Xbox

Xbox confirmed on Twitter that its disc-to-digital feature is now available to all users, TheGamer reported on Sep 30, 2026. TheGamer says the feature, which Xbox began rolling out earlier in 2026, had previously been limited to Insiders. The publication reports the feature lets owners back up physical Xbox games by claiming their digital licenses. TheGamer did not provide additional detail about eligibility, pricing, or regional limits.

Polygon reports Xbox's disc-to-digital feature is in a testing phase and that Sega has joined the program. Polygon says the test is currently available only to participants in the Xbox Insiders program. Polygon reports Microsoft is using the Insiders test to gather feedback and push updates before a public release. Polygon's article does not provide a public release date for the feature.

Eurogamer reports Double Fine will release Thank You Bus Driver on 14 October via Steam, GOG and Itch.io. The site says this is the studio's first game since splitting from former owner Xbox earlier this summer. Eurogamer describes the game as a black-and-white 'chaotic bus driving' comedy simulation that was announced mere weeks ago. The report says players must take passengers to destinations within a time limit and that the game includes an unexpected 'Paper, Please' dash to its gameplay.

Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella told the Sources Podcast that Xbox needs to "invent the right sustainable business model," and GamesIndustry.biz reported he described streamlining by new Xbox chief Asha Sharma as "great to see." GamesIndustry.biz reported that Nadella said those streamlining actions have resulted in "thousands losing their jobs" and studios facing closure. Nadella told the podcast he feels "fantastic" about Xbox's studios and IP portfolio and said he expects Xbox to "return to growth" in the 2027/28 fiscal year, as reported by GamesIndustry.biz.

Polygon reported that Xbox "almost spoiled the best time of year for games." The article, published Sep 27, 2026, was written by Oli Welsh and described the period as "a weird, sad week for Xbox fans." Polygon also wrote that "great games just refuse to be killed." The article includes an image credited to Bandai Namco Aces/Bandai Namco Entertainment.

Former Elder Scrolls designer Kurt Kuhlmann told the FRVR Podcast that he does not know whether Todd Howard would want to recreate the Fallout: New Vegas situation for The Elder Scrolls, PC Gamer reported on 26 September 2026. Kuhlmann said Fallout: New Vegas created a perception that some people believe Obsidian should handle Fallout, reporting the phrasing 'Who makes a better Fallout game? ... why don’t they just get Fallout altogether.' He also described Todd Howard as 'very protective' of The Elder Scrolls based on his time at Bethesda. The remarks were reported by PC Gamer following Kuhlmann’s podcast appearance.

GameRant reports Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella issued an official statement on the future of Xbox and, speaking on a podcast, said he feels "fantastic" about Xbox. The remarks were reported by GameRant as coming in the wake of another round of layoffs at Xbox. The GameRant piece was published Sep 26, 2026 and attributed to author Cameron Swan. The report presents the podcast remark and the post-layoff context but does not, in the cited excerpt, detail specific operational plans or timelines for Xbox.

TheGamer reported on September 26, 2026 that Xbox laid off thousands and that Microsoft’s CEO described the reductions as “streamlining” and said it was “great to see.” The article was published by James Lucas, Executive Editor at TheGamer. TheGamer’s headline described the CEO’s reaction as “disturbingly gleeful.” The report presents the quoted language alongside coverage of the workforce reductions.

Team Jade’s free-to-play shooter Delta Force will start a second-anniversary celebration on September 26, 2026, that includes daily tasks granting up to 3,900 limited-time Delta Tickets and a new legendary AUG appearance called Golden State, IGN reports. IGN says the developer presented a roadmap that bundles anniversary rewards with a suite of new gameplay experiences and quality-of-life improvements. The report notes Team Jade has been incorporating two years of player feedback as the game has expanded since its initial PC launch and arrival on mobile and Xbox Series X|S. IGN does not list full specifics or schedules for the promised new modes and improvements in the report.

GameRant reports Xbox Game Pass will add Thronefall on November 11. The same GameRant story says Thronefall will make its debut on Xbox Series X/S on that date. GameRant describes Thronefall as a minimalist strategy game. The report was published by GameRant on September 25, 2026.

