Latest Xbox Game News & Updates
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🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformGTA 5 Joins A Subscription Ahead Of GTA 6 Launch
Ahead of GTA 6's release this November, GTA 5 is now available on a subscription service, and it's Rockstar's own GTA+. The game's single-player campaign is now included with the GTA+ games library, while GTA+ members on PC can now get GTA Online through the games library. Available on PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, GTA+ costs $8/month and includes access to a library of games, as well as a variety of perks. Some of the other games included in the library are Bully, L.A. Noire, and Red Dead Redemption. Games don't always stay forever, though. !(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/GTAOnline.jpg?w=1024) A scene from GTA Online. As for the perks, GTA+ subscribers get an allotment of $GTA 500,000 every month, access to "The Vinewood Club" in GTA Online, a free car each month, and other member benefits that change each month. GTA 5 has been available on Game Pass and PlayStation Plus for periods of time over the years, but it's no longer part of either library. The game keeps selling, too, as it's now passed 230 million units sold(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/top-10-best-selling-video-games-of-all-time/2900-4814/). GTA 6 arrives on November 19 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, but one of the many unanswered questions about the game is what the multiplayer may look like, or how GTA+ may factor in. Rockstar Games will kick off the marketing efforts for GTA 6 this summer, so it may not be much longer until we finally see and learn more about the game.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformNew Xbox Exec Advocates For Something Everyone Hates To Help Save Gaming
Xbox chief strategy officer Matthew Ball believes one way to help revitalize gaming is through something most people do not care for: in-game ads. Speaking to The Game Business(https://www.thegamebusiness.com/p/the-big-matthew-ball-interview-the), Ball said there exists a "two-sided problem" in the modern gaming space. Development costs for many games are now "way too high," and consumers do not want to pay more. Something has got to give, and one possible solution, as Ball sees it, is through advertising. He cited streaming TV as an example here, saying most of the growth for a variety of streaming platforms comes from ad-supported tiers. At the same time, people can still pay money to kill the ads on higher-priced tiers. While ad-based games are already prevalent and popular on mobile, they are less so on console. Finding a solution on console for ad-supported games could be one of the ways the gaming business can return to growth, Ball said. "The question is not can we cram ads in everything. The question is, are there opportunities that allow the people who can’t afford, or wouldn’t try, to have an onboard to our properties and franchises?" he said. Ball went on to say he has nothing to share about Microsoft's plans specifically, but he said companies would be smart to look at advertising to help grow and manage costs. “How do we keep our products affordable? How do we make sure that we can continue to fund outstanding work from our development teams? That’s the goal. It’s not about placing an ad in front of someone so that we can sell, you know, a pizza," he said. Ball previously advocated for more in-game ads(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/pause-screen-ads-may-be-the-future-for-pc-and-console-says-expert/1100-6538447/), saying people should embrace them, or else things may just get worse for developers and consumers alike. "We don’t want layoffs, we don’t want fewer games, we don’t just want the same games … We don’t want price increases. The money needs to come in one way or another," he said. Developers have tried in-game ads before, like with EA Sports UFC 4's pause-screen ads. There was a swift and angry backlash(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/ea-removes-in-game-ads-from-ufc-4-after-backlash/1100-6481859/), and EA removed these ads. Before that, Square Enix launched a gaming platform, Core Online, that allowed people to play games for free in exchange for watching ads, but people didn't embrace it and Square Enix quickly shut it down(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/square-enix-kills-ad-supported-streaming-service/1100-6417195/). Former BioWare veteran Mark Darrah recently said developers can make more money and help the industry become more sustainable by selling product placement(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/product-placement-can-help-save-the-aaa-games-business-former-bioware-dev-says/). “Product placement is a very small part of video games right now compared to movies and television. Maybe it could be a larger part of development. Maybe there are relationships there to be formed," he said. Take-Two boss Strauss Zelnick, meanwhile, has said in-game ads for full-priced games "would seem unfair."(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/in-game-ads-for-full-price-games-would-seem-unfair-gta-6-parent-company-boss-says/1100-6538831/) Ball joined Xbox earlier this year as Chief Strategy Officer as part of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma's new leadership team. He recently said Xbox languished under previous leaders Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/is-xbox-fixable/) and has said he is a "strategic optimist"(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/is-xbox-fixable/) when it comes to trying to fix Xbox. Sharma recently announced plans to "reset" the Xbox business, and this is expected to include more layoffs and possible studio closures in July(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reportedly-planning-big-layoffs-for-next-month/).
