All articles tagged with #xbox game studios
Xbox CEO Asha Sharma moved quickly to reshape marketing by hiring two senior leaders: a Publishing & Lifecycle Marketing Leader for Xbox Game Studios and a Senior Product Marketing Manager for a major first-party RPG, signaling a shift toward lifecycle-driven campaigns and franchise-level branding.
Playground Games reveals a new Fable reboot—an open-world RPG distinct from a direct Fable 4—targeting Autumn 2026 release on Xbox Series X/S, PC, and PS5, with the studio stressing a desire to learn and grow beyond its Forza Horizon roots and to give the game its own voice.
An exclusive interview with the head of Xbox Game Studios explains why Developer Direct signals a broader cross‑platform strategy, including Xbox games reaching PS5, and reflects on the hard lessons of 2025 about balancing exclusivity with a wider player base and a growing ecosystem.
Microsoft Store launches a Dev Direct sale with up to 80% off on Xbox Game Studios titles ahead of tomorrow's Xbox Developer Direct showcase; deals run through February 2 and include classics like Alan Wake and Jade Empire, with most titles also available on Game Pass.
Microsoft’s Obsidian RPG Avowed is coming to PS5 on February 17, 2026, priced at $49.99—$20 cheaper than its $69.99 Xbox/PC launch price—with prices aligned across platforms as of January 9. A Premium Edition is $59.99 (with a later $10 upgrade), and the move is aimed at expanding the game’s audience beyond Game Pass.
Avowed, an Xbox Game Studios title, will be released on PS5 on February 17 alongside a free anniversary update that adds new features like New Game Plus, Photo Mode, and new races. This move reflects Xbox's broader strategy of releasing first-party games on PlayStation, challenging traditional platform exclusivity, and is part of a trend that has seen Xbox-published games perform well on PlayStation.
Obsidian Entertainment is releasing a beta for a new turn-based mode in Pillars of Eternity to celebrate its 10th anniversary, allowing players to experience the game with updated combat mechanics on Steam and Xbox PC, with feedback being gathered before a full rollout.
The Outer Worlds 2 is set to launch on October 29, with early access starting October 24 for preorders, offering a highly anticipated sci-fi RPG experience with expanded gameplay and narrative depth, available on multiple platforms including Xbox Series X|S and PC, and included in Xbox Game Pass.
Hideo Kojima revealed the first trailer for his upcoming Xbox Game Studios horror game 'OD,' featuring a spooky atmosphere, notable cast, and developed using Unreal Engine, with a focus on fear and innovation in gameplay and storytelling.
Louise O’Connor, a veteran at Rare and involved in the cancelled Everwild project, has been appointed Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios, following the project's cancellation and company layoffs, including notable departures like Gregg Mayles. Despite the setback, Rare continues to celebrate its 40th anniversary with special events.
Avowed, a role-playing game by Obsidian Entertainment, will be available on Blizzard's Battle.net on its release day, February 18, 2025, marking a first for the platform which previously hosted only Activision Blizzard titles. The game will also launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC, with early access available for preorders of the Premium or Steelbook Editions. This move signifies a new strategy for Xbox Game Studios in cross-promoting games across different platforms.
South of Midnight, an upcoming adventure game from Compulsion Games and Xbox Game Studios, is set to launch in 2025 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The game, which embraces Southern Gothic themes, features a diverse cast and expert storytelling to bring its fantastical world to life. A documentary has been released detailing the game's development, art, and music. Preorders for an art and music bundle are available, though the game's release date is yet to be announced.
Two former Xbox exclusives, Pentiment and Grounded, will soon be available on Nintendo Switch, following Microsoft's announcement of four Xbox exclusives appearing on rival platforms. The names and release dates of the other two games remain unknown. The announcement was made during a Nintendo Direct, which also revealed upcoming titles for the platform, including a new Endless Ocean game, Monster Hunter Stories, and a remake of 2010 Disney hit Epic Mickey. Additionally, the developers of Sonic Mania announced their latest game, Penny's Big Breakaway, a 3D platformer with a 1990s look.
Xbox Game Studios titles Pentiment and Grounded, developed by Obsidian, are officially coming to the Nintendo Switch, marking the first of four Xbox console exclusives reported to be coming to other platforms. Pentiment will be released on February 22, while Grounded is set for April 16. These cross-platform releases follow Microsoft's recent confirmation that four unnamed Xbox exclusives would be coming to other consoles, including the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch.
Phil Spencer will address the recent rumors about Microsoft publishing Xbox first-party games on competing consoles during the Official Xbox Podcast on February 15, alongside Sarah Bond and Matt Booty. Despite speculation, Microsoft has no plans to exit the console business, with Xbox systems remaining a key part of its strategy. Game Pass continues to be a major selling point, with significant subscriber growth. Microsoft's gaming revenue has seen a substantial increase, but the company has also recently laid off 1,900 employees from its gaming teams. The podcast episode is expected to provide updates on the future of Xbox and shed light on the ongoing rumors.