Kategorie: News

  • Winter Burrow is a Charming Combination of Cozy Game Comforts and Survival Elements

    Winter Burrow is a Charming Combination of Cozy Game Comforts and Survival Elements

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Summary

    • Play as a mouse exploring a snow-covered forest floor.
    • A cozy take on the survival genre with woodland animals and pies.
    • Restore your childhood Burrow and find your lost Aunty.

    My mom took my siblings and I to a place in the forest called Fox Hill when we were children. We spent the whole day playing in the forest, building small houses out of twigs and leaves and imagining that we lived there. This fascination and love for nature has never left me. I still go on hikes and camp under the stars to this day.  

    With Winter Burrow, I want to create that place I imagined as a child. I wanted to stay there as long as I could. To be a part of the miniature world and the enchanting life that happens between the gnarled roots of the trees. As a father, I’m happy to be able to give that back to my children. Both with trips out into nature from when they were very small and now seeing them play Winter Burrow and getting lost in that world. 

    It has been a long and bumpy process from the first initial idea to where we are now. Our team is amazing and it’s very important for me to stress that making games is a team effort. There would be no Winter Burrow without them. Their own experiences playing outside as children and expertise in their respective fields has been integral to the game so far. No matter where we are all from, our childhood adventures feel like a universal experience we all share. 

    When I first started working on the game I had just left a project that got way too big and took way too long to make because we tried to reinvent everything. While reinventing the wheel can be rewarding, I promised myself that the next time I would make a game in a genre that I already knew well, and that happened to be survival games. It will probably surprise some people that the first inspiration for Winter Burrow was the zombie survival game 7 Days to Die, which I had put hundreds of hours into at that point. I imagined a game that was something like that, but with squirrels, hedgehogs, moles and mice crawling in the trees and digging in the ground, rather than humans surviving a zombie apocalypse.  

    I chose mice because they seemed like the one kind of animal that had broadest and most suitable selection of skills for this type of game. I also realized pretty quickly that it would make everything a lot easier if the game was 2D, which meant quick prototyping and smaller production scope. However, even in 2D I wanted the game to feel like a big endless world, so I chose an isometric camera angle to be able to easily create that.  

    These choices led me in the direction of David Petersen’s comics Mouse Guard, and Klei Entertainment’s Don’t Starve, which was one of the few 2D survival games that I already knew. As a part of my research I started playing Don’t Starve again, but really wanted to keep my progress after I died. As it turns out, I wasn’t the only one who was looking for a similar experience that wasn’t as difficult and thought, “there might be something to this” – a survival game that had challenge, but was much more forgiving and approachable.  

    I was also playing Animal Crossing and totally loved the game, but wanted the ability to explore and to have a bit more challenge and consequences. It suddenly dawned on me that Winter Burrow could be a hybrid of these two games. Something that combined the elements of both cozy and survival games.  

    In early 2021 I was very lucky to get some public funding for the game and started working on a  simple prototype with a small team. We utilized all the third party assets that we could to quickly get an idea of what it could look like. Thematically, we wanted the game to mainly revolve around the contrast between safety and danger. That feeling of being under a warm blanket when it’s raining or snowing outside. We wanted to explore this feeling and the connection between the safe warm burrow and a cold harsh wilderness. 

    From here, Winter Burrow practically shaped itself. The more we added, the more things just seemed to make sense, and the more we got naturally inspired to bring in the next things. We played around a lot with the balance between the hardcore survival genre and the wholesome life-sim. This involved trying out different directions for the game and even though they seem like detours today, we are happy that we tried them out because it helped us understand the game and its core vision better. 

    When we started showing the game to Noodlecake and Xbox for the first time they immediately understood what we were doing. They have supported us from the start and gave us confidence to believe in the game and what we were making. A big thank you goes in their direction.  

    We are super happy to finally be able to announce Winter Burrow and we look forward to telling you more. Feel free to Wishlist the game and join our Discord for ongoing updates.  

    Website: LINK

  • How Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Reignites an Iconic Classic

    How Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Reignites an Iconic Classic

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Summary

    • Learn about new controls and mechanics  
    • Improved audio and visuals elevate gameplay 
    • Familiar characters and plotlines remain pristine 
    • Check out our interview with the developers on the Official Xbox Podcast 

    No two players will have the same experience when they step into the combat boots of Snake in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

    From the moment players make their first HALO jump behind enemy lines, some will come out of firefights and close encounters with wildlife with barely a scratch. Meanwhile, other players will see Snake covered in knife slashes, bullet wounds, and burns by the time the end credits roll. These visual battle scars are thanks to our new damage system, and are just one part of the visual and audio improvements that have been brought to life in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater

    To find out more, check out our interview with the developers on the Official Xbox Podcast: 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDCppzRLwpw?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Ultimate reality and immersion were two major goals our development team sought out to achieve. Naked Snake, our enduring protagonist, can be seen drenched in mud as players dive into cover to avoid enemy detection. Rain pitter-patters on the lush foliage as thunder clouds roll in from a distance. A snake slithering nearby provides a potential snack for the player. The thick vegetation of the jungles, forests, and swamps have been completely remade with cutting edge-detail in Unreal Engine 5 while retaining the original landscape. 

    To allow you to take in the new visual changes, we’ve also introduced a new third-person camera and control system. Aiming down sights and swapping between third person and first person while zeroing down an enemy will come across more naturally. Coupled with clever ways of hiding, players can engage enemy guards, either through lethal means or creative non-lethal ways – the choice is yours. These intuitive controls help ease newcomers starting their Metal Gear journey in this riveting origin story. For players looking for a more classic feel, Legacy Style offers the original camera and gameplay options at any time.  

    A keystone throughout the production of Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater has always been to keep the original feel of the game intact. This means including the over-head camera and controls veterans of the franchise will remember. You can easily swap between both control systems throughout the gaming session. No matter what control and camera style you choose to play with, both will deliver that classic stealth espionage action. 

    The Metal Gear Solid series has always had a roster of colorful characters with deep storylines that fans have come to cherish, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is no different. We’ve kept the original voice lines in the game, so the scruffy voice of David Hayter as Snake will greet players to the iconic universe of Metal Gear Solid once again. 

    Every cutscene is enriched with dynamic lighting, detailed facial animation and improved sound design. Yet they remain completely faithful, shot for shot. Even for long time fans, watching these updated scenes is like experiencing them for the first time. Original voiceover actors were brought back to the recording booth to help update in-game button prompts to keep up with the latest gaming hardware. 

    Since its release, Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater has defined itself as one of the most influential and impactful video games of all time. With an unbelievably detailed update to this classic, both newcomers and longtime players alike can experience this masterpiece like never before. Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater is the definitive, once-in-a-generation remake you do not want to miss. 

    Website: LINK

  • 5 Things You Need to Know About Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

    5 Things You Need to Know About Wuchang: Fallen Feathers

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    The entire publishing team at 505 Games along with our developer partners at Leenzee are thrilled to reveal Wuchang: Fallen Feathers with the world! Announced earlier today during Xbox Games Showcase 2024 as a day one with Game Pass title set for 2025, our game tells the story of Bai Wuchang, a pirate warrior struck with amnesia and battling the dread of Ornithropy — a disease granting her power while slowly transforming her into a monstrous creature. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7CGFPbfSCY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Our trailer (above) introduces Wuchang and lets you get a feel for the environments, foes, and gameplay you will experience in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. You also get to see how the game is leveraging the power of Unreal Engine 5, with intricate details of ancient architecture to the realistic textures of natural landscapes, you will find an authentic, visually stunning action RPG experience when it launches next year for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. But that’s not all – read on to learn even more about Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and see pre-alpha gameplay footage.  

    Diabolical Boss Fights

    Your path in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is fraught with danger, pitting you against grotesque beasts, spectral foes, and your own inner demons. Expect to face vicious boss fights with multiple phases that will test your resolve and will to endure. The game is a non-linear experience where you will get to choose your path and which bosses you will encounter first. In the image below, you can see Wuchang face off against one of the early bosses, a former priest who has transformed into a deformed hunchback monster.   

    An Arsenal Against the Darkness 

    Weapon and category will influence how your Ornithrophy magic accumulates and your playstyle. Choose from powerful double-handed axes or nimble dual one-handed blades; every weapon category comes with an extensive set of skills, encouraging you to experiment and master different techniques to suit your preferred combat style. For example, the unique skill named “Endurance” allows you to avoid attack interruptions while taking damage and this pairs well with the heavy axe which specializes in delivering devesting blows.  

    Shape the Land of Shu 

    While navigating through interconnected large open environments you will discover chisel fragments and journal scraps that change the story and lead to one of several potential endings. Throughout the story, there will be numerous NPCs also aware of these powerful fragments, and it will be down to you to decide who to team up with in your pursuit of their secret power. As the haunting narrative unfolds with each step, you will be challenged with these types of decisions that will ultimately shape the fate of Shu. 

    A Dark Retelling 

    Immerse yourself in a dark retelling of the late Ming Dynasty through numerous in-game cutscenes, NPC interactions, and collectible items. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers incorporates real historical figures like Zhang Xianzhong and Li Dingguo, providing a unique blend of historical authenticity and fantastical storytelling. Your interaction with such figures will lead to in-depth quest lines, spanning numerous chapters throughout the game and generating branching dialogue options, each resulting in unique outcomes. 

    Original Soundtrack Composed by Anti-General 

    The soundtrack is composed by Anti-General Zhong Ziqi, who is widely known for his ability to utilise electronic music in combination with traditional Chinese culture and instruments. Best known for his involvement in “Cyberpunk Shanhaiching” and “The Bad Kids,” Anti-General blends grand ancient melodies with modern musical elements, enhancing the overall atmosphere to draw you deeper into the world of Shu. 

    You can stay up to date by following the official Wuchang: Fallen Feathers social channels for updates, special events, and more. You can also find us on the official Wuchang Xbox Club and let us know what you think of the new announcement trailer. 

    Look for Wuchang: Fallen Feathers to launch for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and day one with Game Pass in 2025. 

    Website: LINK

  • Life Is Strange: Double Exposure bringt den Star der Serie für ein übernatürliches, mörderisches Rätsel zurück

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure bringt den Star der Serie für ein übernatürliches, mörderisches Rätsel zurück

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Wir freuen uns sehr, dass wir endlich das nächste Spiel der Life is Strange-Reihe vorstellen können: Life is Strange: Double Exposure!

    Die Arbeit daran hat sich wirklich gelohnt und wir können es kaum erwarten, dass Du tiefer in die übernatürliche Kriminalgeschichte eintauchst, an der wir mehr als vier Jahre lang gearbeitet haben. Und unsere langjährigen Fans werden sich freuen, dass unsere Protagonistin Max Caulfield zurückkehrt.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiCDmeW9eac?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Als 18- jährige Fotostudentin manifestierte Max die Kraft, die Zeit zurückzudrehen. Sie wurde in die dunkle Seite der Blackwell Academy, einer Highschool in der Kleinstadt Arcadia Bay, verwickelt.

    In Life is Strange: Double Exposure knüpfen wir einige Jahre später an. Max versucht, sich ein neues Leben im Form einer Künstlerresidenz an der prestigeträchtigen Caledon University aufzubauen. Max hat Jahre damit verbracht, trostlose Orte zu fotografieren und alle auf Distanz zu halten, da die Entscheidungen ihrer Vergangenheit immer noch schwer auf ihr lasten.

