Xbox is marking its 25th anniversary on Nov. 15 with a series of community-driven updates, curated Game Pass collections, and a global FanFest Tour.
Xbox Ecosystem Shifts Toward Community-Led Customization
According to Xbox, new curated Game Pass collections feature franchises that defined previous generations, including Halo: The Master Chief Collection, Fable Anniversary, Fallout 4, and Psychonauts 2.
Did you know? The Xbox FanFest Tour 2026 is a global operation spanning multiple continents, with stops in Cologne, Tokyo, London, Mexico City, Sydney, and Toronto before concluding its primary run in November.
The Rise of the ‘Creator Economy’ in Live-Service Gaming
Fortnite continues this trend on Aug. 6 by adding Addison Rae to the Icon Series. This collaboration goes beyond a simple skin, introducing “Jam Tracks” and emotes for singles like “Diet Pepsi,” effectively turning the game map into a promotional venue for music artists.
Through a partnership with CurseForge, KRAFTON announced the PUBG: Battlegrounds UGC Contest, which offers a $95,000 total prize pool. The goal is to populate “PUBG: Playgrounds,” a new in-game hub where players discover community-created experiences.
PUBG UGC Prize Structure
| Category | Prize Pool | Top Reward |
|---|---|---|
| Combat | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Survival | $25,000 | $10,000 |
| Creative | $25,000 | $10,000 |
Cross-Media Convergence in Tabletop Gaming
Wizards of the Coast is targeting this overlap with the Secret Lair Commander Deck: Hatsune Miku. This is the first Universes Beyond Secret Lair Commander Deck to feature the virtual singer, signaling a move to attract “vocaloid” and anime fandoms into the Magic: The Gathering ecosystem.
The deck uses a green-white lifegain strategy. According to the official product description, cards such as Archangel of Thune and Mirari’s Wake are designed to make the gameplay feel “joyful, communal and bigger with every verse,” mimicking the experience of a Miku performance.
Pro Tip: For high-demand releases like the Hatsune Miku deck, Wizards of the Coast utilizes a strict 24-hour ordering window. Set alerts for Monday at 9 a.m. PT to avoid missing the cutoff.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the Xbox 25th anniversary?
The official anniversary date is Nov. 15.
How do I get the Xbox 25th Anniversary profile badge?
Players can receive the badge by signing into their Xbox account on a console, PC, or the mobile app. It will remain available through the end of 2026.
What is PUBG: Playgrounds?
It is an upcoming game hub within PUBG: Battlegrounds designed for players to discover and play community-created mods and experiences.
Worth a look