🖥 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PCHow to get wheat in Solarpunk
!(https://assetsio.gnwcdn.com/solarpunk-wheat.jpg?width=690&quality=85&format=jpg&auto=webp) Finding Wheat in Solarpunk(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/games/solarpunk) is an essential step toward progressing beyond the bare basics, but you'll see the staple crop show up as a research requirement long before you can actually get it. Wheat doesn't grow on any of the islands you initially have access to, and the merchant doesn't offer it in exchange for item trades. You'll need to establish a decent production line first so you can upgrade your airship, but once you do get that upgrade, you'll have access to enough wheat to start a small farm dedicated only to it. In this guide, we'll show you how to get Wheat in Solarpunk and outline some of the steps you'll need to take before you can harvest it. Read more(https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/solarpunk-how-to-get-wheat)
🖥 Xbox, PCXbox's new chief strategy officer is still a big believer in in-game ads
Matthew Ball predicted a rise in ad-supported gaming before joining Xbox, and he still thinks it's a good idea.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformSeptember Is So Busy For Games That One Of Them Just Got Delayed To Avoid The Others (And GTA 6)
With GTA 6 launching in November, developers are trying to line up their releases in the months before and after it, and that's made September 2026 very busy(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/2026-upcoming-games-release-schedule/1100-6534941/). One September release is now shifting to October due to the pileup of September games. Developer One More Level has announced(https://x.com/ValorMortis/status/2065087751092068529) that Valor Mortis is being delayed from September 24 to October 13 because "September has become absolutely stacked with incredible-looking games." "We want to give Valor Mortis (and your wallet) some room to breathe," the statement went on. The developer said it knew Valor Mortis could be delayed some time ago. However, because it was featured in the Xbox Games Showcase(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-showcase-2026-all-the-biggest-announcements-so-far/), the studio had to show a date it couldn't necessarily commit to because "dates get locked weeks in advance." “When we picked September 24th, it looked like a very, very clear date,” Blake Rochkind, the head of Valor Mortis publisher Lyrical Games told Game File.(https://www.gamefile.news/p/inside-valor-mortis-delay) After Remedy announced during the June 2 State of Play(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-state-of-play-june-2026-all-the-biggest-announcements-and-games/) that Control Resonant would also release on September 24, "We knew were were moving the date for Valor Mortis," he added. One More Level said the 19-day delay also gives the studio even more time to improve the experience. A free demo for Valor Mortis is available now on Steam(https://store.steampowered.com/app/4641840/ValorMortisDemo/). Valor Mortis is a first-person action souls-like. You play as William, a former soldier of Napoleon's army, who rises for the dead to fight monsters. French actor Vincent Cassel plays Napoleon. Valor Mortis is coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. It will also be on Xbox Game Pass at launch. Here are some of the other games releasing in September 2026: - The Blood of Dawnwalker (September 3) - Marvel's Wolverine (September 15) - Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave (September 17) - Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War IV (September 17) - Control Resonant (September 24) - Silent Hill: Townfall (September 24) - Minecraft Dungeons II (September 29)
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformFirst Person Soulslike Valor Mortis Shifts Release Date To October As September Continues To Get Crowded