    Caledon ist der erste Ort seit Jahren, an dem Max die Anziehungskraft einer Community spürt. Sie beginnt, sich wieder zu öffnen, Freundschaften zu schließen und Kontakte zu knüpfen… und dann wird ihr all das in einer einzigen Nacht genommen, als sie ihre neue Freundin, die Dichterin Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad, tot im Schnee findet.

    Ermordet.

    Max‘ Schock verwandelt sich bald in Verwirrung − Safis Tod scheint unwirklich, nicht nur wegen der Plötzlichkeit, sondern auch wegen des Mangels an Hinweisen und Verdächtigen; ganz zu schweigen von der Tatsache, dass Max sie nur Sekunden zuvor noch lebend gesehen hat.

    Als die Tage vergehen, wird aus ihrem Schock die Entschlossenheit, die Wahrheit herauszufinden. In diesem Moment beginnt sie, Safis Stimme zu hören. Als sie ihre Hand ausstreckt und jede übernatürliche Kraft anspannt, reißt Max ein Loch in die Realität und gelangt in eine parallele Zeit. Hier ist Safi noch am Leben. Und immer noch in Gefahr! Max ist die Einzige, die ihre Freundin vielleicht retten kann.

    Außerdem entdeckt sie, dass sich ihre Kräfte, die lange Zeit ruhten, verändert haben. Sie kann jetzt zwischen zwei parallelen Zeitebenen hin- und herwechseln, die sich beide synchron weiterentwickeln. In der einen Zeitebene ist Safi tot, und ihre Freund*innen und der Campus trauern. In der anderen ist Safi noch am Leben und Max ist die Einzige, die weiß, dass das College von einer tödlichen Bedrohung heimgesucht wird.

    Zum ersten Mal müssen die Spieler*innen denselben Mord aufklären, verhindern und dabei alle Geheimnisse von Caledon aufdecken. Wie Du Dir vielleicht denken kannst, steht die Freundschaft zwischen Max und Safi im Mittelpunkt dieses neuen Geheimnisses. Lass uns ein paar Bilder aus dem Trailer anschauen, um mehr darüber zu erfahren…

    Max ist zurück! Zum ersten Mal seit fast einem Jahrzehnt übernehmen die Spieler*innen die Kontrolle über Max Caulfield − entweder erneut oder zum allerersten Mal. Auch wenn Du Life is Strange noch nicht kennst, wirst Du in dieser Geschichte alles erfahren, was Du wissen musst, um Max‘ Vergangenheit und ihre emotionale Reise zu verstehen.

    Eines der wichtigsten Dinge, die wir bei der Entwicklung dieser Geschichte berücksichtigt haben, war, dass Safi nicht nur ein Plot Device oder eine Leiche ist. Die Tatsache, dass sie in einer der beiden Zeitebenen lebendig ist, bedeutet, dass sie während des gesamten Spiels präsent bleibt. Herauszufinden, wie sie tickt, ist genauso wichtig wie herauszufinden, wen sie verärgert haben könnte.

    Da Safi in einer Zeitebene noch lebt, hat Max auch Zugang zu etwas, das kein*e andere*r Detektiv*in hat − das Mordopfer: Es kann all ihre bohrenden Fragen beantworten!

    Max ist auch die einzige Person, die die Macht hat, zwischen den beiden Zeitebenen zu wechseln. Max kann sich an verschiedenen Übergangspunkten in der Welt bewegen − Orte in der Realität, an denen die Mauer zwischen den Zeitebenen dünn ist. Während sie beide Zeitebenen erforscht, kommen immer mehr Geheimnisse ans Licht − aber nur Max hat die Fähigkeit, die Wahrheit herauszufinden.

    Max und Safi werden Deine Hilfe brauchen, wenn Life is Strange: Double Exposure am 29. Oktober dieses Jahres auf den Markt kommt − und wer die Ultimate Edition vorbestellt, kann ab dem 15. Oktober sowohl Kapitel 1 als auch 2 spielen!

    Und diese Woche gibt es noch mehr zu entdecken. Wir werden Max Caufields neues Abenteuer in einem ausführlichen Reveal-Livestream am Donnerstag, den 13. Juni, um 18:00 Uhr vorstellen − mit einem ersten Blick auf das erweiterte Gameplay und einem Überblick über Max‘ neue Kräfte. Folge uns auf X, Tiktok, Instagram, und Facebook, um über alle Neuigkeiten aus dem Life is Strange-Universum auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben.

    Wir können es kaum erwarten, Euch alle auf dem verschneiten Gelände der Caledon University zu begrüßen und euch zwei Zeitebenen zu präsentieren.

    Website: LINK

  • Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back the Series’ Original Star for a Supernatural Murder Mystery

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back the Series’ Original Star for a Supernatural Murder Mystery

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    We’re thrilled to have finally revealed the next game in the Life is Strange series, Life is Strange: Double Exposure!  

    It’s been deeply rewarding to work on, and we can’t wait for you to dive deeper into the supernatural murder mystery we’ve been working on for over four years. And long-time fans will be thrilled to know that our original star, Max Caulfield, is making a return. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiCDmeW9eac?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    When Max was an eighteen year-old photography student, she manifested the power to rewind time and became entangled in the dark side of Blackwell Academy, a high school in the small town of Arcadia Bay. 

    In Life is Strange: Double Exposure, we pick up several years later, finding Max trying to build a new life for herself as an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University. Max has spent years on the road photographing desolate spaces, keeping everyone at a distance, as the decisions of her past still hang heavy over her. 

    Caledon is the first place in years where Max has felt the pull of community. She’s begun to reach out again, to make friends and connections… and then all that is torn away from her in a single night, when she finds her new friend, the poet Safi Llewellyn-Fayyad, dead in the snow. 

    Murdered. 

    Max’s shock soon turns to confusion – Safi’s death seems impossible, not just in its suddenness, but in the lack of clues, of suspects; not to mention the fact that Max saw her alive just seconds before.  

    As the days pass, her shock turns to determination to find the truth. That’s when she starts to hear Safi’s voice. Reaching out, straining every supernatural sinew, Max tears a hole in reality and passes through into a parallel timeline. Here, Safi is still alive. And still in danger! Max is the only one who might be able to save her friend. 

    She also discovers her power, long-dormant, has changed. She can now Shift back and forth between two parallel timelines, each moving forward in sync. In one timeline, Safi is dead, and her friends and the campus mourn. In the other, Safi is very much alive, and Max is the only one who knows that a deadly threat stalks the college. 

    For the first time, players will have to solve and prevent the same murder, while uncovering every secret that Caledon holds. As you might be able to tell, the friendship between Max and Safi is core to this new mystery. Let’s touch on a few key shots from the trailer to delve into that a little more… 

    Max is back! For the first time in nearly a decade, players will take control of Max Caulfield – either again, or for the very first time. Even if you’re completely new to Life is Strange, you’ll get everything you need in this story to understand Max’s past, and her emotional journey. 

    One of the things that was most important to us when crafting this story was that Safi wasn’t just a plot device, or a body. The fact that she is very much alive in one of the two timelines means she remains a vivid presence throughout the game. Discovering what makes her tick is just as important as finding out who she may have ticked off. 

    With Safi still alive in one timeline, Max also has access to something no other detective has – the murder victim: able to answer all of her probing questions! 

    Max is also the only person with the power to Shift between the two timelines. Max can Shift at various Shift Points in the world – soft places in reality, where the wall between the timelines is thin. As she explores both timelines, the mysteries keep adding up – but only Max has the ability to get to the truth. 

    Max and Safi will need all your help when Life is Strange: Double Exposure launches October 29 this year – and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition can play both Chapters 1 and 2 from October 15! 

    And there’s still more to come this very week. We’ll showcase Max Caufield’s new adventure in an in-depth Reveal Livestream this Thursday, June 13, at 9am PDT / 12pm EDT / 5pm BST – including a first look at extended gameplay, and an overview of Max’s new power. Follow us on X, Tiktok, Instagram, and Facebook to keep up to date with all the latest from the Life is Strange universe. 

    We can’t wait to welcome you all into the snowy grounds of Caledon University, and place two timelines at your fingertips. 

    Website: LINK

  • Veilguard Unveiled: An Hour with the Next Dragon Age

    Veilguard Unveiled: An Hour with the Next Dragon Age

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    It’s been 10 years since the groundbreaking Dragon Age: Inquisition launched on Xbox One, and for those of us steeped in the world of Thedas, this past weekend brought us something new to savor – and the promise that our wait for more is nearly at an end. First, Bioware popped up to announce that what was once referred to as “Dragon Age: Dreadwolf” is to be formally known as Dragon Age: The Veilguard.  

    The game then resurfaced at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday with a first look at the companions who join you on your quest, ranging from familiar face Harding, a Scout seen barroom brawling with Varrick, to Bellara, the Veil Jumper seen, well, jumping through The Veil. Behind closed doors at Summer Games Fest Play Days, I would soon see much, much more, during a nearly one hour look at Dragon Age: The Veilguard

    The demo, driven by Creative Director John Epler, kicked off from the very beginning of the game. Before the game, really, with a full run through of perhaps the most thoughtful character creator I’ve ever seen, aligning with Bioware’s key game pillar of “be who you want to be.” 

    Dragon Age The Veilguard Screenshot

    Players will begin by selecting their race from Dragon Age staples like elves, qunari, humans, and dwarves, with the option to customize their appearance extensively or select from detailed presets. From there, one can remix their avatar from expected options like facial features to less common toggles such as heterochromia. The body shape selector is a series first, and I even spied a larynx customizer (an industry first?). Clear effort was put into a diverse selection of detailed hairstyles, emphasizing that commitment to player expression. 

    In a thoughtful touch, players may preview their character in various lighting scenarios and outfits before finalizing their creation, reducing the likelihood of wanting to re-roll the first time they see how they look in a dimly-lit tavern. With all the effort that’s gone into making sure your character looks exactly how you’d like them to, I was pleased to learn that the game includes a “hide helmet” option for cutscenes; let me see that much-fussed-over mug in every situation, thank you.  

    From there, we dove into class and specializations, netting out with a Human Rogue member of the Shadow Dragons, a group of rebel mages – and off we went into the world.  

    Dragon Age The Veilguard Screenshot

    The story begins with your quest to confront the Dread Wolf, Solas, in the Tevinter capital, a magical nation often referenced in Dragon Age, but never visited until now. While it’s natural to expect visual improvements in a series last seen a decade ago, I couldn’t help but marvel at just how good it looks. The city’s visual design is captivating, featuring a floating panopticon monitoring the city in an oppressive manner, reminiscent of Sauron’s gaze.  

    Before long, chaos erupts as Solas attempts to unravel the Veil, the mystical barrier separating the physical world from the more ethereal Fade, and our journey to Guard said Veil begins in earnest. As monsters stampeded through the city, I got several looks at combat mechanics, which blend strategy and real-time action. I challenged demo driver Mr. Epler to parry attacks great and small, which he did with aplomb via the LB button, also making use of melee attacks and a regenerating source of rogue’s arrows.  

    Dragon Age The Veilguard Screenshot

    As our Rogue unlocked his first ability, Static Strikes, I got a first look at the ability wheel, which now pauses the action fully as you plan your next move. While abilities can be triggered immediately without entering the ability wheel, this powerful wave attack highlighted the importance of positioning – well-aimed Static Strikes can tear through multiple enemies at once. You’ll also use this wheel to direct your companions’ powers and target selection. 

