Microsoft’s Xbox has been around since 2001, and over that time the gaming brand has given us huge hits like Halo, Gears of War, Forza, and more. Today, the Xbox brand covers consoles like the Xbox One, PC gaming, and has even expanded to other platforms. You can play Minecraft on everything from a computer to an iPhone to a Nintendo Switch. Along the way, Microsoft has pioneered modern services like Xbox Live and Game Pass, introducing new ways to play games. And with Project Scarlett on the horizon, the Xbox looks to have a bright future.
Xbox boss Asha Sharma is running a poll on X where you can make your voice heard. Much to my dismay, as I write this, XBOX currently has about two thirds of the vote. I know the history, but I firmly believe we shouldn’t all-caps brand names.
What’s your vote?
All 42 “regular part-time and full-time employees” of the studio, behind games like Psychonauts and Kiln, will be part of the union, Aftermath reports.
[Aftermath]
Microsoft is holding an Xbox game dev update today, and a lot of gaming publications think that “a closer look at Project Helix” means it’s some kind of showcase. That’s not the case, as it’s just “a recap of our announcements from GDC,” according to Xbox’s Jason Ronald. “We will have more to share about Project Helix later this year.” You can follow along at 12PM ET / 9AM PT over at the Microsoft game dev YouTube channel, if you’re interested in Xbox game development.
That’s new Xbox boss Asha Sharma to Game File’s Stephen Totilo, when asked if there is a timeline for making a decision about how Xbox might change its approach to exclusivity.
Totilo interviewed Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty following their “We Are Xbox” memo published on Thursday.
[Game File]
Microsoft has scrapped Microsoft Gaming in favor of Xbox today, and it’s also starting to roll out a new Xbox logo. The new logo started appearing on Microsoft’s campus this week, just in time for Xbox CEO Asha Sharma’s all-hands meeting earlier today. The new Xbox logo has a more glassy look, and I understand Microsoft has also been using this new design for some of its internal Project Helix materials.
Nearly a year-and-a-half after launching its bright green Retro 87 Mechanical Keyboard - Xbox Edition, 8BitDo has announced a matching version of its wireless numpad/calculator. Even the 8BitDo Retro 18 Mechanical Numpad - Xbox Edition’s LCD display is green, and you can preorder it now for $44.99 with shipping starting on May 6th.
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Microsoft just added its Xbox mode to the Release Preview version of Windows 11. That means the Xbox mode, that adds a full-screen interface to the Xbox PC app, is just days away from being available on all PCs. Microsoft did promise last month that it would roll out the Xbox mode to all PCs in April, and it looks like it’s rolling out on time.
Microsoft is working on UI improvements to the Xbox dashboard that will also include a new look and feel for Xbox achievements. Xbox Insiders can now test the new achievements, which have updated icons and animations when you unlock a classic or rare achievement. The notifications will also match your custom color. You’ll also be able to hide achievements from your Xbox profile later this month.
Xbox’s Undead Labs will be hosting alpha playtests for the zombie apocalypse game starting next month, according to a video. You can sign up for the waitlist now.
State of Decay 3 was first announced in 2020 and got a trailer in 2024.
Later this week Xbox will hold its latest games showcase. Unlike the Developer Direct in January, which focused on titles from Xbox studios, this stream will cover upcoming third-party titles, including the upcoming Expanse game. You can watch it live on March 26th at 1PM ET.
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