Xbox Game Studios Archives

AppWizard

April 25, 2026

Xbox admits its PC gaming presence is not strong enough

Microsoft is retiring the term "Microsoft Gaming," which was introduced in 2022, and will revert to using the Xbox brand as the primary identifier for all gaming-related endeavors. A memo from Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty, released on April 23, acknowledges that the company's presence in the PC gaming market is lacking. The memo outlines a strategy focused on "flexible pricing," being "open to all creators," and increasing "daily active players," but lacks specific commitments or timelines. It highlights Windows as a crucial battleground for gaming, noting that it now represents more players and hours, amidst competition from platforms like Steam. The memo also reflects on Microsoft's historical challenges in executing a competitive PC gaming ecosystem and coincides with an announcement of an early-retirement buyout program for employees as the company reallocates resources toward AI initiatives.

AppWizard

April 20, 2026

I tested 5 PC games on the ASUS Zenbook A16 with Qualcomm’s Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme: Is Windows on ARM improving?

ASUS launched its Zenbook A16 on April 7, featuring Qualcomm's Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme processor, marking a shift in the Windows on ARM ecosystem. The Snapdragon X2 Elite Extreme is a System-on-Chip (SoC) with a high-performance "Oryon" CPU and a "Hexagon" NPU for AI tasks, achieving up to 80 TOPS, along with an "Adreno" GPU for graphics. The laptop's gaming performance varies by title: 1. World of Warcraft: Midnight - Verdict: ✅ Perfect; maintained 60 FPS in demanding scenarios. 2. Cyberpunk 2077 - Verdict: 🟠 Playable; performance around 30–40 FPS on low settings, not ideal for casual gameplay. 3. Minecraft: Bedrock Edition - Verdict: ✅ Great; ran smoothly at 55–60 FPS without ray tracing. 4. Kingdom Come: Deliverance II - Verdict: ❓ TBD; lacks an ARM64 build, making it challenging to run. The findings highlight the need for native ARM64 game versions and the potential for growth in the Windows on ARM gaming sector.

AppWizard

April 18, 2026

Forza Horizon 6 has reportedly already sold 500k on Steam a month before launch, while my beloved Motorsport has crashed into a brick wall

Forza Horizon began in 2012 and has since redefined the franchise, leading to the upcoming release of Forza Horizon 6, set in Japan. The game features the return of the wristband career mode and has received positive early reviews. It has sold over 500,000 copies on Steam before its official launch, generating nearly a million in revenue, with projections suggesting it could exceed two million sales within the first 24 hours post-launch on May 19. Over 50,000 players pre-ordered the game on its release day on Steam. The Motorsport series has faced challenges, including a significant staff reduction at Turn 10, which may affect its future compared to the more successful Horizon series.

AppWizard

April 3, 2026

Russian officials discover fraudsters in Minecraft – they are using children in their schemes

Fraudsters are exploiting in-game chats in Minecraft to deceive young players, particularly in Russia. They initiate contact with children in the game, then move the conversation to Telegram, posing as "cybersecurity officers" and claiming that the children have shared sensitive information. They threaten detention to coerce minors into stealing money from their parents to give to couriers. Authorities have issued warnings to raise awareness among children and parents about these deceptive tactics.

AppWizard

March 29, 2026

To record the voice acting for Minecraft, the help of a “cow charmer” was needed

Mojang Studios has released a Minecraft update called Tiny Takeover, featuring baby mob models and voice acting. The recording process involved challenges, as baby mobs did not respond on cue, requiring the team to follow them with a microphone. To assist, they hired a "cow charmer" to produce voice acting for bovine characters, successfully eliciting responses with specific sounds.