    As the demo progressed, we met and were joined by Neve (“The Detective”), and eventually caught up with Solas, setting off a cataclysmic moment better experienced than described here. And with that, our demo came to a close, leaving me with only a longing to see more Dragon Age: The Veilguard and another gaze towards the “Coming Fall 2024” end slate of the reveal trailer

    Xbox Live

    Dragon Age™: The Veilguard

    Electronic Arts

    Welcome to Dragon Age™: The Veilguard. Enter the world of Thedas, a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in savage combat and secret magics. Now, the fate of this world teeters on a knife’s edge. Thedas needs a new leader; one they’ll never see coming. You’ll forge a courageous fellowship to challenge the gathering storm. Friendship, drama, and romance will abound as you bring striking individuals together into an extraordinary team. Become the leader and light the beacon of hope in their darkest moments. Full reveal Summer 2024.

    Website: LINK

  • Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Arrives on July 18 – Learn More About the (Literally) Explosive Souls-lite

    Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Arrives on July 18 – Learn More About the (Literally) Explosive Souls-lite

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Hi, I’m Simon Dasan, Creative Director at A44. For those of you who don’t know us, we’re an indie studio from New Zealand and released our first game, Ashen, back in 2018. I’m excited to say we’ve announced the release date for our upcoming explosive souls-lite adventure, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Mark your calendars, because your journey begins on July 18, 2024! Flintlock is coming to Xbox Series X|S with pre-orders available now and will also be available at launch for anyone with Game Pass. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AELgaQ6GqSs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Flintlock is a thrilling action-RPG that takes the knowledge and experience we gained from Ashen and elevates it. While it retains elements of the Souls genre, it infuses it with rapid mobility, creating a rhythmic combat dance reminiscent of more action-oriented gameplay styles. You can weave in flintlock weapons, axe combat and magic to chain combos together, while using jumps and dodge abilities to quickly get to safety or rain attacks down on your enemies from above. It’s a style we like to call Souls-lite!  

    The story of Flintlock is set in the world of Kian, 10 years after the Door to the Great Below was opened, unleashing the gods and their armies of the dead. The lands of Kian are overrun, and the Coalition Army is tied up in an increasingly hopeless siege outside the city of Dawn’s walls. And just as the army sends in its elite sapper troops to try and turn the tide of war by breaching the walls, it seems that they meddled where they shouldn’t have.  

    By breaching the walls, Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, and her comrades have also freed Uru, the Guardian of the Door, and nothing can now prevent the gods and the dead from ravaging the surrounding regions. Only by teaming up with a fox-like creature – now revealed to also be a God called Enki – can Nor hope to find both vengeance and redemption by venturing on a quest to kill all Gods. The enemy of my enemy… 

    While Flintlock provides enhanced mobility to combat, it will nonetheless demand quite a bit of training before you can master its combat. But if you desire a greater test of skill, the game enables you to challenge yourself on the demanding Possessed difficulty mode, with more aggressive and powerful enemies. Perfect for the true challenge-seekers… Or a second run? 

    We can’t wait for you to get your hands on Flintlock when it’s released in July. We’re grateful for the support of all the Flintlock fans, and are excited to see all of you take on the cruel Gods to rid Kian of their domination.

    For those eager to further customize Nor, a Deluxe Edition is also available to pre-order, which includes three alternative outfits for Nor – the Noble, Vanguard & Champion outfits – as well as a new customization set for your axe & pistol. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn launches on Xbox Series X|S July 18.

    Xbox Live

    Flintlock – Deluxe Edition

    Kepler Interactive

    $44.99

    The Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – Deluxe Edition includes the base game and three customization packs for Nor.
    · Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – Noble Outfit
    · Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – Champions Outfit
    · Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn – Vanguard Outfit Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
    From independent games studio A44, makers of Ashen, comes an explosive Souls-lite, where Gods and guns collide in a battle for the future of humanity. The Door to the Great Below has been opened unleashing the Gods and their armies of the Dead. The lands of Kian are besieged, the city of Dawn is on the brink of destruction. It’s time for the Coalition army to fight back. Embrace vengeance, gunpowder and magic as you embark on an epic journey to defeat the Gods, close the door and retake the world. Your battle begins now.
    Kill. All. Gods.

    Website: LINK

  • We Get a Taste of Smuggler Life in Star Wars Outlaws

    We Get a Taste of Smuggler Life in Star Wars Outlaws

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    One of the elements I really liked here was that if you should ever lose your way, you can always ask the adorable, armadillo-like Nix. Beyond being cute as heck, Nix’s power allows enemies and objectives to be temporarily highlighted, helping you find your way through a level or sneak past enemies. Despite my best efforts, however, I was always quickly detected which would then kick off a firefight.

    Combat feels solid, between throwing a punch and blasting enemies, everything feels fluid and responsive. Kay’s unique blaster features three modes: Plasma (lethal), Ion (droids), and Stun (non-lethal). She also has a focus-like ability that slows down time and lets you mark a handful of enemies, letting her rattle off a series of shots as time returns to normal.

    She can also pick up any weapon that falls to the ground from defeated foes to use against them, but won’t retain it in her inventory, dropping it once it has served its purpose. I like the decision here because it grounds the game a bit in Star Wars’ reality – there’s no magic backpack that lets you stockpile a variety of weapons. So, expect to lean in on Kay’s blaster for most of these firefights.

    Website: LINK

  • A DIY weather display with dedicated outdoor sensor station

    A DIY weather display with dedicated outdoor sensor station

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Weather stations are popular projects in the maker community because they’re useful and usually quite affordable to construct. But most that we see are really weather information displays that gather data through the internet from stations in the region. That data is fairly accurate, but there can be minor differences due to microclimate zones. So, Wilson Malone decided to build his own system with a dedicated outdoor sensor station.

    Malone’s system consists of two units: the indoor display and the outdoor sensor station. The latter receives its power from a solar panel and battery backup, so Malone can place it anywhere that gets good sunlight within wireless range of his home. It has a sensor to detect wind speed, another sensor to detect wind direction, and a PHT (pressure, humidity, temperature) combination sensor. An Arduino UNO Rev3 board reads those sensors and then transmits the data using a 915MHz radio transceiver.

    Inside the home, the indoor display unit receives that data with a radio transceiver of its own. An Arduino UNO R4 WiFi parses that and then shows each value on a four-digit seven-segment display. The Arduino will also publish the values to a self-hosted webpage every eight seconds. Any users on the same local network can visit that page to view the current information.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qqs4lYLHYKY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Now Malone has a hyperlocal weather station that gives him accurate information about the weather in his exact location. 

    The post A DIY weather display with dedicated outdoor sensor station appeared first on Arduino Blog.

    Website: LINK

  • Introducing FragPunk: A Fast, Futuristic Hero Shooter That Bends All the Rules 

    Introducing FragPunk: A Fast, Futuristic Hero Shooter That Bends All the Rules 

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Summary

    • Brand new 5v5 hero FPS FragPunk will keep you on your toes thanks to its unique rule bending gameplay mechanic: Shard Cards!  
    • With 10 heroes, their unique abilities and 15 weapons to choose from, you’ll have plenty of options to choose from to find your fun! 
    • FragPunk releases in 2025 on Xbox and PC. Wishlist and sign up now for more updates! 

    We are thrilled to have unveiled FragPunk at the Xbox Summer Showcase 2024. FragPunk is a shooter that wants to carve its own space in the competitive FPS genre with its unique blend of fast-paced combat and dynamic rule changes. In FragPunk, every round brings a new challenge, thanks to its unique shard card system.  

    As part of an action-packed announcement trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase, FragPunk showcased its innovative power-up cards, a feature primed to shake up the Hero Shooter genre with a fresh, everchanging experience for players. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN8EdlB0P10?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    In this free-to-play game, players will be divided into two teams of 5 and will get to select gameplay modifying cards before entering each round. Their goal for each round will either be to plant a converter in the zones defended by the other team or to defend against oncoming attackers. To that end, players will be able to mix and match 10 heroes, 15 weapons, and over 70 cards on 4 different maps, ensuring that no two rounds are ever alike. More cards, heroes, weapons and maps are also on the way to keep the game fresh when it goes live! 

    A Look at the Powerful Shard Card System 

    The trailer offers a glimpse into the intense gunfights and counter-attacks enabled by shard cards. Featured cards include “Chain Reaction,” which releases chain lightning upon firing bullets. Meanwhile, “World Flip” turns the world upside down, demonstrating the game’s dynamic and exhilarating gameplay. These cards add an element of surprise and strategy to each match, encouraging players to adapt and evolve their tactics. The announcement trailer showcases the variety and unexpectedness that can be brought to the battlefield, hinting at even more cards to come, promising to further enhance the player experience.  

    A Uniquely Dynamic 5v5 FPS 

    With its unique blend of features, FragPunk has a whole lot to offer players alongside the game-changing Shard Card System. Here’s a broader look at some of FragPunk’s core details 

    • Shard Cards themselves are central to the game, but they go beyond their effect alone! Indeed, synergies and counterplay between cards, heroes, weapons and maps add an exciting layer above how matches are played.  
    • A FragPunk match lasts 7 rounds, and each round lasts 2.5 minutes, as you navigate through a fierce battlefield. So no time to waste, hone your reflexes and get that win!  
    • Each of the original 4 maps feature distinct environments with plenty of details, offering you a one of a kind view while the bullets fly. 
    • Arm yourself with an arsenal of weapons ranging from Assault Rifles to Sniper Rifles, each with its own unique attributes and capabilities. Whether you prefer to unleash rapid-fire attacks or take down enemies from afar, FragPunk has something for every playstyle.  

    “We wanted to create a game that breaks the mold and offers something truly unique to players,” says Xin, FragPunk producer.  “With FragPunk, every match offers a new challenge, thanks to our innovative card-based gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re a seasoned FPS veteran or a newcomer to the genre, there’s something here for everyone.” 

    FragPunk is coming to Xbox in 2025, follow @PlayFragPunk on X (formerly Twitter) to keep up to date on development. 

    Website: LINK

  • This Green and Unpleasant Land – a Breakdown of the Atomfall Trailer

    This Green and Unpleasant Land – a Breakdown of the Atomfall Trailer

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    By now you have hopefully seen the trailer for Rebellion’s brand-new game Atomfall, which featured in the Xbox Summer Showcase. If not, then take a look: 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HG3si5zKv0?list=PL0il2l-B_WwZmx_oaCNzMaKsEjMo517W0&w=500&h=281]

    Atomfall is a single player survival-action game set in post-war Britain that draws inspiration from real-world events, British science fiction (such as The Day of the Triffids, The Quatermass Experiment, and the classic Doctor Who of the era) and mixes in Cold War paranoia and folk horror weirdness to create an intriguing game world that you just have to explore.   

    For this blog, we thought that it would be fun to give you a little more insight into what you see in the announcement trailer and some extra information about the game, its setting, and the characters you will meet along the way. Here are five key take aways about Atomfall

    1. Where Are We? 

    The trailer reveals glorious, seemingly idyllic, British countryside – resplendent with a local pub, classic red phone boxes, and a quaint village sign telling you that you are in Wyndham in the Lake District. This cheery outlook quickly changes as you see abandoned cars, a fallen helicopter, and a rusty childless playground. All is not as “bright and beautiful” as it first appeared to be. 

    2. What’s Happened? 

    The news report voiceover tells us about an “emergency at Windscale Atom Plant”. To provide some context, in 1957 there was a fire at a nuclear site in the north of England which was the first major nuclear accident anywhere in the world.  

    Atomfall is a story told in the speculative fiction style of 1950s/’60s Britain, exploring what has happened in the local area five years after the Atom Plant emergency. A lot has changed and it’s up to you as the player to unravel the mystery – meeting various factions, cults, and characters along the way. 

