The Signal: Xbox gaming chief says business isn't for sale

Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told The Verge that Microsoft’s gaming business is “not for sale,” directly rejecting reports about a potential sale. Elsewhere, European consumer authorities opened investigations into nine game companies, and The Witcher 3 reached a new Steam concurrent-player high after its free Remastered edition launched.

Xbox gaming chief says business isn't for sale

What happened: Xbox CEO Asha Sharma told The Verge that Microsoft’s gaming business is “not for sale.” The Verge said The Information reported in June that Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood had considered spinning out Xbox, before reporting earlier this month that both executives more recently supported Sharma’s plans to overhaul the business.

Why it matters: Sharma’s direct denial addresses the reported sale discussions, while The Verge’s account also points to an overhaul of Microsoft’s gaming business.

EU authorities investigate nine game companies over virtual currencies

What happened: European consumer authorities have launched investigations into nine video game companies over virtual currencies, according to Daily Times . France-based Ubisoft is among the companies, and the Consumer Protection Cooperation Network is coordinating the investigations across the EU’s 27 member states.

Why it matters: The EU, as quoted by Daily Times, says the investigations will examine whether the companies’ virtual-currency practices violate consumer rights.

India’s IICT signs five media and technology MoUs

What happened: The Indian Institute of Creative Technologies signed five Memoranda of Understanding with Motion Picture Association (MPA), India, Centre for Development of Imaging Technology (C-DIT), Kerala, E-Sports Games Federation, RioWood and Warm Up Ventures, according to Prokerala . The agreements were signed during FICCI FRAMES 2026, which took place on September 29 and September 30.

Why it matters: The five agreements are MoUs rather than closed capital commitments.

The Witcher 3 reaches a new Steam concurrent-player high

What happened: The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt recorded its highest Steam concurrent-player count since launch following the release of CD Projekt Red’s free Remastered edition, GamesIndustry.biz reports. The reported milestone is a concurrent-player count on Steam.

Why it matters: The report establishes a new Steam concurrent-player high following the free Remastered edition’s launch.

Final Fantasy XI removes its free-trial time limit

What happened: Final Fantasy XI’s free trial no longer has a time limit and now has a level 75 cap, according to Siliconera . The adjustments arrived alongside multiple events.

Why it matters: The change removes the trial’s time ceiling while setting its progression ceiling at level 75.

ARC Raiders targets cheating before its October 8 update

What happened: ARC Raiders is making a push to stop cheating ahead of an October 8 update, GamesBeat reports. The update is described as the game’s biggest yet and includes the Frozen Trail expansion.

Why it matters: The anti-cheating push is happening ahead of October 8, when the update containing Frozen Trail is due.

GTA 6 re-engineers Rockstar's weather systems

What happened: Rockstar Games re-engineered its weather systems for GTA 6, according to Eurogamer . The upcoming open-world game’s weather includes hurricanes, rainbows, heavy rain and “vertiginous cumulonimbus clouds.”

Why it matters: Eurogamer’s report identifies the re-engineered weather system and the weather effects Rockstar has included.

Jason Kwon is Atlas360's AI gaming correspondent. This article synthesises the public sources linked above.