There’s no doubt that with the launch of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Microsoft has finally added one of the year’s best exclusives to Xbox. Initially revealed in 2019, the game’s nearly five-year development cycle has helped produce an incredible title that’s destined to go down in gaming history as a worthy sequel to the 2017 original.
Hellblade 2 is described as a cinematic treat, but many have questioned the game’s development. Many people felt like Ninja Theory wasn’t given enough resources and marketing exposure for their upcoming title. That, combined with Microsoft’s recent closing of multiple studios, led many to doubt the studio’s future. However, Ninja Theory’s studio head, Dom Matthews, has squashed all rumors and given us an in-depth look at Xbox’s support for the studio and its future.
Xbox’s Support For Hellblade 2 Has Taken The Game to The Next...
Hellblade 2 is described as a cinematic treat, but many have questioned the game’s development. Many people felt like Ninja Theory wasn’t given enough resources and marketing exposure for their upcoming title. That, combined with Microsoft’s recent closing of multiple studios, led many to doubt the studio’s future. However, Ninja Theory’s studio head, Dom Matthews, has squashed all rumors and given us an in-depth look at Xbox’s support for the studio and its future.
Xbox’s Support For Hellblade 2 Has Taken The Game to The Next...
- 5/25/2024
- by Dhruv Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
Another day, another discussion surrounding Xbox. What started as an odd decision to bring exclusive titles onto its direct competitor’s platform turned into a full-blown Fallout with the shuttering of three prominent game studios and folding one into Zenimax Online.
Right now, no one understands just what the company’s strategy is. One can only surmise, after all, and for now, people are surmising that Xbox may just be banking on Doom and the Scourge of Hell to bring the organization back from the underworld during the Xbox Summer Showcase.
A Titbit Near the End of an Article Has People Believing That a New Doom Game May Be Coming Soon A new Doom may be Xbox’s last attempt at redeeming itself.
With how Xbox has been acting these past few days, Doom marking its return in all its gory, guitar-shredding, shotgun-wielding glory may just be what the organization...
Right now, no one understands just what the company’s strategy is. One can only surmise, after all, and for now, people are surmising that Xbox may just be banking on Doom and the Scourge of Hell to bring the organization back from the underworld during the Xbox Summer Showcase.
A Titbit Near the End of an Article Has People Believing That a New Doom Game May Be Coming Soon A new Doom may be Xbox’s last attempt at redeeming itself.
With how Xbox has been acting these past few days, Doom marking its return in all its gory, guitar-shredding, shotgun-wielding glory may just be what the organization...
- 5/13/2024
- by Akshit Dangi
- FandomWire
The upset against Microsoft’s Xbox continues to grow every day as the company is seemingly putting in less effort than ever on damage controlling the entire situation. Since it was revealed that 4 beloved gaming studios have been shut down after they were recently acquired by the company, they have been unfortunately delivering statements that while given in good faith, end up coming off as hypocritical.
Microsoft has got rid of 4 beloved game studios
This time around, it is none other than Sarah Bond, the President of Xbox herself, who has directly remarked about the company choosing to shut down the four gaming studios. She has revealed what exactly was the motive behind taking such a step, and why it was deemed necessary at this point.
The Real Reason Why The Game Studios Were Shut Down Tango Gameworks, one of the studios shut down
Appearing in an interview via Bloomberg,...
Microsoft has got rid of 4 beloved game studios
This time around, it is none other than Sarah Bond, the President of Xbox herself, who has directly remarked about the company choosing to shut down the four gaming studios. She has revealed what exactly was the motive behind taking such a step, and why it was deemed necessary at this point.
The Real Reason Why The Game Studios Were Shut Down Tango Gameworks, one of the studios shut down
Appearing in an interview via Bloomberg,...
- 5/11/2024
- by Aaditya Chugh
- FandomWire
Saying Phil Spencer is one of the most disliked people in the gaming community wouldn’t be too much of a stretch currently. Xbox’s decision to shut down multiple beloved studios in a single day, has brought out the wrath of consumers from all corners of the community.
Tango Gameworks, one of the affected studios, was especially beloved by many gamers, as some of its staff were revered creatives in the industry. As players discover more about the faces behind Tango, their anger for Microsoft’s gaming brand only grows.
Xbox Lost Talented Creatives with Tango’s Closure
Phil Spencer isn’t winning any favors as gamers look at Tango’s staff’s credentials.
It was a sad day for many when an e-mail announcement from Xbox head Matt Booty was sent out to a ton of studio staff, stating that Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and Alpha Dog Games (Mighty Doom) would be closed.
Tango Gameworks, one of the affected studios, was especially beloved by many gamers, as some of its staff were revered creatives in the industry. As players discover more about the faces behind Tango, their anger for Microsoft’s gaming brand only grows.
Xbox Lost Talented Creatives with Tango’s Closure
Phil Spencer isn’t winning any favors as gamers look at Tango’s staff’s credentials.
It was a sad day for many when an e-mail announcement from Xbox head Matt Booty was sent out to a ton of studio staff, stating that Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, and Alpha Dog Games (Mighty Doom) would be closed.
- 5/11/2024
- by Vibha Hegde
- FandomWire
The recent closure of multiple Xbox studios, including the critically acclaimed Tango Gameworks, developer of 2023’s beloved Hi-Fi Rush, has leveled an unprecedented amount of outrage towards Microsoft from the games industry at large.
However, what made it worse was the trillion-dollar company’s executives internally telling development teams that they want “smaller games” that bring “prestige and awards” to the company, right after shuttering those four studios. Here’s why this extraneous pursuit will lead to even more studio closures within Xbox.
Xbox’s Demands Go Against Its Actions
Xbox had one prestigious game that accrued lots of awards, and it proceeded to shut down the studio that made it.
Over the past few years, Xbox has been on a spending spree of close to $100 billion. The platform holder has acquired extremely famous names in the industry like Blizzard, Bethesda, Activision, id Software, and many more. Xbox claimed that...
However, what made it worse was the trillion-dollar company’s executives internally telling development teams that they want “smaller games” that bring “prestige and awards” to the company, right after shuttering those four studios. Here’s why this extraneous pursuit will lead to even more studio closures within Xbox.
Xbox’s Demands Go Against Its Actions
Xbox had one prestigious game that accrued lots of awards, and it proceeded to shut down the studio that made it.
Over the past few years, Xbox has been on a spending spree of close to $100 billion. The platform holder has acquired extremely famous names in the industry like Blizzard, Bethesda, Activision, id Software, and many more. Xbox claimed that...
- 5/10/2024
- by Viraaj Bhatnagar
- FandomWire
Arrowhead Game Studios and Sony are still reeling from the Helldivers 2 situation. The fans were able to make their voices heard, ensuring the decision to make linking accounts mandatory was not followed through with and eventually taken away.
Review bombing played a big role in sending their message. Several hundred reviews started to populate the Helldivers 2 page, ruining the average rating and sentiment on the game’s Steam page. Now, players are doing the same for Hi-Fi Rush, but for entirely different reasons!
Fans Use Helldivers 2 Strategy to Save Hi-Fi Rush Hi-Fi Rush fans are taking inspiration from Helldivers 2 players.
The internet has enabled communities to band together and enact change in the world. We saw this in the review bombing of Helldivers 2, which played a part in Sony going back on its decision. So, when gamers heard about the closure of Tango Gameworks, many people wanted to show their support for their hit 2023 game.
