Latest Xbox, multi-platform Game News & Updates
☁ Xbox, multi-platform News
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🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformHere’s How To Play Halo: Campaign Evolved With Your Friends Across Xbox, PlayStation, And PC
With Halo: Campaign Evolved's early access period set to kick off on July 23(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/how-to-get-halo-campaign-evolved-early-access/), you may be wondering just how to enable cross-platform play so you and your fellow Spartans can kick grunt butt across PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Well, the process is actually super simple, so let us break it down for you right here. As outlined in a July 22 blog on the Halo Waypoint site(https://www.halowaypoint.com/news/early-access-primer), playing this Halo remake with your friends is easy. All you have to do is know their Gamertag or Username, search for and add it to your Xbox friends list--either on the Xbox site, from the Xbox Game Bar, or in the Xbox mobile app--then add them to your party from the "Cross-Platform Friends" list of the "Play Co-op" menu when they're online. And just like that, you're playing Halo: Campaign Evolved(Campaign Evolved) with your friends on a platform other than an Xbox. Weird times we're living in, but it really is that simple. It's worth noting that you don't get immediate access to Halo: Campaign Evolved's early access just by buying the game. As is customary with these sorts of things, you’ll need to preorder the $70 Premium Edition to get into the early access pool. If you have preordered the $50 Standard Edition, you can upgrade to the Premium Edition to gain early access, but that will run your wallet $20, bringing the total to the Premium Edition price. And if you got it via Xbox Game Pass(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/is-halo-campaign-evolved-on-game-pass/), you can upgrade to the Premium Edition for $20. Preordering either version nets you the Foundry Armory Pack, which comes with legendary looks for Master Chief's iconic Mark V Mjolnir armor. Opting for the Premium Edition comes with some extra goodies, though, such as a digital artbook and short story, as well as the game manual and five additional Master Chief armor skins and six weapon skins. Halo: Campaign Evolved will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on July 28--and it's a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/is-halo-campaign-evolved-on-game-pass/). Be sure to check out the release times(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/halo-campaign-evolved-release-date-and-global-launch-times-revealed/) so you can be ready for when the game officially comes out.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Brings Backwards Compatibility To PC, Starting With Four Classics
Backwards compatibility(https://news.xbox.com/en-us/2026/07/22/xbox-backward-compatibility-on-pc/) is finally coming to PC, with Xbox announcing the initiative with four original Xbox classics now available to download on your desktop or handheld PC of choice. Starting today, you'll be able to download and play Blinx: The Time Sweeper, Fuzion Frenzy, Conker: Live and Reloaded, and Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge on PC. If you own these games already, or are subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, you'll automatically see them in your library via the Xbox app, as well as the option to purchase them if you don't. Xbox says that this is just the start of its backwards-compatibility efforts on PC, with the program still in an early-release phase. The releases come with a variety of enhancements, including 4x resolution scaling, customizable graphics modes, fullscreen and windowed support, language settings, and more. In the future, Xbox says it plans to also introduce Achievements to this selection of games and those that release in the future. Backaward compatibilty on PC is supported on most Windows hardware, including the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X. You'll need to meet the following hardware specifications if you plan to dive into Xbox's storied gaming history: Minimum - GPU:Nvidia GTX 950 or AMD Radeon RX 550 or Intel UHD 770 or Intel Arc A310 - CPU: Min 4 Cores Intel Core i3-8100 or AMD Ryzen 3 1200 or AMD Ryzen™ Z2 A Processor - RAM:8GB - OS:Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions:Latest Version as of January 2026 Recommended - GPU: Radeon RX 68005 or Nvidia GTX 1070 Ti or Intel Arc A770 - CPU: 6 cores and 12 threads Intel Core i5-10400 or AMD Ryzen 5 3600 or AMD Ryzen AI Z2 Extreme - DirectX Version: DirectX12 API, Hardware Feature Level 11 - GPU VRAM:8GB - OS: Windows 11 - Drivers and Versions: Latest Version as of January 2026 Following Sony's announcement that it will end physical disc production(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/sony-confirms-playstation-disc-production-will-end-in-2028/) from 2028, reports have suggested that Xbox is preparing 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 as it plans to ship its next-generation console, Project Helix, without a disc drive
