In a post titled “Resetting Xbox”, Sharma has said that the division’s management layers will see reductions to a maximum of five layers, and where possible, the company will only have 3 layers for its various studios. Through this “flatter organization built around makers (individual contributors focused on building), player-coaches (leaders who remain deeply involved with the work while developing their teams), and directly responsible individuals (DRIs) who own key decisions and outcomes,” Sharma wants to streamline the company’s overall workflow. This will include having a cleaner code base, shared services, and vendor spend being reduced by 50 percent.

The reasoning behind this was the fact that Xbox sometimes had 14 layers of management between the studios and the decision makers. Along with this, the company also suffered from ballooning team sizes, with platform teams being 40 percent larger than they were when Xbox Series X/S launched, despite a decline in player base and play time. “That complexity has slowed decisions, blurred accountability, and made it harder to deliver for players,” said Sharma. “As we reset Xbox, we will simplify.”

Another core part of the future of Xbox is the appointment of a new chief operating officer (COO), who will have end-to-end profit and loss responsibilities across content, hardware, platform, and services. The role is being taken up by Helen Chiang, who has previously worked on building up Xbox Live and Minecraft developer Mojang. Chiang’s appointment means that former COO Dave McCarthy is retiring after having worked at Xbox for 17 years.

“She will bring our businesses together under one operating model, making sure we make clear investment decisions, learn from our successes and failures, and hold ourselves accountable for results,” said Sharma about Chaing.

Sharma went on to note that the aim of these changes is to make sure that Xbox has a “bigger future” going forward, and “not a smaller one.”

“The next decade of gaming will be larger, more global, and more creative than anything we’ve seen before. This year, we’ll invest as much in Xbox as we ever have, but we’ll invest with greater focus, greater discipline, and greater clarity, all in service of making Xbox where the world plays and creates.”

As part of the layoffs hitting Xbox, Sharma had also confirmed that four studios – Ninja Theory, Compulsion Games, Double Fine Productions, and Undead Labs – are being released. While Double Fine and Compulsion Games will be going independent, retaining their IP in the process, Ninja Theory and Undead Labs are being sold. Microsoft hasn’t yet revealed any details about which company is acquiring the two studios, and whether the games they are working on – Senua and State of Decay 3 – will see the light of day.

Zac Brown, Senior Editor at Windows Central, and Jez Corden spoke frankly about what the future could hold for a lot of great studios currently operating under the Xbox umbrella. “The best-case scenario is some of these studios do find a buyer, but there are some of the studios that could either go there, could be independent, they could be bought out by the individuals who sold the company originally.”

That’s rather sad news to hear; the uncertainty of it all is a tragic part of the situation. And it seems like that wave of layoffs might be closer than we think. “We’re going to see it from next week. We’re going to see a combination of studios going independent, studios being sold to the publishers, and then potentially some smaller studios being closed. But then I would expect also headcounts across the board. I think every studio is going to have layoffs, at least some layoffs.”

There is a bit of light on this otherwise dim horizon, though. It seems that any affected studios could get the chance to complete their announced games if things work out well enough. Let’s hope that everyone displaced from roles they’ve probably loved finds their feet in an industry that’s had a rough few years, with more challenges to come in the near future.

The news comes at an already tricky time when the gaming world debates on PlayStation announcing its stopping disc production in 2028, while rumors about Xbox cancelling marketing initiatives on physical copies of upcoming titles continue to make the rounds.

The presence of the disc is the first fact addressed by the Q&A itself. “Yes! Buying the Xbox or PlayStation version of Halo: Campaign Evolved at your local retailer will result in getting the physical game case and disc so that you have tangible items to add to your collections,” it says.

The timing for this confirmation by Xbox and Halo Studios also comes shortly after Rockstar Games started facing some controversy for its decision to not include a disc with the physical release of Grand Theft Auto 6. While there were some rumors that a disc launch is planned for later, more recent reports indicate that there are no such plans in place.