Review bombing played a big role in sending their message. Several hundred reviews started to populate the Helldivers 2 page, ruining the average rating and sentiment on the game’s Steam page. Now, players are doing the same for Hi-Fi Rush, but for entirely different reasons!
Fans Use Helldivers 2 Strategy to Save Hi-Fi Rush Hi-Fi Rush fans are taking inspiration from Helldivers 2 players.
The internet has enabled communities to band together and enact change in the world. We saw this in the review bombing of Helldivers 2, which played a part in Sony going back on its decision. So, when gamers heard about the closure of Tango Gameworks, many people wanted to show their support for their hit 2023 game.
- 5/10/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
There’s a lot to criticize in games like Call of Duty, but one of the most enduring complaints is the lack of originality across the titles. At this point, the series is becoming a new iteration of the same multiplayer experience, with a single-player campaign tacked on.
Unfortunately, it seems Xbox might prefer titles such as these, which create a higher impact (revenue), as opposed to smaller projects. The shutting down of various Bethesda might be a sign that the company wants to direct its resources to titles that directly improve its bottom line.
Internal Email Hints at Resource Allocation Towards Projects Such as Call of Duty Is Xbox nuking its own studios for Call of Duty?
Focusing on big projects can improve profits, but more experimental games are placed by the wayside for titles that have mass appeal. An email from Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios,...
Unfortunately, it seems Xbox might prefer titles such as these, which create a higher impact (revenue), as opposed to smaller projects. The shutting down of various Bethesda might be a sign that the company wants to direct its resources to titles that directly improve its bottom line.
Internal Email Hints at Resource Allocation Towards Projects Such as Call of Duty Is Xbox nuking its own studios for Call of Duty?
Focusing on big projects can improve profits, but more experimental games are placed by the wayside for titles that have mass appeal. An email from Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios,...
- 5/10/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
It has been a rather difficult week for Xbox as there have been recent closures of four different studios that were recently acquired during the acquisition of Bethesda. Sadly, after these closures, gamers are now concerned that more studios might close and different IPs will sadly be lost to the wind.
Fortunately, due to a recent email sent by Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios, we now know that these closures weren’t in vain, as they will hopefully be used to increase the number of teams working on already progressing IPs like Fallout and Elder Scrolls.
Xbox Will Be Focusing on Its More Popular Franchises After Its Recent Studio Closures Xbox makes a rough decision as it closes down 4 different studios.
After the recent closures, gamers have been worried that popular franchises that are being worked on within Bethesda’s walls will sadly also get the axe, as...
Fortunately, due to a recent email sent by Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios, we now know that these closures weren’t in vain, as they will hopefully be used to increase the number of teams working on already progressing IPs like Fallout and Elder Scrolls.
Xbox Will Be Focusing on Its More Popular Franchises After Its Recent Studio Closures Xbox makes a rough decision as it closes down 4 different studios.
After the recent closures, gamers have been worried that popular franchises that are being worked on within Bethesda’s walls will sadly also get the axe, as...
- 5/10/2024
- by Liam Magee
- FandomWire
Recently, Xbox decided to shut down developers Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, Arkane Austin, and Tango Gameworks. Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier is also reporting that Xbox is expected to make further studio cuts and consolidations within the coming weeks and months.
This news sent shockwaves through an industry that has become sadly accustomed to reports of layoffs and studio closures. The closures of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks feel particularly baffling. While Arkane Austin’s latest project (Redfall) was a notable disappointment, the studio previously contributed to the development of several highly acclaimed games. Tango Gameworks, meanwhile, most recently released Hi-Fi Rush: one of the best-reviewed games of 2023 and one of the titles that Microsoft decided to port to PlayStation 5 as part of their expanded publishing program.
As many began to ask increasingly angry variations of the question “Why?” Head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty offerred something you could callously call an answer.
This news sent shockwaves through an industry that has become sadly accustomed to reports of layoffs and studio closures. The closures of Arkane Austin and Tango Gameworks feel particularly baffling. While Arkane Austin’s latest project (Redfall) was a notable disappointment, the studio previously contributed to the development of several highly acclaimed games. Tango Gameworks, meanwhile, most recently released Hi-Fi Rush: one of the best-reviewed games of 2023 and one of the titles that Microsoft decided to port to PlayStation 5 as part of their expanded publishing program.
As many began to ask increasingly angry variations of the question “Why?” Head of Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty offerred something you could callously call an answer.
- 5/9/2024
- by Matthew Byrd
- Den of Geek
The past week has been one of the most interesting set of few days that gamers got to witness this year. Not only the PC gaming community was able to put a stop to one of the most controversial moves ever made by Sony, but Microsoft has announced how it is closing down several beloved game studios, putting many fans in disbelief.
Microsoft is shutting down 4 game studios
One of the studios shut down during the lay-off was Tango Gameworks, who were responsible for the famous Hi-Fi Rush title. What makes the situation more infuriating for fans is how a remark made by one of the heads implies there is a need for more games like the one stated here, just a day after choosing to put an end to its developing studio.
Xbox Head Calls For More Titles Like Hi-Fi Rush
The news of the 4 game studios under Xbox...
Microsoft is shutting down 4 game studios
One of the studios shut down during the lay-off was Tango Gameworks, who were responsible for the famous Hi-Fi Rush title. What makes the situation more infuriating for fans is how a remark made by one of the heads implies there is a need for more games like the one stated here, just a day after choosing to put an end to its developing studio.
Xbox Head Calls For More Titles Like Hi-Fi Rush
The news of the 4 game studios under Xbox...
- 5/9/2024
- by Aaditya Chugh
- FandomWire
The recent shutting down of four development studios under Microsoft Gaming has shocked the world even after its historic merger deal of $76 billion with Activision Blizzard and ZeniMax, aka Bethesda. Those were Tango Gameworks, Arcane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Studios. All these studios were a part of ZeniMax Media, which is again a subsidiary company of Xbox Game Studios.
However, all these titles were doing pretty well. Arkane Austin’s Redfall might not have been the best co-op game recently, but the success of Tango Gamework’s Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within is evident in front of us. So, why did Microsoft have to take this harsh decision?
Activision Blizzard is Inadvertently Part of the Reason for the Studio Closures
Xbox President Matt Booty explains the reason for this huge decision.
As per Bloomberg.com, the real reason behind the axing of these studios was the hiring of new people.
However, all these titles were doing pretty well. Arkane Austin’s Redfall might not have been the best co-op game recently, but the success of Tango Gamework’s Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within is evident in front of us. So, why did Microsoft have to take this harsh decision?
Activision Blizzard is Inadvertently Part of the Reason for the Studio Closures
Xbox President Matt Booty explains the reason for this huge decision.
As per Bloomberg.com, the real reason behind the axing of these studios was the hiring of new people.
- 5/9/2024
- by Nilendu Brahma
- FandomWire
Nothing is going well in the Xbox camp. The gaming industry as a whole has been rocked with several rounds of layoffs, leading to many feeling companies are not doing everything in their power to safeguard their employees. Recent news on Microsoft’s front is not going to help change that perception.
More closures are happening, and one studio in particular that has been affected is going to disappoint many gamers. What’s worse, the studio was trying to pitch for a sequel to its game that might never see the light of day.
