Sony plans to stop releasing physical copies of games starting in 2028, despite negative feedback from users. There have been rumors about a possible delay of this decision, but the company has not officially confirmed any changes to its plans.
The share of physical Xbox game sales in the US has dropped to 4%, trailing behind PlayStation and Nintendo. More and more Xbox owners are choosing digital versions, a trend linked to the popularity of the Series S and the Game Pass subscription.
Rockstar Games will host the Grand Theft Auto VI: An Extended Look presentation on August 27 on Netflix, with later broadcasts on YouTube and the official website. Event details have not yet been disclosed.
A recent glitch in the Xbox Series X|S ecosystem temporarily prevented many users from launching offline games from physical discs. Microsoft has acknowledged the issue and is working to prevent similar situations in the future.
The remake of Halo: Campaign Evolved launched with moderate player interest and some technical issues, falling behind other major releases in popularity. However, its release on PS5 and inclusion in Game Pass could help expand the game's audience.
Rising prices for gaming consoles are making cloud gaming more attractive to users. However, Amazon Luna's limited game catalog is holding back its growth. For the service to succeed, it needs to expand its library and offer more flexible options.
In the second half of July and early August 2026, six new games will be added to Xbox Game Pass, including Hell is Us, Halo: Campaign Evolved, and Corsair Cove. Subscribers can look forward to fresh gaming experiences across various platforms.
Microsoft has launched an early version of Xbox Backward Compatibility for PC, allowing users to play classic original Xbox games on Windows 11 and portable devices. The initial lineup includes four games, with plans to expand the list and add achievements in the future.
Gears of War: E-Day was announced as an Xbox exclusive, but there are signs that the game might also be released on PlayStation 5. However, a final decision regarding other platforms has not yet been confirmed.
Microsoft is considering launching a new Xbox console in 2027, accompanied by the simultaneous release of two Call of Duty games, including a separate project featuring a zombie mode. These strategic changes are linked to adjustments in the release schedule and a desire to strengthen Xbox’s position in the market.
Microsoft has unveiled new details about Project Helix—a hybrid console and PC based on Windows. Developers are expected to receive dev kits only in 2027, and the device itself may not launch before 2028.
Sony is revising its strategy for releasing PlayStation 5 exclusives on PC: some single-player titles are no longer planned for release on Steam due to declining sales and increased competition. Multiplayer games will remain available on PC, and some independent releases will still appear on the platform.
Former Microsoft top managers believe that Valve devices could become a serious alternative to Xbox and PlayStation for home use. The Steam Machine stands out for its flexible policies and large user base, but the lack of exclusive titles and support for certain games remain open questions.
Microsoft's gaming division has undergone major personnel changes: Asha Sharma, who previously worked on artificial intelligence development, has been appointed as the new head. Her appointment has sparked discussions about the future role of AI in the company's strategy. However, Sharma emphasizes that unique creativity and innovation remain top priorities in game development.
According to rumors, the PlayStation 6 will feature hybrid graphics based on RDNA 5 and a Zen 6 processor, as well as 30 GB of RAM. Sony aims to balance performance and price amid rising component costs.