Games - GeekWire

Mar 16, 2026, 6:39 AM

Microsoft’s Gaming Copilot: Another setback for the gaming press?

Microsoft says it’s exploring ways to license guide content from creators, but the details are vague, and the GDC demo told a different story. Read More

Mar 5, 2026, 1:10 PM

Xbox surprise: Microsoft reveals ‘Project Helix’ as the codename of its next console

In the days leading up to one of the games industry’s bigger trade conferences, Microsoft has quietly unveiled the code name for its next-generation Xbox console: Project Helix. Read More

Feb 25, 2026, 6:49 PM

Valve Software sued by New York AG, accused of promoting illegal gambling via video game loot boxes

The suit alleges that Valve’s first-party games are essentially an illegal gambling operation aimed at younger players. Read More

Feb 23, 2026, 8:23 AM

Who is Asha Sharma? A closer look at Microsoft’s surprise pick to lead the Xbox business

Microsoft’s new top gaming exec has the trust of Satya Nadella, a track record running platforms at Facebook, Instacart, and Microsoft’s AI division, and a goal to restore Xbox’s “renegade spirit.” What she doesn’t have is gaming industry experience — and the community is watching closely. Read More

Feb 20, 2026, 5:15 PM

Analysis: The best thing that the new Xbox CEO can do is … nothing

New Microsoft Gaming CEO Asha Sharma is in a unique position where she really can succeed in the video game business, despite her inexperience in the field, without really trying. Read More

Feb 20, 2026, 12:45 PM

Xbox chief Phil Spencer retiring after 38 years at Microsoft; Asha Sharma named new gaming CEO

Phil Spencer, who reshaped Xbox through landmark acquisitions and a bet on cloud gaming, is stepping down. His successor, Asha Sharma, has roots in the Seattle startup community, with deep experience in consumer platforms. Xbox President Sarah Bond is leaving. Read More

Feb 11, 2026, 1:42 PM

Seattle gaming startup Ironwood Studios raises $4 million for its next project

The round, led by Lifelike Capital, is aimed toward financing Redmond, Wash.-based Ironwood Studios’ next game. Read More

Jan 29, 2026, 7:15 AM

Seattle startup Sound Games raises $6.5M to rethink how premium games are sold

The startup is betting on a “pay once, play anywhere” model — players buy a game one time and can play it across PC, console, and mobile devices. Read More

Jan 15, 2026, 11:57 AM

Meta layoffs hit Seattle-area VR studio Camouflaj, developer behind ‘Batman’ game

A series of layoffs across Meta’s virtual reality division has affected the Bellevue, Wash.-based studio. Read More

Nov 13, 2025, 11:58 AM

Analysis: Valve’s new Steam Hardware projects are a potential challenge to Microsoft and Meta

In the wake of the success of the Steam Deck, a portable gaming PC aimed at a casual audience, it… Read More

Nov 12, 2025, 10:53 AM

Valve surprises with 3 new hardware devices in a full-circle moment for gaming giant

Planned for release in early 2026, the devices are described as new parts of the “Steam Hardware family.” Read More

Oct 26, 2025, 7:00 AM

From stress relief to self-discovery: UW researchers reveal the deeper impact of video games

When I was a kid, my mom used to call my Nintendo the “anti-social idiot box.” The widespread assumption back… Read More

Oct 23, 2025, 1:23 PM

New report about crazy Xbox profit expectations helps shed light on Microsoft’s broader gaming changes

For the last two years, Microsoft’s video game division has been working to meet financial targets that are well in excess of the typical industry standard, which has led to waves of layoffs, canceled projects, and a general perception that the company is scrambling. Read More

Oct 17, 2025, 12:49 PM

Seattle studio One More Game scraps initial project and reboots itself for new alien world co-op

The team at Seattle-based game developer One More Game is finally sharing its first title with players, six years after… Read More

Oct 15, 2025, 4:11 PM

PC or console? Microsoft’s new handheld gaming device raises questions about Xbox strategy