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformMicrosoft is bringing original Xbox games to PC
Microsoft is expanding its Xbox backward compatibility efforts today by bringing original Xbox games to PC. An early preview release will see four classic Xbox games available on PC today, as part of a bigger effort to bring more Xbox console games to PC in the future. The first four games are Blinx: The Time &8230;
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Sales “More Than Doubled” In June 2026 In The US, While PS5 And Switch 2 Dropped
Circana, formerly NPD, has released its latest monthly sales report for the US video game industry, and one key takeaway was that Xbox was the only console platform to grow in sales during the month. Xbox Series X|S unit sales grew by 86% compared to June 2025(https://bsky.app/profile/matpiscatella.bsky.social/post/3mrafirrlwt2s), and June 2026 was the best month so far in 2026 for Xbox Series X|S sales, Circana said. In June 2025, Xbox Series X|S sales were negatively impacted by the price increase that was put into effect in May 2025, Circana's Mat Piscatella added. The Switch 2, meanwhile, saw its unit sales fall by 78% in June 2026(https://bsky.app/profile/matpiscatella.bsky.social/post/3mragh6ffts2m) compared to June 2025. The drop off was expected, of course, because June 2025 was when the Switch 2 launched, and it saw big sales out of the gate that would make a year-over-year comparison difficult. PS5 unit sales in June 2026 fell by 43% compared to June 2025, Piscatella added. In terms of dollar sales, Xbox Series X|S sales more than doubled, Circana said, with Switch 2 hardware spending falling by 79% and PS5 dipping by 19%. Xbox's year-over-year gains in June 2026 were not enough to offset the declines from PlayStation 5 and Switch 2, with total spending on hardware in the US dropping a mighty 62%, falling to $383 million. The Switch 2, despite its lower sales and revenue volume in June 2026 compared to June 2025, was June 2026's best-selling platform ranked by unit and dollar sales. Additionally, the Switch 2 is 2026's best-selling platform overall by those measurements, with PS5 ranking second and Xbox Series X|S third. In terms of game sales, UFC 6 was the No. 1 best-selling game in the US during June 2026(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/top-20-best-selling-games-of-2026-so-far-in-the-us/2900-7514/1), while Resident Evil Requiem remains 2026's best-selling game overall so far(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/top-20-best-selling-games-of-2026-so-far-in-the-us/2900-7514/1).
🎮 PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, Multi-platformNBA 2K27 Cover Athletes Revealed Alongside Roadmap To Launch
!NBA 2K27 Cover Athlete Stars Victor Wembanyama Caitlin Clark Derrick Rose(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/22/8601eff5/nba2k27coverrevealkeyart.jpg.webp) Another year, another NBA 2K game – this year, NBA 2K27 will hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on September 4, with more expensive early access editions giving players the chance to hop in starting August 28. Ahead of the game's launch, 2K has revealed the cover athlete stars alongside a roadmap to launch, so players know what to expect in the coming weeks. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama, who was the NBA's first-ever unanimous Defensive Player of the Year, will be on the cover of the Standard Edition of NBA 2K27; Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, who was the 2024 Kia WNBA Rookie of the Year and three-time WNBA All-Star starter, will be on the cover of the Deluxe Edition of NBA 2K27; and Chicago Bulls point guard Derrick Rose, who was a three-time NBA All-Star player and the youngest MVP in NBA history, will be on the cover of the Ultra Edition of NBA 2K27. You can check out all three NBA 2K27 covers below: The Standard Edition will cost $69.99. The Deluxe Edition and Ultra Edition, both of which grant players early access to the game starting August 28, will cost $99.99 and $149.99, respectively. 2K says the Ultra Edition will be a "limited-time" offering available through September 6. Alongside today's cover athlete reveals, 2K has also released a roadmap to launch for NBA 2K27. Check it out in the image below: !Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/22/9ed053c2/nba2k27announcementroadmap.jpg.webp) - July 28: Gameplay Trailer - August 10: 2K Beats Soundtrack - August 13: Apparel Brand Spotlight - August 18: There's no word on what's happening on this day, but various posters in the image above say to "tune in." - August 28: Early Access - September 4: Official Launch As part of today's reveals, each of the cover athletes shared their thoughts on being on the cover: - Victor Wembanyama: "When you're truly obsessed with basketball, the game doesn't stop when you leave the arena. NBA 2K is the court that never locks up, it's always open whether you're in Paris or San Antonio. It's how you study the game, sharpen your IQ, and live basketball 24/7. To be the face of a game that fuels that hunger for hoops and whose covers immortalize the all-time greats; that’s a dream come true for me.” - Caitlin Clark: "Being on the cover of NBA 2K27 is special because this game reaches fans all over the world. To be the first WNBA player on her own global cover means women's basketball gets to show up on that stage too, and I am proud to be part of that." - Derrick Rose: "It’s crazy looking back at being on the NBA 2K13 cover to now having my own edition for NBA2K27. During my journey, there have been coaches who believed in me, teammates who made me better, and fans who showed up louder than I ever expected. So, this is a chance to inspire young athletes to stay obsessed with the game. To show them that when you put in the countless hours of hard work, it rewards you.” NBA 2K27 launches on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch 2, and PC on September 4. In the meantime, read Game Informer's NBA 2K26 review(https://www.gameinformer.com/review/nba-2k26/putting-it-together). Which cover athlete are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below! !(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entitybrowserthumbnail/public/2026/07/22/b91a8238/nba2k27standardedition.jpg.webp)!(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entitybrowserthumbnail/public/2026/07/22/0af669aa/nba2k27deluxeedition.jpg.webp)!(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/entitybrowserthumbnail/public/2026/07/22/6275b57c/nba2k27ultraedition.jpg.webp)
🎮 PlayStation, Xbox, Multi-platformThe First Witcher 3: Wild Hunt – Songs Of The Past Footage Will Be Revealed During Gamescom's Opening Night Live Stream
!Game Informer News(https://www.gameinformer.com/sites/default/files/styles/bodydefault/public/2026/07/21/f61ff2f9/songs%20of%20the%20past%20key%20art.jpg.webp) In case you missed the announcement a few months ago – and there wasn't much fanfare, so I couldn't blame you – The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is getting a brand new expansion, over a decade after its release(https://gameinformer.com/2026/05/27/the-witcher-3-songs-of-the-past-is-a-new-expansion-starring-geralt-and-it-launches-next). Called Songs of the Past, we don't know much about it yet, other than the fact that it's being developed alongside Fools Theory, the team in charge of the Witcher 1 remake, and that it's coming out in 2027 on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. However, today CD Projekt Red shared(https://bsky.app/profile/thewitcher.com/post/3mr5mopimps2a) that the game's first look will debut at this year's Opening Night Live showcase at Gamescom, which will occur next month on August 25. Held in Cologne, Germany and hosted by Geoff Keighley, Opening Night Live is the games industry's third major showcase, alongside The Game Awards and Summer Game Fest. It's open to the public (though this year is already sold out) and livestreamed around the world. As the name suggests, it's presented at nighttime in Europe, but it occurs during the day in the US, at 11 a.m. PT / 2 p.m. ET / 8 p.m. CEST. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt is widely regarded as one of the best games of the modern generation, with an elaborate open world, memorable side quests, and two major expansions that live up to the base game's standards. Developer CD Projekt Red seemingly moved on after the second expansion, going on to develop Cyberpunk 2077 (spending years patching it) and its Phantom Liberty expansion. We even know that the studio is working on The Witcher 4, starring Geralt's daughter Ciri, and while we don't know for sure, we wouldn't be surprised if Songs of the Past leads into the next mainline entry in some way. Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, one of the directors of The Witcher 3, has since left CD Projekt Red and is now behind The Blood of Dawnwalker, an upcoming vampiric action RPG that shares some DNA with The Witcher games. For more on that, you can check out our exclusive cover story hub(https://gameinformer.com/dawnwalker) for behind-the-scenes details and watch the video above about Tomaszkiewicz's transition from one series to the next.
