Gait Games

Embark are continuing their meteorological experiments in extraction shooter Arc Raiders with a rousing injection of wind. There’s a hurricane coming to the game on February 24th, a new map condition that limits visibility, degrades shields, impedes movement, and makes you suck even more at shooting things. Still, this stormcloud has a few silver linings. With the gale at your back, you’ll naturally move a lot faster. Also, you may find it easier to avoid detection in the open if you disable your shield.

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### The Deterioration of Xbox: A Prognosis for Its Outlook

If you follow gaming updates, especially from outlets like *Kotaku*, it’s clear that Xbox is encountering considerable difficulties. As of February 20, 2026, with the news of notable exits from its leadership, including Xbox head Phil Spencer and President Sarah Bond, the outlook for Xbox seems grim. The hiring of Asha Sharma, a former Meta executive skilled in AI, highlights a transition that many consider indicative of the end of Xbox as a conventional gaming platform.

#### A Declining Path

The fall of Xbox isn’t abrupt; it’s a saga that has been developing over the years. The series of layoffs, aborted projects, declining revenue, and serious mismanagement illustrate a company in turmoil. A key moment often referenced as the turning point was Microsoft’s $70 billion acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This agreement, finalized in 2023 after a rocky negotiation phase, positioned Xbox as a significant force in gaming while also creating tremendous pressure to achieve results.

Xbox’s approach has changed drastically after the acquisition. The console brand that once represented Microsoft’s flagship in gaming began to shift away from the hardware itself. Franchises like *Halo* and *Gears of War* became available on PC and various streaming services, supporting the idea that owning an Xbox console was becoming less critical. This substantial transition can be viewed as a sign of desperation, indicating a brand straying from its fundamental identity.

#### The Conclusion of the Console Rivalry?

While many have speculated on the decline of the classic console rivalry, the changes at Xbox appeared to acknowledge defeat. The hope that Phil Spencer could revitalize the brand started to diminish as major errors became more apparent. Despite earlier accomplishments, the mounting losses and competition in the gaming industry have resulted in decreased faith in Xbox’s long-term sustainability.

As Microsoft invested additional resources into AI—possibly viewing gaming as a low-revenue area compared to the pursuit of cutting-edge technology—the emphasis on Xbox diminished. The incorporation of AI into Xbox’s strategy, instead of enhancing gameplay experiences, raised concerns. Additionally, the move to port legendary titles like *Halo* to the PlayStation platform seemed unprecedented and revealed more profound problems within the organization.

#### The New Course under Asha Sharma

With Asha Sharma taking charge, there are many inquiries regarding her true objectives in leadership. With no prior experience in gaming, her appointment raises worries that Xbox may evolve toward a more corporate, less gamer-centric model. Speculation abounds—some believe she could be a transitional figure to ease the rebranding of Xbox into something completely different, potentially as merely a software component within the Microsoft framework.

The likelihood of a new Xbox console release looks increasingly bleak, with many predicting that forthcoming versions will simply appear as upgraded PCs rebranded as Xbox. This gradual but definitive move away from a dedicated gaming console reinforces the belief that Xbox, as traditionally recognized, may very well be finished.

#### Conclusion

The path of Xbox illustrates the evolution of a brand once associated with innovation and excitement, now struggling in a swiftly changing environment. The recent leadership transitions and strategic shifts indicate that Xbox is no longer suited to compete as an independent console entity, signifying a major transformation in the gaming sector. As the industry keeps evolving, it remains uncertain how long the brand will exist and what form its legacy will assume in the future.

Ubisoft are laying off around 40 people at Ubisoft Toronto, the studio behind the forthcoming remake of the original Splinter Cell. That’s approximately eight percent of the studio headcount. It’s all in the service of Ubisoft’s drive to cut costs after restructuring their operations around a big dollop of Tencent funding, which has elsewhere seen Ubisoft propose to lay off up to 200 people in Paris, and chop fixed costs by €200 million over the next two years.

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**Phil Spencer Steps Down: A Fresh Chapter for Xbox**

Phil Spencer, a longstanding icon in the gaming world and the prominent representative of the Xbox brand for over ten years, has declared his retirement from Microsoft after two decades with the organization. This major change in leadership arrives as Spencer’s time in charge has been characterized by both successes and hurdles within the competitive gaming arena. Alongside Spencer, Sarah Bond, the Xbox president, is also vacating her role, while Asha Sharma, formerly the head of Microsoft’s CoreAI product, takes over as the new CEO of Microsoft Gaming.

Sharma’s first message to employees reflected her determination to guide the Xbox ecosystem away from an excessive dependence on artificial intelligence in game creation, expressing a wish to prevent the production of “soulless AI slop.” This statement prompts doubt among industry analysts regarding the path Microsoft might pursue concerning AI integration.

