan's departure from Xbox came just 48 hours after he posted on LinkedIn(https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7471266100387708930/) about how excited he was about the future of Xbox Games Studios and its many upcoming projects. Additionally, Xbox Game Studios chief of staff Louise O'Connor is on the way out from Xbox. She had been with Rare since 1999, starting there as an animator before working up to Head of Animation and then Art Director. She became chief of staff for Xbox Game Studios in August 2025. In a memo to staff obtained by The Game Business(https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/xbox-game-studios-boss-craig-duncan), Duncan said, "I’m proud to say we delivered many flawless launches that drove business success for the company." Addressing O'Connor, Duncan said she "consistently championed the craft and supported our studios with clarity and care." Just recently, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella talked about how Xbox has been struggling for some time and that it is imperative that Microsoft finds a way to "turn Xbox into a sustainable business."(https://www.gamespot.com/?posttype=articles&p=1791631&preview=true&thumbnailid=1791632) In other Xbox news, it was recently reported that Microsoft could spin off Xbox(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-considering-spinning-off-xbox-speeding-up-elder-scrolls-and-fallout-game-releases-report/) and accelerate the development of the next Halo and Fallout games.
🖥 Xbox, Steam Deck, PCIt looks like more handhelds will soon be able to run SteamOS if this MSI Claw gameplay test is anything to go by
A new beta lets the OS run on Intel handhelds.
🖥 Xbox, PCAs Xbox eyes layoffs, Microsoft's CEO says its videogames aren't monetised enough—so it's not the cancelled games or $68.7 billion deals or AI overspending, then
Watch that line go up, up up up up up.