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Xbox Game Studios

Compulsion Games' buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won't get a cut if you buy South of Midnight
AppWizard
August 22, 2026

Compulsion Games’ buyout is complete, so now Microsoft won’t get a cut if you buy South of Midnight

Compulsion Games has regained its independence and the rights to its original intellectual properties after a management buyout, allowing the studio to explore new partnerships. Their latest release, South of Midnight, received an 83% review score. CEO Guillaume Provost confirmed that the management has acquired the studio and staff, enhancing the studio's financial prospects by allowing them to retain a larger share of revenue from purchases made outside the Xbox digital storefront. Compulsion Games is known for titles like We Happy Few and Contrast.
The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: 'Buying any of our games helps support the studio'
AppWizard
August 22, 2026

The newly independent Psychonauts dev now earns all the revenue when you buy games it made under Xbox: ‘Buying any of our games helps support the studio’

Double Fine has regained full publishing rights to its titles developed under Microsoft after parting ways with Xbox earlier this year. CEO Tim Schafer confirmed that the studio has received back all intellectual property and publishing rights for their games. The studio has launched a Kickstarter campaign for its annual Amnesia Fortnight game jam, allowing backers to influence game development. Double Fine recently laid off 23 staff members to maintain a sustainable operational size. Schafer mentioned upcoming content for their multiplayer game, Kiln, which will include a major update and a price reduction, and recommended their adventure game, Keeper.
10 Games We'd Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC
AppWizard
July 26, 2026

10 Games We’d Love To See Added To Xbox Backwards Compatibility On PC

Xbox has announced backwards compatibility for PC, allowing fans to vote on classic titles they want to see made available. Current favorites among voters include Fable 2, Banjo-Kazooie, Banjo-Tooie, Fable 3, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 2, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Gears of War 3, Lost Odyssey, and Ninja Gaiden Black. A curated list of ten highly sought-after titles already enjoying backwards compatibility on consoles includes Fable 2, Gears of War 2, Lost Odyssey, Ninja Gaiden Black, Banjo-Kazooie: Nuts & Bolts, Sonic Unleashed, Gears of War 3, Banjo-Tooie, SSX 3, and Fable 3.
Mojang says that Minecraft Dungeons 2 has more overt "callbacks to vanilla Minecraft" than the last ARPG it released
AppWizard
June 21, 2026

Mojang says that Minecraft Dungeons 2 has more overt “callbacks to vanilla Minecraft” than the last ARPG it released

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is an upcoming action role-playing game (ARPG) that emphasizes swordplay and cooperative adventures in various locales. It aims to be an accessible dungeon crawler, appealing to fans of the Diablo series while providing a simpler alternative to games like Path of Exile 2. The sequel seeks to strengthen connections to the original Minecraft experience by incorporating more "callbacks" and introducing an interconnected world that encourages exploration. Additionally, it features a refined item rarity system with four tiers: Common, Rare, Special, and Unique, enhancing gameplay and engagement.
Sony Exec Says PC Game Ports Not Ruled Out, Insider Rumors Argue There Is No Ambiguity
AppWizard
June 19, 2026

Sony Exec Says PC Game Ports Not Ruled Out, Insider Rumors Argue There Is No Ambiguity

Sony's PlayStation strategy for game releases is influenced by the unique characteristics of each title. PlayStation CEO Hideaki Nishino stated that games will be released on PC only if it enhances the gaming experience, with multiplayer titles more likely to appear on PC while single-player narrative games will remain exclusive to PlayStation. Jason Schreier reported that Hermen Hulst, CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, confirmed this exclusivity for single-player games during a town hall meeting. Additionally, first-party PlayStation games have not generated sufficient revenue as PC ports, leading Sony to reassess its strategy, focusing on multiplayer games to build a larger player base.
Minecraft Officially Launches The Chaos Cubed Content Drop
AppWizard
June 17, 2026

Minecraft Officially Launches The Chaos Cubed Content Drop

Minecraft has introduced an expansion called Chaos Cubed, featuring a new sulfur cave biome with sulfur springs and survival challenges. The update includes new mobs called sulfur cubes that absorb blocks and interact with the environment, as well as potent sulfur blocks that create bubbling pools and release noxious gas. The sulfur caves contain shallow water pools, glowing lichen, and abundant sulfur and cinnabar blocks. New block sets allow for creative building, while sulfur spikes and geysers add gameplay mechanics. Players can experiment with TNT and sulfur cubes for unpredictable results. The beta version of Parties for Bedrock Edition allows multiplayer experiences for up to 14 friends.
Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as 'Xbox reset' looms
AppWizard
June 15, 2026

Xbox Game Studios head and chief of staff step down as ‘Xbox reset’ looms

Craig Duncan has announced his departure from the role of head of Xbox Game Studios after a tenure of just over a year and a half. He previously led Rare and guided the development of Sea of Thieves for nearly 13 years. His promotion in 2024 placed him in charge of all Microsoft’s gaming studios, including Double Fine, Halo Studios, inXile, Obsidian, Playground Games, and The Coalition. Concerns have been raised about the sustainability of Xbox's rapid studio acquisitions, with speculation about upcoming restructuring efforts and significant layoffs anticipated, potentially affecting studios like Compulsion Games, Double Fine, and Ninja Theory.
$130 Worth of Steam Games Now 100% Free
AppWizard
June 13, 2026

$130 Worth of Steam Games Now 100% Free

Steam currently offers eight games for free download, the highest number of complimentary titles released this year. These games are playable on PC and many are verified for the Steam Deck. The free games include: 1. The Red Lantern - A narrative-driven dog sledding adventure from 2021, available until June 18, with an 84% approval rating from 888 user reviews. 2. Happy’s Humble Burger Farm - A horror adventure cooking simulation from 2021, available until June 15, with a 93% approval rating from 1,654 user reviews. 3. Gravity Circuit - A 2D action platformer released in 2023, available until June 14, with a 95% approval rating from 2,127 user reviews. 4. Tell Me Why - A narrative adventure game from Dontnod Entertainment and Xbox Game Studios, available until July 1, with an 80% approval rating from 7,952 user reviews. Additionally, four other free games are available: - Wild Terra 2: New Lands - Free until June 15 - Eets - Free until June 15 - Linebound - Free until July 1 - PICO Park: Classic Edition - Free until June 14
Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition
AppWizard
June 8, 2026

Discover the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition

The Coalition has introduced the Gears of War: E-Day Collector’s Edition, which includes the Xbox Series X Premium Edition of the game and various collectible items. Pre-orders are open, with the Collector’s Edition launching on October 1, 2026, and the global release of Gears of War: E-Day on October 6, 2026. Key features of the Collector’s Edition include a 15-inch collectible statue of Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, a SteelBook with artwork by Luke Preece, replica COG tags, a photograph of the characters, a premium art print of the Feral Wretch, and a thank-you note from the development team. The package also offers early access to the game, a weapon pack, customization packs, and in-game currency. The Collector’s Edition will be available for Xbox Series X and Steam, with limited quantities for pre-order.
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