No Xbox Wrapped This Year—as Marketing Budget Moves Elsewhere

As 2025 draws to a close, many gaming and tech companies have embraced the now-familiar tradition of offering users a personalized year-in-review. PlayStation has rolled out its Wrap-Up, Steam has delivered its annual recap, and Nintendo has confirmed that its Switch Year in Review will arrive early next year. Yet, one major player is noticeably absent from the lineup—Xbox has decided not to release a wrap-up this year.

The absence feels unusual given the scale of Xbox’s 2025. Microsoft’s gaming division launched several high-profile titles and even partnered with Asus to introduce an Xbox-branded handheld gaming PC. With so much activity, fans naturally expected a celebratory recap.

However, as reported by Windows Central, Microsoft has chosen to redirect its marketing resources toward a series of major anniversaries scheduled for 2026. These milestones include Xbox’s 25th anniversary, Blizzard’s 35th, and Bethesda’s 40th. With so many landmark events clustered together, it seems the company is prioritizing long-term celebrations over short-term recaps.

Blizzard has already teased that 2026 will be its "biggest year yet," with BlizzCon making its return in September. Microsoft’s president of game content and studios, Matt Booty, also called 2026 a “banner year for the brand” while announcing the Dev Direct for January.

While fans may miss the fun of comparing their gaming stats with friends this year, the promise of larger festivities next year offers some consolation.