!Valor Mortis September 24 Release Date First Person Soulslike(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/07/b0858e82/valor01.jpg.webp) Just four days ago, on Sunday, during the 2026 Summer Xbox Games Showcase(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/heres-everything-announced-during-the-2026-summer-xbox-games), Ghostrunner developer One More Level's upcoming first-person Soulslike, Valor Mortis(https://www.gameinformer.com/product/valor-mortis), was announced to launch on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on September 24(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/valor-mortis-is-another-great-looking-game-launching-in-september). Reading the room, the studio announced today it has delayed Valor Mortis to October 13 to avoid the onslaught of September releases, which includes (but is not limited to) The Blood of Dawnwalker(https://www.gameinformer.com/2026/04/28/the-blood-of-dawnwalker-the-vampire-rpg-from-former-witcher-3-and-cyberpunk-2077-devs), Marvel's Wolverine(https://www.gameinformer.com/2026/02/24/marvels-wolverine-officially-gets-september-release-date), Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave(https://www.gameinformer.com/nintendo-direct/2026/06/09/fire-emblem-fortunes-weave-has-four-playable-protagonists-and-a), Control Resonant(https://www.gameinformer.com/2026/06/02/new-control-resonant-trailer-shows-glimpse-of-jesse-faden-and-a-september-release-date), Silent Hill: Townfall(https://www.gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2026/06/02/silent-hill-townfall-arrives-in-september), Onimusha: Way of the Sword(https://www.gameinformer.com/state-of-play/2026/06/02/onimusha-way-of-the-sword-gets-september-release-date-demo-now-live), and more. "Greetings Soldiers, September has become absolutely stacked with incredible looking games," One More Level's statement(https://x.com/ValorMortis/status/2065087751092068529?s=20) on the delay reads. "We knew this was a possibility, but when you're in a Partner Showcase as we were, dates get locked in weeks in advance. We want to give Valor Mortis (and your wallet) some room to breathe. Therefore, we've decided to move our release date to October 13. "In the meantime, we just launched our demo on Steam and have been getting loads of feedback. This new date also gives us even more time to improve the game. Try it out, let us know what you think, and we'll see you in October." If you aren't aware, September has become quite obviously stacked as a result of Fall releases trying to avoid the launch of Grand Theft Auto VI(https://www.gameinformer.com/product/grand-theft-auto-vi) on November 19 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC(https://www.gameinformer.com/2025/11/06/grand-theft-auto-vi-release-date-delayed-to-november-2026). In wanting to avoid November, many studios have found themselves launching their games in the massively crowded September, and though Valor Mortis is the first game delayed because of this, we suspect it won't be the last. Valor Mortis hits PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on October 13. In the meantime, read Game Informer's Valor Mortis hands-on preview(https://www.gameinformer.com/hands-on-preview/2025/08/19/valor-mortis-is-a-first-person-soulslike-from-the-ghostrunner-devs-and) to find out why we're so excited for this Soulslike. Which games are you planning to pick up this September? Let us know in the comments below!
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Doubles Down On Gears Of War: E-Day Exclusivity, Saying It Was Never Discussed For PS5 Despite Evidence Pointing To Otherwise
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/07/ca5a7b7e/gow%20eday%20new%20header.jpg.webp) Ahead of the 2026 Summer Xbox Games Showcase(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/heres-everything-announced-during-the-2026-summer-xbox-games), many assumed Gears of War: E-Day(https://www.gameinformer.com/product/gears-of-war-e-day) would also be coming to PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X/S and PC – prior messaging pointed toward such a release, as did the release of Gears of War: Reloaded on PS5(https://www.gameinformer.com/2025/05/05/gears-of-war-makes-its-playstation-debut-this-summer). But, during the showcase, Xbox revealed that Gears of War: E-Day would be an Xbox console exclusive(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/gears-of-war-e-day-launches-as-a-console-exclusive-on-xbox-series-xs), launching on Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 6. In the days since that announcement, a lot of confusion has arisen from the decision. The Verge reporter Tom Warren(https://x.com/tomwarren/status/2064093791481389069?s=20) and Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-10/xbox-plans-significant-layoffs-as-it-transforms-under-new-ceo-asha-sharma?