TheGamer published an article on Sep 25, 2026 reporting that games journalists do not have an anti‑Xbox bias. The piece was written by James Lucas, identified in the article as an Executive Editor at TheGamer. Lucas's author bio in the publication states he has worked in professional journalism since 2018 and has bylines in IGN, NME, GaymingMag, and VG247. The published item includes a labelled "fact-based summary of the story contents."

Shannon Loftis, a former Microsoft director and contributor to the Age of Empires series, posted criticism of Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s leadership approach in social posts Insider Gaming reports were later deleted. Insider Gaming quotes a LinkedIn post from Loftis saying she was "Crushed to hear the news from Xbox today" and that those affected at World’s Edge are "SO much more than this." The outlet reports a subsequent Threads post from Loftis that slammed Asha Sharma has been deleted. Insider Gaming notes Loftis joined Microsoft in 1993 and served in roles including GM at Xbox Entertainment Studios, a brief VP of Microsoft Game Studios, and Studio Head at World’s Edge.

GameRant reports that Bethesda issued a new official statement regarding Fallout and Obsidian. The GameRant article places the statement amid reporting that Xbox's continued 'rest' has coincided with further reductions in jobs, possible studio closures, and several changes in how companies report and are structured. GameRant names Obsidian as one of the surprises in those reporting/structure shake-ups. The excerpted GameRant coverage does not provide the full text of Bethesda's statement or detailed next steps.

GameRant reported on Sep 24, 2026 that Xbox quietly rolled out a September 2026 console update bringing several fixes to the Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One. The outlet described the rollout as quiet and said the update includes multiple fixes for those consoles. GameRant's report does not list specific fixes in the excerpt provided. The piece identifies the affected consoles as Xbox Series X, Series S, and Xbox One.

GameRant reports that World's Edge, the studio overseeing the Age of Empires franchise since 2019, reportedly had its next game canceled. GameRant published the report on Sep 24, 2026. The article describes the cancellation as a potential or reported cancelation rather than a confirmed studio announcement. The provided excerpt does not include further details such as reasons for the cancelation or any official statement from World's Edge or Xbox.

GameRant reports that Mad King Redemption joined Xbox Game Pass on September 23, 2026. The article describes the title as a 2026 couch co-op game featuring unique 2.5D graphics. GameRant says the game joined several Xbox Game Pass tiers. The story includes source images credited to Xbox and Secret Mission / Pixel Doors.

Undead Labs confirmed it underwent "significant" layoffs after becoming independent from Xbox and said State of Decay 3 remains in active development and its launch will not be impacted, IGN reported. The studio announced on LinkedIn that it was parting ways with a "significant" number of staff, according to IGN. IGN updated the story on Sep 22, 2026 with a statement from Undead Labs studio head Philip Holt reiterating that the game's release will not suffer setbacks. IGN also reported the studio's separation from Xbox follows Microsoft's brand reset earlier this summer.

Polygon reported on Sep 22, 2026 that Xbox is apparently still open to offering physical discs for its next‑generation console, Project Helix. The article noted that Sony has confirmed it will move on from physical games and go all‑in on digital media. Polygon contrasted Sony’s announcement with Xbox’s stance, indicating Xbox has not made its position equally clear.

Rock Paper Shotgun reports that The Information (via VGC) says Microsoft-owned Xbox is set to lay off "hundreds" of staff and to "consolidate" several game studios in a second round of cuts this week. RPS notes The Information hinted at potential mergers or movement across Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, Activision, and Blizzard but provided no concrete plan for that consolidation. The article recalls that Xbox previously cut around 1,600 people and parted ways with several studios in July. Bloomberg reporter Jason Schreier told the 8-4 Play podcast on Sept. 18 that cuts at Blizzard are "coming and imminent," according to RPS.

Insider Gaming reported that Xbox will lay off 'hundreds' of employees this week and consolidate multiple studios, and that Halo development could be moved under the Activision banner. The article cites The Information as saying ‘someone briefed on the plans’ told them hundreds would be cut in the coming days. Insider Gaming notes this would be a second wave of redundancies after a June 'big reset' that saw 1,600 employees let go, and says consolidation may involve smaller studios migrating under larger labels with projects and employee bases absorbed. These details are presented in the report as claims and suggestions rather than confirmed statements from Xbox.

