Microsoft buys ZeniMax, gains Bethesda and Fallout studios
Microsoft announced it has acquired ZeniMax Media, bringing Bethesda, id Software and major franchises under its ownership and adding titles to Xbox Game Pass.
Sony says it won’t launch day-one blockbusters on PlayStation subscription
PlayStation head Jim Ryan says Sony won’t put billion-dollar-plus new releases on subscription services like Game Pass, calling it unsustainable.
PS5 will not run PS3, PS2 or PS1 games
Sony confirms PS5 lacks backward compatibility with PS3/PS2/PS1; it will support about 99% of PS4 titles via SSD and DualSense priorities.
Rocket League goes free-to-play on Sept. 23
Rocket League becomes free-to-play on Sept. 23 via Epic Games Store; Xbox One players will still need Xbox Live Gold for online multiplayer.
Microsoft criticizes Apple cloud gaming App Store rules
Apple allows cloud gaming on iOS but requires individual App Store approvals and separate apps per game, a move Microsoft calls a poor user experience.
Ubisoft Forward highlights: Prince of Persia remake, new releases
Ubisoft revealed Prince of Persia: Sands of Time Remake and new details for Immortals Fenyx Rising, plus updates on several live and upcoming titles.
Games confirmed for Xbox Series launch
Microsoft lists several titles for Xbox Series S/X launch day, with major releases following in November.
Xbox Series X specs, price and US release date
Microsoft will release the Xbox Series X in the U.S. on November 10 for $499; preorders start September 22. Key specs include an AMD Zen 2 CPU, RDNA 2 GPU and 1 TB SSD.
Games available on Xbox Series X|S at launch
Microsoft’s Xbox Series X and Series S launch on Nov. 10 with several day-one titles and optimized versions of existing games available.
Microsoft sets new Xbox prices at $299 and $499
Microsoft will launch two new Xbox consoles on November 10 in the U.S., priced at $299 for Series S and $499 for Series X, with financing via Xbox All Access.