Xbox Game Pass has suffered a significant loss of millions of subscribers following a 50% price hike in fall 2025. The increase, which made the service "too expensive" for many players, was recently reversed in April 2026. This move comes as part of a broader strategy adjustment, including the removal of Call of Duty from the platform.
Steam will no longer sell physical gift cards worldwide due to persistent scam issues, despite efforts to mitigate the problem. Digital gift cards remain available. The move follows a 14-year run for physical cards, introduced in 2012, with digital options added in 2017.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma discusses the industry's hardware cost crisis, suggesting innovative solutions are in the works. Sharma hints at "radically different business models" and possibly a more affordable console by the end of the year. This move could significantly impact the console's accessibility amid rising prices.
Xbox is exploring unconventional business strategies to ensure its next console is more affordable. This move aims to make the upcoming hardware accessible to a broader audience from day one. The approach underscores Xbox's shift towards consumer-centric pricing models.
Xbox Game Pass suffered a massive loss of millions of subscribers following a 50% price hike in October 2025. The significant increase, from a previously undisclosed base price, led to a substantial drop from its 35-38 million subscriber base. This move sparked widespread cancellation, prompting Microsoft to later reduce the price and remove Call of Duty in an effort to recover.
In a surprising twist, Microsoft reverses plans to bring Gears of War: E-Day to PS5, opting for exclusivity to Xbox Series X/S and PC. This move signals a strategic shift under new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma, emphasizing the importance of exclusive content for platform growth. The decision comes after a brief, deleted Walmart PS5 placeholder page sparked speculation.
YouTube has announced a suite of enhanced creator tools tailored for gaming content, aiming to bolster engagement and revenue for creators. These updates include live streaming enhancements, improved monetization options, and analytics refinements. The move underscores YouTube's push to retain its position in the competitive gaming video market.
After months of quiet, Valve has finally provided a narrowed release window for its highly anticipated Steam Machine consoles. The Steam Machine, designed to bring Steam's gaming library into the living room, is now set for a more specific launch timeframe. Gamers eagerly awaiting the platform's expansion can expect more clarity in the coming months.
Wizards of the Coast (WOTC) inadvertently exposed the deadnames of several transgender employees during the Magic: The Gathering Arena union election process, causing emotional distress. Despite an initial apology and correction, the company repeated the mistake during the in-person vote. Employees express feelings of betrayal against the otherwise supportive work environment.
Amazon MGM asserts its rights over future James Bond games, stating it's "too early" to discuss projects despite a "great relationship" with 007 First Light devs IO Interactive. The announcement follows Amazon's 2025 acquisition of Bond rights and IO's successful but publisher-bound First Light. Fans of the thoroughly enjoyable action romp await clarity on potential sequels.
