Id Software, the developer behind the Doom franchise, remains at a staffing level comparable to that of 2016 despite recent layoffs, according to Creative Director Hugo Martin. Following the reduction of 1,600 roles across Microsoft’s gaming division, Martin stated the studio continues to collaborate with id Tech engineers across Frankfurt and MachineGames to maintain its … Read more
Compulsion Games, the Montreal-based developer behind South of Midnight, has officially announced its transition to an independent studio following its tenure under Xbox Game Studios. The developer is now actively seeking new industry partnerships to leverage its team’s technical expertise and creative history, according to a recent statement released by the company on LinkedIn. Compulsion … Read more
Xbox Game Pass is expanding its library with seven new titles arriving between July 13 and July 17. The diverse drop includes the critically acclaimed roguelike Ascend to ZERO, alongside simulation, platforming, and extraction games. These additions span across Xbox consoles and PC, with several titles available via the Ultimate and Premium subscription tiers. The … Read more
The 2002 video game Kelly Slater’s Pro Surfer has gained renewed attention as a viral clip on X (formerly Twitter) highlighted the title’s water rendering technology. According to Time Extension, a 60-second gameplay video posted on July 8, 2026, by the account @Xbox_Nostalgia accrued nearly 5 million views, demonstrating that fluid, 60FPS performance can resonate … Read more
Razer has released the Hammerhead V3 X HyperSpeed earbuds in separate versions specifically for Xbox and PlayStation. These wireless earbuds utilize 2.4GHz Razer HyperSpeed Wireless and Bluetooth 5.3. The specialized HyperSpeed Case serves as both a charger and a wireless receiver, solving the lack of standard Bluetooth audio support on Xbox consoles. Why did Razer … Read more
Human Resources at Bethesda Game Studios (BGS) reportedly ordered the removal of a “Celebration of Service” memorial honoring laid-off employees at the company’s Rockville, Maryland office. According to the official BGS Union social media account, the display was removed shortly after its installation, citing company policies regarding common areas. This incident follows a series of … Read more
Microsoft is shifting its Xbox business strategy away from a subscription-first model toward a renewed focus on hardware, first-party exclusives, and flagship franchises. According to a report from Bloomberg, the company is pivoting from the “Netflix of gaming” approach to bolster console sales and prioritize established revenue-driving brands like Minecraft and the King mobile portfolio. … Read more
Le Mans Ultimate is set to expand its track roster with the US Track Pass, a paid downloadable content package featuring six American circuits. According to publisher Motorsport Games, the first two locations to arrive will be Daytona and Laguna Seca, which are expected to launch alongside the version 1.4 game update. What is included … Read more
Microsoft is developing a “Disc2Digital” feature for Xbox consoles, which will allow players to convert physical game discs into digital entitlements. Sources familiar with the company’s internal plans indicate that the program is currently in testing, potentially paving the way for future hardware releases that may lack built-in optical disc drives. How the Xbox Disc-to-Digital … Read more
Microsoft’s Xbox division has ended its partnership with IO Interactive regarding the development of the online fantasy RPG “Project Fantasy.” While IO Interactive will continue to develop the game independently, the studio confirmed it is making staffing decisions to manage the immediate consequences of losing the external partner. Why is Xbox shifting its investment strategy? … Read more