IGN reports Newegg is offering an official Microsoft Xbox Wireless Controller bundled with a $50 Xbox digital gift card for $79.99. IGN says the promotion includes free delivery and frames the bundle as effectively pricing the controller at about $29.99. The article states the controller is the same model bundled with the Xbox Series X and lists features such as textured grips, a hybrid D-pad, button mapping via the Xbox app, a 3.5mm audio jack, and a Share button. IGN adds the digital gift card can be used on Xbox and PC games and Game Pass, and the item was published Sep 21, 2026.

TheGamer reports Blizzard told Kotaku that StarCraft won’t be exclusive to Xbox. TheGamer characterises the project as a 2030 shooter. According to TheGamer, Blizzard did not specify which other platforms or regions the title might appear on and said only “for now” it could confirm non-exclusivity. TheGamer published the report on September 21, 2026.

The Verge reports Newegg is selling Microsoft’s wireless Xbox Controller (black) bundled with a $50 digital Xbox gift card for $80. The Verge notes the controller typically retails for about $50–$60, which makes the bundle effectively reduce the controller’s net cost to roughly $30 or act as buying the controller at normal price while getting a discount on the gift card. The Verge describes the included controller as Microsoft’s best midrange controller yet, noting Bluetooth support, a headphone jack, swappable AA batteries, and that it lacks Hall effect sticks. The Verge also reports the controller is suitable for Xbox and PC and can connect to a Steam Deck or other dockable gaming handhelds.

TheGamer reports that a prototype build of a cancelled Family Guy game for Xbox 360 developed by Eurocom has been recovered and made playable. The article, written by George Foster and published on Sept 20, 2026, describes the build as "bizarre." The report presents the recovered build as providing a playable look at a previously shelved Eurocom project. TheGamer does not confirm whether the prototype will be publicly released or detail how it was recovered.

Double Fine has cast voice actor Erika Ishii, TheGamer reports. TheGamer's story by James Lucas (published Sep 20, 2026) frames the public reaction to the casting as "sadly predictable." The supplied evidence does not specify the project, role, who objected, or any comment from Double Fine or Ishii.

SteelSeries has launched the Aeon Pro wireless controller for PC and Xbox, and IGN reports it is available now from SteelSeries' online store for $259.99 with free shipping. IGN describes the Aeon Pro as SteelSeries' first high-end, pro-grade controller and says it may be "one of the best PC and Xbox controllers ever." IGN's coverage also notes the controller is claimed to have "infinite battery life." IGN writer Bo Moore has posted an initial review-impression of the device.

IGN reports Valve's new hardware is now out in the wild but high retail prices make it difficult to recommend. IGN says Valve revealed a 2026 'trifecta' of hardware that aims to expand SteamOS support and provide a baseline configuration for developers to target. The IGN reviewer wrote they enjoyed devices like the Steam Controller and Steam Frame, but that industry-wide hardware costs are significantly higher than a year ago and have lessened the immediate impact of the products. IGN concludes that despite price issues, the hardware's goals still offer hope for SteamOS's future.

GameRant reports that The Last Caretaker is officially coming to Xbox. GameRant describes The Last Caretaker as an open-world survival-crafting game and presents it with an 8.5/10 rating in its coverage. The article was written by Daniel Morris and published on GameRant on September 16, 2026. The cited evidence does not include a release date, specific Xbox platforms, or distribution details.

VGC reports, citing The Wall Street Journal, that Xbox CEO Asha Sharma has been personally responding to player support tickets and spends “hours every month” resolving them. The Wall Street Journal reportedly says this hands-on work has shown Sharma how complex it can be to fix a single player’s problem. VGC notes Sharma was appointed earlier this year and that her tenure has included policy changes on exclusivity and Game Pass pricing alongside large-scale layoffs and warnings about Xbox’s future. In July, VGC reports, Sharma enacted cuts initially affecting 1,600 jobs that stretched to 3,200 by the end of Microsoft’s business year.

Reports this week point to a second wave of Xbox layoffs and studio consolidation that could affect hundreds of roles across Xbox Game Studios and related labels. That development dominates a week of linked items — from official and behind‑the‑scenes comments by Microsoft leaders to specific studio impacts, platform signals about Project Helix and discs, and fresh Game Pass and content updates.