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTEyNDkwOCwiZXhwIjoxNzgxNzI5NzA4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR0ZPUU5LSVAzUlYwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.cjHY4m0BuOULFpdYUKt2jmNBt-PDLWE6Vy-JsYLWvwI&leadSource=uverify%20wall)have reported that sources tell them Gears of War: E-Day was, in fact, going to come to PS5, but in a somewhat last-minute decision (the timing of which has been the subject of great debate), Xbox CEO Asha Sharma(https://gameinformer.com/2026/06/11/report-xbox-preparing-for-significant-layoffs-as-new-ceo-asha-sharma-details-xbox-0) decided to make the game an Xbox console exclusive. Vice president of Xbox games marketing Aaron Greenberg responded to Warren on X(https://x.com/aarongreenberg/status/2064109955117158455?s=20), stating, "Hey Tom, I can confirm this the last-minute decision is not true. We just limited the knowledge of this news to a very small internal group. Intention was to share this news first with our players and everyone watching showcase." In that same X discussion, Warren references an official Xbox podcast with the Gears of War: E-Day key art and the PS5 logo visible at the bottom, suggesting it was perhaps set to launch on the competitor platform, as noted by Eurogamer(https://www.eurogamer.net/gears-of-war-e-day-video-taken-down-ps5-logo-exclusive). You can see it in the image from Warren below: !Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/11/8024d83b/xboxpodcast.jpg.webp) There's also the PEGI rating for Gears of War: E-Day on PS5 that went live before the showcase, as caught by Eurogamer(https://www.eurogamer.net/gears-of-war-e-day-release-platform-skipping-ps5-rumour) (though the PEGI ratings board(https://pegi.info/search-pegi?q=e-day&op=Search&age%5B%5D=&descriptor%5B%5D=&publisher=&platform%5B%5D=&releaseyear%5B%5D=&page=1&formbuildid=form-vAEgGTaBhclyr2g6hD7YYSop1rW39ws6Z3DurDjB2Ho&formid=pegisearchform) has since updated it to reflect just Xbox Series X/S and PC), as well as a Walmart listing for a PS5 version of the game, as reported by IGN(https://www.ign.com/articles/gears-of-war-e-day-ps5-placeholder-listing-appears-online-as-xbox-games-showcase-looms). Of course, PEGI and Walmart are not part of Xbox, so these listings could have just been mistakes or guesses. In a new interview with Eurogamer(https://www.eurogamer.net/gears-of-war-e-day-ps5-snub-smaller-audience-interview), however, studio heads at Gears of War: E-Day developer The Coalition(https://www.gameinformer.com/preview/2026/06/10/more-insight-into-the-coalitions-hopeful-return-to-form) indicate that the team never publicly discussed releasing the game on PlayStation 5. "We never talked about it going to PS5," studio creative director Matt Searcy told the publication. Studio brand director Nicole Fawcette added, "It was never changed." Searcy continued, "I would say that Gears as an exclusive makes a ton of sense. It's kind of an honor, and exciting, to be one of the Xbox flagship titles." So today, it's a bit of he-said, she-said. Some evidence points to a PS5 version of the game, including Giant Bomb president and co-owner Jeff Grubb saying on Bluesky(https://bsky.app/profile/grubb.wtf/post/3mnps3tzbes2b), "So yeah, there's a basically finished version of Gears for PlayStation sitting on a drive." But official Xbox messaging indicates otherwise. Nonetheless, Gears of War: E-Day will launch as an Xbox console exclusive on Xbox Series X/S and PC on October 6(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/gears-of-war-e-day-launches-as-a-console-exclusive-on-xbox-series-xs). Sources: Eurogamer(https://www.eurogamer.net/gears-of-war-e-day-ps5-snub-smaller-audience-interview), IGN(https://www.ign.com/articles/gears-of-war-e-day-ps5-placeholder-listing-appears-online-as-xbox-games-showcase-looms), The Verge(https://x.com/tomwarren/status/2064093791481389069?s=20), Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-10/xbox-plans-significant-layoffs-as-it-transforms-under-new-ceo-asha-sharma?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTEyNDkwOCwiZXhwIjoxNzgxNzI5NzA4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR0ZPUU5LSVAzUlYwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.cjHY4m0BuOULFpdYUKt2jmNBt-PDLWE6Vy-JsYLWvwI&leadSource=uverify%20wall), Giant Bomb(https://bsky.app/profile/grubb.wtf/post/3mnps3tzbes2b) Where are you playing Gears of War: E-Day on launch day? Let us know in the comments below!