With Spencer’s exit, speculation abounds regarding the reasons for this leadership shift, particularly the departures of both Spencer and Bond. Some industry experts propose that there could have been internal pressures prompting their resignations, hinting at a turbulent atmosphere within Xbox.

The gaming community’s reaction has been a blend of nostalgia and unease. Many are contemplating Spencer’s impact on Xbox, noting his advocacy for gamers and endeavors to humanize the brand. Geoff Keighley, a prominent figure in the gaming industry, underscored that Spencer’s enthusiasm for gaming benefitted the industry, even if not every decision was met with universal acclaim.

Social media has seen a flurry of reactions, ranging from humorous comments to heartfelt tributes. While some fans mourn Spencer’s retirement as a setback for Xbox, others are voicing worries about the brand’s future under new leadership.

In a succinct statement, Xbox honored Spencer, expressing appreciation for his contributions and affirming that he will forever be a member of “Team Xbox.” Though Spencer will continue in an advisory capacity until summer, his official retirement date is scheduled for February 23, signifying a significant change in Xbox’s leadership.

As the ramifications of this pivotal transition unfold, the outlook for Xbox remains uncertain, but it is evident that the gaming community will be closely monitoring how Asha Sharma manages the forthcoming challenges. The next phase for Xbox is poised to begin, and many are eager to see if it can flourish under its new leadership.

Ah, it’s a Friday night, time to rela-

Wait a minute, long-time Microsoft gaming CEO Phil Spencer’s retiring, his assumed replacement and Xbox president Sarah Bond has resigned, and the suit now being tapped to take over Spenny’s gig currently has the following job title: president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product. Right, guess I’m writing a news.

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### Phil Spencer: A Legacy of Leadership at Xbox as He Retires Ahead of the Brand’s 25th Anniversary

Phil Spencer, who has been the head of Xbox for the longest time, has declared his retirement, an important moment that aligns with the brand’s 25th anniversary. Spencer’s journey with Microsoft started as an intern in 1988, and he went on to become the CEO of one of the company’s most pivotal divisions. His time in this role has been characterized by notable challenges and accomplishments that have influenced the gaming world.

In a heartfelt message to employees, Spencer reminisced about his career at Microsoft, conveying appreciation for the experiences and connections he made throughout his journey. His announcement arrives in a year that also witnesses the defining game of the franchise, *Halo*, launching on PlayStation, highlighting Microsoft’s shift towards a multiplatform publishing approach.

Spencer remarked, “When I stepped through Microsoft’s doors…I could never have envisioned the products I’d help create.” This illustrates the humility and enthusiasm that have fueled his career. Acknowledging his choice to step aside, he stressed the need for planning a smooth transition. “Xbox has always been beyond just a business. It’s a lively community of players, creators, and teams,” he mentioned, emphasizing the collaborative nature that has become a defining trait of the brand.

Following Spencer’s exit, Asha Sharma will assume the role of CEO of Microsoft Gaming. Spencer expressed trust in Sharma’s abilities, commenting on her curiosity and dedication to understanding the community. He will stay involved in an advisory role to ensure a frictionless transition, congratulating Matt Booty on his advancement to EVP and Chief Content Officer, and recognizing the influence of key individuals within the organization.

Spencer’s legacy is particularly remarkable for his initiatives to restore Xbox’s standing after the challenging launch of the Xbox One. This involved securing prominent exclusives and spearheading an unprecedented series of studio acquisitions. His strategies played a significant role in positioning the Xbox Series X/S as a competitive platform that ultimately offered impressive features and a varied game library.

As Spencer departs, there is uncertainty regarding the future of Xbox. His leadership has been perceived as a stabilizing element in the quickly changing gaming sector, especially with the ongoing integration of artificial intelligence and shifts in content distribution methods. The direction Xbox takes under new management will inevitably change, prompting many to ponder what the next chapter will entail for the brand.

In conclusion, Spencer conveyed pride in the collaborative accomplishments of the Xbox team over the last 25 years, asserting, “I’ll be cheering you on in this next chapter as Xbox’s proudest fan and player.” His impact on the gaming community and the brand’s future trajectory will resonate for years, marking a transformative period in gaming history.

Midsummer Studios announced their existence in May 2024 with a promise to “revitalise the life sim genre”, but now, they’re closing down. Co-founder and former XCOM developer Jake Solomon confirmed the news on social media this week, saying goodbye with some brief pre-alpha footage of Burbank – a build-your-own-TV-series project with a lot of generative AI in it.

“We built a studio, we made a game, and I’m really proud of both,” Solomon writes. “Before we close the doors at Midsummer Studios I’d like to share a glimpse of Burbank, the game we poured our hearts into.”

