RETROCADE
RETROCADE
A closer look at the open question of whether Xbox understands games, with a wider perspective on players, hardware and arcade culture.
Microsoft CEO Asha Sharma says Xbox is not for sale, while layoffs, studio restructuring and long-term bets fuel ongoing spin-off speculation.
Microsoft’s Xbox Cloud Gaming strategy appears to be shrinking, with TV support ending, stricter Game Pass limits and uncertainty surrounding its dedicated controller.
Microsoft’s latest layoffs have fuelled speculation that World’s Edge cancelled a new Age of Empires project, though the game has not been officially identified.
Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo are resisting gamer lawsuits seeking tariff refunds, arguing customers received consoles at advertised prices without proven losses.
Microsoft will introduce monthly Xbox Game Pass cloud streaming limits in November, with extra hours sold separately and a free ad-supported tier in testing.
Double Fine has regained its intellectual property and publishing rights after leaving Microsoft, while new Kiln updates and Amnesia Fortnight are planned.
Microsoft’s Xbox Series S and X price increases are now clear for the UK and Europe, with the top-end disc model rising by about US$230.
Xbox revenue dropped $1.7 billion over the fiscal year as hardware sales, content revenue, layoffs and higher console prices reshape Microsoft’s gaming strategy.
LinkedIn adds a “seems like AI slop” reporting option while Microsoft expands its AI infrastructure spending and rethinks automated writing tools.
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