On the eve of the system’s release, tech reviewers across the internet are sharing their thoughts on the new ROG Xbox Ally, Microsoft’s long-anticipated foray into the portable gaming market. Read More

Oct 1, 2025, 6:00 AM

Amazon unveils revamped Luna cloud gaming platform with new focus on party games

Amazon plans to relaunch its cloud gaming platform Luna later this year. The “all-new Luna” has been “redesigned and reimagined”… Read More

Sep 30, 2025, 8:30 AM

Software vet Kevin Marcus’ family joins in his latest startup adventure with new indie game studio

Kevin Marcus has always had fun building and innovating with the enterprise startups he helped launch. That feeling is intact… Read More

Sep 2, 2025, 12:14 PM

Paramount and Microsoft-owned Activision reach deal for ‘Call of Duty’ live-action movie

Another huge video game franchise is coming to the big screen as Paramount and Microsoft-owned Activision have reached a deal… Read More

Aug 21, 2025, 2:45 PM

Longtime Bungie CEO Pete Parsons steps down after more than two decades at ‘Destiny’ maker

Pete Parsons, the gaming industry veteran who has led Destiny maker Bungie for the past decade, announced Thursday he’s stepping… Read More

Jul 26, 2025, 7:00 AM

‘Such a fun ride’: Seattle family sells popular card game ‘Taco vs. Burrito’ after more than 1M sales

The creators of the popular card game “Taco vs. Burrito” — dreamed up by a Seattle 7-year-old in 2018 —… Read More

Jun 24, 2025, 10:24 AM

Analysis: Reports of more gaming layoffs at Microsoft spark questions about future of Xbox

Another wave of “substantial” layoffs is expected to hit Microsoft’s gaming division next week, according to a new report from… Read More

Jun 8, 2025, 4:50 PM

Xbox Ally vs. Nintendo Switch 2: Microsoft enters a handheld console war that lacks actual competition

This isn’t quite what we expected to see last year, but the ROG Xbox Ally still marks a new chapter… Read More

Jun 8, 2025, 1:39 PM

Microsoft reveals new handheld Xbox Ally gaming PC in partnership with Asus

Follow-up: Xbox Ally vs. Nintendo Switch 2: Microsoft enters a handheld console war that lacks actual competition After months of… Read More

Jun 5, 2025, 9:22 AM

Nintendo’s Switch 2 arrives, with long lines in Seattle and beyond for new video game console

The Nintendo Switch 2 has officially arrived, bringing with it long lines of eager gamers anxious to get their hands… Read More

May 28, 2025, 3:08 PM

Report: Electronic Arts shutters Seattle-area studio Cliffhanger Games, cancels ‘Black Panther’ game

Electronic Arts plans to shutter its subsidiary Cliffhanger Games and has canceled development on its debut project, an original video… Read More

May 23, 2025, 10:14 AM

Nearly two years later, FTC drops final challenge to Microsoft’s Activision-Blizzard deal

Like a seasoned gamer navigating a tricky boss fight, Microsoft has completed one of the most high-stakes regulatory campaigns in… Read More

May 13, 2025, 9:31 AM

Seattle studio led by Big Fish founder raises more cash for mobile battler ‘Mutant Forge’

Reflection Games, an independent studio founded in 2021 by several veterans of Seattle’s Big Fish Games, is raising more cash.… Read More

May 7, 2025, 9:54 AM

Sony reveals new Seattle-area studio that spun out of Bungie

Bellevue, Wash.-based video game studio teamLFG spun out of Sony subsidiary Bungie and is a new developer in the PlayStation… Read More

Apr 2, 2025, 10:53 AM

Analysis: Nintendo keeps it simple with the new Switch 2, which debuts June 5 for $449.99

Nintendo broke months of silence on Wednesday morning with an hour-long pre-recorded livestream devoted to the upcoming Switch 2. It’s… Read More

Mar 19, 2025, 12:34 PM

Wizards of the Coast reportedly lays off staff working on virtual tabletop Sigil

Reports spread on Tuesday via social media that Wizards of the Coast, the Renton, Wash.-based company that publishes Dungeons &… Read More