The move is intended to solidify Xbox as Microsoft's all-encompassing gaming brand, covering players across PC, mobile devices and consoles, according to Xbox Game Studios corporate vice president Matt Booty. The next generation of gaming consoles is expected to launch in 2020, and Xbox is rumored to be building two devices, one of which is apparently designed specifically for streaming games.It seems Xbox is stacking its roster of in-house studios to head off a major criticism it faced in the current console generation -- a lack of exclusive games. Plus, Xbox is well-positioned to launch a low-latency game-streaming service, thanks to its Azure cloud network and Game Pass subscription plan.Here's the complete list of organizations under the Xbox Game Studios banner: 343 Industries (Halo) The Coalition (Gears of War 5) Compulsion Games (We Happy Few) The Initiative (led by 2013 Tomb Raider boss David Gallagher) inXile Entertainment (Wasteland 2) Minecraft (Minecraft) Ninja Theory (DmC: … [Read more...] about Microsoft Studios is dead, long live Xbox Game Studios
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Microsoft Studios rebranded to Xbox Game Studios
Over the past few years, the Xbox brand has become more than just a name to describe a console. It's prevalent on PC and on mobile devices. There are even reports that Microsoft is going to bring Xbox Live and Xbox Achievements to platforms like the Nintendo Switch. It seems that the higher-ups are the company are aware of this shift so they want Microsoft Studios to reflect that. During the Inside Xbox show, Matt Booty said that Microsoft Studios was being rebranded. Booty, the Corporate Vice President of Xbox Game Studios — formerly Microsoft Studios — said the following to gamers everywhere. At Xbox, we believe when everyone plays, we all win. It's why we're passionate about building a portfolio of games for players across console, PC, and mobile. As we've expanded our focus beyond the console, the Xbox brand has also evolved from its original roots. Today, Xbox is our gaming brand across all devices, no matter how or where you want to play, or who you want to play … [Read more...] about Microsoft Studios rebranded to Xbox Game Studios
Turn 10 Studios wants developers for ‘next generation’ Forza Motorsport games
According to many sources, the next-generation Xbox console should launch in 2020. In preparation for this, it a lot of developers like Rockstar Games are already looking for game developers to work on these experiences, but it seems like Microsoft's first-party studios are also preparing for this. Recently, a listing was spotted on Turn 10 Studios' website — the makers of the Forza Motorsport franchise — asking for a game developer to "deliver the next generation of Forza Motorsport titles." The complete listing reads as follows. It's unclear if this simply refers to the next game on Xbox One, which they perceive to be a generational leap, or work on another console. The applicant should be familiar with programming on Xbox One, Xbox 360, and PC. Microsoft's Turn 10 Studios, creator of the highly-acclaimed Forza Motorsport franchise, is looking for an experienced C++ game developer to help deliver the next generation of Forza Motorsport titles. If hired, you will be on a … [Read more...] about Turn 10 Studios wants developers for ‘next generation’ Forza Motorsport games
Android turns 10: Google’s fierce iPhone rival had a stumbling start
In nearly a decade and a half covering the tech industry, I've had the privilege of witnessing companies go all out when showing off their new products. And awkward is one of the words that comes to mind pretty frequently.From the over-the-top Samsung Galaxy Note 4 presentation at Radio City Music Hall in New York to David Blaine performing at the launch of the dual-screen Kyocera Echo (the magician's tricks were far more memorable than the phone), the moments are seared into my brain. Now playing: Watch this: Android turns 10: Google's first Android phone was ugly,... 3:46 I certainly can't unsee the image of two guys skating onto a stage in Rollerblades at an event space in Manhattan and bantering before discussing a new phone. Those two guys: Google co-founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin. That phone: the T-Mobile G1, the original Android phone. The G1, unveiled 10 years ago this coming Sunday, marked the start of a phenomenon that now touches the lives of … [Read more...] about Android turns 10: Google’s fierce iPhone rival had a stumbling start
Turn 10 will remove loot boxes from Forza 7 by this winter
A hot potato: Are developers starting to listen to players’ gripes about loot boxes and microtransactions? I won’t start holding my breath. However, at least one developer is pulling loot boxes from its current hot product and possibly from future offerings as well. Turn 10 Studios, the makers of the Forza series of racing games announced today that it would be removing loot boxes (called Prize Crates) from Forza Motorsports 7. The change will not come until this winter though. Studio chief Alan Hartman explained that the loot box system is tightly woven into the fabric of Forza 7, which is why it is going to take so long to undo it. “Due to the complexity of removing prize crates from the game – while keeping access to Driver Gear, Mods and Badges – we expect that this process will be completed in the winter timeframe,” Hartman said. Developers have already made changes to the Prize Crates so that they only give out cosmetic items instead of cars … [Read more...] about Turn 10 will remove loot boxes from Forza 7 by this winter