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Game Pass July 2026 lineup revealed with Halo remake
Xbox announces July Game Pass part 2 games lineup, including Halo: Campaign Evolved and Pokémon dev's action RPG Beast of Reincarnation
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformXbox Game Pass Gets Even More New Games In July
It's that time of the month again, as the second wave of Xbox Game Pass games for July 2026 has been officially revealed. As usual, subscribers can expect several day-one releases, including one of the biggest games of the month, Halo: Campaign Evolved. Microsoft has also dropped a sneak peek at what you can expect in August, as part of the first wave of new arrivals for Game Pass subscribers that month. The day-one launch of Midnight Shift lands on July 22, and in this online co-op detective horror game, players have to work together across randomly generated shifts to investigate their customers. Some of them are normal, some of them are horrific monsters in disguise that want to murder you, and the only way to survive your shift is with teamwork and traps. Released last year, Hell Is Us(https://www.gamespot.com/reviews/hell-is-us-review-devil-in-the-details/1900-6418402/) is a throwback to an age of action-RPGs that refused to hold your hand. Set in a nation that has been left shattered by civil war, players have to master melee combat as they explore the anomalies of Hadea, sharpen their observation skills, and solve a dark mystery at the heart of the game. Full of rewarding exploration and brutal combat, it'll be available through Game Pass starting July 23. The main event this month is Halo: Campaign Evolved(https://www.gamespot.com/games/halo-campaign-evolved/), a complete remake of the original Halo from 2001. Arriving just in time for the 25th anniversary of the franchise, this remake of the original Halo campaign includes upgraded visuals, modernized controls, new co-op missions, and an expanded arsenal of weapons to use in the war against the Covenant. You can also look forward to the day-one launch of the dark fantasy extraction ARPG Mistfall Hunters on July 30, and on July 31, you can build a sprawling pirate haven in Corsair Cove. Looking ahead to next month, Game Freak's Beast of Reincarnation(https://www.gamespot.com/games/beast-of-reincarnation/) kicks off a busy month with a one-person, one-dog adventure that blends real-time and turn-based combat(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/beast-of-reincarnation-has-sekiro-vibes-but-it-wont-beat-you-down/) together. Xbox Game Pass July Wave 2 Additions July 21 The Planet Crafter (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass July 22 Shift at Midnight (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass July 23 Hell is Us (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass July 28 Halo: Campaign Evolved (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass July 30 Mistfall Hunter (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass July 31 Corsair Cove (PC), Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass August 4 Beast of Reincarnation (Cloud, Xbox Series X|S, Handheld, and PC), Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass Heretic + Hexen (Cloud, Console, Handheld, and PC), now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass As a reminder, several more games will exit(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-pass-is-removing-a-lot-more-games-very-soon/) Xbox Game Pass on July 31. In total, eight games will leave, including titles like Whiskerwood and Celeste. The Best Xbox Game Pass Games In 2026 !4499283-game-pass-2025.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4499283-game-pass-2025.jpg?w=1024) !4674631-absolum.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4674631-absolum.jpg?w=1024) !4517812-the-alters.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4517812-the-alters.jpg?w=1024) !4656146-avatar.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4656146-avatar.jpg?w=1024) !4451894-4356216-avowedscreencombatkaixaurip.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4451894-4356216-avowedscreencombatkaixaurip.jpg?w=1024) !4451893-4270078-sse32ac94d7d1d6be7dd015d78f2b52aeb4cc282ed.1920x1080.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4451893-4270078-sse32ac94d7d1d6be7dd015d78f2b52aeb4cc282ed.1920x1080.jpg?w=1024) !4397033-batman-arkham-knight.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4397033-batman-arkham-knight.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-xbox-game-pass-games/2900-4001/)
