Jez Corden
Fresh out of high school, Jez enjoyed a long career unemployed as a World of Warcraft dragon slayer. After slaying every dragon WoW had to offer at the time, he eventually stumbled into an I.T. support role for a small company smack in the middle of the good old United Kingdom. While in this role, Jez encountered his first "tech fanboys," people who inexplicably get so deep into tech that they start rooting for them, much like a sports team. To spite a particularly irritating Apple fanboy, Jez picked up a Windows Phone on a whim — and little did he know it would eventually land him a role as a managing editor for the biggest Windows-focused site in the world! "This is actually pretty cool," he thought, watching the Windows Phone 8.1 tiles flip and cycle, followed by a "wow!" upon discovering the games therein had actual Xbox achievements baked in as standard. "I must tell the world about this," he resolved and began blogging during breaks at work. As one of the few people on Earth who actually actively used and enjoyed using a Windows Phone, Nokia invited Jez to MWC to watch them launch the Lumia 640. Enticed by the promise of free whiskey, Jez immediately leaped at the opportunity. Wholly impressed by the fact that there was someone else on Earth who loved Windows Phone more than he did, Windows Central editor Daniel Rubino saw Jez's excellent content from MWC and promptly offered him a job, and now the rest is history.
Since joining Windows Central, Jez turned his workaholism and restlessness to producing masses of world-exclusives on the Microsoft ecosystem. From the existence and spec sheet of the Xbox Series S, to unannounced Xbox features and games, Jez also has a wealth of expertise in producing analysis on the Microsoft platform and its future direction. An active user of Windows 11, Surface devices, Xbox consoles, Xbox cloud gaming, and beyond, Jez's role as managing editor is to ensure that Windows Central remains the #1 destination for all news, reviews, and analysis pertaining to the Microsoft ecosystem.
Latest articles by Jez Corden
How to use an Xbox One, Series X|S, or PlayStation controller with Nintendo Switch
By Jez Corden last updated
Switch it up A better Nintendo Switch controller with Xbox and Mayflash.
Xbox One X tech specs
By Jez Corden last updated
Xbox One X breakdown The Xbox One X is obsolete, but if you want to check its specs, go nuts. We have them right here!
Alan Wake 2 guide: How to get the shotgun
By Jez Corden published
How To Alan Wake 2's shotgun is locked behind a padlocked cabinet in Cauldron Lake's general store. Here's how to get it.
Why Thunderful Games is embracing Xbox Game Pass, and the future of indie development with Agostino Simonetta
By Jez Corden published
Thoughtful Thunderful Some thoughtful discussions with Thunderful Games.
Do you need to play Alan Wake 1 before playing Alan Wake 2? I say, yes.
By Jez Corden published
It's an ocean If you're wondering whether you need to play Alan Wake 1 before playing Alan Wake 2, here's why I think you really, really should.
Xbox leadership addressed Blizzard staff for the first time today, striving to earn the studio's 'trust'
By Jez Corden published
Blizzard Top Microsoft brass visited Blizzard today, and promised staff that it strives to be a company staff can "trust," and wants to help them make their dream games.
The official Xbox Series X|S Seagate storage card is 32% off, but time is running out
By Jez Corden last updated
Deal You can save huge amounts on Seagate's Xbox Series X|S expansion card during Amazon Prime Big Deal Days.
Xbox lights up Nevada with a huge installation at the Las Vegas Sphere ahead of a big marketing push
By Jez Corden published
Xsphere Xbox marketing is finally kicking it up a notch, starting with the gaudy but utterly impressive Las Vegas Sphere.
Two days later, Halo Infinite players have built a full Pokemon battle arena in Forge
By Jez Corden published
Halokemon Halo Infinite added a range of new features to its creative Forge tools with the launch of Season 5. Players are already building wild maps that are helping Halo Infinite live up to its namesake.
Readers sent us their wild hopes, dreams, and fantasies for the future of Activision-Blizzard and Xbox
By Jez Corden published
ABK+X With Xbox and Activision-Blizzard teaming up, we asked YOU what you wanted to see from this epic gaming partnership. Here's some of the common themes, craziest ideas, and brightest highlights.
The best Xbox headsets for Xbox Series X|S 2023
By Jez Corden last updated
🎧 Xbox 🎧 We've tested dozens upon dozens of Xbox headsets over the years to bring you this detailed list of recommendations to up your audio game.
With Activision-Blizzard and Microsoft finally together, Xbox has a huge opportunity
By Jez Corden published
To the moon Microsoft has cleared all hurdles in its efforts to buy the Call of Duty maker. What's next for Xbox? Here's what we know.
Exclusive: Ahead of Xbox's acquisition, Activision's Bobby Kotick discussed Microsoft, Elon Musk's Neuralink, and hinted at a Guitar Hero revival in this leaked interview
By Jez Corden last updated
ABK x Xbox Kotick and Corden (not me) discuss the future of Activision.
10 World of Warcraft collector's editions can be yours for the low, low price of ... $38,475
By Jez Corden published
Oh, wow World of Warcraft collector's editions are rare. Unopened are rarer still. If you're rich, and insane, you could add this rare lot to your collection.
Jez's TOP last-minute Xbox and gaming deal recs for Prime Day (October 2023)
By Jez Corden published
💸💸💸 Here are the top Xbox and gaming recommendations from Jez Corden, he who spends irresponsible amounts of money on Xbox and PC gaming.
Battlefield 2042 (physical) for Xbox Series X drops to just $7 for Prime Day
By Jez Corden published
Battledealed If you're a physical media collector, score a cheap game.
Activision offers a timeframe for Xbox Game Pass inclusions ahead of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3's launch
By Jez Corden published
ABK in XGP Activision has put out a statement on Xbox Game Pass, noting that there are no plans to include games like Call of Duty or Diablo 4 in there this year — while offering hope for next year instead.
A battered share price and massive customer backlash later, Unity CEO John Riccitiello is stepping down
By Jez Corden published
Unitired According to reports, unpopular Unity CEO John Riccitiello has been ousted from from the popular game engine firm.
Bing Dall-E 3 image creation was great for a few days, but now Microsoft has predictably lobotomized it 🥴
By Jez Corden published
Dumb-E 3 Fleeing controversy, Microsoft has opted to lobotomize Bing's Dall-E 3 image creator tools. Here's what's changed.
Why Microsoft won't be the company to mainstream generative A.I.
By Jez Corden last updated
AI doubts Microsoft has bet big on OpenAI, but this pricey partnership is far from a perfect pairing. OpenAI should have bet on another horse.
The best Xbox games of all time: Our top picks you should play in 2023
By Jez Corden last updated
Best of the Best What are the best Xbox games of ALL TIME? They're right here, that's where — in our comprehensive roundup of the best and brightest the gaming industry has to offer.
Old Xbox One, PC exclusive 'Gigantic' may be back from the dead, at least according to this email
By Jez Corden last updated
Gigantic surprise You'd be forgiven for not remembering Gigantic, but the short-lived indie MOBA may be getting another shot on Xbox and PC.
Obsidian's Josh Sawyer jokes that he's waiting for a call from Microsoft to make 'Pillars of Eternity 3. But I don't want it to be a joke.
By Jez Corden published
Pillars Please Obsidian's Josh Sawyer joked on Twitter (also known as X) that he's waiting for a call from Microsoft to build Pillars of Eternity 3, with a beefy budget to match.