Gait Games

### 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.

So much of what the SteelSeries Arctis Nova 7X Wireless Gen 2 does, it does right. Its build quality is outstanding, having a thickness and solidity that most wireless headsets lack. Its stretchy headband, as on pretty much all SteelSeries headsets, successfully tricked my entire skull into thinking it was lighter than it is. It’s flexible, working over Bluetooth or a 2.4GHz dongle, the latter’s USB-C connection also making it a plusher Steam Deck alternative to the Arctis GameBuds. And it sounds, both in games and music, fabulous: audio is powerful but detailed, like you could peel apart the stacked-up layers of a song mix or shooter soundscape into its individual tracks.

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**Resident Evil Requiem: A Preview of Its Upcoming Release in Light of Spoilers and Leaks**

As the eagerly awaited game, *Resident Evil Requiem*, nears its release date on February 27, 2024, excitement within the gaming community reaches an all-time high. However, the build-up to the launch has been tainted by leaks and spoilers, prompting action from developer Capcom.

Recently, multiple early copies of *Resident Evil Requiem* have ended up in the hands of fans and retailers, leading to unauthorized gameplay clips and story details being circulated on social media. In response, Capcom has publicly requested that fans avoid sharing any leaked material. The company aims to preserve a spoiler-free atmosphere for gamers eager to dive into the title upon its official launch.

Capcom voiced their concerns through a statement on their social media platforms, highlighting the importance of maintaining the gaming experience:

> “Please don’t post or share pre-release leaks and spoilers for *Resident Evil Requiem*. We genuinely want everyone to enjoy the game’s story and experience to the fullest. Our legal team will persist in issuing takedowns and deletion requests for leaks to protect your day-one experience.”

Moreover, Capcom’s legal team is actively overseeing and eliminating leaked footage to safeguard the narrative and gameplay from being spoiled. Their dedication to protecting player enjoyment underscores the importance of respecting the confidentiality surrounding the game’s plot.

It’s worth noting that the lead-up to the game’s launch hasn’t been completely smooth. Previous leaks included the unintentional reveal of fan-favorite character Leon Kennedy returning as a playable character just days before his official announcement. However, the most significant leak involves the distribution of footage showcasing critical moments from the game’s conclusion. In light of these events, fans are encouraged to mute related keywords on social media to reduce the risk of encountering potential spoilers.

As the launch date approaches, the excitement in the community remains palpable. Capcom is eager to see player reactions once the game is available, hoping the tale of Grace and Leon captivates audiences without any prior knowledge dampening their experience. With only a week to go, the call for respect and patience resonates—urging fans to wait for the release and engage with the game in its intended manner.

For once, I bring what should hopefully be good news for folks looking to buy or upgrade their PC hardware without having to factor in a bunch of inconveniences they can do nothing about. The RAM crisis is still in full swing, but the US Supreme Court have struck down the majority of President Trump’s tariffs on imports. These tariffs have been another of the key annoyances complicating the state of play when it comes to hardware companies being able to sell you the bits you need at prices which haven’t been driven far above where they should typically be.

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### The Stagnation of PlayStation Multiplayer: Examining 2026’s Most-Played Games

The realm of PlayStation gaming within the United States appears significantly stagnant, according to the retail tracking company Circana. For 2026, the leading five most-played PlayStation titles have not shifted from the prior year, with *Fortnite* in the forefront. This pattern has continued for several years, raising alarms among developers eager to create groundbreaking multiplayer experiences and fans anticipating new releases.

#### The 2026 Most-Played PlayStation Titles

Based on Circana’s findings shared by senior director Mat Piscatella, the most-played PlayStation titles in 2026 are as follows:

1. *Fortnite*
2. *Call of Duty*
3. *Grand Theft Auto V*
4. *Roblox*
5. *Minecraft*

Notably, 56% of all active PS5 users have participated in *Fortnite* at least once throughout the year, showcasing that over half of PS5 owners are engaged with Epic’s battle royale sensation.

#### Consistency Across Years

This stagnation is not an isolated incident for 2026. By comparing the listings from 2025, 2024, 2023, and even 2022, one can identify a steady trend. Most of the games featured have sustained their positions at the top:

– **2025 & 2024:**
1. *Fortnite*
2. *Call of Duty*
3. *Grand Theft Auto V*
4. *Roblox*
5. *Minecraft*

– **2023:**
1. *Fortnite*
2. *Grand Theft Auto V*
3. *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II*
4. *Call of Duty HQ*
5. *Minecraft*

– **2022:**
1. *Grand Theft Auto V*
2. *Fortnite*
3. *Call of Duty: Warzone*
4. *Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II*
5. *Apex Legends*

Although *Apex Legends* was the sole title that disrupted this consistency in 2022, the overall environment illustrates a dominance by a limited number of titles.

#### Market Dynamics and Challenges for New Releases

In a subsequent discussion, Piscatella remarked that only two new titles, *Battlefield 6* and *Skate*, made it to the extended list of the ten most-played games for 2025. This underscores the difficulties encountered by new entries seeking to enter a market increasingly swayed by established franchises. As Piscatella stated, “The behemoths are locked in and have black hole levels of gravity,” rendering it extraordinarily challenging for new games to divert players from these proven triumphs.

### Conclusion

The continuation of the same titles at the top of the rankings prompts essential questions regarding the future of multiplayer gaming on PlayStation. With players already deeply engaged in popular titles that provide substantial content for free, the motivation to invest in new, premium games remains ambiguous. The ongoing challenges faced by high-profile multiplayer games, such as *Highguard* in 2026, further highlight a major obstacle: how to capture a gaming audience that is predominantly content with their current choices. For developers, the path ahead seems perilous as they endeavor to innovate within a marketplace where familiarity and ease reign supreme.

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