AppWizard

March 27, 2026

Xbox Game Pass Confirms 5 Day-One Games for April 2026

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass will release five day-one games in April 2026, with no new releases in the first two weeks. The games include: - Replaced: A cinematic side-scrolling platformer exclusive to Xbox Series X, releasing on April 14. - Hades 2: The highest-rated game of 2025, launching on Xbox Series X on April 14, after its success on Nintendo Switch and PC. - Kiln: A team-based multiplayer party brawler from Double Fine Productions, releasing on April 23, with an open beta for PC from April 9 to April 11. - Vampire Crawlers: The Turbo Wildcard: A roguelite deckbuilder spin-off from Poncle, releasing on April 21. - Aphelion: A sci-fi action-adventure game with stealth elements from Don’t Nod, releasing on April 28. All games will be available on Xbox Series X and PC, but not on Xbox One.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Ranking the 13 Best PC Games Of All Time

Baldur’s Gate 3 is a popular CRPG known for deep character development and engaging narrative, best experienced on PC due to its intricate menus and modding potential. Planescape: Torment is a CRPG set in a unique Dungeons & Dragons universe, recognized for its gripping narrative and unconventional themes. Theme Hospital is a simulation game that humorously parodies the American healthcare system, combining humor with business management challenges. Unreal Tournament 2004 is regarded as the pinnacle of the series, featuring fluid gameplay and intricate maps, although it has become abandonware. Thief: The Dark Project is praised for its dark atmosphere and innovative level design, particularly the iconic Sword level. World of Warcraft captivated the MMO community in the mid-2000s with polished gameplay and continuous content updates, maintaining a robust player base. The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim is known for its expansive open world and RPG mechanics, with a wealth of mods available on PC to enhance gameplay. Deus Ex is a pioneer of the immersive sim genre, emphasizing player choice and strategic gameplay with intricate level design. The Sims 2 is considered the crowning achievement of The Sims franchise, introducing fully 3D environments and refined gameplay mechanics. Age of Empires II: The Age of Kings is a highly regarded real-time strategy game that has maintained its appeal for nearly three decades, revitalized by the 2019 Definitive Edition. Minecraft is a leading sandbox game known for its limitless creativity and exploration, with applications extending into education and various professional fields. Doom, released in 1993, revolutionized the first-person shooter genre and remains relevant due to its expertly designed levels and engaging gameplay. Half-Life 2 is celebrated for its innovative game design, including physics-based puzzles and a compelling narrative, offering a satisfying experience with additional episodes.

AppWizard

March 23, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons II Announced for Switch 2, PS5, Xbox Series, Switch, PC, and Game Pass

Xbox Game Studios, in collaboration with Mojang Studios and Double Eleven, has announced Minecraft Dungeons II, set to release in 2026. The game will be available on Nintendo Switch 2, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC via Steam, Microsoft Store, and Xbox Game Pass. Players will face a new adversary and engage in high-stakes encounters, thrilling challenges, and explore new locations within the Minecraft universe.

AppWizard

March 21, 2026

Kirsten Dunst joins the cast of “Minecraft: The Movie 2” as Alex

Kirsten Dunst will join the cast of the sequel to "Minecraft: The Movie," playing the role of Alex. Jack Black will reprise his role as Steve, and Jason Momoa will return as Garrett "the Scavenger." Filming for "Minecraft: The Movie 2" is scheduled to begin in April 2026 in New Zealand, with the film set to be released on July 23, 2027. Jared Hess will direct, and Chris Galletta will write the script. The sequel will feature the Dragon of the End from the game.

AppWizard

February 21, 2026

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for February 23 to 27

- Resident Evil Requiem Deluxe Edition - Developer: CAPCOM CO., LTD. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Towerborne - Developer: Xbox Game Studios - Price: Included with Game Pass - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere - Tales of Berseria Remastered Deluxe Edition Pre-Order - Developer: Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Bread & Fred - Developer: Atari, Infogrames - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 24 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery - Capy Spa - Developer: Afil Games - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 24 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Dark Farts: Parody Smell Edition - Developer: GamePoc LTD - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere - Deep Space Shooter - Developer: Valkyrie Initiative LLP - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - Journey of Johann: Castle Crusade - Developer: Xitilon - Price: TBD - Release Date: February 25 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S - WorldNeverland – Elnea Kingdom - Developer: althi Inc. - Price: .99 - Release Date: February 26 - Optimized for: Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere