Xbox Archives

AppWizard

June 21, 2026

5 promising games recently cancelled by Microsoft

Microsoft is undergoing a restructuring that includes layoffs across its game studios and further job cuts and studio closures as part of the "Xbox reset" initiated by new CEO Asha Sharma. This initiative has resulted in the cancellation of several game projects, including: - Odyssey: Shelved in 2024 after challenges in development, including a switch from Unreal Engine to an internal engine. - Everwild: Canceled in 2025 after years of development and at least one reboot. - Perfect Dark: The reboot was canceled in 2025 despite a positive gameplay reveal, with reports of interest from Take-Two Interactive. - Contraband: Development ceased in 2025, leaving the future of the co-op smuggling game uncertain. - Project Blackbird: Canceled in 2025 after over six years of development due to financial concerns regarding the investment required for an MMO. Following the cancellation of Project Blackbird, some team members formed a new studio named Sackbird.

BetaBeacon

June 20, 2026

Epic Games Store 2026: $400M Record, 317M Users [AU]

Total revenue from the Epic Games Store reached .16 billion in 2025, up 6 per cent from .09 billion in 2024 and 22 per cent from 0 million in 2023.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Rockstar Games Launcher 2026: 18.3M Players, GTA 6 PC Signals

As of January 2026, the Rockstar Games Launcher has 18.3 million monthly active users engaged with Grand Theft Auto V. A software update on March 31, 2026, introduced support for Windows 11 and various performance improvements. The anticipated launch of GTA 6 is scheduled for November 19, 2026. Since its launch in September 2019, the launcher has focused exclusively on Rockstar titles, facing competition from platforms like Steam and Epic Games Store. As of March 2026, GTA Online recorded 17.9 million players across major platforms, with 4.2 million daily active users. In 2026, PC players accounted for 42% of GTA V's global player base, translating to approximately 7.7 million monthly active PC players. The March 2026 update included enhancements such as an upgraded embedded browser and a new Discord Social SDK. Players in Brazil faced restrictions on purchasing through the launcher due to local consumer protection laws. The GTA+ subscription service had 878,284 active subscribers as of early 2026.

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

2027 Video Game Release Schedule

A list of upcoming game releases for 2027 includes: - Fable (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – February 23 - Erosion (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced - Exodus (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced - Ill (PlayStation 5) – To Be Announced - Join Us (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced - Senua (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced - The Lift (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced - Zoopunk (PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC) – To Be Announced

AppWizard

June 20, 2026

Surprise, surprise, Minecraft players are already using mods to bypass Xbox’s new age restrictions

Xbox has implemented social restrictions for players in the UK who have not verified their age as over 18, in line with the UK's Online Safety Act (OSA). Players may receive a notification stating "chat is not allowed by account settings" due to this age verification requirement. Many Minecraft players on PC are using mods to bypass these restrictions. Following the OSA's introduction, VPN applications gained popularity, and a security breach last October exposed nearly 70,000 user ID photos from an age verification firm associated with Discord. The UK government plans to enforce stricter regulations for users under 16 starting next year, which may lead to increased efforts to take down mod solutions.

AppWizard

June 19, 2026

Minecraft Dungeons 2 may be a more ambitious ARPG, but Mojang says it’s “purposefully not calling it an open-world” game

Minecraft Dungeons 2 is set to release on September 29, 2026. The game will feature an interconnected world, moving away from the previous simple game loop. It will offer a curated experience with a larger landscape for exploration, including unique items and powerful Talismans. An updated user interface will include a mini-map and a world map to assist navigation. A 'Guiding Light' feature will help players find quest objectives. The game will be available on PC, PS5, Nintendo Switch 2, and Xbox Series X.

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.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Here’s what’s coming to your PC with Xbox Game Pass

- Gears of War: E-Day is a third-person shooter set to launch on October 6, available on Xbox and PC. - Fable is an open-world RPG scheduled for release on February 23, 2027, featuring comedians Richard Ayoade and Matt King. - Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remaster set to release on July 28, 2026, featuring updated graphics and three new prologue missions. - Minecraft Dungeons II is set for release in September and includes a four-person multiplayer mode. - State of Decay 3 is scheduled for release in 2027, with details still to be announced. - Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is a prequel set to release on August 27, 2026, focusing on combat-oriented gameplay.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

Rockstar Will Offer Free GTA 5 Upgrades From Older Console And PC Versions

Beginning June 18, players who own Grand Theft Auto V on PS4 or the digital edition for Xbox One can upgrade to the enhanced versions on PS5 or Xbox Series X/S for free. This upgrade includes significant visual enhancements and performance improvements, along with the ability to transfer save data and online progress. PC gamers can also upgrade to the Enhanced edition, which features exclusive enhancements like ray-traced ambient occlusion and global illumination. Rockstar previously discontinued GTA Online on PS3 and Xbox 360 in 2021, leading to speculation about similar support for PS4 and Xbox One. Fans are also anticipating information about Grand Theft Auto VI, with a current release date of November 19 and increased marketing efforts expected this summer.

AppWizard

June 18, 2026

The chaos continues

The new Parties feature in Minecraft: Bedrock Edition allows players to invite up to 14 friends to join their party, facilitating easy transitions between worlds and realms, and includes a private chat option. This feature is currently in beta on Xbox, PlayStation, and Windows PC. Additionally, players can participate in two community challenges and a multiplayer adventure, with a Marketplace Summer Sale scheduled from June 30, 2026, to July 28, 2026. All offers and challenges require Minecraft: Bedrock Edition and an active internet connection. Free player jerseys are available for both Bedrock and Java Edition. Participation in online multiplayer and certain challenges requires a platform-specific online subscription, and a Realms Plus subscription is necessary for Realms. Rewards from community challenges must be redeemed by June 16, 2027.