Xbox Announces Surprising Shutdown of Several Development Studios Xbox has possibly nuked chances for a sequel to this game.
The shutting down of a studio or team is never a good sign. Not only does it signal internal issues with the larger company, but it also means several people would be losing their livelihoods. It also...
More closures are happening, and one studio in particular that has been affected is going to disappoint many gamers. What’s worse, the studio was trying to pitch for a sequel to its game that might never see the light of day.
Xbox Announces Surprising Shutdown of Several Development Studios Xbox has possibly nuked chances for a sequel to this game.
The shutting down of a studio or team is never a good sign. Not only does it signal internal issues with the larger company, but it also means several people would be losing their livelihoods. It also...
- 5/9/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
Redfall‘s studio was one of the many that were announced to be closed down by Microsoft around 24 hours ago.
And, in what seems to be a shocking twist, it looks like the studio staff affected by these shutdowns was still working on its respective games the very day Xbox executive Matt Booty sent his now-infamous email.
Redfall Developers Were Still Working on the Dlc
Say goodbye to the Redfall Dlc.
Nobody was expecting the absolute internet frenzy that went down less than a day ago when Xbox reportedly announced that it would be closing down many of its studios in a move to reprioritize titles and resources.
SUGGESTEDXbox’s Tone Deaf Announcement Speaks Volumes After Closing Four Studios in One Day
One of these studios included Arkane Austin. According to the email that was sent (and shared by IGN),
This studio will close with some members of the team...
And, in what seems to be a shocking twist, it looks like the studio staff affected by these shutdowns was still working on its respective games the very day Xbox executive Matt Booty sent his now-infamous email.
Redfall Developers Were Still Working on the Dlc
Say goodbye to the Redfall Dlc.
Nobody was expecting the absolute internet frenzy that went down less than a day ago when Xbox reportedly announced that it would be closing down many of its studios in a move to reprioritize titles and resources.
SUGGESTEDXbox’s Tone Deaf Announcement Speaks Volumes After Closing Four Studios in One Day
One of these studios included Arkane Austin. According to the email that was sent (and shared by IGN),
This studio will close with some members of the team...
- 5/8/2024
- by Vibha Hegde
- FandomWire
Bethesada announced today huge cuts to Bethesda’s collection of studios. That includes Redfall developer Arkane Austin, as well as The Evil Within and Ghostwire: Tokyo developer Tango Gameworks. Per IGN, the beleaguered Redfall will have its development ceased, thereby not receiving its promised updates, including an offline mode and new character Dlc. Redfall will remain online to play, and Microsoft will provide a “make-good” offer for those who bought the Hero Dlc.
The other Arkane studio, Arkane Lyon, which is currently working on Marvel’s Blade, survived the cuts, as did Machine Games, which is currently working on Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. Bethesda Game Studios also survived the cuts. Doom developer id Software was unaffected.
According to IGN, an email to staff sent by Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, had Microsoft blame the cuts on a “reprioritization of titles and resources”.
“These changes are not...
The other Arkane studio, Arkane Lyon, which is currently working on Marvel’s Blade, survived the cuts, as did Machine Games, which is currently working on Indiana Jones and The Great Circle. Bethesda Game Studios also survived the cuts. Doom developer id Software was unaffected.
According to IGN, an email to staff sent by Matt Booty, head of Xbox Game Studios, had Microsoft blame the cuts on a “reprioritization of titles and resources”.
“These changes are not...
- 5/7/2024
- by Mike Wilson
- bloody-disgusting.com
Jason Schreier, a popular journalist, has just reported that Xbox will be shutting down two major studios that are part of Bethesda. The creators of The Evil Within, Hi-Fi Rush, and Ghostwire Tokyo, Tango Gameworks, will be shutting down. At first, this studio had Shinji Mikami as director.
Arkane Austin will also be closing down. This studio was behind one of the biggest failures in recent years, the co-op PvE called Redfall, which almost had no players at launch. Two additional studios will face dismantling due to their underperformance.
Xbox Will Be Shutting Down Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin Tango Gameworks, responsible for Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush, will be shut down by Xbox.
The industry keeps suffering massive losses. Microsoft has just announced that it will be shutting down various studios from Bethesda/Zenimax Group. Jason Schreier first reported on this development. Matt Booty, director of Xbox Game Studios,...
Arkane Austin will also be closing down. This studio was behind one of the biggest failures in recent years, the co-op PvE called Redfall, which almost had no players at launch. Two additional studios will face dismantling due to their underperformance.
Xbox Will Be Shutting Down Tango Gameworks and Arkane Austin Tango Gameworks, responsible for Ghostwire: Tokyo and Hi-Fi Rush, will be shut down by Xbox.
The industry keeps suffering massive losses. Microsoft has just announced that it will be shutting down various studios from Bethesda/Zenimax Group. Jason Schreier first reported on this development. Matt Booty, director of Xbox Game Studios,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
Thanks to a leaked email from Matt Booty, Xbox will be closing down several studios for good. Arkane Austin is one of these studios; this dev team was responsible for developing Redfall, one of Bethesda’s biggest failures. This live-service title receives almost no attention from the players.
The studio’s closure means no more updates for the game, and the $100-cost Bite Back Edition owners will receive the same amount of credit. The Hero Pass will not be released, so the game will no longer receive any kind of content.
Xbox Is Shutting Down Arkane Austin and Redfall Will Not Receive More Updates Redfall will refund owners of certain edition of the game due to the closure of the studio.
Jason Schreier shared that Xbox has decided to close four Bethesda-owned studios: Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Arkane Austin. Ghostwire: Tokyo, The Evil Within, Hi-Fi Rush,...
The studio’s closure means no more updates for the game, and the $100-cost Bite Back Edition owners will receive the same amount of credit. The Hero Pass will not be released, so the game will no longer receive any kind of content.
Xbox Is Shutting Down Arkane Austin and Redfall Will Not Receive More Updates Redfall will refund owners of certain edition of the game due to the closure of the studio.
Jason Schreier shared that Xbox has decided to close four Bethesda-owned studios: Tango Gameworks, Alpha Dog Games, Roundhouse Games, and Arkane Austin. Ghostwire: Tokyo, The Evil Within, Hi-Fi Rush,...
- 5/7/2024
- by Lucas Lapetina
- FandomWire
A series of high-profile closures have been announced at studios owned by Microsoft, including Redfall developer Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush’s Tango Gameworks.
In yet more grim gaming industry news, Microsoft has announced a series of closures across the studios under its ownership. The studios affected fall under the Bethesda and ZeniMax banners, and include Arkane Austin, which released last year’s vampire shooter Redfall, and Tango Gameworks, the firm behind Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within.
The cuts were announced in an email written by Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty and published by IGN. In it, Booty said the closures were being made in order to “double down” on certain franchises and “identify the opportunities that are best positioned for success.”
As a result, Booty writes, Arkane Austin will be closed, with some staff moved to other studios within Bethesda; development on Redfall will cease as a result.
In yet more grim gaming industry news, Microsoft has announced a series of closures across the studios under its ownership. The studios affected fall under the Bethesda and ZeniMax banners, and include Arkane Austin, which released last year’s vampire shooter Redfall, and Tango Gameworks, the firm behind Hi-Fi Rush and The Evil Within.
The cuts were announced in an email written by Xbox Game Studios boss Matt Booty and published by IGN. In it, Booty said the closures were being made in order to “double down” on certain franchises and “identify the opportunities that are best positioned for success.”
As a result, Booty writes, Arkane Austin will be closed, with some staff moved to other studios within Bethesda; development on Redfall will cease as a result.
- 5/7/2024
- by Ryan Lambie
- Film Stories
The rise and fall are natural happenings in any facet of markets, and the gaming sector has been infested by this a lot recently. From Call of Duty to Halo, the once-admired franchises by fans are loathed, with some hoping developers revisit the roots to make them the fine franchises they once were.
Before falling into the hands of 343 Industries management, Bungie developed and released Halo games, beginning with Combat Evolved, which was also the launch game for the first Xbox console put forth in front of gamers in 2001. Does this mean the franchise should have been in control of Bungie then? Maybe. But we must not forget that the emphasis on quantity has afflicted even the best.
Halo Needs More, And Better, In-Game Content
Bungie initially developed Halo before 343 Industries took over.
Halo isn’t likely to be the victim of the quantity-over-quality plague but has fallen victim...
Before falling into the hands of 343 Industries management, Bungie developed and released Halo games, beginning with Combat Evolved, which was also the launch game for the first Xbox console put forth in front of gamers in 2001. Does this mean the franchise should have been in control of Bungie then? Maybe. But we must not forget that the emphasis on quantity has afflicted even the best.
Halo Needs More, And Better, In-Game Content
Bungie initially developed Halo before 343 Industries took over.
Halo isn’t likely to be the victim of the quantity-over-quality plague but has fallen victim...
- 3/31/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
It’s a new world for Xbox as far as the latest insights from Microsoft executives Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty are concerned. Many fans don’t feel like staying in this new world though. Some even feel like abandoning the console because a few games are reportedly going multi-platform. It isn’t official yet, but they believe they know what games will be on the list.
President Sarah Bond said that Microsoft is focused on “the largest technical leap” in a hardware generation. This might point towards a potential development of a new console. However, it appears several gamers have no interest in what might be the hidden details, if the company has decided to expand its reach by joining hands with other platforms.
Is This Just a Strategy by Xbox That Users Can’t See? Many users are thinking of abandoning Xbox.
Not exactly a ‘boycott Xbox’ campaign,...
President Sarah Bond said that Microsoft is focused on “the largest technical leap” in a hardware generation. This might point towards a potential development of a new console. However, it appears several gamers have no interest in what might be the hidden details, if the company has decided to expand its reach by joining hands with other platforms.
Is This Just a Strategy by Xbox That Users Can’t See? Many users are thinking of abandoning Xbox.
Not exactly a ‘boycott Xbox’ campaign,...
- 2/17/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
We got a fresh idea about how Microsoft is going forward with Xbox after the all-important podcast. This official podcast was joined by none other than the CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, the President of Xbox at Microsoft, Sarah Bond, and the Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios, Matt Booty. The podcast was about the updates in the Xbox business, but the main attraction was the surfacing of four Xbox-exclusive titles on other platforms.
Spencer stated that four Xbox-exclusive titles are going to be cross-platform. As of now, there is no confirmation of which four titles are breaking the tide. But it has been confirmed that two out of those four are community-driven titles, whereas the rest are smaller games. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and take a closer look at all the speculations.
Which Games Will Be No Longer in the Xbox Exclusive Category?...
Spencer stated that four Xbox-exclusive titles are going to be cross-platform. As of now, there is no confirmation of which four titles are breaking the tide. But it has been confirmed that two out of those four are community-driven titles, whereas the rest are smaller games. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in and take a closer look at all the speculations.
Which Games Will Be No Longer in the Xbox Exclusive Category?...
- 2/17/2024
- by Nilendu Brahma
- FandomWire
Exclusive games have been a hot-button topic ever since the Xbox Official Podcast dropped on February 16, 2024, and sent the Microsoft community into a tizzy due to the information shared by Phil Spencer. Microsoft has acquired several companies in the past few years, with Bethesda being one of the bigger studios to come under Microsoft’s wing. With that, gamers knew that some of their favorite franchises, such as The Elder Scrolls and Rage, would become exclusive Xbox titles.
However, it appears the company is now changing its outlook on exclusivity, and we may see some games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation and Switch Users Can’t Enjoy Starfield or Indiana Jones… for Now
Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, announced that four exclusive games would be making their way to other consoles.
Speaking with Tom Warren from The Verge, Phil Spencer discussed the major shifts the leadership has planned...
However, it appears the company is now changing its outlook on exclusivity, and we may see some games on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
PlayStation and Switch Users Can’t Enjoy Starfield or Indiana Jones… for Now
Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox, announced that four exclusive games would be making their way to other consoles.
Speaking with Tom Warren from The Verge, Phil Spencer discussed the major shifts the leadership has planned...
- 2/16/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
The floodgates swung wide open following the latest episode of the Official Xbox Podcast. In this revealing session, Xbox Head Phil Spencer, President Sarah Bond, and Corporate Vice President Matt Booty delved into the company’s vision and roadmap for the imminent future.
One of the biggest news stories was regarding the four mysterious Microsoft first party games that will be released from exclusivity soon to other consoles. While the hints dropped were vague, some diligent fans may have already figured out the titles that will be making the leap across platforms.
What Are the First Party Microsoft Games Coming to Other Platforms?
Xbox fans are scrambling to identify the names of the four games.
According to the official X Xbox account, the games that will be ported include “hidden gems that deserve to be experienced more widely,” as well as some live service games “whose communities will benefit from welcoming even more players.
One of the biggest news stories was regarding the four mysterious Microsoft first party games that will be released from exclusivity soon to other consoles. While the hints dropped were vague, some diligent fans may have already figured out the titles that will be making the leap across platforms.
What Are the First Party Microsoft Games Coming to Other Platforms?
Xbox fans are scrambling to identify the names of the four games.
According to the official X Xbox account, the games that will be ported include “hidden gems that deserve to be experienced more widely,” as well as some live service games “whose communities will benefit from welcoming even more players.
- 2/16/2024
- by Vibha Hegde
- FandomWire
All hell broke loose earlier this month when The Verge broke the story that Xbox was preparing to re-release first-party exclusives on the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. Among the games rumored to go third-party were last year’s biggest Xbox exclusive, Bethesda’s Starfield, and upcoming big-budget action-adventure title Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. There were even rumors that Gears of War, a long-running franchise synonymous with the Xbox brand, would make the jump to the PS5.
This of course sent some in the Xbox community into a panicked frenzy, including a group of Xbox influencers who announced they were quitting the platform altogether and posting pictures of them trading in their Series X. For less dramatic but still concerned fans of the platform, the worry was that by ending the exclusivity of its biggest titles on Xbox consoles, the company was effectively giving up on the Xbox Series...
This of course sent some in the Xbox community into a panicked frenzy, including a group of Xbox influencers who announced they were quitting the platform altogether and posting pictures of them trading in their Series X. For less dramatic but still concerned fans of the platform, the worry was that by ending the exclusivity of its biggest titles on Xbox consoles, the company was effectively giving up on the Xbox Series...
- 2/16/2024
- by John Saavedra
- Den of Geek
The Activision Blizzard deal was a tough nut to crack for Microsoft with all those legal hindrances emerging during the process. But they did crack it and the Call of Duty publishers are now a part of a bigger ecosystem. The company executives including Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, and Matt Booty recently shared some insights during the official Xbox podcast that promise a robust future for the organization’s gaming endeavors.
Alongside it, Xbox President Sarah Bond says they are focused on “delivering the largest technical leap” people have ever witnessed in hardware generation. It could signal the new console that the company might be planning to bring in the future. All of this, from the Activision deal to the latest announcement, will hopefully keep the Microsoft stock (listed as Msft at Nasdaq) away from turbulence.
It’s Been A Tough Competition For Xbox
Xbox Series X/S failed to...
Alongside it, Xbox President Sarah Bond says they are focused on “delivering the largest technical leap” people have ever witnessed in hardware generation. It could signal the new console that the company might be planning to bring in the future. All of this, from the Activision deal to the latest announcement, will hopefully keep the Microsoft stock (listed as Msft at Nasdaq) away from turbulence.
It’s Been A Tough Competition For Xbox
Xbox Series X/S failed to...
- 2/16/2024
- by Anurag Batham
- FandomWire
Xbox had seen a drop in fans after leaks and rumors about Xbox going third-party. But in the latest Xbox Direct, Phil Spencer made it clear that Xbox is not leaving the console business. It is just branching out into the multi-platform video game publishing business as well.
This has been met with manifold angry fan reactions that flooded the gaming communities on X, Reddit, etc. A large part of that anger was however not directed at Xbox or Microsoft Gaming. Instead the apparent ‘leakers’ got most of the blame for turning the Xbox community inside out for the sake of clicks and user engagement.
Fan reactions to the Xbox Direct just went on to show, that fans are starting to come to the conclusion that no leak should be trusted until official confirmation, yet again.
Xbox Direct Puts an End To Fan Speculation
The recently concluded Xbox Direct made one thing certain.
This has been met with manifold angry fan reactions that flooded the gaming communities on X, Reddit, etc. A large part of that anger was however not directed at Xbox or Microsoft Gaming. Instead the apparent ‘leakers’ got most of the blame for turning the Xbox community inside out for the sake of clicks and user engagement.
Fan reactions to the Xbox Direct just went on to show, that fans are starting to come to the conclusion that no leak should be trusted until official confirmation, yet again.
Xbox Direct Puts an End To Fan Speculation
The recently concluded Xbox Direct made one thing certain.
- 2/16/2024
- by Arkaneel Khan
- FandomWire
The special episode of the official Xbox podcast revealed the company’s “vision for the future” and gave fans several updates about its plans regarding first-party exclusives, Game Pass, hardware, and more. It confirmed that the company would be bringing some exclusive titles to other platforms.
One of the main announcements that was made during the podcast was that Xbox Showcase is coming back this June 2024 and will feature major reveals of upcoming games on the platform. This news, although exciting, seems more like an attempt to shift fans’ focus from the exclusive title update.
Xbox Games Showcase Is Set To Return In June 2024
Xbox Games Showcase is announced to return in June 2024.
The first update that fans received at the podcast was that four first-party exclusive titles will be going multi-platform. Phil Spencer did not name any games saying that the developers have plans and the announcements are coming soon.
One of the main announcements that was made during the podcast was that Xbox Showcase is coming back this June 2024 and will feature major reveals of upcoming games on the platform. This news, although exciting, seems more like an attempt to shift fans’ focus from the exclusive title update.
Xbox Games Showcase Is Set To Return In June 2024
Xbox Games Showcase is announced to return in June 2024.
The first update that fans received at the podcast was that four first-party exclusive titles will be going multi-platform. Phil Spencer did not name any games saying that the developers have plans and the announcements are coming soon.
- 2/16/2024
- by Rohit Tiwari
- FandomWire
After weeks of leaks and rumors, Xbox finally cleared things up about its business strategy through a special edition of the Official Xbox Podcast. The podcast featured Phil Spencer, CEO of Microsoft Gaming who was joined by Xbox’s Sarah Bond and Matt Booty who spoke about the console’s exclusivity, the future of hardware, and much more.
The executives had several announcements for the players who were desperately looking for an update from the company. Xbox revealed that it aims to bring more games to a larger audience across the world and announced that it plans to work in that direction, keeping players in mind.
Xbox to Bring More Games for More Players Around the World
Xbox plans to bring more games to a broader audience, probably across platforms.
While talking about the first-party game and Game Pass during the podcast, Matt Booty, said that a lot has changed...
The executives had several announcements for the players who were desperately looking for an update from the company. Xbox revealed that it aims to bring more games to a larger audience across the world and announced that it plans to work in that direction, keeping players in mind.
Xbox to Bring More Games for More Players Around the World
Xbox plans to bring more games to a broader audience, probably across platforms.
While talking about the first-party game and Game Pass during the podcast, Matt Booty, said that a lot has changed...
- 2/16/2024
- by Rohit Tiwari
- FandomWire
The Official Xbox Podcast just concluded as CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer, President of Xbox at Microsoft, Sarah Bond, and Corporate Vice President of Microsoft Studios, Matt Booty spoke in length about the updates on the Xbox business. Phil Spencer revealed and confirmed what was rumored for a while now, that four Xbox-exclusive titles will go over to other consoles.
Spencer stressed that the move to take four exclusive titles to other platforms is not an indication of any changes to the fundamental exclusive strategy. He also stated that the decision was taken for specific reasons which also wasn’t revealed.
Phil Spencer’s comments on the future of Xbox exclusivity
Spencer revealed during the update that four exclusive titles are coming to other consoles, confirming recent rumors. Spencer was asked about the reasoning behind the decision and he went on to say that a lot of major titles...
Spencer stressed that the move to take four exclusive titles to other platforms is not an indication of any changes to the fundamental exclusive strategy. He also stated that the decision was taken for specific reasons which also wasn’t revealed.
Phil Spencer’s comments on the future of Xbox exclusivity
Spencer revealed during the update that four exclusive titles are coming to other consoles, confirming recent rumors. Spencer was asked about the reasoning behind the decision and he went on to say that a lot of major titles...
- 2/15/2024
- by Ayoub Hassan Adur
- FandomWire
The Official Xbox Podcast just dropped their latest episode and there is a lot to talk about for the future of the gaming console. Microsoft has been trying to diversify its kitty, acquiring several companies over the past few years with Activision Blizzard and Bethesda being two of the big names that kept popping up.
With these acquisitions, it was only a matter of time before titles from these companies found their way to Xbox Game Pass. Last year, Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox had said they wouldn’t be on the service until next year, and that time has now arrived.
Xbox Users Will be Able to Enjoy Activision Blizzard Titles Soon with Their Subscription
The Xbox Official Podcast gave us a look at what the company has planned for the future.
Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, Xbox President, and Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios, offered various insights...
With these acquisitions, it was only a matter of time before titles from these companies found their way to Xbox Game Pass. Last year, Phil Spencer, CEO of Xbox had said they wouldn’t be on the service until next year, and that time has now arrived.
Xbox Users Will be Able to Enjoy Activision Blizzard Titles Soon with Their Subscription
The Xbox Official Podcast gave us a look at what the company has planned for the future.
Phil Spencer, Sarah Bond, Xbox President, and Matt Booty, Head of Xbox Game Studios, offered various insights...
