But what are they up to, and are their offerings going to be enough to either go toe to toe with the PS5, or, at the very least, gather enough momentum to attempt reversing the two consoles’ fading fortunes? We’re here to help answer those questions.

Join us as we take a look at what Xbox Game Studios is cooking up for a year that’s shaping up to be just as good as the one before it on the gaming front. It’s also a big year as the Xbox turns 25, and as such, there’s going to be a lot to be excited about if you’ve been a fan over the years. Let’s get started.

The Coalition

The studio behind the Gears of War franchise is all set to take the meta-narrative it has established over the years back to its roots, bringing back Marcus and Dom to the stage for a prequel that has fans excited to learn more about the gruff soldier’s turbulent relationship with his superiors and the events that led to the Locusts rising as a threat to his world in Gears of War: E-Day.

In a look back at the year it had at 2025, which featured studio heads discussing future projects, Mike Crump (who heads The Coalition) was pretty excited to assert that E-Day is the franchise’s “most ambitious title yet”, and confirmed that it was on track to release later this year with Polish studio People Can Fly joining the studio to lend a helping hand.

We’re going to be watching out with very sharp eyes for a release date announcement, and we’re sure that those among you who love Gears of War share our enthusiasm.

Compulsion Games

The South of Midnight developer has been basking in the success of the title, expressing gratitude for its excellent reception and confirming that a new project is already in the works. It has been stated that the lessons it picked up from developing South of Midnight have allowed it to grow and mature as a studio, and that this new project is going to reflect those learnings to be a game that is made to impress.

However, the studio is likely to focus on the multiplatform release for South of Midnight over this year, and its new project is likely not going to surface in 2026.

Double Fine

The studio has been relatively silent since the release of Keeper last year, and with little to no news about its next project surfacing in the months that followed, we can only guess that the team behind a very unique game is getting some well-deserved rest while they put down ideas for their next big thing on the drawing board.

That’s not to say we may not hear from the studio over the course of the year, though, and we’re hoping for more unique ideas, given its last project was a game with no dialogue that still managed to keep us glued to our screens.

Halo Studios

It looks like Halo is taking the Gears of War route this year, with Halo Studios all set to release Halo: Campaign Evolved sometime this year for the PS5, PC, and Xbox. A remake of a timeless classic, the new game is slated to bring several improvements to the original’s gameplay loop, such as the ability to hijack vehicles, weapon zooming, a redesign for the Warthog, up to 4-player online coop and 2-player couch coop, and so much more.

The visuals are also getting a leg up with Unreal Engine 5 powering the experience. The game’s iconic multiplayer being given a pass is a bummer, though. However, getting to see the campaign in a whole new light is something we’re definitely excited about. The bonus missions that act as a prequel are another nice touch that we’re curious about.

InXile Entertainment

We’ve been looking forward to Clockwork Revolution ever since this title was announced by inXile back in 2023. With a solid look into how the game works last year, and rumors that it could be slated for release this year, which must be taken with a pinch of salt, this is definitely one to watch out for.

If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it brings a very interesting premise with some time-travel shenanigans that pits you against a manipulative antagonist and her quest to consolidate power with a customizable protagonist. It’s quite impressive, and we hope the rumors that it’s making its way to our screens later this year are true, although we’re only carefully optimistic on that front.

Mojang Studios

There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re into Minecraft, as Mojang is bringing eight new baby farm mobs to the game, replete with visual changes that make them quite adorable indeed. However, the drop is still in its testing phase, and you might have to wait a while for an official release announcement, depending on how things progress.

However, that’s still good news, and we’ll be sure to have an update for you as soon as we can confirm any changes to the status quo.

Ninja Theory

The studio behind Hellblade is reportedly working on a new title that’s focused on being more interactive and action-oriented than its past offerings while sustaining the cinematic quality that it is now known for, as per Windows Central’s Jez Corden.

While there is speculation that the new title could be Hellblade 3, it could very well be a new IP. Either way, it’s likely that 2026 might be a quiet year for Ninja Theory, but that could very well change in the coming months.

Obsidian Entertainment

There are reportedly four new projects in development, along with speculations that a remake of Fallout: New Vegas in the vein of last year’s Oblivion is likely coming this year. However, that remains currently unconfirmed, so hopefully this month’s Xbox Direct may bring news on that front.

But if you happen to miss it, fret not, since we’re definitely going to have your back on that one!

Playground Games

The long-standing staple of Xbox Game Studios is going to be front and center at the Developer_Direct event, with both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 slated to make an appearance in what is shaping up to be a big year for the studio.