Despite the criticism from fans, however, Circana’s Mat Piscatella even expressed the belief that the lack of an included disc won’t ultimately have any major effect on sales figures for the highly anticipated title. Among other factors, he pointed to the popularity of consoles without disc drives – the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S.

The rest of the Q&A goes into detail about various other features of Halo: Campaign Evolved, like the Machinima mode. The mode will essentially allow players to start a free-floating camera that can then be controlled. In this mode, players can also lower their weapons to make it look like a real cutscene, while also maintaining full control of their character regardless of the camera’s position.

“Machinima mode is available to all players just by using input combos and does not need to be unlocked by finding a Skull,” explained Halo Studios. “If you’re looking to create great content, you can leverage Machinima mode, in combination with the Acrophobia & Blind Skulls, and even various personal settings such as disabling your HUD UI, to capture unique videos and screenshots.”

Interestingly, it looks like this Machinima mode is slated to be a replacement for what would have otherwise been a Photo mode. Halo Studios had previously confirmed that, rather than including a Photo mode by itself, such a mode’s features would instead be spread across the game through various skulls. The Blind Skull, for instance, can hide the HUD and UI. The Acrophobia skull, on the other hand, allows players to take flight.

The developer has also confirmed that Halo: Campaign Evolved will have full support for handheld systems. Halo Studios has noted that the title has the Handheld Optimized rating on Windows and the Verified rating on Steam Deck, both of which are the highest ratings on the respective operating systems and hardware.

Halo: Campaign Evolved is coming to PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X/S on July 28th.

The video would have apparently asked the question: “Physical vs. digital games. Which is best for you?” The answer would involve the viewer making the decision for themselves, with the video citing the advantages of both types of media. Physical games, for instance, can be lent to friends and are often available in limited and collector’s editions. Digital versions, on the other hand, offer conveniences like pre-loading ahead of a game’s release and more quickly switching between installed games without having to switch out any discs.

As for why Microsoft would decide to cancel the ad campaign, it is worth noting that, while AAA games do tend to get physical editions on Xbox, the company tends to be more focused on the digital side of things, especially with things like its Game Pass subscription service. The ultimate cancellation of the campaign might also have something to do with the company’s plans for the future. It could even be a hint that the next-gen Xbox – Project Helix – will eschew a disc drive, which would make the ad campaign a short-sighted move.

Interestingly, a recent report has indicated that Xbox has been testing the ability for console users to convert physical copies of the games they own into digital licenses. According to the report, the feature will work with Xbox One and Xbox Series X discs. However, there is no word on whether discs for Xbox or Xbox 360 will be supported. It is worth noting, however, that these older consoles’ games could be played on modern consoles through a system that involved inserting a game’s disc, which would then prompt the Xbox One or Xbox Series X console to download versions of the game that would run on the more modern systems.

The implications that such a move would have on the innate ability of physical game discs to be shared with others, and even be sold off in the second-hand market, would be quite dark, since it would essentially lock a game to a single Xbox account.

These reports of Microsoft’s alleged marketing campaign come shortly after PlayStation announced that it would stop producing physical copies of games for its consoles from January 2028 onwards. In its statement, the company said that this was a decision made in accordance with recent consumer behaviour, which has indicated a larger preference for digital copies of games rather than physical discs.

“This is a natural direction for Sony Interactive Entertainment to adapt to consumer trends as the general preference for digital media significantly outpaces physical discs,” said PlayStation. “This transition will enable us to align more closely with how most of our community prefers to access and play games today.”

Sony has also started repurposing its disc production facilities in Thalgau, with plans to retrain its employees to instead produce microlenses.

Editor-in-chief Patrick Garratt later posted on Bluesky that he “Was told last night that Rare’s on the block.” He later responded to a post calling the situation “grim” by adding, “It’s all horrible, yeah.”

Of course, it’s worth noting that the studio may not necessarily shut down, and not just because of the potential for a buy-out or another publisher acquiring it. Xbox has seemingly been changing its mind “within 24 hours” when it comes to recent decisions. Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb claims to have heard that Obsidian was shutting down or being sold off at one point. Leadership from its parent company may have since changed course and decided to stick with it for the time being.