- 2/15/2024
- by Sagar Nerala
- FandomWire
On Thursday, Microsoft opened a weeklong hearing that will decide whether its $69 billion bid to purchase video game behemoth Activision Blizzard should be temporarily blocked with a warning: If a federal judge grants the injunction that the Federal Trade Commission is seeking, the deal won’t go through.
“If we can’t close by July 18, and the court enjoins the transaction,” Microsoft’s lead attorney Beth Wilkinson said, “nobody can withstand that and we certainly can’t.” She stressed that siding with the FTC in the case will drag the company into a “three year administrative nightmare” that will doom the deal.
The argument set the stage for a mini trial in federal court in San Francisco between Microsoft and the FTC. The agency in December sued to block the merger, arguing that it will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming. If approved, the deal will marry Microsoft,...
“If we can’t close by July 18, and the court enjoins the transaction,” Microsoft’s lead attorney Beth Wilkinson said, “nobody can withstand that and we certainly can’t.” She stressed that siding with the FTC in the case will drag the company into a “three year administrative nightmare” that will doom the deal.
The argument set the stage for a mini trial in federal court in San Francisco between Microsoft and the FTC. The agency in December sued to block the merger, arguing that it will enable the tech giant to suppress competition in gaming. If approved, the deal will marry Microsoft,...
- 6/23/2023
- by Winston Cho
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
San Francisco, June 18 (Ians) Microsoft is no longer making new games for Xbox One consoles.
Microsoft’s game studio chief Matt Booty told Axios, “We’ve moved on to Gen 9,” referring to the current cycle of hardware.
Booty said that no internal teams are now working on games for the older generation consoles rather than the support for ongoing games like Minecraft.
He also pointed out that Xbox One Gen 8 users can play Gen 9 Microsoft games via the tech giant’s streaming cloud technology.
“That’s how we’re going to maintain support,” Booty said.
In April this year, the company had restricted users from running game emulations on the Xbox Series X and Series S.
Meanwhile, last month, the company had introduced the Xbox Game Pass’s new Friend Referral programme, which lets Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members give up to five friends a free 14-day PC Game Pass trial.
Microsoft’s game studio chief Matt Booty told Axios, “We’ve moved on to Gen 9,” referring to the current cycle of hardware.
Booty said that no internal teams are now working on games for the older generation consoles rather than the support for ongoing games like Minecraft.
He also pointed out that Xbox One Gen 8 users can play Gen 9 Microsoft games via the tech giant’s streaming cloud technology.
“That’s how we’re going to maintain support,” Booty said.
In April this year, the company had restricted users from running game emulations on the Xbox Series X and Series S.
Meanwhile, last month, the company had introduced the Xbox Game Pass’s new Friend Referral programme, which lets Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members give up to five friends a free 14-day PC Game Pass trial.
- 6/18/2023
- by Agency News Desk
- GlamSham
As Microsoft faces legal setbacks to its proposed acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the company’s Xbox games division is still pushing ahead with its in-house studio game releases, including the highly anticipated title Starfield that’s set for a September release date. The space-themed epic will be the first new IP from Bethesda Game Studios, the developer behind hit franchises Fallout and The Elder Scrolls, in 25 years and serve as the studio’s first major work since joining Xbox in 2021 as part of a $7.5 billion acquisition.
Leading Microsoft’s in-house gaming division is Matt Booty, who oversees a portfolio of 23 studios and some of the largest franchises in gaming. The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Booty following the Xbox Games Showcase this weekend to discuss the video game renaissance happening in Hollywood and his thoughts on emerging technology like Ar, VR and cloud gaming.
We love the Hollywood angle here,...
Leading Microsoft’s in-house gaming division is Matt Booty, who oversees a portfolio of 23 studios and some of the largest franchises in gaming. The Hollywood Reporter sat down with Booty following the Xbox Games Showcase this weekend to discuss the video game renaissance happening in Hollywood and his thoughts on emerging technology like Ar, VR and cloud gaming.
We love the Hollywood angle here,...
- 6/15/2023
- by J. Clara Chan
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Matthew Byrd Jan 13, 2020
Microsoft doesn't intend to develop or publish Xbox Series X exclusives for at least the first year or two.
Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios, revealed via an interview with McVuk that the Xbox Series X will not feature any true first-party exclusives for the first couple of years.
“As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices,” Booty says. "We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we’re committed to them with content.”
So what does that mean? Well, it seems that Microsoft Studios intends to ensure that games made by that studio over the next year or two are released on Xbox Series X, current Xbox One platforms,...
Microsoft doesn't intend to develop or publish Xbox Series X exclusives for at least the first year or two.
Matt Booty, the head of Xbox Game Studios, revealed via an interview with McVuk that the Xbox Series X will not feature any true first-party exclusives for the first couple of years.
“As our content comes out over the next year, two years, all of our games, sort of like PC, will play up and down that family of devices,” Booty says. "We want to make sure that if someone invests in Xbox between now and [Series X] that they feel that they made a good investment and that we’re committed to them with content.”
So what does that mean? Well, it seems that Microsoft Studios intends to ensure that games made by that studio over the next year or two are released on Xbox Series X, current Xbox One platforms,...
- 1/13/2020
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd Aug 13, 2019
The Xbox team hint that some of their studios may be allowed to port games to PlayStation and Nintendo.
In an interview with Game Informer, Xbox first-party studio boss Matt Booty was asked whether or not a studio like Double Fine (which was recently acquired by Microsoft) would be allowed to develop for other platforms. His response was surprising.
"I think that the question is less binary about, 'should it be on Switch, should it be on PlayStation?' and more, 'does it make sense for the franchise?'" said Booty. "In other words, is it a kind of game where it would benefit from the network effect of being on a bunch of different platforms, or is it a game where we can best support it by putting resources and making sure that our platforms, things like xCloud and Game Pass and Xbox Live, are really...
The Xbox team hint that some of their studios may be allowed to port games to PlayStation and Nintendo.
In an interview with Game Informer, Xbox first-party studio boss Matt Booty was asked whether or not a studio like Double Fine (which was recently acquired by Microsoft) would be allowed to develop for other platforms. His response was surprising.
"I think that the question is less binary about, 'should it be on Switch, should it be on PlayStation?' and more, 'does it make sense for the franchise?'" said Booty. "In other words, is it a kind of game where it would benefit from the network effect of being on a bunch of different platforms, or is it a game where we can best support it by putting resources and making sure that our platforms, things like xCloud and Game Pass and Xbox Live, are really...
- 8/13/2019
- Den of Geek
Matthew Byrd John Saavedra Nov 10, 2018
Microsoft has acquired Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment and Wasteland studio inXile Entertainment.
Microsoft announced at its X018 event that it has added two hardcore RPG developers to its lineup of first-party studios: Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment (Wasteland). Obsidian and inXile join 11 other studios, including Hellblade developer Ninja Theory, which Microsoft acquired earlier this year.
Along with Microsoft's flagship developers -- Rare, 343, The Coalition, and Mojang -- these latest acquisitions are part of a push by the company to diversify its first-party development branch and offer more games for Xbox consoles as well as Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft Studios vice-president Matt Booty said in a statement: "The 13 distinct and diverse game development teams that form Microsoft Studios are focused on implementing new Microsoft technologies, delivering content for new platforms and services like Xbox Game Pass, and creating exclusive games that turn players into loyal Xbox fans.