With no gameplay currently available for both titles, we’re quite certain that we’ll be getting quite a close look at what each of them is bringing to the table. While Fable is poised to be a reboot of the franchise, aimed at modernizing it for a new generation of players, Forza Horizon 6 is going to take you to Japan this time around, with a map that’s touted to be the biggest one yet in the franchise and a lot to look forward to in it.

We expect a release date announcement later this month, although that could take a little longer. Both games are currently slated for a 2026 release, though.

Rare

While the cancellation of Everwild is sure to have been a blow to the Sea of Thieves developer, the appointment of Lousie O’ Connor as the Chief of Staff for Xbox Game Studios might help with dealing with that loss and the layoffs that affected the studio.

It’s looking like a quiet year that’s going to be spent figuring out a way forward for the studio; however, we’re hopeful that we at least get a hint at what it aims to do next.

Turn 10 Studios

The studio behind Forza Motorsport is going to stop updates to its flagship title in order to help Playground Games with Forza Horizon 6. While that news is bittersweet, we’re still happy that the studio has managed to survive the turbulence of last year and come out on top.

Who knows, we might even get news of a new project a little later down the line. But for now, it’s looking like a relatively quiet year for this one.

Undead Labs

We’re still waiting on news about State of Decay 3 after Undead Labs posted that very cryptic teaser ahead of the 2025 edition of Summer Games Fest. However, things have been very quiet on that front, and the studio’s layoffs from last year have us a tad worried about the title’s current status.

We’re still holding out hope, however, and would be delighted to hear some good news at Developer_Direct later this month. Fingers crossed, we’d say.

World’s Edge

The studio’s job postings from last year fuelled a lot of speculation that it was taking a more hands-on approach to Age of Empires, and that an Unreal Engine-powered new addition to the franchise was in the works. And while nothing is confirmed at this moment, that could very well change later this year.

It would make sense for the studio to bring out a new title in its flagship franchise, and you can bet that we’d be very happy to hear about it over the course of this year. Once again, we’re going to advise cautious optimism, but one can always hope, right?

And that’s a wrap on all of the big releases and potential announcements from Xbox Game Studios as it gears up for a year that’s quite the landmark for the iconic console. We can’t wait to get our hands on all of the titles that are coming our way, and hope to join you as we enjoy a year of great games from these talented studios.

Known leaker extas1s recently uploaded a video in which he claimed that the long-rumoured Gears of War Collection is indeed in development and due out later this year. The collection will allegedly be announced at the next Xbox Games Showcase in June, and as prior reports have claimed, will also release on the same date for the PlayStation 5. 

As for what the collection will entail – that’s where details are a little scarce. The leaker said he wasn’t sure about how many games will be included in the collection and whether they will be remade or remastered (or neither). 

Meanwhile, the series’ next mainline title, Gears of War: E-Day, allegedly isn’t due out until next year. Read more on that through here.

That’s as per prominent leaker extas1s, who claimed in a recently uploaded video that the long-rumoured Gears of War Collection will release for PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC simultaneously day and date. Whether a Switch 2 version is inbound is unknown, the leaker says. Though unaware of the collection’s announcement date, he claims it will feature remastered versions of the original Gears of War trilogy. 

This isn’t the first time we’ve heard about Gears coming to PS5. With Microsoft’s multiplatform plans gathering pace, it may not be long before all major Xbox franchises are available on other consoles. 

Meanwhile, the next Gears title, Gears of War: E-Day, is in development for Xbox Series X/S and PC. As per leaks, it’s targeting a Fall 2025 release.

Grand Theft Auto IV

With the hype surrounding GTA VI plus GTA: The Trilogy’s semi-recent release, GTA IV’s foray through Liberty City’s grimy suburbs has become an outcast. Granted, most of you have completed Niko Bellic’s rise through LC’s criminal underworld already but take a moment to remember it’s surprisingly emotional story, of Bellic desperately outrunning his past in pursuit of a better life for him and his family. If you’ll allow us to describe it as such, its arguably the most relatable narrative in GTA’s canon.   

]]> 604773 https://gamingbolt.com/15-best-xbox-360-games-you-need-to-play-2024-edition Mon, 16 Sep 2024 12:02:11 +0000 https://gamingbolt.com/?p=596816 Microsoft isn’t necessarily known for incredible runs with its Xbox hardware. The OG Xbox launched with tons of hype but didn’t quite compete with Sony or Nintendo (while weighing enough to break your foot if dropped). The Xbox One shot itself multiple times in the foot and took years to recover. The Xbox Series X/S started stronger but struggled to consistently deliver worthwhile exclusives, to say nothing of dropping hardware revenue. However, at one point, there was the Xbox 360.

