The THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2026 dropped today with immediate releases, fresh gameplay reveals, and a portfolio-wide sale offering up to 90% off. REANIMAL: The Prisoner DLC launches now on Xbox for $9.99, introducing two new characters and unseen war-torn areas to explore.
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma acknowledged a $1.7 billion revenue drop in Q4 FY26 but insisted the business will return to growth by the end of FY27. Over 200 million new players joined Xbox in the past year, yet hardware sales fell 29% and content revenue declined 5%. Microsoft leadership frames the downturn as a necessary reset for long-term stability.
Ubisoft and Xbox have announced an expanded partnership granting Xbox owners free PC versions of 12 Ubisoft titles via Ubisoft Connect by August 4th. The benefit applies automatically to future Xbox purchases of these games but does not extend to players who buy on PC first.
Forza Horizon 5 creative director Mike Brown says Xbox Game Pass was a well-meaning idea that simply didn't attract enough subscribers to sustain its studio acquisitions. The Clutch developer believes the resulting layoffs are a direct consequence of that shortfall, not villainy from Xbox leadership.
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.
The Elder Scrolls Online faces community fears of entering 'maintenance mode' after Xbox layoffs impacted developer ZeniMax Online. Despite assurances from the team, including Associate Design Director Jason Barnes and Community Manager ZOS_Kevin, that new content is still planned, uncertainties linger. The game's future remains uncertain, with a revised roadmap in the works.
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.
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.
Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag Resynced has landed on Xbox Game Pass, exciting fans of the pirate-infused Assassin's Creed series. This updated version promises enhanced gameplay and visuals. But what specifically sets Resynced apart from its predecessor, and is it a must-play for both newcomers and veterans?