Whether Rare ends up shuttered or not, this wouldn’t be the first time we’ve heard of layoffs. Following the cancellation of Everwild, the studio faced broader restructuring, with executive producer Louise O’Connor becoming Chief of Staff at Xbox Game Studios. Of course, she’s since departed alongside Craig Duncan, who served as Rare’s studio head before leading the first-party studios.

Sea of Thieves is likely to continue, though support and content updates are nowhere near what they were in the initial years. As always, stay tuned for more updates, as layoffs seemingly loom on July 6th.

However, despite allegedly being delayed to next year, Giant Bomb’s Jeff Grubb reports that it was “pretty far along.” On the latest Giant Bombcast, he notes that Arkane “were going to begin debuting it in some way later this year, and maybe even release it next year.”

He notes that the project seemingly needed more time but Xbox “just didn’t want to pay for that.” Keep in mind that Grubb didn’t confirm the cancellation or even that Arkane is officially being canned. But it seems the 2027 release window is legitimate, according to Bloomberg’s Jason Schreier on ResetEra, though he couldn’t confirm the fate of either with “100 percent certainty” at this time.

Aside from Arkane, reports currently claim that Compulsion Games, Ninja Theory, Double Fine Productions and Undead Labs are in danger of shutting down. There’s always the possibility of a buy-out or another company acquiring the studios, but nothing is confirmed as of now. Obsidian Entertainment was recently alleged to be part of the lineup, but it’s seemingly safe, as Schreier debunked those reports.

With Microsoft entering a new financial year, we could learn more next week and see just how extensive the layoffs could be. Stay tuned for updates in the meantime.

However, its price tag puts it at a premium over even the PS5 Pro, and that’s a cause for concern. At $1049 for a 512GB variant that functions on par with the base PS5 and Xbox Series X, it’s made our thoughts wander to what the next generation of gaming hardware could bring to the table and has us wondering what such offerings could cost. As always, there’s more to the issue than meets the eye, and we’re going to come at this from multiple angles. Let’s get started.

Leaving Traditions Behind

The old console model is the first thing that comes to mind, as it’s what the Steam Machine aimed to tackle before component shortages and the subsequent increase in prices forced Valve to pass on additional costs to its players. When you put that against how consoles have often absorbed losses they take on expensive hardware only to earn that back via game sales, subscriptions, peripherals, and platform fees, the Steam Machine’s disruptive potential becomes a little clearer.

However, that isn’t the only variable to consider. The PlayStation and Xbox have traditionally been closed-off ecosystems, with both Sony and Microsoft using all the factors we’ve mentioned above to try to surge ahead of their rivals. Throw in other gaming systems like the Switch into the mix, and the pattern becomes clearer. Big brands have used exclusivity and their unique USPs to ensure consumer loyalty and recoup the losses from discounted entry points over the duration of a console generation.

That means it can be hard for gamers to switch over to a rival, considering that they’ve had around seven years to build a library of games that would then become redundant if they were to give another system a try. Valve’s arguing against that route with the Steam Machine, bringing a PC/console hybrid that’s about as open-ended as they come thanks to a Linux-based operating system with a SteamOS overlay.

Yes, you’re paying a premium, but you also get the flexibility of a PC in a machine that gels pretty well with your living room setup thanks to its compact size and an approach to heat management that we must tip our hat to. That’s a more open-ended alternative to the PS5 or Xbox that could also run as a reasonably powerful PC if the need arises, since you could even run Windows on it and plug in a keyboard and mouse to get some work done from the comfort of your couch.

There’s value in both approaches, no arguments there, but there is the pressing concern that both Sony and Microsoft must now think long and hard about what they’re going to do about pricing their next-gen offerings. Absorbing hardware costs heavily in the interest of subsidization, both companies risk losing out on profit margins. Not doing so could raise prices, which isn’t going to make a lot of console gamers happy. It’s a frying pan and fire kind of situation that needs careful navigation if the next generation of consoles is to sustain the value that they offer to gamers.

