Minecraft Profits Allegedly Funded Xbox's Other Gaming Ventures
Recent reports and discussions have focused on Xbox's perceived mismanagement over the years, leading to a significant "reset" and widespread layoffs. We've seen some studios regain their independence and others being sold off. It's also known that these layoffs have impacted some iconic developers, while others faced threats and might still be acquired by their founders.
A new article from Bloomberg offers a detailed look into Xbox's recent struggles, containing some rather striking claims. It's explicitly stated that the profits Microsoft generated from Minecraft and Mojang were directly utilized to "fund the rest of the gaming portfolio." This strategy apparently didn't sit well with the new Xbox CEO, Asha Sharma, especially as Mojang, along with King (a mobile developer that, with Mojang, boasts the "largest number of active players" within the Xbox family), will now report directly to her.
The report further highlights that the decision to include Call of Duty in Game Pass resulted in an approximate $300 million loss for Xbox in 2024 alone. This loss is attributed to a decline in the series' sales on Xbox consoles and PC, while Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 sales on PlayStation accounted for 82% of the game's total sales.
Needless to say, describing the situation at Xbox in recent years as "mismanagement" might be an understatement.
Fresh materials — Gaming News
Halo Ring World: A Veteran's Disappointment with the "Ugly" Redesign
Marcus Lehto, a veteran from Bungie and the art director for the original Halo: Combat Evolved, who was instrumental in shaping the iconic Master Chief and the original Ring World, has voiced his dissatisfaction with the current depiction of the Ring World in Halo: Campaign Evolved. He describe
El Niño Drives South American Seabirds Further North Than Usual in Panama
Unusual numbers of seabirds are being observed much further north than their typical range in Panama, South America, as El Niño significantly disrupts their food supply. These birds, including species like the blue-footed booby, normally reside off the coasts of Peru and Chile in cold, nutrient-r
Review of "The Last House": A Thriller That Misses the Mark
Summer is often accompanied by a new streaming horror film. I discovered "The Last House" a few days before its release and, even before watching it, suspected it was a typical concept—one that could either work or fall flat. With skilled direction and a solid script, it had the potential to be
Christopher Judge, the Actor Behind Kratos, Calls for More Respect for Video Game Writers
Christopher Judge, the actor who brought Kratos to life in the 2018 game "God of War" and its 2022 sequel, "God of War: Ragnarök," has expressed a desire for video game writers and developers to receive the recognition and respect they deserve. During an appearance at FanExpo, Judge questioned
Tomb Raider: Catalyst Release Window Narrowed Down
While Lara Croft's return is anticipated next year with the release of Tomb Raider: Legacy of Atlantis on PC, PlayStation 5, Switch 2, and Xbox Series S/X on February 12th, it's clear Ms. Croft has even grander ambitions. A brand-new adventure, Tomb Raider: Catalyst, is also in development.
Halo Archive Lets Fans Relive Their Best Halo Memories, While Campaign Evolved Rekindles Nostalgia
As "Halo: Campaign Evolved" brings players back to where the legendary Xbox franchise began, nostalgia for the series' early, arguably golden years, has surged. But while fans are rediscovering that vast ring, another project offers a chance to revisit something far more personal: your own jou