Xbox is Microsoft's gaming division. Launched in 2001 with the original Xbox console (presented by Bill Gates and The Rock, no less), the division has gone through multiple permutations on its journey to its current form. Originally envisioned as a device that could bring Windows to the living room, Xbox eventually competed more directly with PlayStation targeting core gamers.
Xbox had solid success in the United States and other English-speaking markets, buoyed by heavy hitters like Halo and Forza, alongside various heavy hitting third-party exclusive titles. Microsoft's Xbox is responsible for various gaming innovations that are now commonplace. Online live infrastructure, "games as a service" titles, subscription services, and cloud-first business models owe at least something to initiatives spearheaded by Microsoft (for better or worse).
In 2013, Microsoft's push to turn Xbox into a digital-first entertainment center saw widespread pushback from the gaming community. Despite predicting trends that are now commonplace, the way Microsoft positioned Xbox back then has seen it struggle to regain the relevance it once enjoyed as a brand in a universe of increased competition from other platforms, in addition to always-on forms of entertainment and smartphone-delivered social media algorithms.
As Xbox enters its 25th year, Microsoft is once again reinventing what Xbox is with its new approach, doubling down on Windows' openness, and returning to the original vision of Windows gaming in the living room. It'll be fun to see how it pans out.
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News Mandatory age verification under the UK’s Online Safety Act is now live on Xbox, with players reporting forced mid-game removals, failed checks, and restricted access to chat and Discord.

New Game Pass players flood in for recent big-name additions
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News Game Pass continues to prove its value, with fresh numbers highlighting major player spikes for several high-profile titles added last month.

“Xbox starts with console”: Asha Sharma lays out her vision for the platform
By Adam Hales published
Exclusive In an exclusive interview, Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reassures fans that console remains the foundation of Xbox’s future strategy and hardware investment.

Exclusive: Talking to new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and CCO Matt Booty
By Jez Corden published
Xbox As former Xbox CEO Phil Spencer prepares to exit, we caught up with incoming CEO Asha Sharma and newly promoted CCO Matt Booty to learn about what the future holds for Microsoft's gaming operation.

Microsoft's new Xbox CEO Asha Sharma celebrates Phil Spencer's legacy
By Brendan Lowry published
Xbox With Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox head Phil Spencer retiring and Asha Sharma taking his place, she took to social media to celebrate Spencer's legacy.

Mortal Kombat creator wants to know how you'd bring Xbox's Killer Instinct back
By Brendan Lowry published
Xbox How would you revive Xbox's Killer Instinct fighting game franchise? Ed Boon, the creator of Mortal Kombat, wants to hear your opinion on the matter.

A “dead” game studio just respawned — here’s why fans are freaking out
By Adam Hales published
News Radical Entertainment has resurfaced as New Radical Games, led by former studio heads, prompting fresh speculation that Prototype could return. A recent Steam update has only added to fan excitement.

Marathon is getting Xbox-exclusive content inspired by Minecraft
By Adam Hales published
Xbox With launch set for March 5, Marathon details its Xbox exclusives, upcoming server slam, and firm stance on cheaters.
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