The Rising Tide Of Prices

It’s probably a good idea to think about the price hikes on Sony’s PS5 lineup at this point. As of March 2026, the PS5 Disc Edition now sits at $649.99, while the PS5 Digital is at $599.99, and the PS5 Pro is pushing dangerously close to the thousand-dollar mark, with its retail price at $899.99. While it’s all well and good to support Sony, a manufacturer known for its quality gaming hardware over many years, and say that there was no choice but to hike up prices, that still doesn’t address worries about what the PS6’s price could be when it comes out.

Things are equally troubling with the Xbox Series. The Xbox Series S is now $100 dearer if you’re looking at a 512GB model, while the 1TB versions of both the S and X are now $150 more expensive. What’s worse, the 2TB models are now discontinued. Heck, even Lenovo has stated that memory prices may never return to normalcy.

Microsoft might be facing a tricky situation, all things considered, as Project Helix seems to be shaping up quite well, although it’s deep in development. However, as it’s being built to play both Xbox and PC games, that could put its value proposition quite close to what the Steam Machine is currently offering, and that’s without considering the promise of “leading performance” from the brand’s upcoming next-gen powerhouse.

With plans to ship out alpha hardware to developers in early 2027, it’s clearly getting closer to its final launch, as is the PS6. In the case of Project Helix, the PC/console hybrid angle could likely be a very justifiable reason for a higher price, especially for enthusiasts, but we’re concerned that such a situation could affect the mass-market relevance that it so clearly needs if it’s to take on the PS6. Exclusive games are a great way to get that going, but are they going to be enough to justify paying a high price for them? That’s something that remains to be seen. Either way, it’s a possibility that Project Helix’s goals may come into conflict with each other and be an obstacle to its success.

We’re aware that all of this is a tad speculative at this stage, but the Steam Machine has given us valid reasons for our concerns thanks to its price. But what could be done about them?

A Smart Way Forward

Well, you might not like what’s on our mind, but allow us to explain. We think delaying both the PS6 and Project Helix could be a smart choice for Sony and Microsoft. It isn’t because we think none of us are ready for a generational leap that could make modern gaming even better than it is today, not in the slightest. But at this point, with hardware prices and supply being what they are, it’s going to be a tall order to match retail prices with the value that’s on offer.

Both the PS6 and Project Helix need to come in at a time when a higher price tag is justified by an undeniable value proposition. Without it, we don’t see too many people looking to buy new consoles since their PS5s and Series X consoles, along with handhelds, the Switch 2, cloud gaming and other libraries, let them enjoy the best of whatever gaming is offering, albeit at a slightly lower performance that still works just fine since it’s what they’re already used to.

It’s going to be very easy to just wait out an upgrade, forcing Sony and Microsoft to either lower prices or weather low demand for new consoles. For the past few generations of consoles, upgrading to whatever next-gen offerings were available was a matter of better graphics, improved loading times, better frame rates, ray tracing in the case of the PS5 and Xbox Series, and bigger, more ambitious worlds that pushed the boundaries of what a modern gaming experience could achieve.

That’s the way it should be if you ask us, with each iteration of the PlayStation and Xbox working to give gamers a solid reason for an upgrade that goes past being an enthusiast, for whom a new console is a must-have, day-one purchase. Nothing wrong with that per se, but there’s a risk of alienating gamers who would like nothing more than a shiny new console but are priced out of joining in on the fun when the PS6 and Project Helix come along.

The Steam Machine has shed light on a facet of gaming hardware that console owners aren’t fully aware of yet, but the current situation has shown us all what those hidden bills look like. It brought the question of price and affordability to next-gen consoles, and we worry that launching either or both models too soon runs the risk of turning console gaming into a luxury purchase instead of a convenient, mass-market solution. It isn’t going to be entirely on the manufacturers, given the current cost-component environment, but it’s sure as hell going to be a factor if the prices are too high for the average gamer to make the leap to next-gen consoles.

