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.
One day, 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
The Xbox backlash continues as another console 'exclusive' is reportedly being explored for PlayStation 5
By Jez Corden published
Sail away After this weekend's backlash to rumors of Hi-Fi Rush being ported systems beyond Xbox, now another game is reportedly slated for PlayStation.
Rumors suggest Xbox is bringing more games to Nintendo Switch and PS5, but what's the truth?
By Jez Corden published
Rumors abound Another year, another round of third-party rumors.
Diablo 4 'Season of Blood' review — rays of light shine through for Diablo's endgame, but there's still a long way to go
By Jez Corden published
Diablology I'm by no means an ultra-hardcore player, but you don't need to be to know Diablo 4 has a lot of problems.
As HoloLens vanishes from view, XREAL steps up and takes 51% of the augmented reality market
By Jez Corden published
XREAL AR HoloLens is kept alive on life support owing to its military contracts, meanwhile, AR start-up XREAL is starting to prove that there is an industry for this type of tech.
What to expect from Xbox in 2024: A preview of exclusive games, platform expansion, and increased momentum
By Jez Corden published
All aboard Microsoft has finally got all its pieces in place. An avalanche of games on the horizon, Xbox could be ready to have a truly special year in 2024, with a mountain of content, features, and momentum.
Microsoft's Brad Smith reflects on the UK CMA regulator, changes tone while discussing the Xbox-Activision purchase
By Jez Corden published
Breaking Brad Previously, Microsoft's Brad Smith said that the UK was "closed for business" over regulatory scrutiny of Xbox's big Activision deal, but has since changed stance.
As Bobby Kotick leaves Microsoft and Activision for good, ex-employees recall how Kotick once threatened to 'have an employee killed'
By Jennifer Young, Jez Corden published
💀ABK Today marks Bobby Kotick's last day at the helm of Activision Blizzard King, a day this former employee chose to recall a disturbing tale of Kotick's behavior while CEO of the company.
The best games of 2023 — Windows Central Game Awards 2023
By Jez Corden published
TOP GAMES The best of the best.
The best gadgets and tech innovations of 2023 — Windows Central Tech Awards 2023
By Jez Corden published
The Best The best of the best.
Xbox beginner's guide: Top tips and tricks for new Xbox Series X|S owners
By Jez Corden last updated
TIPS Get to know your Xbox in a few easy steps.
Xbox Series X review (2024): The Xbox Series X remains the apex of the Microsoft Gaming ecosystem
By Jez Corden published
REVIEW Over three years of non-stop gaming on the Xbox Series X has been more than enough to prove the console's worth.
Microsoft could 'disrupt and threaten' PlayStation business — Sony's Xbox fears laid bare in massive hack
By Jez Corden published
Huge leaks A big leak purports to detail Sony's thinking about Xbox's future, and how PlayStation could be threatened by Microsoft's position.
Microsoft is once again pissing off Edge users who prefer Google over Bing
By Jez Corden published
On edge Microsoft Edge is once again serving some users a prompt begging for them to switch to Bing, if they're using Google as their default search engine. Sigh.
Everyone is using this Microsoft Designer prompt to turn themselves into a Funko POP! figure, and you can too
By Jez Corden published
Funkomatic Funko POP! figurines are collectable toys based on a wide variety of characters and celebrities. But what if YOU could be a Funko? Now you can with Microsoft Designer, and here's how.
"Japanese publishers need Xbox to expand," says ex-PlayStation exec as Microsoft gets serious about Japan
By Jez Corden published
Xbox ❤️ Japan Xbox in Japan is getting a serious boost from Mena Kato, a former PlayStation exec whose proven track record could be a huge boost to Microsoft.
Xbox and PC Game Pass FAQ: Price, features, Ultimate, Core, Cloud, and everything you need to know
By Jez Corden last updated
XGP FTW Xbox Game Pass is an increasingly important service for Microsoft and for YOUR wallet. Here's how XGP can save you money.
Xbox Game Pass for free? Microsoft is experimenting with ad views for access to hundreds of Xbox games.
By Jez Corden published
View to play Do you want free Xbox Game Pass? Would you watch a 30 second ad to do it? You may be able to do so soon.
'Visions of Mana' kick starts Square Enix's return to Xbox, heading also to PS5 and PC in 2024
By Jez Corden published
Of Mana The Legend returns.
Microsoft and Xbox announced 'Marvel's Blade' at The Game Awards — but could it also be coming to PlayStation?
By Jez Corden last updated
Double-edged Blade Microsoft creates confusion, as usual.
Report: 'Destiny 2' developer is facing turmoil, and the possibility of a full PlayStation take over
By Jez Corden last updated
Just Terrible A new report describes the atmosphere at Bungie following recent layoffs and cost-cuts.
Microsoft has a huge and unexpected Xbox opportunity with GTA 6 — here's why
By Jez Corden published
GTA Series S Could the Xbox Series S become an unlikely GTA 6 hero?
"Banjo fans, I hear you," Xbox offers a roadmap for getting new Banjo Kazooie, StarCraft, and other classic Microsoft-owned games
By Jez Corden published
Banjo bros rise up Microsoft is open to a future of nostalgia.
"We have no plans to bring Xbox Game Pass to PlayStation or Nintendo." Xbox CEO Phil Spencer on console hardware, the future of Activision-Blizzard, and much more
By Jez Corden published
On Xbox's future Microsoft Gaming CEO and Xbox lead Phil Spencer discusses a range of hot topics, including the future of games like StarCraft, innovation in Xbox console hardware, cloud gaming, and much, much more.
My personal pick for BEST video game trilogy in history is 33% off this Cyber Monday (Xbox Series X|S, PS5, Nintendo Switch)
By Jez Corden published
Huh? Hind-Deal ... Metal Gear Solid 1, 2, and 3: sublime and unbeatable. Own the greatest video game trilogy of all time this Cyber Monday.