Microsoft Shares React to Mixed Reviews of Modern Warfare 4 Beta

Microsoft's shares are trading actively in the U.S. premarket as the company looks to recover from a 10% drop in Xbox content and services revenue in the last quarter.

The Modern Warfare 4 beta has concluded its early-access period for paying players, with mixed reviews on Steam so far. Just 51% of the 1,529 English-language reviews were positive, resulting in a 'Mixed' classification.

The free open beta will run from August 28 to September 1, and includes additional content and rewards that will transfer to the full game at launch.

Infinity Ward's Joe Cecot said the goal is for players to feel like they're using real weapons without feeling frustrated, highlighting the importance of getting the balance right.

Analysts are focusing on Azure and artificial intelligence, but some are paying attention to MW4 as a potential indicator of Activision's yearly release strategy. Strong figures could point to a stronger holiday content lineup.