We’re hoping to tell you that we were wrong to worry at some point, but all the evidence now points to a late 2027 to early 2028 launch for the PS6 and Project Helix. And while it’s certainly going to be interesting to see how Sony and Microsoft try to offset price increases, it’s going to be pretty saddening to know that so many of us won’t be playing the best games of the next few years in the best possible ways that they’re meant to be enjoyed.

And that would definitely be a disappointment all around.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to, GamingBolt as an organizati

Rumor has it that Xbox is mulling over a potential solution to assist players who have amassed large collections of physical copies of their games over the past couple of console generations. The solution? Use those discs to create digital licenses, allowing them to enjoy their libraries, and perhaps even let their friends in on the fun.

Tom Warren, reporting on the situation for The Verge, claims that the feature is already in testing at Xbox, and that it’s probably going to work with discs for the Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, subject to specific conditions. Xbox 360 and OG Xbox users appear to be out of luck, though.

If that’s true, Xbox players might have a small reason to cheer, while Sony will have to consider a similar solution if it aims to stay in the fight when the PS6 and Project Helix mark a new chapter in the console wars. Well, we’re not picking any sides other than the one that ensures our games remain our own, but time will tell just how this physical games kerfuffle pans out.

Launching on July 7th for $19.99 on Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC, it’s absolutely massive in scope. Even if you’re not here for the story or how the once and future Slayer manages to escape this latest predicament, there’s no denying that a lot of work has gone into Revelations. Here are 15 new things we learned, starting with…

Playtime and Size

Remember the two DOOM Eternal DLCs? Two parts of a single cohesive story that you had to wait for? It was ultimately worth it, but Revelations is like both combined. Director Hugo Martin confirmed that it’s about 10 to 12 hours long depending on the difficulty. Considering that the base game’s story took about 14 hours to complete on average, this expansion is a pretty sizable addition, especially considering the price.

A Year’s Worth of Polish

Of course, the one question that’s bound to be on every player’s mind, sooner or later, is, “Why did it take so long?” Besides the free updates and improvements to the base game, id Software actually spent a year polishing Revelations. Everything you see – the encounters, bosses, secrets, and yes, even the new weapon – has been finely honed. Whether that’s up to everyone’s standards remains to be seen, but the development team clearly wanted to get it right, especially when it comes to…

Higher Difficulty

The Dark Ages wasn’t necessarily the most difficult experience in the Slayer trilogy, especially for those fresh off Eternal’s high-speed gauntlet of horrors. So you’ll be pleased to learn that Revelations’ difficulty is higher than the base game, even though id worked to ensure it remains balanced. If it still proves too easy, you can still play around with the difficulty sliders to tweak the challenge to your preference.

The Chain Spear

Without a doubt, the star of the show is the new Chain Spear. It packs a whole array of movement options, from dashing to grappling, and much of the expansion’s progression revolves around it. In fact, you’ll require the entire campaign to fully upgrade it and truly unlock some of the more “meta” tactics. The Shield Saw is still here, though, and quick-swapping between it and the Spear lends to some pretty combinations.

Slam, Stab, Throw, and Much More

Dashing, grappling, and stabbing are just a few of the Chain Spear’s unique properties. There are multiple abilities with dedicated upgrade trees, whether you want to hone in on the Sentinel Hammer-like ground slam, throw it like a projectile or play ring around the rosie with the grappling hook. It’s also aces for slashing through weaker enemies, breaking armor, and parrying melee strikes and projectiles. The goal of the Chain Spear is to elevate the amount of counters available, not unlike DOOM Eternal’s gameplay loop. Unfortunately, that does come at a cost…

Unchanged Guns and Repairing Your Armor

That’s right – no new guns (at least none that id is revealing at this time), and those from the base game remain largely the same. You’ll also need to upgrade the Slayer’s armor from scratch, increasing the max armor, health and ammo, one node at a time. It makes sense in the story, but if your skills are rusty, you might need to work that much harder to survive.