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**Phil Spencer Steps Down from Microsoft’s Gaming Division**

Following more than ten years of leadership in the gaming sector, Phil Spencer has declared his retirement from his role as head of Microsoft’s Gaming Division. This significant change occurs amid a reorganization of leadership positions within Xbox, as reported by IGN. Along with Spencer, Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, is also leaving the company.

In a pivotal development, Asha Sharma has been promoted to the role of CEO of Microsoft Gaming. She previously held the position of president of Microsoft’s CoreAI product. Matt Booty, the leader of Xbox Game Studios, is poised to assume the position of chief content officer, marking the dawn of a new era for the company.

Spencer’s relationship with Microsoft dates back to 1988, with his engagement with the Xbox brand beginning in 2001. He significantly contributed to the launch of the original Xbox console, which was released amidst competition from the PS2 and GameCube 25 years ago. After taking the reins of Xbox in 2014, just after the Xbox One launch, Spencer has become emblematic of the brand over the past 12 years, culminating in his elevation to CEO of Microsoft Gaming in 2022.

Spencer’s departure signifies a crucial moment for Xbox, which has been striving to regain a leading position within the console gaming market. Despite notable successes, including the launch of Xbox Game Pass and the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the division has faced many challenges, such as game delays, cancellations, layoffs, and studio closures.

Sales of the Xbox Series X/S have been reported to fall behind rivals like the PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch during this generation. This reality has prompted Microsoft to embrace a multiplatform strategy, which has included making Halo available on competing gaming platforms—a move once regarded as improbable.

Moreover, the Xbox division has been under pressure from Microsoft to attain high profit margins. This oversight has resulted in noticeable hikes in Xbox prices and subscription service fees in recent years.

As the gaming landscape shifts, Spencer’s retirement and the ensuing leadership transitions indicate a new direction for Microsoft Gaming. The full effects of this change remain to be determined.

*This is a developing story…*

My initial interest in the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 3X Wireless was sparked by it being, essentially, an over-ear version of the Arctis GameBuds, with a near-identical USB-C 2.4GHz receiver that lets it pull double duty with both a main PC and Steam Deck (slash, handheld PC of your choice). Happily, it’s turned out to be a very fine headset in general, performing a convincing impression of a higher-end model despite its current tag falling towards the lower-middle of wirelessdom.

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**PlayStation’s Move to Close Bluepoint Games: Fallout Among Fans and the Anticipated Release of Marathon**

On February 19, 2026, Sony declared the shutdown of Bluepoint Games, a highly regarded studio celebrated for its exceptional remakes and remasters. This decision ignited considerable uproar within the gaming community, especially as it coincided with the upcoming launch of Bungie’s live-service extraction shooter, Marathon, set to debut on March 5. The timing has heightened frustrations among PlayStation gamers, with some now threatening to boycott both Marathon and any future live-service titles from Sony.

The closure of Bluepoint has been linked to Sony’s ongoing reevaluation of its live-service strategy. This includes the shelving of a rumored God of War online spin-off and the dismissal of various project proposals from the studio. The shutdown of Bluepoint has disappointed not just fans but also fellow developers who admired the studio’s contributions. This negative sentiment has been amplified as the release of Marathon draws near.

The official PlayStation Twitter account recently put out a promotional tweet highlighting the forthcoming launch of Marathon and the availability of a free beta test from February 26 to March 2. However, the feedback in the comments section presented a starkly different picture from the intended enthusiasm. Numerous players expressed outrage over Bluepoint’s closure, with some pledging to completely boycott Marathon. Comments ranged from requests for refunds on pre-orders to forecasts of the game’s failure due to Sony’s recent decisions. Players shared sentiments like, “This game will be a huge flop for you guys!” and “I’m definitely not playing this out of spite.”

The growing number of complaints, with over 1,900 replies to the promotional tweet by February 20, illustrates a community profoundly affected by the events surrounding Bluepoint. While YouTube comments are generally less confrontational, they still convey expressions of discontent and declarations of intent to boycott.

It’s uncertain how this backlash will influence the launch success of Marathon. Traditionally, many gamers who claim to boycott a popular title end up engaging with it regardless. Casual players, who may not be as informed about the news regarding Bluepoint’s closure or its implications, may still choose to play new releases like Marathon without awareness of the controversy.

Nonetheless, for the committed player base that thrives on community discussions and real-time information, the closing of Bluepoint may be a critical point of contention. Many of these players fear that the pivot toward live-service games, combined with the disappearance of a studio renowned for its dedication and quality, could indicate an unwelcome trajectory for PlayStation’s future offerings.

As the gaming community anticipates the arrival of Marathon, it remains to be seen whether this collective dissatisfaction will lead to significant repercussions for the game. What is evident is that Bluepoint’s fate has struck a chord, emphasizing an ongoing schism between traditional gaming experiences and the new wave of live-service titles being propelled by major publishers like Sony.