Microsoft has unexpectedly removed Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 from its July 2026 Xbox Game Pass lineup, despite owning the title through its $69 billion Activision Blizzard acquisition. The game was set to launch on Game Pass on July 21. The sudden removal, without explanation, sparks speculation about potential licensing issues, a common challenge for music-heavy games like THPS 1+2, which features a soundtrack with numerous licensed tracks.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2, despite being published by Activision (owned by Xbox via a $70 billion deal), has been removed from the upcoming Xbox Game Pass titles list without explanation. This move highlights Xbox's confusing Game Pass strategy amid reported subscriber decline following a price hike. The game's removal is puzzling, given its first-party status.
Just days after buying back its independence from Xbox, Compulsion Games, developer of South of Midnight and We Happy Few, is seeking new collaboration opportunities. The studio is open to supporting other projects, indicating a potential shift in its immediate focus. As the gaming industry navigates cost-cutting measures, Compulsion Games' next move is closely watched.
Outer Worlds 2 director Eric Barone addresses the recent Xbox layoffs, reassuring fans about the game's development status. He dispels misinformation circulating online, confirming the project's ongoing progress. The game remains on track despite the industry upheaval.
Obsidian Entertainment director Brandon Adler addresses critics claiming the studio has changed following recent Xbox layoffs, emphasizing the studio's consistent "DNA" despite staff changes. Adler defends the team's composition, noting key leaders worked on iconic titles like The Outer Worlds and New Vegas. The response comes amid uncertainty after Microsoft's widespread layoffs affected several Xbox studios.
Xbox Game Pass subscribers face a significant content shake-up as 10 games depart the service over just three days. This rapid removal affects both Xbox and PC users, impacting the platform's overall gaming catalog depth.
Obsidian Entertainment, fresh from releasing Avowed, Grounded 2 (Early Access), and The Outer Worlds 2, addresses the aftermath of Microsoft's 1,600-strong gaming division layoffs, which saw 50 staff cut from the studio. Despite halted Avowed sequel plans in favor of a new Fallout game under Josh Sawyer's leadership, the studio pushes back against claims of a changed identity. Game Director Adler defends Obsidian's "DNA," emphasizing continuity despite external speculation.
Ryse: Son of Rome, a visually stunning Xbox One launch title, had grand plans to evolve into a franchise rivaling Assassin's Creed, with sequels set in diverse historical settings like the Viking era and Feudal Japan. Despite its short campaign and linear design, the team envisioned open-ended sequels with new mechanics. Unfortunately, the series stalled due to underperformance and a rights dispute between Crytek and Microsoft.
Microsoft has dismissed allegations that the denial of foreign worker visas prompted the recent wave of layoffs affecting Xbox teams. The company asserts that visa issues were not a factor in its decision-making process. This clarification comes amid concerns over the impact of visa policies on the tech and gaming industries.
The Elder Scrolls 6, awaited for over eight years, faces potential delays and development issues due to significant Xbox layoffs affecting Bethesda. Over 50 key Bethesda staff, including veterans, have been let go, sparking fears of replaced talent with cheaper contractors and increased crunch. The game's release, already at least two years away, may suffer further setbacks.
