XBOX Game Pass subscribers are in for a treat this July with the addition of iconic titles like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1 + 2 and The Planet Crafter on July 21. Palworld transitions to its full 1.0 release on July 10, offering an expanded open-world survival experience. A total of 7 new games join the catalog between July 6-21, but 9 games will leave on July 15.
Elder Scrolls Online's Season One launches in two days amidst Xbox's 1600 staff cuts, impacting 12-year-old MMO's development team. The game's roadmap, initially planned 12-14 months ago, will undergo changes post-Season One. Despite assurances the seasonal model isn't a direct response to layoffs, the team faces significant resource challenges.
As Doom: The Dark Ages' Revelations DLC releases today, id Software faces unprecedented turmoil with approximately half of its staff laid off. Xbox's sweeping 3200 job cuts by FY2027 have hit ZeniMax's division hard, including major losses at id Software. The community reacts with a mix of disappointment and unsurprise at the timing, coinciding with the DLC launch.
Xbox Game Pass, a cornerstone of Microsoft's gaming strategy, has drastically underperformed, boasting only 30 million subscribers instead of the projected 77 million. This shortfall, coupled with significant layoffs and studio closures, prompts a reevaluation of the service's model. The future of Xbox's first-party titles on Game Pass hangs in the balance.
Dive into the chilling Feardemic Publisher Sale on the Xbox Store, featuring 35 horror titles with discounts up to 90%. Celebrate the Summerween season with psychological horrors, survival adventures, and more, including standout deals on Bad Cheese, I Hate This Place, and Menace from the Deep.
State of Decay 3, in development for seven years since its 2020 announcement, may not launch on Xbox Game Pass due to Undead Labs' impending transition to new ownership. This development follows Microsoft's layoffs affecting 3,200 staff and the studio's exit from Xbox's control. Fans awaiting the game since its announcement in August 2020 may need to consider alternative access methods.
In the wake of Microsoft's recent layoffs, the company has confirmed that several unannounced Xbox games are among the casualties. These undisclosed titles will not see the light of day as a result of the restructuring. The move underscores the broader impact of the layoffs on Xbox's future portfolio.
Xbox's new CEO has made a startling admission regarding the performance of Game Pass, acknowledging the subscription service's financial struggles. Despite its popularity, Game Pass has yet to yield the anticipated profits, prompting a reevaluation of Xbox's business strategy. This development may impact future game releases and the service's overall direction.
Xbox has announced a significant restructuring, including layoffs and studio closures, impacting several of its development teams. The move affects upcoming titles and signals a shift in the company's gaming strategy. Details on affected studios and projects have been disclosed.
Grand Theft Auto 6's planned release on November 19, with no advance review copies, may disrupt The Game Awards 2026 nominations. As the runaway favorite for Game of the Year, its late review access could lead to underrepresentation in nominations, potentially causing chaos in the awards' voting process. This strategy, including controlled review events, aims to prevent leaks but may impact its recognition at the awards.
