Why nobody is reviewing games on Xbox

windowscentral.com Oct 28, 2026

Why nobody is reviewing games on Xbox

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · Oct 28, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Infinity Ward celebrates strong Metacritic scores for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4—89 on PlayStation and 86 on PC—but the Xbox Series X version lacks a Metascore, showing “tbd” after only two critic reviews. journalists explain the gap stems from Xbox’s cumbersome review process. Reviewers must provide their Xbox Live Device ID, wait for manual whitelisting, and receive codes later than on PC or PlayStation, where redemption is immediate. The extra steps clash with tight embargoes and Q4 release volume, prompting most outlets to cover the game on PC or Steam instead. Even Windows Central, which aims to test within Xbox, resorted to PC for its review. The article calls for Xbox to streamline access for press and creators across future launches.

💡 Why It Matters

· The arduous access routine keeps Xbox titles off major aggregate scores, distorting public perception of the platform’s flagship releases.

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GTA 6 is a 210GB download, says PlayStation Store sleuth

PlayStation Game Size reported that GTA 6 will require a 210‑gigabyte download on the PS5, roughly double the 105‑gigabyte size of GTA 5 on PC and exceeding Red Dead Redemption 2’s 150 GB. The figure is unconfirmed and may vary between PS5 and Xbox Series X, as well as between download and install sizes. GTA 6 pre‑loading opens on November 12, a week before the November 19 launch, allowing players to begin downloading early.

💡 The massive file size underscores the growing storage demands of modern AAA titles, prompting gamers to reassess hard‑drive capacity and download strategies.

playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 28

Enchanting PS5 Open-World Game Sets Release Date Window

Funcom’s new open‑world survival title, Aloft, will launch on PlayStation 5 in early 2027, aligning with the game’s full 1.0 release on PC after six years of development. The game, already in Steam Early Access since January 2025, features floating islands, skyship construction, and cooperative exploration. Astrolabe Interactive has delivered five major updates adding wildlife, puzzles, combat tweaks, glider customization, and ecosystem restoration. The PS5 version will bundle all Early Access content and future updates. Pricing, editions, and exact dates remain undisclosed.

💡 Aloft’s dual‑platform release demonstrates a growing trend of early‑access titles maturing into full console launches, offering players a seamless cross‑platform experience. The game’s emphasis on environmental restoration and community‑driven development could influence future indie titles seeking to balance early engagement with long‑term polish.

ign.com · Oct 28

Resident Evil Executive Producer Says the Series’ Story Could End ‘In the…

Capcom executive producer Jun Takeuchi revealed that the Resident Evil franchise’s overarching narrative will reach its conclusion within the next decade, following a ten‑year strategy first outlined during the planning of Resident Evil 2 Remake. Takeuchi explained that the series has expanded organically with each title and that the release of Requiem marks the end of the first decade, with a final resolution expected in the next ten years. He confirmed that several new games will launch before the story concludes, but details remain undisclosed.

💡 The announcement signals the impending end of a landmark horror saga, reshaping expectations for long‑time fans and guiding Capcom’s future development roadmap.

gamesradar.com · Oct 28

CD Projekt Red can’t stop updating Cyberpunk 2077: “Keeps giving us reasons…

CD Projekt Red released Cyberpunk 2077 2.5, adding a prequel quest linked to Netflix’s Cyberpunk Edgerunners 2, console mod support, dual‑wielding pistols, a City Tours feature, new outfits, a radio station, and other content. The update follows a series of bug fixes, performance patches, and the 2023 Phantom Liberty expansion, solidifying the game’s reputation as a mature RPG. The developer cites the goal of enriching Night City’s coherence and encouraging players to revisit the world, while simultaneously working on a sequel and other titles.

💡 The update demonstrates how a once‑flawed title can evolve into a living, cross‑media ecosystem, proving that sustained investment can transform player perception and commercial viability.

playstationlifestyle.net · Oct 28

Order of the Sinking Star Giveaway: 10 Codes for New Jonathan Blow…

PlayStation LifeStyle is offering a giveaway of ten PlayStation 5 codes for Jonathan Blow’s new puzzle game, Order of the Sinking Star. The title, praised as a 2026 game‑of‑the‑year contender, features over 1,000 hand‑crafted puzzles, multiple playable heroes, and evolving mechanics. It is available on the PlayStation Store for $29.99. Participants can enter by retweeting or commenting on the brand’s social posts; winners will be announced on social media before the contest ends on November 2, 2026.

💡 The giveaway gives early access to a highly anticipated indie title, potentially boosting its visibility and sales ahead of the holiday season. It also showcases PlayStation LifeStyle’s role in promoting independent developers.

gamesradar.com · Oct 28

The day GTA 6 pre-loading starts, unionizing Rockstar developers will vote on…

Rockstar Games will hold a union recognition vote for its GTA 6 developers from November 12 to 26, coinciding with the game’s pre‑loading launch on PS5 and Xbox Series X. The Independent Workers' Union of Great Britain (IWGB) is leading the effort, aiming to secure collective bargaining over pay, bonuses, overtime, redundancies, flexible working, and generative‑AI policies. A successful vote would formally unionize the studio, marking a significant advance for labor organization in the gaming industry.

💡 The vote could set a precedent for how major studios negotiate worker rights amid high‑profile releases, reshaping industry standards for compensation and workplace conditions.