    The way you interact with the people and groups you meet will shape the story and ultimately affect the fate of the quarantine zone. 

    3. What’s With the Soldiers? 

    In response to the disaster the army has been sent in to create and maintain a quarantine zone. This response force is known as ‘Protocol’. They are the ones tasked with keeping people safe -but after five years, their outlook has soured… 

    You will learn more about Protocol as you interact with them – and the people they seek to control – over the course of the game. Are they a force for good, keeping people safe? Are they a force of oppression, making life harder for those in the quarantine zone? Or is there more going on? What are they hiding?  

    4. Why do I need a metal detector? 

    Supplies are scarce in Atomfall. You will need to hunt and scavenge for resources including food, crafting materials, weapons, and ammunition. Every bullet is important, and it is vital that you don’t waste them! 

    A metal detector will help you to scavenge as much as you can and unearth other secrets too – but firstly you will have to find one or barter for one. Either way, it’s not going to be easy! 

    5. Did I See Robots? With Flamethrowers!? 

    Yes! Protocol are using all the resources at their disposal to maintain the quarantine. This includes scavenging equipment from B.A.R.D. (British Atomic Research Division) science bunkers. The robots are programmed to do everything necessary to maintain the quarantine. You need to make sure you know what you are doing before choosing to take one on. I hope you weren’t expecting a pleasant quiet walk in the country! 

    There is so much more in the trailer we could touch upon: taking out killer Morris dancers with cricket bats, defending yourself with a selection of ranged weapons (including pistols, SMGs, bows and arrows and more), the strange blue glow on the Windscale plant in the distance, creepy guys in hazmat suits, weird monsters hidden in underground bunkers… 

    However, that will all have to wait for a later time.  

    We have a lot more to share and reveal in the leadup to the release of Atomfall in 2025. We are delighted to say that the game will be coming to Game Pass on day one and will be playable across Xbox consoles and PC.  

    We cannot wait for you to explore the Atomfall mystery. See you in the countryside! 

    Website: LINK

  • Avowed: Deep-Diving into Quests, Skills, Party Members and More on the Official Xbox Podcast 

    Avowed: Deep-Diving into Quests, Skills, Party Members and More on the Official Xbox Podcast 

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Yesterday, Avowed appeared at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 with a brand new trailer, revealing more of the game’s captivating story and giving us further insight into one of your four companions, Giatta. If you came out of that wanting to see more, we have a treat for you; on a special episode of the Official Xbox Podcast, Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel joined hosts Malik Prince and Tina Amini to dive deeper into the gameplay players can expect from the upcoming fantasy action RPG. 

    We got to see a lot more of the game – which arrives later this year for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and cloud (and coming day one to Game Pass) – revealing more of the Emerald Stair region, showing us two possible approaches to the same quest, the game’s Party Camp, upgrade systems, an optional 3rd-person viewpoint, and more. You can watch the full episode below, or read on for all the key new details. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bfEdLugnpuo?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Patel started by introducing the Emerald Stair region – which you’ll arrive into fairly early into the game – and showed off the region at night. Avowed’s dynamic day-night cycle will change the atmosphere of each of the game’s fantastical biomes significantly, and Emerald Stair after sunset is particularly gorgeous – the nearby town of Fior is home to an enclave of Animancers, who study the science of souls including the Dreamscourge plague sweeping the game’s Living Lands setting (find out more about that here), and their arcane equipment lights up the sky with a deep purple glow. 

    Speaking of Animancers, the gameplay we saw showed the player on a quest to help them – but before we got there, we met one of the game’s soon-to-be companions, Yatzli. Patel describes Yatzli as “a little lightning ball with a lot of personality,” pointing out that she can get “a little risqué,” and we see very quickly that her dialogue immediately takes a flirtatious tone. This also shows off Obsidian’s trademark of engaging dialogue and choices – certain attributes or character backgrounds you choose will unlock new options, which can add more personality, or even change the outcomes of your conversations. 

    Yatzli sends us off to collect a Godless Vase – an artifact of the people she studies – and the player is plunged into combat. Even using a mixture of spells, ranged attacks, and melee, we saw the player struggling to take down even smaller enemies at this point – and it’s here that we saw the game’s Party Camp feature. 

    “It’s both your narrative hub and also your upgrade hub,” said Patel. “That’s where you’ll get to know your companions better, you can get to know their backstories and get to know them better as individuals – you can also hear them getting to know one another through their banters at camp, which is always super-fun to eavesdrop on.” 

    “One thing we really wanted to create with Party Camp,” continued Patel, “was the sense that you’re adventuring and exploring together through this big wilderness, all of these different landscapes, and Party Camp is this quiet space where you can all huddle together, share a moment of respite, and the pace and the tone of everything is a lot slower and quieter.” As you travel through the game, you’ll hear your companions discuss their lives, share perspectives on what you’ve done together, and perhaps even come into conflict about the decisions that need to be made. 

    But it also serves an all-important mechanical function: “It’s also where we can upgrade our gear. So we’ve got our Party Stash where we can stow a lot of extra equipment, we’ve got our upgrade screens […] we’re taking some of our older gear that we’ve picked up in the previous region, and we’re going to upgrade it so that we’re better equipped to fight the enemies here.” 

    With new upgrades in place, the player took down enemies far more capably – helped along by Obsidian’s choice to reflect how effective your attacks are visually and audibly: “We want to make sure that players are getting clear feedback as to when their gear is effective and when, maybe, they need to go back to camp. It looks, it feels, it sounds different when you’re playing with appropriately leveled gear.” 

    We want to make sure that players are getting clear feedback as to when their gear is effective and when, maybe, they need to go back to camp.

    Carrie Patel

    We also got a good look at the game’s upgrade system for skills and abilities. “You can upgrade your skills and abilities anywhere as you level up throughout the course of the game,” said Patel. “On certain level-up milestones we’ll get to upgrade our attributes […] and on every level-up milestone we’ll get to pick a new ability.” 

    This quickly bears fruit, as we see the Fan of Flames skill unlocked and used to reduce a previously-blocked path to ashes. But it wasn’t the only option:  

    “We wanted to try to, as much as possible, give the different abilities that players can pick up solutions in combat, but also solutions in exploration,” explained Patel. “So there’s almost always more than one way through a particular barrier. You’ll have weapons, your own abilities, spells, weapon enchantments, sometimes even your companions who can use their environmental abilities to help you get through barriers.” 

    That openness to problem-solving is never clearer than in the other quest we saw in the demo. Having recovered the vase for Yatzli – a key part in your journey to unlocking her as a permanent companion – we saw the player set off to recover an Adragan Heart for the Animancers. This mystical object is being held by the Delemgan, a territorial species who don’t take kindly to adventurers passing through their land. 

    Initially, we saw the player take a heads-on approach, battling through multiple Delemgan and using every combat ability at their disposal to reach their Queen – who immediately attacks the player for killing so many of her followers. This player would have to finish her off in a boss fight to claim the heart. But here’s where we saw some of Obsidian’s trademark of player choice. 

    The demo was reloaded, and we saw the player utilizing in-game currency to fully respec their character – adding multiple Ranger abilities that allow them to take a stealthy approach. Using the Shadowing Beyond skill – which renders them invisible for as long as their Essence (the game’s mana) intact, and without engaging any enemies – they took multiple passages to reach the Delemgan Queen without any combat. In doing so, they found her in a far better mood, gifting them the Heart and letting them go in peace. 

    It’s emblematic of how open Avowed will be to interpretation, and how your choices will allow you to take different paths to get what you need. Skills in particular, are totally open to how you choose to use them:  

    “You can really mix and match freely between them,” said Patel. “If you want to be all-wizard, you can build entirely throughout that skill tree; if you want to mix and match – make a battlemage, or make someone who can be a little stealthy in certain moments and a little more aggressive in others – you have a lot of freedom to do that.” 

    If you want to be all-wizard, you can build entirely throughout that skill tree; if you want to mix and match… you have a lot of freedom to do that.” 

    That openness extends to your cosmetic choices too. We got a glimpse at the game’s optional 3rd person mode – players can choose to play in 1st or 3rd person perspectives – and your choices will be displayed prominently on them too. Your character is a godlike – someone who has been touched by one of the gods that reside in the world of Eora – and it shows, quite literally. 

    Part of creating your character will be in choosing how your godlike status has manifested. The player-character in the demo has a lichen-like growth across their face or head, but this is part of the character creation process. “With Avowed you can choose exactly what that manifestation looks like,” said Patel. “You will have some that are a lot bigger and more dramatic, and you’ll also have some that are a lot subtler. But either way you have a connection to one of the gods.” 

    Characters in the world will react to your appearance too: “Some people think that’s very cool, some people think it’s very spooky. Different cultures and individuals have different ways of relating to godlikes, so you’ll get a number of reactions.” 

    But the key mystery is that, unlike most godlikes, you don’t know which god has put their mark on you. That’s a story point that Patel wouldn’t touch on further – we’ll just have to find out together when Avowed arrives this year. 

    Website: LINK

  • Explore a World of Wonders in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

    Explore a World of Wonders in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Hi future Expeditioners! We are Sandfall Interactive, a team of around 30 passionate developers based in Montpellier, France and we are thrilled to reveal our project to you today: Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, coming to Xbox Series X|S next year and available day one with Xbox Game Pass. We poured our hearts and souls into creating the game of our dreams, so we sincerely hope you will enjoy our reveal trailer just below. 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDyqGZy78Ng?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    The Paintress’ Cycle of Death 

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, or just Expedition 33, is a brand-new reactive turn-based RPG that will transport you to a beautiful, surrealist new world inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque — a period famous for its stunning and lavish contributions to the country’s world-renowned culture of art. 

    Expedition 33 opens in the city of Lumière, the last city of humanity, where everyone knows the age when they will die. Once a year, the Paintress wakes and paints a number on her Monolith. This number represents an age — the age of everyone who will soon be erased. Year by year, this number ticks down, more people die, and old age is not so old anymore. 

    Soon the Paintress will wake again and paints 33, condemning everyone of that age to a gentle death. But with only one year left to live, the members of Expedition 33 embark on a quest to destroy the Paintress. 

    The Expedition’s Hopeless Quest 

    You’ll play as Gustave and his fellow Expeditioners on their impossible quest to end the Paintress’ cycle of death. Your journey will take you through a vast and beautiful fantasy world, where you’ll battle deadly adversaries, befriend fabled creatures, and discover traces of the Expeditioners who came before you. 

    Along the way, you’ll grow your bond with your fellow Expeditioners and piece together their personal stories of heart and heartache. Together, you’ll strive to unravel the mystery of the Paintress – a desperate and seemingly hopeless undertaking that has eluded generations of Expeditioners.  

    Our Reactive Turn-Based Battle System 

    At Sandfall, we’re huge fans of turn-based RPGs, action games, and Souls-likes. For Expedition 33 we wanted to create something unique that combines the depth of a turn-based game with the thrill of executing a dodge or a perfect parry. And so was born our unique reactive turn-based battle system. 

    Each member of the Expedition has a distinct playstyle with their own unique mechanic. You will be able to further customize each character’s stat growth, expansive skill tree, and gear alongside a wide range of learnable passive traits, offering endless opportunities to fine-tune your preferred strategies. We can’t wait to see what crazy builds you will come up with. 

    But strategy alone won’t suffice. To reach the Paintress you will also need to master the defense systems. During the enemy’s turn, you can dodge, parry, or jump above enemy attacks in real time, allowing you to land devastating counterattacks. Mastering enemy patterns will ensure your victory and who knows, maybe you’ll even finish the battle without taking any damage and earn additional experience? 

    Additionally, the free-aim system allows you to shoot at enemies’ weak points, offering you a substantial advantage against the hardest foes or flying enemies. 

    We believe that whether you are an action RPG fan or a turn-based fan (or both), you will enjoy the unique combination that Expedition 33 offers. We’ve focused on creating a challenging, rewarding combat system that will make every battle an enthralling encounter. 

    Expedition 33 has been developed using Unreal Engine 5 to bring incredible fidelity and beautiful graphics on Xbox Series X|S. You’ll explore an enchanting realm and wander through breathtaking landscapes. From the somber, Paris-inspired city of Lumière, to the stunning Island of Visages, and to the haunting Forgotten Battlefield discovering secrets and hidden quests along the way. 

    We can’t wait to show you more of our debut game, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and we hope you’re excited to learn more about its world, characters, and gameplay. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will be released on Xbox Series X|S in 2025 and will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass – you can wishlist the game today on the Xbox Store. We’ll be revealing more details and updates over the next few months, so be sure to follow us at @Expedition33 to stay up to date. 

    Website: LINK

  • Young people receive their data from space and Astro Pi certificates

    Young people receive their data from space and Astro Pi certificates

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Across Europe and beyond, teams of young people are receiving data from the International Space Station (ISS) this week. That’s because they participated in the annual European Astro Pi Challenge, the unique programme we deliver in collaboration with ESA Education to give kids the chance to write code that runs in space.

    The Astro Pi computers inside the International Space Station.
    The Astro Pi computers inside the International Space Station.

    In this round of Astro Pi, over 26,400 young people took part across its two missions — Mission Space Lab and Mission Zero — and had their programs run on the Raspberry Pi computers on board the ISS.

    Mission Space Lab teams find out the speed of the ISS

    In Mission Space Lab, we asked young people to team up and write code to collect data on the ISS and calculate the speed at which the ISS is travelling. 236 teams wrote programs that passed all our tests and achieved flight status to run in space. And not only will the Mission Space Lab teams receive their participation certificates this week — they’ll also receive the data their programs captured on the ISS.

    A picture of the Himalayas taken from space by the Astro Pi computers.
    A picture of the Himalayas taken from space by the Astro Pi computers.

    Many teams chose a feature extraction method to calculate the ISS’s speed, identifying two points on Earth from which to calculate the distance the ISS travelled over time. Using this method means using the high-quality camera on the Astro Pi computer to take some fantastic photos of Earth from the ISS’s World Observation Research Facility (WORF) window. Teams will receive these photos soon, which are unique views of Earth from space.

    A picture of feature extraction between two images.
    Feature extraction between two images

    How fast does the ISS travel? 

    The actual speed that the ISS is travelling in space while at normal altitude is 7.66km/s. Its altitude can affect the speed, so it can vary, but the ISS’s boosters fire up if it dips too low.

    To help teams with writing programs that can adapt to some of these variances, and to show them the type data they can collect, we gave them a programming tool we call Astro Pi Replay. Using this tool, teams can simulate how their program would run on the Astro Pi computers up in space.

    The International Space Station orbiting Earth.
    The International Space Station orbiting Earth

    This is the first time we asked Mission Space Lab teams to focus on a particular scientific question. So how did they do? The graph below shows some of the speeds that teams’ programs estimated. 

    A graph showing the range of speeds calculated by Mission Space Lab teams.
    The range of speeds calculated by Mission Space Lab teams

    As you can see, a variety of speeds were estimated, but the average is fairly close to the ISS’s actual speed. Teams did a great job trying to solve the question and working like real space scientists. Once they receive their data this week, they can check how accurate their speed estimate was.

    Mission Zero pixel art lights up astronauts’ daily tasks 

    In Astro Pi Mission Zero, a coding activity suitable for beginners, 16,039 teams of young people created code to make pixel art inspired by nature. Nearly half (44%) of the 24,409 participants were girls! 15,942 of the Mission Zero teams had their code run on the ISS after we checked that it followed the rules.

    Mission Zero Submissions

    Every team whose program ran on the ISS — with their pixel art showing for the astronauts to see as they worked — will receive certificates with the time, date, and location coordinates of their Mission Zero run. 

    We’ve been so impressed with this year’s pixel art creations that we’ve picked some as new examples for next year’s Mission Zero coding guide. That means young people will be able to choose one of a few pixel images to start with and recreate or remix them for their program. More info on that is coming soon, sign up to the Astro Pi newsletter to not miss it.

    Let’s get ready for September

    Thank you and congratulations to everyone who took part in the missions this year, and our special thanks to all the amazing educators who ran Astro Pi activities with young people.

    The boot shape of Italy photographed from space by the Astro Pi computers.
    The south of Italy photographed from space by the Astro Pi computers

    For us, there is much to reflect on and celebrate from this year’s challenge. We’ve had the chance to run Mission Zero with young people in person and identify a few changes to help make the activity easier. As Mission Space Lab now involves simulating programs running on the ISS with our new Astro Pi Replay tool, we’ll be exploring how to improve this as well.

    We hope to engage lots of previous and new participants in the Astro Pi Challenge when it starts up again in September. Sign up for the newsletter on astro-pi.org to be the first to hear about the new round.

    Website: LINK

  • NASsie

    NASsie

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    We got an email from Jeff Loeliger about a very cool project he’s been working on recently.

    “When you have several computers and lots of files around the house it is useful to have a NAS – network attached storage – device to share files, stream media with Plex, and back things up,” Jeff writes. “My current system is an old QNAP TS-251 and a very old, and unsupported, QNAP TS-110. I wanted something new and faster, which sounded like a project for the Raspberry Pi. It has a compact completely 3D-printed case with a custom pHAT interface board.”

  • Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Alle Ankündigungen und Enthüllungen

    Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Alle Ankündigungen und Enthüllungen

    Reading Time: 20 minutes

    Der Xbox Games Showcase 2024 hat gezeigt, dass wir uns auf eine Menge Spiele freuen können! Fans von Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, Xbox Game Studios und den unzähligen Partnern, die Spiele für Xbox entwickeln, bekamen einen Einblick in die kommenden Titel ihrer Lieblingsfranchises und andere spannende Neuerscheinungen.

    Die Spieler*innen können sich auf die langersehnte Rückkehr geliebter Serien mit Gears of War: E-Day und Doom: The Dark Ages freuen, auf neue Einblicke in Spiele wie State of Decay 3, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Perfect Dark und South of Midnight, auf eine Enthüllung von Starfield: Shattered Space, und vieles mehr. Die Show erstreckte sich sogar bis nach Azeroth, wo das Veröffentlichungsdatum von The War Within, der nächsten Erweiterung für World of Warcraft, bekannt gegeben wurde.

    Und von unseren Partnern gab es einen ersten Blick auf das Gameplay von Assassin’s Creed Shadows, ein erstes Treffen mit den Begleiter*innen im mit Spannung erwarteten Dragon Age: The Veilguard, einen spannenden Ausblick auf die Rückkehr von Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, ganz zu schweigen von den Debüts von Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Atomfall und Winter Burrow, um nur einige zu nennen.

    Außerdem haben wir mit der Ankündigung von drei neuen Xbox-Konsolen der Series X|S, die unser aktuelles Sortiment in diesem Jahr ergänzen, eine erste Vorschau auf neue Xbox-Hardware gegeben. Diese bietet dieselbe Geschwindigkeit und Leistung mit mehr Design-, Speicher- und Preisoptionen.

    Und obendrein haben wir mit Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 auch noch ein brandneues Call of Duty-Spiel enthüllt – und wir legen mit der Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct noch einen drauf und bieten euch einen Deep Dive in das Spiel. Wenn Du nicht live dabei sein konntest, schaut auf jeden Fall wieder vorbei, um einen vollständigen Überblick über die Ankündigungen im zweiten Teil unseres großen Doppelfeatures zu erhalten.

    Das ist bei weitem nicht alles, was wir euch zu zeigen haben – die ganze Woche über wird der Offizielle Xbox-Podcast ab Montag, dem 10. Juni, neue Folgen ausstrahlen, die Gespräche mit Entwickler*innen und noch tiefere Einblicke in einige der spannenden Spiele der Messe bieten. Den Anfang macht morgen ein ausführlicher Gameplay-Einblick in Avowed auf dem YouTube-Kanal und den Podcast-Angeboten von Xbox, gefolgt von Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater am Dienstag. Aber das ist noch nicht alles. In den nächsten Tagen findest Du hier auf Xbox Wire DACH zahlreiche weitere exklusive Einblicke in kommende Xbox-Titel und Details zu den spannendsten News. Hier kommen alle Ankündigungen und Enthüllungen des Xbox Games Showcase 2024:

    Age of Mythology: Retold – World’s Edge präsentiert den allerersten Gameplay Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam und Cloud, oder spiele direkt zum Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbste8C0Yes?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    World’s Edge – das preisgekrönte Studio hinter der Age of Empires-Franchise – präsentierte einen Trailer von wahrhaft mythischem Ausmaß: mit einem ersten Blick auf das Gameplay des kommenden Age of Mythology: Retold.

    Age of Mythology: Retold wird die besten Elemente des beliebten Age of Mythology (2002) mit modernem Echtzeit-Strategie-Design, Grafik und Gameplay kombinieren. Der auf der Xbox Showcase 2024 debütierte Trailer enthüllte erstes Gameplay-Material, das spannende Action und göttliche Kräfte sowie einige neu gestaltete Götterporträts zeigt. Das World’s Edge-Team bestätigte außerdem das Veröffentlichungsdatum für Age of Mythology: Retold, den 4. September 2024, und dass dies der erste Titel der Age of Empires-Reihe sein wird, der sowohl für PC als auch für Konsolen erscheint.

    Age of Mythology: Retold kann ab sofort vorbestellt werden.

    Avowed bietet einen ersten Eindruck seiner fesselnden Geschichte

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam und Cloud, oder spiele es direkt zum Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykgkdU1NJUU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Mach Dich dieses Jahr in Avowed von Obsidian Entertainment auf eine Expedition in die unerforschte Wildnis der Living Lands gefasst! In einem brandneuen Story-Trailer erfahren wir mehr über die unglaubliche Reise, die wir noch in diesem Jahr antreten werden, und lernen Giatta, eine der vier Begleiter*innen des Spiels, kennen. Als Abgesandte*r des Aedyranischen Reiches hast du die Aufgabe, die Traumflut zu stoppen, eine mysteriöse Seuche, die an der stürmischen Grenze Verwüstung anrichtet. Deine Seele steht auf dem Spiel, während Du Dich durch das Chaos der Living Lands bewegst und ihre Wunder erkundest. Bereite Dich auf eine Expedition in das gefährliche, fesselnde und äußerst bizarre Unbekannte vor, wo Du Dein Schicksal schmieden und das Schicksal der Grenze gestalten wirst.

    Avowed erscheint 2024 – mehr über die Story des Spiels erfährst Du in Kürze hier auf Xbox Wire DACH.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct enthüllt Details zu Kampagne, Multiplayer und Zombies

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, oder spiele es direkt zum Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ck15l7DMY0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Es ist offiziell: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, der neueste Teil der beliebten Call of Duty-Reihe, wird am 25. Oktober erscheinen. Das von Treyarch und Raven Software entwickelte Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 ist ein Spionage-Action-Thriller, in dem nichts so ist, wie es scheint. In dieser Geschichte voller Überraschungen, die in den frühen 1990er Jahren spielt, hat eine schattenhafte Macht die US-Regierung infiltriert und die Spieler*innen sind gezwungen, zum ersten Mal abtrünnig zu werden.

    Neben einer fesselnden neuen Kampagne bietet Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 neue Innovationen wie Omnimovement, das den Spieler*innen die Möglichkeit gibt, in jede Richtung zu sprinten, zu gleiten und zu tauchen und sich in allen Spielmodi wie ein Black Ops-Actionheld zu bewegen. Mit der Rückkehr von Classic Prestige, dem Theater-Modus und natürlich den rundenbasierten Zombies ist für jede*n etwas dabei.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 erscheint am 25. Oktober für Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 und PC. Spiele es direkt zum Release mit ausgewählten Xbox Game Pass-Abos (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, Game Pass für Konsole).

    Doom: The Dark Ages erscheint 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, oder spiel es direkt zum Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpgAOAOMUnA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Das heute weltweit enthüllte Doom: The Dark Ages läutet die Rückkehr des unaufhaltsamen Doom Slayers in diesem kommenden Dark-Fantasy-Singleplayer-Action-FPS der legendären Publishers id Software ein.

    In Doom: The Dark Ages, dem Vorgänger von Doom (2016), schlüpft der Spieler in die Rolle des mächtigen Doom Slayers und kämpft in einer epischen, filmischen Geschichte von Göttern, Göttinnen, Königinnen und Königen und Monstern gegen dämonische Horden in knallharten Kämpfen. Zusätzlich zu seinen übermenschlichen Fähigkeiten und seinem überbordenden Arsenal kann der Slayer auch auf seinen kolossalen Atlan-Mech zurückgreifen, um sich mit titanischen Bestien zu prügeln und den Himmel an Bord seines wilden Rosses zurückzuerobern: einem düsengetriebenen, kybernetischen Kriegsdrachen.

    Schnapp Dir Deine Schrotflinte, Schildsäge und Dreschflegel und stürze dich im Jahr 2025 kopfüber in die Schlacht, wenn Doom: The Dark Ages auf Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S und PC erscheint. Füge Doom: The Dark Ages über den Microsoft Store zu deiner Wunschliste hinzu.

    Playground Games beantwortet die Frage, was es heißt, ein*e Held*in zu sein, im nächsten Fable-Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC und Steam, oder spiel es direkt zum Release im Xbox Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FiBmVBaY0g?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Was bedeutet es, ein Held zu sein? Im Trailer vom letzten Jahr wurde diese Frage von Dave beantwortet, einem Gärtner, der zum Riesen wurde und sich nicht unterkriegen lässt. Dieses Jahr bekommen wir eine viel düsterere Antwort von Humphry, gespielt von dem britischen Comedy-Schauspieler Matt King. Humphry war einst der größte Held von Albion, aber diese glorreichen Zeiten sind längst vorbei. In Fable wird Humphry aus dem Ruhestand gezwungen, als eine mysteriöse Gestalt aus seiner Vergangenheit die Existenz von Albion bedroht.

    Playground Games bestätigte auch die Zusammenarbeit mit Eidos Montreal, die die weitere Entwicklung von Fable unterstützen werden, das 2025 auf den Markt kommen wird. Die Wunschliste und mehr findest Du unter xbox.com/fable.

    E-Day markiert ein neues Zeitalter für Gears of War

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC20gLfUHeA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Gears of War: E-Day ist das nächste Hauptspiel im Gears of War-Universum, das während des entscheidenden Emergence Day spielt. Vierzehn Jahre vor Gears of War kehren die Kriegshelden Marcus Fenix und Dom Santiago nach Hause zurück, um sich einem neuen Albtraum zu stellen: der Locust-Horde. Diese unterirdischen Monster, grotesk und unerbittlich, brechen von unten hervor und belagern die Menschheit.

    Im Ankündigungstrailer für den nächsten großen Teil der Serie hat sich The Coalition mit Blur Studio zusammengetan, um einen visuell atemberaubenden Trailer zu erstellen, der In-Game-Assets in Unreal Engine 5 verwendet. Er enthält eine neue instrumentale Version von „Mad World“, ursprünglich von Gary Jules für den ikonischen Werbespot von 2006 gesungen, jetzt brillant neu interpretiert vom Komponisten des Soundtracks, Adam Lastiwka. Der Trailer feierte sein Debüt in 4K-Auflösung und 30 FPS mit 5.1-Stereoton. Diese Spezifikationen, die für das Streaming optimiert sind, repräsentieren nicht die endgültige Leistung des Spiels.

    Neuer Trailer zu Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, oder spielt es direkt zum Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2aqnWFpRAY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Schlüpf in die Rolle des legendären Archäologen und stelle Dich finsteren Mächten, während Du versuchst, die Wahrheit hinter einem der größten Geheimnisse der Geschichte aufzudecken in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Brandneues Gameplay und eine Szene aus einem entscheidenden Moment im Spiel wurden während des Xbox Showcase gezeigt. Eine abgefangene Nachricht führt Indy und Gina in den Himalaya, wo ihre gefährliche Reise durch die Berge zu einer erstaunlichen Entdeckung führt.

    Erhebe dich in den Himmel am 19. November mit dem brandneuen Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud, oder spiel es direkt zum Release im Xbox Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvzlC4iCtns?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 ist der nächste Teil der Microsoft Flight Simulator-Reihe. Es ist der ambitionierteste Flugsimulator, der jemals unternommen wurde. Er bietet die größte, vielfältigste und detaillierteste Flugzeugflotte, die realitätsnahe Darstellung von Flughäfen und Luftverkehr und die visuell atemberaubendste Darstellung der Erde, die jemals geschaffen wurde.

    Dieser brandneue Simulator ist darauf ausgelegt, die neuesten Technologien in den Bereichen Simulation, Cloud, maschinelles Lernen, Grafik und Gaming zu nutzen. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 geht über das reine Betreiben der Flugzeuge hinaus; er ermöglicht es den Spieler*innen, ihre Träume einer Luftfahrtkarriere zu verfolgen.

    Mit Funktionen wie Luftbrandbekämpfung, Suche und Rettung, kommerziellen Flügen, Fernfrachtoperationen, VIP-Charterdiensten, Luftrennen und mehr werden die Spieler*innen nicht nur die Freude am Fliegen erleben, sondern auch in die Pilotkarriere eintauchen, die sie sich immer erträumt haben. Der Himmel ruft! Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 startet am 19. November auf PC und Xbox Series X|S und wird direkt zum Release im Game Pass auf Konsole, PC und Cloud verfügbar sein.

    Perfect Dark enthüllt in einem neuen Trailer einen ersten Einblick auf das Gameplay

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofUi9DR9sc4?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Heute haben wir einen ersten Blick auf das Gameplay von Perfect Dark geworfen, dem mit Spannung erwarteten Reboot der Geheimagentenserie von The Initiative mit der ikonischen Joanna Dark.

    In der nahen Zukunft wird die Erde von einer Reihe globaler Katastrophen heimgesucht, die die Ökosysteme auf der ganzen Welt an den Rand des Zusammenbruchs bringen. Im brandneuen Perfect Dark-Spiel erlebst Du die Reise von Joanna Dark, der Eliteagentin von DataDyne. Sie jagt den meistgesuchten Verbrecher der Welt, Daniel Carrington, um die Geheimnisse hinter den technologischen Durchbrüchen aufzudecken, die das Leben von Millionen von Menschen bedrohen könnten.

    Der neue Trailer zeigte uns Joannas Abstieg in das Kairo-Setting des Spiels, gab uns einen Einblick in die Geheimnisse hinter dieser ökologischen Sci-Fi-Geschichte in der nahen Zukunft und stellte uns ein Spiel vor, das flüssiges Traversieren, Gadgets, Nahkampf, Gunplay, Stealth und mehr zu einem ultimativen Geheimagenten-Erlebnis verbindet. 

    South of Midnight zeigt erstes Gameplay – und den monströsen Two-Toed Tom

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud, oder spiele es direkt zum Release im Xbox Game Pass.

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4UHyaaWXuw?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    South of Midnight – das wunderschöne Third-Person-Action-Adventure von We Happy Few-Machern Compulsion Games – zeigte während der Show den ersten Gameplay-Trailer. Wir lernen Hazel und ihren neuen Begleiter Catfish kennen, die durch ein überflutetes Gebiet reisen, das dem Mississippi-Delta nachempfunden ist – und sich schon bald einem der Monster-Könige des Spiels stellen müssen. Das ist Two-Toed Tom, ein gigantischer Albino-Alligator mit großem Hunger und sogar einem eigenen Themesong. 

    Der Trailer gibt einen Einblick in den Kampf und die Fortbewegung, zeigt Hazels magische Webkräfte und gibt uns einen Vorgeschmack auf die düstere Kulisse des Spiels im tiefen Süden. South of Midnight erscheint 2025.

    Open World-Zombie-Survival-Spiel State of Decay 3 enthüllt neuen Trailer  

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjL3a5ZOFNo?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Heute hat Undead Labs auf dem Xbox Games Showcase einen neuen Trailer zu State of Decay 3 gezeigt, der uns einen genaueren Blick auf das ambitionierte Open-World-Zombie-Survival-Spiel gibt. Der Nachfolger des beliebten Spiels State of Decay 2 ist für die Serie und das Studio ein großer Schritt nach vorne. 

    In State of Decay 3 befindet sich die Welt des Spiels Jahre nach der Apokalypse, in der eine immer größer werdende Zombie-Bedrohung die Landschaft erobert. Du musst Dich wehren und verlorenen Boden zurückerobern, um ein Leben für Deine Gemeinschaft von Überlebenskämpfer*innen zu schaffen. Fans der Serie werden im neuen Trailer vielleicht einige Anspielungen auf die Serie entdecken: brutale Kämpfe, kooperativer Kampf gegen die Bedrohung der Überlebenden, Permadeath, das Öffnen einer Autotür, während ein Zombie die Straße entlang rast. Aber je häufiger Du Dir den Trailer ansiehst, desto mehr Hinweise findest Du darauf, dass State of Decay 3 das ehrgeizigste Spiel sein wird, das Undead Labs je entwickelt hat.

    Erste Gameplay-Szenen von Assassin’s Creed Shadows enthüllt

    Xbox Series X|S (siehe Entwickler-Website für andere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx8WN9fY22M?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows erscheint am 15. November für Xbox Serie X|S und gibt den Spieler*innen die Möglichkeit, das Japan des 16. Jahrhunderts als Naoe, eine geschickte Shinobi aus der Provinz Iga, und Yasuke, ein mächtiger Samurai und die erste voll spielbare historische Figur in Assassin’s Creed, zu erkunden. Im heutigen Gameplay-Trailer konnten die Fans einen ersten Blick auf die Neuerungen in Assassin’s Creed Shadows werfen.

    Wir sahen, wie sich die beiden Protagonist*innen Yasuke und Naoe in Bezug auf Ausrüstung und Fähigkeiten unterscheiden (und ergänzen), aber auch die weitere Welt des Spiels und die wechselnden Jahreszeiten in Shadows. Freu Dich auf einen vollständigen Gameplay-Walkthrough, der morgen während des Ubisoft Forward (21 Uhr deutscher Zeit) gezeigt wird.

    Überlebe, erforsche und entdecke die Wahrheit in Atomfall

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC oder spiel es direkt ab Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HG3si5zKv0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    In der hügeligen britischen Landschaft mit idyllischen Pubs, malerischen Dörfern und roten Telefonzellen wird schnell klar, dass die Dinge alles andere als normal sind. Atomfall wurde von Rebellion, den Macher*innen der beliebten Serien Sniper Elite und Zombie Army, entwickelt und ist von einer realen Atomkatastrophe inspiriert, die sich 1957 in Nordengland ereignete. Das Spiel folgt einem fiktiven Handlungsstrang, in dem Du Dich fünf Jahre nach dem Ereignis in der Quarantänezone wiederfindest.

    Erkunde die Landschaft, Dörfer und Siedlungen und triff auf seltsame Menschen, böse Sekten, abtrünnige Regierungsbehörden und andere auf Deinem Weg. Bahne Dir Deinen Weg durch dieses Open-World-Abenteuer und suche in Deinem eigenen Tempo nach der Wahrheit. Atomfall ist ein Singleplayer-Survival-Actionspiel, das das Großbritannien der Nachkriegszeit mit der Paranoia des Kalten Krieges, dem Horror und Elementen der klassischen britischen Science-Fiction zu einem packenden und spannenden Spielerlebnis verbindet. 

    Atomfall erscheint 2025 und wird ab Release direkt im Game Pass verfügbar sein. Es wird auch für Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One und PC erhältlich sein. Das Studio wird bald mehr über Atomfall verraten.

    Bereite Dich darauf vor, in Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 von Sandfall Interactive um Dein Leben zu kämpfen

    Xbox Series X|S, oder spiel es direkt ab Release im Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDyqGZy78Ng?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 ist ein reaktives, rundenbasiertes Rollenspiel, das Dich in eine wunderschöne, surrealistische Welt entführt, die von Frankreichs La Belle Epoque inspiriert ist – einer Zeit, die für ihre atemberaubenden und üppigen Beiträge zur weltberühmten Kunstkultur des Landes berühmt ist.

    Als Mitglied der Expeditionäre, die sich auf eine unmögliche Reise begeben, um den Todeszyklus der Malerin zu beenden, reist Du durch eine riesige und wunderschöne Fantasiewelt, in der Du tödliche Gegner bekämpfst, Dich mit Fabelwesen anfreundest und Spuren derer entdeckst, die vor Dir kamen. Du kannst das Spiel ab heute im Xbox Store auf die Wunschliste setzen und @Expedition33 auf X (ehemals Twitter) folgen, um auf dem Laufenden zu bleiben.

    Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Triff die Veilguard zum ersten Mal in einem neuen Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drVOCrvXHhE?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    BioWare und Electronic Arts haben einen neuen Trailer zu Dragon Age: The Veilguard veröffentlicht, in dem wir Dein Team aus sieben Gefährten kennenlernen, von denen jede*r seine eigene reiche Geschichte zu entdecken und zu gestalten hat. Gemeinsam werdet ihr die Veilguard bilden.

    In Erweiterung der Geschichten, Welten und Charaktere aus den vorherigen Dragon Age-Spielen betrittst Du ein lebendiges Land mit rauer Wildnis, tückischen Labyrinthen und glitzernden Städten – voller Konflikte und geheimer Magie. Gemeinsam mit Deinen Gefährten trittst Du gegen ein Paar korrupter alter Götter an, die sich aus der jahrhundertelangen Dunkelheit befreit haben und die Welt zerstören wollen. Thedas braucht jemanden, auf den es zählen kann, und dieser Jemand bist du. Erhebe Dich als Rook, der neueste Held von Dragon Age. Sei, wer Du sein willst, und spiele, wie Du spielen willst, während Du kämpfst, um die Götter davon abzuhalten, die Welt zu zerstören. 

    Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn kommt am 18. Juli

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, oder spiel es direkt ab Release im Game Pass (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AELgaQ6GqSs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Die lang erwartete Rückkehr von A44, dem Entwickler von Ashen, steht kurz bevor – während der Show haben wir angekündigt, dass Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn am 18. Juli erscheinen wird. In der belagerten Welt von Kian begleitest Du Nor Vanek, eine Flintlock-Waffenexpertin, auf ihrer Mission, die wütenden Götter zu töten, die ihre Welt überfallen haben.

    Nor kann eine Kombination aus Axtkampf, Steinschlosswaffen und Magie einsetzen, um verheerende Kombos zu schaffen – aber Du brauchst Geschick, um zu überleben. Vorbestellungen sind ab sofort möglich, und eine Deluxe-Edition bietet alternative Outfits und Optionen zur Anpassung der Waffen.

    FragPunk erobert die Bühne

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN8EdlB0P10?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Auf der Suche nach einem neuen kompetitiven FPS? FragPunk ist ein hektischer, team-basierter 5v5 Helden-Shooter, bei dem Du die Kampfregeln jeder neuen Runde durch das Aktivieren von Power-Up-Karten festlegst. Mit dem Debüt auf dem Xbox Games Showcase 2024 rockt FragPunk das Helden-Shooter-Genre mit rasanten Kämpfen und einer Fülle von Synergien und Gegenstrategien zwischen über 70 Splitterkarten, 10 Helden, 14 Waffen und 4 Karten!

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure bringt unseren ursprünglichen Star zurück

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiCDmeW9eac?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure markiert nicht nur die Rückkehr der beliebten narrativen Abenteuerserie, sondern auch die Rückkehr von Max Caulfield, der ursprünglichen Protagonistin. Mehrere Jahre nach den Ereignissen in Arcadia Bay kehrt Max als Künstlerin an der renommierten Caledon University zurück.

    Das Unglück ist leider nie weit entfernt – Max’ Freundin Safi wird ermordet, und wir werden in ein komplettes Mordgeheimnis mit übernatürlichem Twist hineingezogen. Max’ ursprüngliche Fähigkeit, die Zeit zurückzudrehen, hat sich in die Fähigkeit verwandelt, gesamte Zeitlinien zu verschieben. Wir werden zwei parallele Realitäten erkunden – eine, in der Safi sicher und wohlbehalten ist, und die andere nach ihrem Tod – um die Identität ihres Mörders herauszufinden. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure erscheint am 29. Oktober, und diejenigen, die die Ultimate Edition vorbestellen, können die ersten beiden Kapitel ab dem 15. Oktober spielen.

    Mecha Break Enthüllung: Erstelle Deinen Mech und ziehe gemeinsam in den Krieg

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N14JSXhgAeQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Mecha Break ist ein Multiplayer-Mech-Shooter, der den Spieler*innen ermöglicht, aus einer Vielzahl von Mechs zu wählen, deren Aussehen anzupassen und gegen kolossale Kriegsmaschinen in gefährlichem Gelände zu kämpfen.

    Bereitet euch auf adrenalingeladene Kämpfe, blitzschnelle Manöver und explosive Feuerkraft vor. Mecha Break’s Xbox Closed Beta startet im August 2024 und wird 2025 für alle Spieler*innen verfügbar sein. Das Spiel bietet anpassbare Mechs, von Spieler*innen erstellte Mech-Piloten, eine breite Palette von Mech- und Waffentypen sowie drei verschiedene Spielmodi: 6v6 Schlachtfeldmodus, 3v3 Arenamodus und bis zu 60-Spieler*inen PvEvP-Modus. Spieler*innen können ihre Mechs mit benutzerdefinierten Lackierungen und Aufrüstungsanpassungen personalisieren, um ihre Statistiken an ihren bevorzugten Spielstil anzupassen.

    Für den bevorstehenden Closed Beta-Test im August auf der Xbox Series X wird der 6v6 Schlachtfeldmodus im Fokus stehen. Arbeitet im Team zusammen und beteiligt euch an intensiven Luft- und Bodenkämpfen, um das Ziel zu erreichen.

    Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater zeigt seine neue Interpretation eines Klassikers

    Xbox Series X|S (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTVaEPHa9Bc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater schafft eine tief immersive Welt mit verbesserten visuellen und akustischen Effekten, wobei das volle Potenzial der Unreal Engine 5 genutzt wird und die klassischen Steuerungen und Sprachaufnahmen des Originaltitels beibehalten werden. Eine neue Third-Person-Kamera und ein überarbeitetes Steuerungslayout bieten den Spieler*innen eine intuitive Einführung in den Beginn der Metal Gear Solid-Saga, während sie in die Rolle von Snake in diesem spannenden Spionage-Thriller schlüpfen.

    Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits erscheint 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Cloud, oder spielt es direkt zum Release im Game Pass (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCTH8R6RD74?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Von Beethoven & Dinosaur, den preisgekrönten Entwicklern von The Artful Escape, kommt Mixtape. In ihrer letzten Nacht der Highschool begeben sich drei Freund*innen auf ein letztes Abenteuer. Auf dem Weg zu ihrer letzten Party zusammen, zieht sie eine perfekt kuratierte Playlist in traumhafte Nachstellungen ihrer prägenden Erinnerungen.

    Die Geschichte wird durch eine Mischung aus komödiantischem, freudigem Gameplay erzählt, von Skateboarden und Fliegen bis hin zum Fotografieren in einem verlassenen Vergnügungspark und vielem mehr. Es sind die größten Hits der Teenagerfreundschaft, vom ersten Kuss bis zum letzten Tanz. Ähnlich wie bei Spielen wie What Remains of Edith Finch verbindet Mixtape seine Erzählung mit einer einzigartigen Struktur, die Vielfalt, Überraschung und Komödie im Gameplay betont.

    Mit Musik von DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division und mehr. Mixtape verbindet effektiv Gameplay, Erzählung und Musik. Schließe Dich der Crew in ihrer letzten Nacht zusammen an, während sie Erinnerungen erleben, begleitet vom Soundtrack einer Generation.

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl enthüllt den Trailer „Time of Opportunities“

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, oder spielt es direkt zum Release im Game Pass (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RktmztDtwg?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Der neue Trailer zu S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl ist da. Dieser Trailer, vollgepackt mit brandneuen Enthüllungen, zeigt alles, was die Spieler*innen erwartet. Von Schauplätzen bis hin zu Begegnungen mit Mutanten und Archanomalien. Und natürlich Hubs – Orte, um sich auszuruhen und sich auf die nächste intensive Mission vorzubereiten.

    In-Game-Aufnahmen werden mit narrativen Ausschnitten gemischt, die die Bedeutung der nichtlinearen Storyline in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl hervorheben. Der „Time of Opportunities“-Trailer ist treffend benannt und reflektiert das grenzenlose Potenzial, das in dieser unbarmherzigen Landschaft auf euch wartet. Wie wirst Du die Zone sehen? Und wie wird sie sich an Dich erinnern?

    Dieses Mal hörst Du viel mehr von der ukrainischen Synchronisation. Als ukrainisches Unternehmen weiß GSC Game World, dass viele Fans das Spiel gerne auf Ukrainisch mit Untertiteln ihrer Wahl erleben möchten. Der Trailer soll ein besseres Verständnis dafür vermitteln, wie sich diese Erfahrung anfühlen wird. Der „Time of Opportunities“-Trailer startet eine Reihe von S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2-Vorstellungen im Laufe dieses Sommers.

    Winter Burrow: Ein gemütliches Survival-Erlebnis inspiriert von der Liebe zur Natur

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, oder spielt es direkt zum Release im Game Pass (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvzOKaj8tY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Baue Deinen Traum-Unterschlupf und erkunde eine charmante, schneebedeckte offene Welt in Winter Burrow, einem gemütlichen Wald-Survival-Spiel. Als kleine Maus verbringst Du Deine Tage mit Abenteuern in frostigen Umgebungen auf der Suche nach Deiner verschollenen Tante und sammelst Ressourcen, um Deinen Kindheitsbau wiederherzustellen.