New, Returning and Upgraded Enemies

Thankfully, there are new enemies to tackle, like the Wizard, who buffs his allies and evades, which means using the Chain Spear’s enhanced mobility to catch up and put it down before things get out of hand. The Arch-Vile and Pain Elemental from Eternal also return, while the Whiplash Spectre has upgraded AI. The Hell Knights are also worth keeping an eye on, as they pack a purple glow and can detonate to deal massive damage. Managing all of these threats while staying on the move will be key, and the new bosses, including a dual-sword-wielding warrior, should prove a worthy challenge.

Maze-Like Levels That Are id’s “Best Work Yet”

In terms of level design, Revelations has a pretty impressive slate, from towering structures to desolate battlegrounds comprised of bones big and small. Id describes these as its “best work yet”, with every level offering maze-like layouts housing numerous secrets and upgrades. But don’t think you’ll just be going from one level to the next and then rolling credits.

A Brand New Structure

Revelations represents something new for the developer and Slayer trilogy as a whole. Instead of a simple campaign with optional side content and secrets, it’s divided into two separate overlays: Base Game and End Game. The former encompasses 60 percent of the total experience, including the story, but the latter makes up the rest and is where you go for a greater challenge.

End Game Activities and Challenges

And make no mistake – you’ll be challenged in all kinds of ways. When selecting the End Game overlay, levels offer new original paths, puzzles and end game resources. You’ll have to tackle challenges at Master difficulty, and new activities open up, like Praetor Suit Encounters, which involve competing in unique “extra-hard” arenas. If you’re looking for something more arcade-like, there are Slayer Trials, which have some scoring mechanics, thus challenging you to optimize your killing for the best result.

Classic Levels

You may have spotted this briefly in the reveal trailer, but progress enough through the end-game, and you’ll discover Classic levels. These are revamped versions of levels from classic titles, with vastly upgraded visuals. Not quite the retro aesthetic that such levels offered from DOOM (2016), but it’s a welcome twist all the same.

Uber Boss and Master Arenas

Once you’ve cleared the other end-game activities, you’ll receive the Astral Key, which allows you to face an Uber Boss, one of the greatest challenges in the game yet. We say “one of” because defeating it grants the Master Arena Key. This will unlock four “super-intense” Master Arenas that serve as the pinnacle of the game’s combat challenge. Complete these, and you’ll have well and truly mastered Revelations.

New Ripatorium Arenas, Enemies and More

But don’t worry – there’s still more, because finishing the Master Arenas will unlock three new arenas (including one that calls back to the classic Doom aesthetic) in the Ripatorium. All the enemies also carry over alongside the fully upgraded Chain Spear. Considering how much id Software has updated and built upon it over the past year and change, we’re excited to see how these options will change up the community-made presets.

Slayer Hub

Last but certainly not least is the new Slayer Hub. If you’re reminded of the Fortress of Doom from Eternal, id actually describe that as a “stepping stone” for this new hub. Packed with puzzles, hidden corridors, and of course, new lore, it’s a great way to decompress and explore. The campaign also offers plenty of lore and collectibles that shine more light on what’s going on, providing even more incentive to revisit levels.

Of course, there are also tons of questions. Is this a sign that the PlayStation 6 won’t have a disc drive? It allegedly launches in Holiday 2027 after all. Whether this is the case or not, it seems that Project Helix, Xbox’s next-gen console, is going down the same route.

Sources “suggested” to Jez Corden of Windows Central that it wouldn’t have a disc drive. While far from official confirmation and hinting that the decision hasn’t been internally finalized, it wouldn’t be surprising. The PS6 is rumored to approach the dreaded $1000 price point and with increasing memory and storage costs, Project Helix could follow suit.

Cutting out the disc drive may be viewed as a way for both companies to cut down on manufacturing costs while seeing increased profit. Nevertheless, it’s a severe blow to digital ownership, never mind to physical collectors. But with Sony unwilling to take any significant losses on hardware going forward, the possibility is only growing with each day. As always, stay tuned for more details and updates.