Tag:

herní pořad

Xbox Leadership Shakeup: Asha Sharma Takes Helm, Phil Spencer Steps Down

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor February 21, 2026

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Asha Sharma has been named the new Executive Vice President and CEO of Microsoft Gaming, succeeding Phil Spencer, who is retiring after 38 years with the company. The appointment, announced Friday, marks a significant leadership shift for the Xbox division as it navigates a competitive landscape and increasing investment in artificial intelligence.

Sharma joins Microsoft Gaming from Microsoft CoreAI, where she led product development overseeing AI infrastructure, foundation models, and related toolchains. Prior to Microsoft, she held leadership positions at Instacart and Meta. Satya Nadella, Chairman and CEO of Microsoft, stated Sharma’s experience in scaling services reaching billions of users will be “critical in leading our gaming business into its next era of growth.”

The leadership restructuring similarly sees Matt Booty elevated to Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer, reporting to Sharma. Booty’s career spans a lifelong commitment to gaming, and under his leadership, Microsoft Gaming has grown to encompass nearly 40 studios, including Xbox, Bethesda, Activision Blizzard, and King – the creators of franchises such as Halo, The Elder Scrolls, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Diablo, Candy Crush, and Fallout.

Sharma outlined three core commitments in an internal memo: “great games,” “the return of Xbox,” and “the future of play.” She emphasized a renewed focus on the Xbox console and a commitment to its core fanbase. “We will empower our studios, invest in iconic franchises, and back bold new ideas,” Sharma stated, adding that the company will “grab risks” and explore new markets.

Addressing the growing influence of AI, Sharma signaled a cautious approach, stating the company would have “no tolerance for subpar AI” and would not prioritize short-term efficiency at the expense of artistic integrity. “Games are and always will be art, crafted by humans, and created with the most innovative technology provided by us,” she said.

The leadership change occurs as Microsoft Gaming faces challenges including tariff-driven cost pressures and uncertain consumer spending. Sharma’s appointment signals a renewed focus on core gaming and long-term growth, aiming to reverse recent slides in market position.

Spencer’s departure follows 38 years at Microsoft, during which he became a prominent figure in the gaming industry. Sharma acknowledged his legacy, stating she has “deep respect” for his leadership.

February 21, 2026 0 comments

Technology

God of War: Multiplatform Spin-Off Rumors Emerge | PlayStation News

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor February 12, 2026

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Sony Interactive Entertainment is reportedly considering a multiplatform release for a rumored 2.5D God of War spin-off, potentially bringing the franchise to the Nintendo Switch 2 alongside the PlayStation 5. The possibility emerged from comments made by industry insider NateTheHate, responding to questions about the project on X, formerly known as Twitter.

NateTheHate, known for accurately predicting announcements such as the date of the Nintendo Partner Showcase and the recent PlayStation State of Play, stated that when initial discussions about the 2.5D God of War game began last year, “whispers” circulated regarding a potential multiplatform release. He cautioned, however, that he does not realize if those initial considerations evolved into a firm plan.

The rumored spin-off is described as a Metroidvania-style game, potentially serving as a bridge between God of War Ragnarök and a future main installment in the series. Reports suggest the game could be a prequel set in Ancient Greece, the setting of the original God of War trilogy. Development is said to be led by Mega Cat Studios, with Santa Monica Studio, the primary developer of the main God of War titles, in a supervisory role.

This potential shift in Sony’s release strategy would represent a departure from the traditionally PlayStation-exclusive nature of the God of War franchise. However, Sony has recently demonstrated a willingness to release titles on competing platforms. In November 2024, Lego Horizon Adventures launched on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch and PC.

The possibility of a multiplatform release is being discussed as Sony prepares for a State of Play presentation on February 12, 2026. Industry observers speculate that an announcement regarding the God of War spin-off could be made during the event. Another insider indicated that Sony Santa Monica’s next project may be showcased at the presentation.

The 2.5D God of War project has been assessed as “Probable” with a 75% confidence level, based on source credibility, corroboration, technical feasibility, and timeline analysis. The assessment, reported by Wccftech, indicates strong evidence supporting the game’s development, but leaves the platform exclusivity question open.

February 12, 2026 0 comments

Technology

Cancelled Lord of the Rings Game by Eidos Montréal Revealed in Images

by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor February 10, 2026

written by Rachel Kim – Technology Editor

Illustrations originating from the portfolio of a former artist at Eidos-Montréal offer a first public glimpse into a cancelled Lord of the Rings game project the studio was developing prior to internal restructuring, according to reports surfacing this week.

The artwork, initially highlighted by the website Mp1st, depicts a highly stylized vision of Middle-earth, featuring a bird’s-eye view perspective and a focus on the port city of Umbar, a stronghold of pirates located on the coast of Gondor. Images showcase both the city before and after a presumed fall, suggesting a narrative arc centered around conflict and potential destruction. The portfolio as well includes renderings of the Prancing Pony inn, a key location in the early stages of Frodo’s journey, indicating the game intended to incorporate recognizable elements from J.R.R. Tolkien’s world.

The project’s cancellation occurred before a significant internal investigation within Eidos-Montréal, according to reporting from Indian-tv.cz. Prior to the investigation, the studio was reportedly working on a “soft reboot” of the Legacy of Kain series, a new installment in the Deus Ex franchise, and the Lord of the Rings title.

Initial reports suggested the Lord of the Rings game would combine card-based mechanics with a narrative structure similar to those employed by Telltale Games in titles like The Wolf Among Us and Tales from the Borderlands. Whereas, the visual style evident in the released artwork – featuring a high camera angle and environments designed for real-time action – appears to contradict this earlier description, potentially indicating a shift in design during development. Some observers have noted similarities to the combat systems found in games like No Rest for the Wicked.

The emergence of these images coincides with a period of upheaval at Eidos-Montréal’s parent company, Embracer Group. Insider Gaming reported in December 2025 that the cancellation of the Lord of the Rings project was linked to broader restructuring efforts within the studio, prompted by the extensive development timeline of an internal open-world action-adventure project, codenamed P11. That project, reportedly being developed by the team behind Shadow of the Tomb Raider, is now in a late stage of development, with core systems completed and beta testing anticipated.

Embracer Group acquired the rights to adapt The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit in 2022 through the purchase of Middle-earth Enterprises, granting them control over video game, board game, and film adaptations. Existing licensed projects, including The Lord of the Rings: Gollum, a Weta Workshop game, and an Electronic Arts mobile title, remain unaffected by the recent cancellations.

According to Tom Henderson of Insider Gaming, Eidos-Montréal has initiated at least eleven projects since 2019, with only Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy reaching release in 2021. The studio’s current focus remains on P11, with a planned release next year.

February 10, 2026 0 comments