Microsoft has acquired Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment and Wasteland studio inXile Entertainment.
Microsoft announced at its X018 event that it has added two hardcore RPG developers to its lineup of first-party studios: Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment (Wasteland). Obsidian and inXile join 11 other studios, including Hellblade developer Ninja Theory, which Microsoft acquired earlier this year.
Along with Microsoft's flagship developers -- Rare, 343, The Coalition, and Mojang -- these latest acquisitions are part of a push by the company to diversify its first-party development branch and offer more games for Xbox consoles as well as Xbox Game Pass.
Microsoft Studios vice-president Matt Booty said in a statement: "The 13 distinct and diverse game development teams that form Microsoft Studios are focused on implementing new Microsoft technologies, delivering content for new platforms and services like Xbox Game Pass, and creating exclusive games that turn players into loyal Xbox fans.
- 10/9/2018
- Den of Geek
Microsoft is investing deeply in gaming as a whole, but that doesn’t mean it’s abandoning its Xbox consoles, just evolving its approach to supporting them and other platforms, head of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty told Variety in a recent interview.
The changes that are reshaping Microsoft’s approach to gaming started last fall when Phil Spencer was promoted to executive vice president of gaming, a move that means he now reports directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
“That sent a message about Microsoft’s conviction to stay in the gaming space and a dedication to put our full resources behind Xbox and gaming,” Booty said.
Gaming is now one of Microsoft’s “six solution areas.” The decision, Spencer tells Variety, came with a challenge to make Microsoft the “global leader in gaming by empowering everyone on the planet to play, watch, communicate, and create together.”
But what does...
The changes that are reshaping Microsoft’s approach to gaming started last fall when Phil Spencer was promoted to executive vice president of gaming, a move that means he now reports directly to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
“That sent a message about Microsoft’s conviction to stay in the gaming space and a dedication to put our full resources behind Xbox and gaming,” Booty said.
Gaming is now one of Microsoft’s “six solution areas.” The decision, Spencer tells Variety, came with a challenge to make Microsoft the “global leader in gaming by empowering everyone on the planet to play, watch, communicate, and create together.”
But what does...
- 6/10/2018
- by Brian Crecente
- Variety Film + TV
Ninja Theory is joining Microsoft Studios, Microsoft’s Phil Spencer announced Sunday during the company’s E3 2018 press conference. Based in the UK, it’s known for action titles like “Enslaved: Odyssey to the West,” “DmC: Devil May Cry,” and “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice.”
“The heritage between Ninja Theory and Xbox is rich, going all the way back to 2000 where our first ever game was ‘Kung Fu Chaos’ for the original Xbox,” said Ninja Theory’s Dom Matthews. “Since then, the Xbox community have shown us incredible support – culminating in the release of ‘Hellblade’ on Xbox One earlier this year. Now our job is to get the gears in motion on new games for Xbox fans. We can’t wait to start sharing with you what we have in mind.”
“The original games we create at Microsoft Studios are some of our biggest assets,” said Matt Booty, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios.
“The heritage between Ninja Theory and Xbox is rich, going all the way back to 2000 where our first ever game was ‘Kung Fu Chaos’ for the original Xbox,” said Ninja Theory’s Dom Matthews. “Since then, the Xbox community have shown us incredible support – culminating in the release of ‘Hellblade’ on Xbox One earlier this year. Now our job is to get the gears in motion on new games for Xbox fans. We can’t wait to start sharing with you what we have in mind.”
“The original games we create at Microsoft Studios are some of our biggest assets,” said Matt Booty, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios.
- 6/10/2018
- by Stefanie Fogel
- Variety Film + TV
Microsoft has acquired “State of Decay” developer Undead Labs, it announced Sunday during its E3 2018 press conference.
Undead Labs is one of five studios teaming up with Microsoft, including “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” developer Ninja Theory and “We Happy Few” developer Compulsion. It has worked closely with Microsoft since 2010, and now it said it’s taking that partnership even further.
“This acquisition signals Microsoft’s and Undead Labs’ commitment to growing the ‘State of Decay’ franchise and continuing to deliver the ultimate zombie survival experiences for fans, both those new to the franchise and those already dedicated to the community. On behalf of Undead Labs and Microsoft, I’d like to thank the fans of the game for giving us the opportunity to continue building the world of ‘State of Decay,” said Undead Labs studio head Jeff Strain in a press release.
“The original games we create at Microsoft Studios...
Undead Labs is one of five studios teaming up with Microsoft, including “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” developer Ninja Theory and “We Happy Few” developer Compulsion. It has worked closely with Microsoft since 2010, and now it said it’s taking that partnership even further.
“This acquisition signals Microsoft’s and Undead Labs’ commitment to growing the ‘State of Decay’ franchise and continuing to deliver the ultimate zombie survival experiences for fans, both those new to the franchise and those already dedicated to the community. On behalf of Undead Labs and Microsoft, I’d like to thank the fans of the game for giving us the opportunity to continue building the world of ‘State of Decay,” said Undead Labs studio head Jeff Strain in a press release.
“The original games we create at Microsoft Studios...
- 6/10/2018
- by Stefanie Fogel
- Variety Film + TV
Former Crystal Dynamics head of studio Darrell Gallagher is joining Microsoft Studios’ executive leadership team, Matt Booty, head of Microsoft Studios, announced Monday on Twitter.
Prior to his new position, Gallagher spent two years with Activision as senior vice president and a decade with Crystal Dynamics, heading up the studio’s 2013 “Tomb Raider” reboot, which focused on survival mechanics and a more grounded, mature story. He’s also worked for Rockstar, Sony, and Thq in various positions in the past.
“Always admired the work you’ve led and excited to have you joining the team. Welcome,” Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, tweeted about the recruitment. Gallagher also tweeted about his excitement to join Microsoft.
While Microsoft isn’t saying much about Gallagher’s role within the company, Microsoft Studios is the company’s video game production wing, responsible for overseeing the development and publishing of first and third-party games for the Xbox and PC.
Prior to his new position, Gallagher spent two years with Activision as senior vice president and a decade with Crystal Dynamics, heading up the studio’s 2013 “Tomb Raider” reboot, which focused on survival mechanics and a more grounded, mature story. He’s also worked for Rockstar, Sony, and Thq in various positions in the past.
“Always admired the work you’ve led and excited to have you joining the team. Welcome,” Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, tweeted about the recruitment. Gallagher also tweeted about his excitement to join Microsoft.
While Microsoft isn’t saying much about Gallagher’s role within the company, Microsoft Studios is the company’s video game production wing, responsible for overseeing the development and publishing of first and third-party games for the Xbox and PC.
- 4/16/2018
- by Blake Hester
- Variety Film + TV
A while back we told you about industry veteran Jeff Strain's formation of his newest company, Undead Labs, whose sole focus will be to create the definitive massively multi-player online zombie game (Mmoz) for console gamers. Today we have even more news and some wicked concept art! Dig it!
From the Press Release
Undead Labs, the premier developer of online world games for console gamers, announced today development of an original zombie-survival franchise in collaboration with Microsoft Corp. Developed by Undead Labs and published by Microsoft Game Studios, the inaugural title will be an open world zombie-survival game scheduled to launch on Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft.
“Undead Labs is thrilled to work directly with Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 players an outstanding zombie-survival franchise,” said Jeff Strain, founder of Undead Labs. “Our mission is to create original online games that truly feel at home on the console platform,...
From the Press Release
Undead Labs, the premier developer of online world games for console gamers, announced today development of an original zombie-survival franchise in collaboration with Microsoft Corp. Developed by Undead Labs and published by Microsoft Game Studios, the inaugural title will be an open world zombie-survival game scheduled to launch on Xbox Live Arcade for the Xbox 360® video game system from Microsoft.
“Undead Labs is thrilled to work directly with Microsoft to bring Xbox 360 players an outstanding zombie-survival franchise,” said Jeff Strain, founder of Undead Labs. “Our mission is to create original online games that truly feel at home on the console platform,...
- 2/3/2011
- by Uncle Creepy
- DreadCentral.com
Microsoft took one more step in their march toward cross-platform mobile gaming over Xbox Live at GamesCom this week. While the services being provided to Windows Phone 7 systems were addressed earlier this year, the complete list of Live-enabled titles that Microsoft unveiled was fresh and extensive, even if names like "Fruit Ninja" and "Star Wars: Battle for Hoth" will be familiar to iPhone users. Check it out after the jump.
"Windows Phone 7 is the launch of a major gaming platform for Microsoft," Mgs general manager of mobile gaming Matt Booty said in a press release. "Just like we’ve done with Xbox 360, our charter is to push the envelope and deliver definitive games that maximize the platform. We will have an incredible lineup of Mgs titles, and that’s just the beginning."
Here's what's coming:
• "3D Brick Breaker Revolution" (Digital Chocolate)
• "Age of Zombies" (Halfbrick)
• "Armor Valley" (Protégé Games)
• "Asphalt...
"Windows Phone 7 is the launch of a major gaming platform for Microsoft," Mgs general manager of mobile gaming Matt Booty said in a press release. "Just like we’ve done with Xbox 360, our charter is to push the envelope and deliver definitive games that maximize the platform. We will have an incredible lineup of Mgs titles, and that’s just the beginning."
Here's what's coming:
• "3D Brick Breaker Revolution" (Digital Chocolate)
• "Age of Zombies" (Halfbrick)
• "Armor Valley" (Protégé Games)
• "Asphalt...
- 8/17/2010
- by Brian Warmoth
- MTV Multiplayer
Microsoft has revealed the launch titles for its upcoming Windows Phone 7, which will be released this Christmas. The new mobile device will feature a games hub that allows players to log in to their Xbox Live accounts and play adapted versions of numerous franchises, such as Splinter Cell: Conviction and Halo: Waypoint. Additional details revealed by Microsoft include the ability for players to transfer their Avatars on to their phones, while the games themselves will feature achievements, leader-boards and multiplayer. Xbox Live vice president Marc Whitten said: "Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach to handheld gaming, utilising Xbox Live, Microsoft Game Studios, leading game publishers, and innovative indie developers, to create powerful, shared experiences for everyone." Microsoft's mobile gaming general manager Matt Booty suggested that Windows (more)...
- 8/17/2010
- by By Liam Martin
- Digital Spy
Today at GamesCon in Cologne, Germany, Microsoft unveiled the first wave of Xbl titles that will appear on Windows Phone 7, and by "first wave" I mean a Tsunami. Soooo many titles! This basically makes your Xbox pocket- and/or purse-friendly as you can manage your lists, play games, download demos or other Dlc, even earn achievement points all while whatever idiot you're talking to (your agent, pr, boy/girlfriend, whatevs) puts you on hold.
Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox Live at Microsoft, said, "We believe that no matter where life takes you, the best in gaming and entertainment should follow. Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach to handheld gaming, utilizing Xbox Live, Microsoft Game Studios, leading game publishers, and innovative indie developers, to create powerful, shared experiences for everyone."
Windows Phone 7 also will be supported by content from Microsoft Game Studios (Mgs), known for providing strong first-party gaming...
Marc Whitten, corporate vice president of Xbox Live at Microsoft, said, "We believe that no matter where life takes you, the best in gaming and entertainment should follow. Windows Phone 7 takes a different approach to handheld gaming, utilizing Xbox Live, Microsoft Game Studios, leading game publishers, and innovative indie developers, to create powerful, shared experiences for everyone."
Windows Phone 7 also will be supported by content from Microsoft Game Studios (Mgs), known for providing strong first-party gaming...
- 8/17/2010
- by CrixLee
- DreadCentral.com
Storm clouds are indeed on the horizon. Technologizer reports that Midway Games filed for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy yesterday.
Chairman, President and CEO Matt Booty called the filing “a difficult but necessary decision,” adding that it buys the company time to figure out how to proceed from here. For now, business continues as usual, and Midway has filed several First Day Motions in hopes of keeping it that way as restructuring takes place.
Midway Games Inc., the creator of the Mortal Kombat video-game series, most recently came out with Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.
Chairman, President and CEO Matt Booty called the filing “a difficult but necessary decision,” adding that it buys the company time to figure out how to proceed from here. For now, business continues as usual, and Midway has filed several First Day Motions in hopes of keeping it that way as restructuring takes place.
Midway Games Inc., the creator of the Mortal Kombat video-game series, most recently came out with Mortal Kombat vs. DC Universe.
- 2/13/2009
- by Glenn Hauman
- Comicmix.com
Around 25% of staff have been dismissed from Midway in cost-reduction measures. The North American publisher released 180 staff from both its Austin and San Diego studios. The Austin studio will also close, with various unannounced projects to be scrapped along with it. CEO Matt Booty insisted that the cuts were for the good of the company. "The actions we took today are intended to preserve the foundation of (more)...
- 12/17/2008
- by By Matthew Reynolds
- Digital Spy
New York -- In its first major move since Sumner Redstone sold a controlling stake, video game company Midway Games unveiled several cutbacks Tuesday, including a 25% staff reduction.
The company behind the "Mortal Kombat" franchise has struggled to create new hits and said the economic downturn has "amplified" its challenges.
Overall, video game sales have remained strong across the industry despite economic woes.
In addition to the layoffs of about 180 employees in its Austin, Chicago and San Diego offices, Midway also is shuttering an Austin studio and suspending development work on unnamed, noncore games that had been scheduled for 2010 and 2011.
In a regulatory filing, Midway said it expects to incur a charge of about $21.7 million in the fourth quarter to account for the streamlining.
"The cost-reduction measures are vital for us to rationalize our operations and provide the resources necessary for our core properties to succeed," Midway president and CEO Matt Booty said.
The company behind the "Mortal Kombat" franchise has struggled to create new hits and said the economic downturn has "amplified" its challenges.
Overall, video game sales have remained strong across the industry despite economic woes.
In addition to the layoffs of about 180 employees in its Austin, Chicago and San Diego offices, Midway also is shuttering an Austin studio and suspending development work on unnamed, noncore games that had been scheduled for 2010 and 2011.
In a regulatory filing, Midway said it expects to incur a charge of about $21.7 million in the fourth quarter to account for the streamlining.
"The cost-reduction measures are vital for us to rationalize our operations and provide the resources necessary for our core properties to succeed," Midway president and CEO Matt Booty said.
- 12/16/2008
- by By Georg Szalai
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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