Xbox Has changed the dashboard highlighting specific games on the platform. The latest change follows Xbox's shift in direction in terms of game specifications.
Xbox has undergone a lot of change recently, from changes as minor as the social media rebranding from Xbox to XBOX, to as significant as overhauls of Microsoft's gaming division, leading to layoffs. The console has struggled in recent years, and changes are being made in an attempt to fix that problem and reassure loyal Xbox fans that things will improve. This includes adjustments to how the company handles exclusives, which is becoming more apparent with this change.
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Xbox starts highlighting specials
Xbox has now adjusted the dashboard to highlight specials in a few ways. A dedicated tab now displays exclusives available for Xbox consoles, and featured games have received special label branding on their thumbnails. The change was made quietly without any significant announcement, but it didn't take long for Xbox series gamers to notice the shift.
The adjustments to the dashboard follow changes and announcements earlier in the year that the company will change how it approaches exclusives going forward. In April 2026, Xbox admitted that it was considering a shift back to focusing on exclusive first-party games, and followed up in June with an announcement that Xbox's exclusivity would be determined on a case-by-case basis. It was confirmed at the same time Gears of War: E-Day An Xbox console will be exclusive, though Gears of War: Reloaded Landing on the PlayStation console. RPG Revolution of the clock Also coming with Xbox console feature.
The new changes to the dashboard have been met with a mixed reception from gamers. Some have admitted that they're happy to see another sign of the Xbox's focus on exclusivity, as it gives more reason to own an Xbox, especially after the “This is an Xbox” campaign blowback. Others, however, have been more critical, with some referring to the change as “desperate” or calling it “pointless fan service”. A significant number of gamers also pointed out that while the games are “console exclusives”, they are still coming to PC, which they say undermines the label. Since Microsoft is a major force in the PC industry, however, that is unlikely to change in the near future.
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Others have taken issue with Xbox in general due to its recent moves to lay off workers and close studios. In addition to layoffs from previous years, employees have been warned that a large wave of Xbox layoffs is expected in July, though it's not yet clear how many workers will leave the company. Meanwhile, Obligation Games, the developer of the award-winning south of midnightis allegedly being discontinued, while the double penalty (psychologists, Cruel story) and Ninja Theory (Senua, DmC: Devil May Cry) are also reportedly on the list of planned shutdowns. Clearly, there's a lot brewing on the Xbox right now, and more changes are expected throughout the year. It remains to be seen what gamers think of this platform and its exclusive games once the dust settles.