It was a magical time when Halo, Gears of War, and Forza had multiple follow-ups and extensive respect. Even before Microsoft slowed down on the exclusives and delved further into Kinect, the Xbox 360 generation offered some legendary releases. Here are our picks for the top 15, as of 2024.

Grand Theft Auto 4

Going from Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas to Grand Theft Auto 4 on a new generation of consoles wasn’t easy for Rockstar. However, while the latter had its shortcomings, it’s still a phenomenal entry in the series, with Niko Bellic’s rise through crime showcased in grim, unrelenting fashion. Its improvements to character models and motion capture, the sheer amount of dialogue, the increased scale of Liberty City, and more all made for an incredible sequel.

Jak and Daxter trilogy

To break away from the linear storytelling in prior triumvirate Crash Bandicoot, Naughty Dog developed a new graphics engine capable of rendering seamlessly connected open environments rife for joyful exploration for their Jak and Daxter trilogy. Ostensibly a third-person action platformer, the series also featured excellent combat and movement mechanics underpinned by the Eco system – a substance that can dramatically enhance player abilities; move sets which became increasingly complex and satisfying as the trilogy progressed.

On Resetera, insider Nate The Hate also weighed in. “I’d be surprised if 2024 came and went without a mention or look at Gears 6. The game will be that ‘this is what next-gen is about’ moment.” Lest there’s any confusion, they clarified that it’s “this gen. Very few games have delivered that ‘next-gen’ moment this generation, as we had an exceptionally long cross-gen period.”

Nate added, “Much like Gears 1 was the moment on Xbox 360, so should Gears 6 be for Xbox Series.” Further adding fuel to the fire is insider shinobi602, who said in response to some gorgeous screenshots of Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, “Wait until you see Gears. People aren’t ready.”

Rumors of Gears 6 have circulated through the years, like The Coalition reportedly cancelling two unannounced projects to focus on it. The sequel is allegedly further along than many would have thought, which makes a reveal this Summer all the more plausible. Whether Microsoft reveals it at the yearly Xbox Showcase in June remains to be seen, so stay tuned.

As many have guessed in the hours that have passed since Microsoft unveiled these plans, however, it seems like the company may have more than the four unnamed titles planned for multiplatform releases. That’s as per The Verge, with a report on the outlet claiming that Microsoft has also been “weighing up” multiplatform releases for Gears of War, Microsoft Flight Simulator, and the next DOOM game (rumoured to be titled DOOM Year Zero), and that a final decision regarding those games has yet to be made- which means there’s a chance that they do eventually end up on PlayStation or Switch in the future.

Over the course of the last couple of weeks, Gears of War was one of several major Xbox games rumoured to be part of the company’s multiplatform plans, while similar claims were also made for Indiana Jones– though the latter, at least, has been dispelled by Microsoft (at least for the time being).

It’s also unknown what the four games that will be going multiplatform are going to be, though reports have claimed they are Hi-Fi Rush, Pentiment, Grounded, and Sea of Thieves.

In the latest Game Mess Mornings stream, Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb said (transcription via VGC), “The other one that I’ve heard that’s definitely under consideration – it doesn’t mean that it’s going to happen, but it’s in talks – is Gears of War. Gears of War is being considered for this.” Considering the series’ relative age, dating back to the Xbox 360 days, it would be a bombshell if true.

Grubb also acknowledged Microsoft’s rumored plan to reveal its new first-party initiative by February end. “The other thing I can corroborate is a rumour that there will be something at the end of February when they’re going to explain this change – that is something that they definitely were talking about.”

As for Gears of War, the last title in the series is Gears 5, launched in 2019 for Xbox One and PC. Gears 6 is rumored to be in development and be more open than its predecessor. There’s also the alleged Gears of War Remastered Collection, which has yet to be officially announced. As always, stay tuned for more updates.

Before Sony Santa Monica, Jean Mah was a Narrative Director at TiMi Montreal under Tencent Games on an untitled open-world RPG. Other experience includes as Narrative Lead and Lead Writer on Age of Empires 4 for Relic Entertainment, a Narrative Producer for Gears of War 4, and Writer/Narrative Designer for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine, per LinkedIn. As for what she could be working on now, rumors indicate that Sony Santa Monica is developing DLC for God of War Ragnarok.

The Coalition is reportedly working on Gears 6, which will allegedly be more open than Gears 5. Stay tuned for potential announcements on either project in the coming months, perhaps at The Game Awards 2023 on December 7th.

ALL RIGHT, let's do this…I'm SO excited to share my news: I’ve joined @SonySantaMonica as a Narrative Director. I’m beyond thrilled to be working with this team and studio. LET’S GOOOOO pic.twitter.com/hCOZEtvBEB

— Bonnie Jean Mah (@BonnieJeanMah) November 21, 2023