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformReport: Xbox Preparing For Significant Layoffs As New CEO Asha Sharma Details 'Xbox Reset'
!Microsoft Gaming Xbox Series X/S CEO Asha Sharma Layoffs(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/06/11/b14c2ec5/Xbox%20New%20Logo.jpg.webp) Microsoft has laid off thousands of workers over the past few years(https://www.gameinformer.com/2025/07/02/microsoft-lays-off-thousands-of-employees-cancels-perfect-dark-everwild-and-more-xbox) to correct its financial spreadsheets, but "significant layoffs" are on the way for Xbox as part of new CEO Asha Sharma's "Xbox Reset," according to a new report from Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-10/xbox-plans-significant-layoffs-as-it-transforms-under-new-ceo-asha-sharma?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTEyNDkwOCwiZXhwIjoxNzgxNzI5NzA4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR0ZPUU5LSVAzUlYwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.cjHY4m0BuOULFpdYUKt2jmNBt-PDLWE6Vy-JsYLWvwI&leadSource=uverify%20wall). In a new Xbox Wire blog post(https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/) that is a copy-paste of an email sent to Xbox employees globally, Sharma and Xbox chief content officer Matt Booty(https://www.gameinformer.com/interview/2026/06/10/xboxs-matt-booty-talks-bringing-back-exclusivity-lessons-learned-and-the) discuss problems facing Xbox's future and plans to course-correct. Though she doesn't mention layoffs, the messaging in this joint post seems to signal the layoffs Bloomberg reports are incoming, according to its sources within the company. Bloomberg reports that, though the exact scale of the layoffs is unclear, they are expected to occur after the close of Microsoft's fiscal year on June 30, alongside significantly slashed budgets for marketing and other areas of the Xbox business. Sharma and Booty say the company will end its fiscal year "at about a 3% accountability margin, down year-over-year," with an annual revenue decline of nearly half a billion during that time alongside a $20 billion spend in ongoing investments in "content, platform, and hardware subsidy," excluding Activision Blizzard King. Critically, a 3% accountability margin means that for every $100 Xbox makes, it keeps $3 as profit, as noted by Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier over on Bluesky(https://bsky.app/profile/jasonschreier.bsky.social/post/3mny4t2sw422x). Sharma and Booty's email reads, "Going forward, this cannot continue." In that same email-now-Xbox-Wire-blog-post, Sharma and Booty indicate that Xbox overextended itself during its acquisition spree this generation, potentially hinting at studio closures to course-correct. "We expanded our studio system when we needed a pipeline of content to meet multiple strategies across subscription, streaming, and devices editor's note: Xbox has made clear it is pivoting away from recent "This is an Xbox" marking to return to exclusivity and a focus on Xbox-developed hardware," it reads. "In the process, we have found ourselves overextended as we executed on changing strategies in a landscape of more readily available content. We are the fortunate stewards of industry-defining franchises that have enormous potential and player demand, but we have not adequately funded them to compete and win. At the same time, as we saw this past weekend at the 2026 Summer Xbox Games Showcase(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/heres-everything-announced-during-the-2026-summer-xbox-games), a reliable pipeline of first-and third-party exclusives and new IP is critical to our success. We need to reassess the balance between these and our investment priorities for the next 5 years." The Verge(https://www.theverge.com/games/948142/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-reset-asha-sharma)reports that its sources suggest the planned layoffs and budget slashes could include a studio closure. Elsewhere in the post, Sharma and Booty write about the cost of console storage components, which has risen to five times their cost two years ago, and how Xbox needs a new business model and partnerships for hardware, "as we remain committed to Project Helix(https://www.gameinformer.com/2026/03/12/xbox-shares-new-hardware-details-for-next-generation-console-project-helix)." The two also write that Xbox's current platform infrastructure "is not built for the battle ahead," with systems too complex and reliant on vendor dependencies to be as efficient as they feel the company needs to be. !Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/03/05/df6eb24e/project-helix-logo.jpg.webp) "Now we start the next 100 days. It is important to have both optimism and realism as we work to reset the business," the blog post reads. In its final paragraphs, Sharma and Booty write, "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 results. Like the 'everyday wins' mentality from the first 100 days, we will sprint to make progress against hardware, content, experience, and services together." This Xbox Wire blog post comes just days after Xbox's big SGF-related showcase(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/heres-everything-announced-during-the-2026-summer-xbox-games), where it revealed that Gears of War: E-Day(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/gears-of-war-e-day-launches-as-a-console-exclusive-on-xbox-series-xs) and Clockwork Revolution will be Xbox console-exclusive(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/clockwork-revolution-coming-in-2027-as-xbox-console-exclusive) titles, alongside a new look at Fable(https://www.gameinformer.com/xbox-games-showcase/2026/06/07/new-fable-footage-reveals-its-villain-isabel-hero-of-wraithmarsh), which will launch on PlayStation 5 as well as Xbox. We also interviewed Matt Booty at Summer Game Fest Play Days to discuss the current state of Xbox, which you can read here(https://gameinformer.com/interview/2026/06/10/xboxs-matt-booty-talks-bringing-back-exclusivity-lessons-learned-and-the). Source: Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-10/xbox-plans-significant-layoffs-as-it-transforms-under-new-ceo-asha-sharma?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTEyNDkwOCwiZXhwIjoxNzgxNzI5NzA4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR0ZPUU5LSVAzUlYwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.cjHY4m0BuOULFpdYUKt2jmNBt-PDLWE6Vy-JsYLWvwI&leadSource=uverify%20wall), The Verge(https://www.theverge.com/games/948142/microsoft-xbox-layoffs-reset-asha-sharma)
🖥 Xbox, PC, Multi-platformEpic Games Store's new free PC games include a Warhammer 40K favorite
The Epic Games Store has a selection of free PC games that changes every week. The latest free offerings will be available until June 18.
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformHalo Trailer Was Supposed To Be At State Of Play, Then Microsoft Pulled It – Report
A Halo trailer was supposed to air during the recent PlayStation State of Play event(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/playstation-state-of-play-june-2026-all-the-biggest-announcements-and-games/), but Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and her team decided to yank it, according to a report. This potentially damaged the relationship between Xbox and PlayStation, sources told Bloomberg(https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2026-06-10/xbox-plans-significant-layoffs-as-it-transforms-under-new-ceo-asha-sharma?accessToken=eyJhbGciOiJIUzI1NiIsInR5cCI6IkpXVCJ9.eyJzb3VyY2UiOiJTdWJzY3JpYmVyR2lmdGVkQXJ0aWNsZSIsImlhdCI6MTc4MTEyNDkwOCwiZXhwIjoxNzgxNzI5NzA4LCJhcnRpY2xlSWQiOiJUR0ZPUU5LSVAzUlYwMCIsImJjb25uZWN0SWQiOiJCMUVBQkI5NjQ2QUM0REZFQTJBRkI4MjI1MzgyQTJFQSJ9.cjHY4m0BuOULFpdYUKt2jmNBt-PDLWE6Vy-JsYLWvwI&leadSource=uverify%20wall). The story didn't have any further information about the Halo trailer, but it was likely a video for Halo: Campaign Evolved, which releases this July. Microsoft and Sony subsequently released a trailer for the game featuring footage captured on PlayStation 5 Pro(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2m4Xhk2UE). Fans are theorizing that this was the trailer meant for State of Play, but that is not confirmed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wn2m4Xhk2UE In any event, Campaign Evolved represents the Halo franchise's debut on a PlayStation platform. It may also not be the last, as Microsoft previously said the future of Halo is on PlayStation(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-games-will-be-on-playstation-going-forward-says-microsoft/1100-6535712/) and that Halo being on PlayStation is good for the brand and players(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-on-ps5-is-a-win-for-the-future-of-halo-dev-says/1100-6535726/). Campaign Evolved is still coming to PS5 because Microsoft already committed to releasing it there, and the company has said it will honor existing agreements. However, it remains to be seen if Microsoft will release whatever Halo game comes next on PlayStation, now that Sharma is leading Xbox and has promised at least two "signature" Xbox console exclusives each year(https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/06/10/next-100-days-xbox-reset/). The Bloomberg report also backed up the claim that a PS5 edition of Gears of War: E-Day was in the works and planned for release until Sharma decided to cancel it(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-denies-that-gears-of-war-e-day-skipping-ps5-was-last-minute-decision-but-no-one-believes-that/). The report added that "many" Xbox employees were surprised. These details came to light as part of a wider report detailing layoffs at Xbox that are expected to come in July(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-reportedly-planning-big-layoffs-for-next-month/). It's also been reported that Microsoft might close at least one Xbox studio, but it remains to be seen which one. In a memo to staff, Sharma alluded to forthcoming changes to the Xbox studio system. "We expanded our studio system when we needed a pipeline of content to meet multiple strategies across subscription, streaming, and devices. In the process, we have found ourselves over extended as we executed on changing strategies in a landscape of more readily available content," she said. These changes are coming as Sharma takes steps to "reset the business."
🖥 Xbox, PCXbox CCO Matt Booty says he's seen The Elder Scrolls 6, 'it looks amazing, and it's coming along well'
I want to believe.
🖥 Xbox, PCXbox speedruns 'we're so back' to 'it's so over' pipeline at a speed previously thought impossible
More layoffs are on the way, framed as a "reset" for a brighter future.