Tag Archives: microsoft

Microsoft isn't only interested in acquiring game developer studios, it seems the company is also looking at gaming-adjacent services for acquisitions too. This week, reports claim that Microsoft is currently in talks to buy Discord – potentially for more money than it spent on acquiring Bethesda.  According to VentureBeat, Discord …

When Microsoft announced FPS Boost, the console manufacturer promised that fans would be able to play many of their favourite games which were previously capped to 30fps at 60fps and beyond on the Series X|S. While so far the number of titles supported is limited, the results have been impressive …

Back in 2019, Microsoft announced an operating system dedicated to dual-screen devices named Windows 10X. Initially scheduled for a release in 2020, Microsoft changed its focus onto devices with a single screen and changed the release date to H1 2021. Now, a new report suggests the release has been delayed …

With video games getting larger and larger in file size, and the industry moving towards an all-digital future, the need for a fast and stable internet connection is becoming more necessary by the day. In order to help this along somewhat, Microsoft has now added an option to increase download …

One of Microsoft's big features for backwards compatible games on Xbox Series X/S consoles has been Auto HDR, enabling High Dynamic Range across a number of SDR-only games. Now, PC gamers are also going to benefit, with Microsoft preparing to enable Auto HDR for over 1,000 PC games. Auto HDR …

While companies such as Valve, PlayStation and even Nintendo have tried their hands at virtual reality, Microsoft has stayed far away from the technology, especially with regards to Xbox. That being said, the console manufacturer may in fact be working on a headset, based on a reference made in the …

Undertale took the gaming community by storm when it first released in 2015. Since then, the game has continued to thrive through the support of a dedicated fanbase, and the promise that more is coming from the world of Undertale (through Deltarune). It was therefore surprising that the game never …

For a while now, there has been talk of Microsoft holding a gaming-oriented event in March. Now, we finally have some more details, with an Xbox-focused event reportedly happening on the 26th of March.  Initially, Microsoft expert, Paul Thurrott, tweeted that we should expect Xbox and Windows focused events from Microsoft …

Last night, Microsoft hosted a Bethesda-focused roundtable to give new insight into the company's acquisition of ZeniMax Media and what that means for the future of Xbox. During the discussion, Phil Spencer was openly asked about future game exclusivity and he finally gave us a clear answer – future Bethesda …

Throughout 2020, many industries saw major losses due to COVID-19 and the ensuing pandemic which required shops and venues to close. The gaming industry however not only persevered but thrived during this period, growing to its biggest size ever, with the console market surpassing $50 Billion worldwide. As reported by …

While some games get next-gen patches which offer older titles at higher frame rates, this process often requires the direct input of the developer. With the Series X|S, Microsoft announced that the next-gen Xbox consoles would receive a feature called FPS boost. Though currently only a small selection of games …

After several days of approvals and clearing red tape, Microsoft has officially acquired ZeniMax Media. Today, the $7.5 billion deal completed, immediately bringing Bethesda and other ZeniMax teams into Microsoft's first party line-up.

It looks like Microsoft will have a new Surface Laptop out soon. According to sources, the Surface Laptop 4 will be coming in April, complete with both Intel and AMD configuration options.  The Surface Laptop 4 will include Ryzen 4000 mobile series CPUs, not the more expensive Ryzen 5000 mobile …

As we navigate through 2021, fans have been looking forward into the year, wondering what new gaming experiences await them. While both Nintendo and PlayStation have now updated fans on what to expect, through a Nintendo Direct and PlayStation State of Play respectively, Microsoft has been relatively silent. However, it …

Each month, Microsoft brings a number of new games to its Xbox Game Pass subscription service. For the month of March, subscribers can get their hands on a number of exciting titles, including Star Wars: Squadrons and NBA 2K21. The full list of games announced to be coming to Game …

Microsoft first revealed the Hololens all the way back in 2015, before shipping the first developer units in 2016. Since then, we've seen concepts for the Hololens running experiences based on Halo and Minecraft. Now, Pokémon is joining that list, with Niantic and Microsoft teaming up to show off a …

Recently we learned that Microsoft is internally testing xCloud streaming via the web, which will work across PC and mobile devices, successfully circumventing Apple's iOS App Store rules. The streaming service is also due to get another upgrade soon, boosting streaming quality from 720p to 1080p.  Since its launch as …

Ever since From Software’s Elden Ring was announced back during E3 2019, the studio has remained tight lipped on any information regarding the much anticipated title. Though From Software itself insists development is going smoothly, many fans have been concerned by the lack of significant updates. Fortunately, it would seem …

Each month, Microsoft offers a number of games for free to all those with an Xbox Live Gold subscription. Though the decision was quickly reversed, the console manufacturer had originally planned on doubling the price of this service, prompting some to wonder whether the games offered would increase in either …

While Microsoft is expecting regulatory approvals for its acquisition of Bethesda/ZeniMax within the next week, there is one other surprise potential blockade in the way. A lawsuit against Bethesda over Fallout 4's Season Pass has been updated, requesting that the merger be postponed.  The class action lawsuit claims that Bethesda's …

While cloud gaming is currently in its infancy, many publishers and companies are betting on the technology being the future of the games industry. Though services such as Stadia have tried and failed to capture the market, Microsoft continues to bet on its own service, with the console manufacturer claiming …

During the most recent Nintendo Direct, it was announced that Fall Guys: Ultimate Knockout, the popular Takeshi’s Castle styled Battle Royale game would be coming to the Nintendo Switch. Following this, it was revealed that Xbox users would soon also be able to fight their way through a series of …

Microsoft has announced a new wireless headset for Xbox consoles, mobile, and PC. The Xbox Wireless Headset is set for release in March, bringing what the company calls the “future of gaming audio”. The Xbox Wireless Headset is a competitively priced audio solution packed with features, including low latency lossless audio, …

Over the course of each month, Microsoft adds a number of new titles to its Xbox Game Pass service. The console manufacturer has now announced its next batch of games, including titles such as Dirt 5, Elite Dangerous, Superhot and more. The titles set to join Game Pass over the …

While there were some rumours swirling around this weekend about Techland being acquired by Microsoft, a studio community manager has since spoken out, claiming the rumours are untrue. The rumour initially stemmed from the Defining Duke podcast, when a host mentioned that Microsoft was in talks to acquire another studio …

Microsoft's ambitious foldable phone concept, the Surface Duo, will officially be available outside of the US starting next week. On the 18th of February, the dual-screen Android smartphone will release in Europe and Canada, although it has quite the price hike in the UK compared to the US.  Equipped with …

Microsoft has been on an acquisition spree in the games industry over the last few years, with the latest being the massive $7.5B Zenimax deal. The Zenimax deal is set to complete soon but it seems that Microsoft may already have another Xbox Game Studios acquisition lined up, this time …

While Asobo Studio had planned to ship Microsoft Flight Simulator's UK and Ireland focused World Update this week, it has been pushed back a bit for final polish.  Microsoft Flight Simulator has had two other major World Updates since launch, one focusing on adding more landmarks to the United States …

As we've known for months now, Microsoft is in the process of acquiring ZeniMax Media and all of its subsidiaries, including Bethesda. The acquisition is due for approval from the EU in the next few weeks. To gain this approval, Microsoft is setting up a new subsidiary called ‘Vault', which …

While Microsoft committed to bringing its Xbox Game Studios exclusives to Steam quite some time ago, there are still a few big games that haven't transitioned over yet. Last year, Microsoft finally brought Sea of Thieves and State of Decay 2 over to Valve's platform and this year, Steam is …