🟩 Xbox, Multi-platformThe Biggest Critics Of Xbox Game Pass May Be Inside Xbox
Xbox Game Pass used to be hailed as the "best deal" in gaming, but it started to lose its luster following a steep subscription price(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/xbox-game-pass-lost-millions-of-subscribers-after-massive-price-hike-in-2025/) increase several months back--that is still higher than what it used to be even after a decrease(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-pass-gets-price-drop-new-call-of-duty-games-no-longer-included/1100-6539523/)--and shifting membership tiers. Some of Xbox's leaders aren't too high on Game Pass either, especially after it proved to be a disruptive influence on Microsoft's biggest franchise, Call of Duty. According to Bloomberg's Jason Schreier, several people within Xbox see Game Pass as a "detriment" to the video game industry. "There are a lot of people out there in studio leadership within Xbox who absolutely detest Game Pass. They think it has destroyed the value of their games, think it has taken away the value from all games in general and has been a detriment to the games industry in those people's view, because of how it devalues games," Schreier said on the Triple Click podcast(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCwOK61Lf80). That statement was backed up by a former Xbox studio lead, who added that Game Pass had devalued their work. "Giving games away for 'free' in Game Pass from day one sends a message to consumers that the games don't have inherent market value. It almost creates an assumption that these titles could not sell on their own," the source said to 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). "It felt like a race to zero." Another Xbox lead added that while Game Pass was designed to be a stable source of revenue for games in an era where live-service titles dominate, Microsoft's opaque engagement formula made it hard for studios to stay motivated. For a time, Game Pass was a lifeline for studios that would release titles that would often go under the radar of players, but things have changed recently for the subscription's business model. Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown also gave his thoughts on Game Pass(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-pass-was-a-good-idea-but-it-didnt-work-forza-horizon-5-creative-director-says/), saying that while it was a good idea, it failed to reach the lofty subscriber goals that it was aiming for. The biggest shift is that Call of Duty is no longer a day-one launch(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/activision-promotes-call-of-duty-mw4-by-telling-you-its-not-on-game-pass/) through Game Pass, as the service took a bite out of direct sales. Schreier has speculated that Microsoft could make even more changes to the day-one model of Game Pass, especially at a time when Xbox is aiming to become a more profitable arm of the company. A new report also claimed that Game Pass has been an $80 billion gamble(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/microsoft-spent-80-billion-on-its-bet-for-xbox-game-pass-it-did-not-work/) that hasn't panned out the way Microsoft envisioned, and Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has said that decisions by the previous Xbox leadership did not help to grow the service(https://www.gamespot.com/articles/new-xbox-ceo-admits-game-pass-bet-has-not-worked-out/) meaningfully. The Best Xbox Game Pass Games In 2026 !4499283-game-pass-2025.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4499283-game-pass-2025.jpg?w=1024) !4674631-absolum.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4674631-absolum.jpg?w=1024) !4517812-the-alters.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4517812-the-alters.jpg?w=1024) !4656146-avatar.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4656146-avatar.jpg?w=1024) !4451894-4356216-avowedscreencombatkaixaurip.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4451894-4356216-avowedscreencombatkaixaurip.jpg?w=1024) !4451893-4270078-sse32ac94d7d1d6be7dd015d78f2b52aeb4cc282ed.1920x1080.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1585/15855271/4451893-4270078-sse32ac94d7d1d6be7dd015d78f2b52aeb4cc282ed.1920x1080.jpg?w=1024) !4397033-batman-arkham-knight.jpg(https://www.gamespot.com/wp-content/uploads/original/1601/16018044/4397033-batman-arkham-knight.jpg?w=1024) View Images(https://www.gamespot.com/gallery/best-xbox-game-pass-games/2900-4001/)
🟩 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, 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."