    Winter Burrow kombiniert gemütliche Spielelemente mit herausfordernden, aber zugänglichen Überlebensmechaniken. Verbringe Zeit in Deinem Bau, bastle niedliche Dekorationen, stricke warme Kleidung und bereite Dich auf große Sammelaktionen im Wald vor. Bleibe auf dem Laufenden über alles, was mit Winter Burrow zu tun hat, indem Du das Spiel im Xbox Store auf die Wunschliste setzt und Winter Burrow auf Twitter folgst.

    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers enthüllt – Eine Reise in die Dunkelheit der späten Ming-Dynastie

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, oder spielt es direkt zum Release im Game Pass (siehe Website des Entwicklers für weitere Plattformen)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7CGFPbfSCY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Tauche ein in das dunkle und turbulente Land Shu in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. Dieses Souls-like Action-RPG startet am ersten Tag auf Xbox Series X|S und versetzt die Spieler*innen in die düstere späte Ming-Dynastie, eine Zeit voller Kriege und einer mysteriösen Krankheit, die Menschen in monströse Kreaturen verwandelt. Du bist Wuchang, eine Piratenkriegerin, die unter Amnesie leidet und von Ornithropy, einer schrecklichen Krankheit, befallen ist, die ihr jedoch immense Macht verleiht.

    Kämpfe gegen groteske Abscheulichkeiten, nutze alte Überlieferungen und entdecke Wuchangs verlorene Erinnerungen, wobei Deine Entscheidungen zu verschiedenen Enden führen. Wirst Du die Wahrheiten über Wuchangs Fluch enthüllen und Shu Frieden bringen, oder den sich ausbreitenden Schrecken erliegen? Das Schicksal des Landes liegt in Deinen Händen. Nichts ist für immer.

    Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred erscheint am 8. Oktober – Jetzt vorbestellen und Ingame-Belohnungen erhalten

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PC via Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7pt0ntHN4g?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Mach Dich bereit für das nächste Kapitel von Diablo IV von Blizzard Entertainment: Vessel of Hatred, die erste Erweiterung des Spiels, erscheint am 8. Oktober.

    Entfessle die Macht der Geistgeborenen, einer neuen Klasse, die sich der mystischen Geister des Dschungels für schnelle und verheerende Angriffe zunutze macht. Die Jagd nach Neyrelle beginnt erneut, während sie versucht, Mephistos finsteren Plan zu vereiteln. Tauche ein in die Dschungelregion Nahantu, wo neue Dungeons, Festungen und Feinde auf Dich warten, sowie eine neue PvE-Koop-Aktivität, in der Du Dich mit anderen zusammenschließen kannst, um Herausforderungen zu meistern und vielversprechende Belohnungen zu verdienen. Außerdem kannst Du neue Söldner*innen rekrutieren, die Dich bei Deiner Suche unterstützen. Werde stärker durch die wachsende Macht der Söldner*innen und nutze ihre einzigartigen Fähigkeiten im Kampf.

    Stelle dich den Schatten am 8. Oktober! Vessel of Hatred wird Deine Reise durch Sanktuario neu definieren. Bestelle es jetzt vor und schalte sofortige Belohnungen im Spiel frei. Die Dunkelheit ruht nicht – Du solltest es auch nicht!

    Ein neuer Trailer zu The Elder Scrolls Online lädt euch ein, Tamriel zu entdecken

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Epic Games Store, Cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw82N_KH6jc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    The Elder Scrolls Online feiert ein Jahrzehnt an Abenteuern in Tamriels zweiter Ära und lädt Dich mit einem neuen Trailer ein, Deine epische Geschichte zu beginnen. Egal, ob du ein Elder Scrolls-Veteran oder ein Neuling in der Serie bist, Du kannst eine ständig wachsende Welt erkunden, Dich mit anderen Abenteurer*innen zusammentun und herausfinden, warum bereits über 24 Millionen Spieler*innen das preisgekrönte Online-Rollenspiel erlebt haben. Im Juni erscheint außerdem mit „Gold Road“ das neueste Kapitel von The Elder Scrolls Online, das ab sofort für PC/Mac und ab dem 18. Juni für Xbox One und Xbox Series X|S-Konsolen erhältlich ist.

    Entschlüssle das Geheimnis der Rückkehr des Vergessenen Prinzen, schalte die Schriftlehre frei, um Deine eigenen Fähigkeiten zu erschaffen und erforsche die Region Westweld, einen Teil Tamriels, der seit The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion nicht mehr gesehen wurde. Besuche  elderscrollsonline.com, um mehr über Gold Road und die laufenden Feierlichkeiten zum 10-jährigen Jubiläum zu erfahren.

    Fallout 76: Skyline Valley – Veröffentlichungstermin mit neuem Trailer bekannt gegeben

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 oder direkt zum Release im Game Pass spielen

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGDLe7HShLk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    In der nächsten großen Erweiterung, Skyline Valley, überquerst Du die Savage Divide und reist in die südlichen Appalachen. Erkunde neue malerische Schauplätze in den Wäldern, die einst als Shenandoah-Nationalpark bekannt waren und suche nach Vault 63, um dessen Geheimnisse aufzudecken. Erfahre die Wahrheit über die Verlorenen, die elektrischen Ghule, die das Gewölbe bewohnen und ihren rätselhaften Aufseher Hugo Stolz. Jage Stürme im neuen öffentlichen Event von Skyline Valley, „Gefährlicher Zeitvertreib“ und kämpfe gegen neue Gebietsbosse, ein monumentales Dreiergespann von Robo-Hirnen. Skyline Valley wird am 12. Juni in Fallout 76 erscheinen.

    Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update: Böse sein kann sich manchmal gut anfühlen

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud, PlayStation 5, Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=catD9gN3smU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Rare zeigt seine dunkle Seite mit einem feurigen neuen Sea of Thieves-Trailer, der die Rückkehr von Captain Flameheart ankündigt und die Spieler*innen zum Bosskampf einlädt. In einem völlig neuen Weltereignis werden Pirat*innen gegen Flamehearts mächtiges Flaggschiff antreten, um es in ihre Gewalt zu bringen. Lasse Feuer mit einer Skelettbesatzung unter Deinem Kommando auf Deine Feinde regnen und ernte die Belohnung für Deine heimtückischen Taten. Diese aufregende neue Begegnung ist Teil von Sea of Thieves: Season 13, das am 25. Juli als kostenloses Update für alle Spieler*innen auf Xbox, PC und PS5 erscheint. 

    Der Enthüllungstrailer von Starfield Shattered Space, plus Highlights aus dem Juni-Update 

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Vwd3oall8?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Tief in den dunklen Weiten des Weltraums leben die Anhänger*innen der Großen Schlange, umhüllt von Geheimnissen. Beginne eine epische neue Geschichte und erforsche das Gebiet des Hauses Va’ruun in Shattered Space, der ersten großen Erweiterung für Starfield. Sehe Dir jetzt den Enthüllungstrailer an und erlebe die Geschichte von Haus Va’ruun, wenn Shattered Space später in diesem Jahr erscheint.

    Neben dem ersten Blick auf Shattered Space wurden direkt im Anschluss an den Xbox Showcase weitere Highlights aus Starfields neuestem großen Update vorgestellt. Offizielle Mod-Unterstützung mit dem Start von Creations, der erste neue Quest-DLC mit der Einführung von Trackers Alliance, neue Kopfgeldjäger*innen-Funktionen und Verbesserungen an Nahkampfwaffen sind die Highlights des Juni-Updates von Starfield. Das Juni-Update ist ab sofort für Xbox Serie X|S und PC erhältlich. 

    Die Dunkelheit ruft am 26. August mit World of Warcraft: The War Within 

    PC über Battle.net

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JEqjsfIxfQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Blizzard Entertainments zehnte World of Warcraft-Erweiterung und das erste Kapitel des ehrgeizigsten Handlungsbogens in der fast 20-jährigen Geschichte des Spiels, The War Within, wird am 26. August veröffentlicht. Diese kommende Erweiterung – die erste von drei in der Worldsoul-Saga – wird Dich tief in die Mythologie von World of Warcraft hineinziehen und die Geschichte der letzten zwei Jahrzehnte auf eine Art und Weise miteinander verweben, die sowohl alte als auch neue Spieler*innen fesseln wird. Für eine begrenzte Zeit bietet Blizzard das Welcome to Azeroth Bundle an, das alles enthält, was Spieler*innen benötigen, um ihr Abenteuer in Azeroth zu beginnen. Das Paket enthält die aktuelle Erweiterung – den von Kritikern hochgelobten Dragonflight – eine Charaktererhöhung auf Stufe 60 und 60 Tage Spielzeit für 24.99 €. Lass Dir dieses legendäre Abenteuer nicht entgehen! Schließe Dich noch heute der Community an, erkunde die Wunder von Dragonflight und bereite Dich auf The War Within vor – Vorbestellungen sind ab sofort über das Battle.net möglich.

    Drei neue Xbox Series X|S-Konsolenoptionen enthüllt 

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzDPNi77F24?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Drei neue Xbox-Konsolen der Serie X|S ergänzen unser aktuelles Angebot und wir freuen uns, den Spieler*innen noch mehr Möglichkeiten zu bieten, mit Xbox zu spielen – das ist der beste Weg, um die vielfältigen Erfahrungen zu genießen, die von Spieleentwickler*innen geschaffen wurden. Noch in diesem Jahr werden unsere 1TB Series S in Robot White, eine volldigitale Xbox Series X und eine 2TB Xbox Series X Special Edition in Galaxy Black in ausgewählten Märkten erhältlich sein (das Konsolensortiment variiert je nach Markt). In den kommenden Monaten werden wir Dich über die Verfügbarkeit auf den Märkten und die regionalen geschätzten Einzelhandelspreise (ERP) informieren, sobald wir Details zur Vorbestellung bekannt geben.

    Mit dem unglaublichen Spieleangebot, das auf dem Xbox Games Showcase 2024 und Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 Direct gezeigt wird, ist dies eines der besten Jahre, um seine Konsole aufzurüsten oder zum ersten Mal auf Xbox zu spielen.  

    Website: LINK

  • Mehr Auswahl als je zuvor mit drei neuen Xbox-Konsolen der Serie X|S ab Weihnachten 2024

    Mehr Auswahl als je zuvor mit drei neuen Xbox-Konsolen der Serie X|S ab Weihnachten 2024

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition

    Experience the fastest, most powerful Xbox, now with a 2TB SSD. This new special edition Xbox Series X delivers the same speed, performance and features of Xbox Series X, but with twice the storage and a unique design. Drawing inspiration from constellations and the spirit of exploration and adventure that outer space evokes, the special edition console in Galaxy Black features a silver, grey, and green celestial effect representing thousands of games and millions of gamers playing on Xbox.  

    Hold on to the action with a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a Galaxy Black D-pad and Velocity Green back case, only available with this special edition console. With more storage, players can store even more of their favorite games like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft, and Starfield (games sold separately). Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition will be available in limited quantities in select markets for $599.99/€649.99​ ERP. 

    Better Together   

    Elevate your gaming experience with Xbox accessories, designed to pair seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S. Discover a wide range of options, including customized controllers with Xbox Design Lab to complete your setup and achieve the ultimate Xbox Series X|S experience. Stay tuned for even more accessory options coming soon, including controller designs for your favorite new titles and console wraps compatible with all Xbox Series X consoles. 

    Players can also join Game Pass (membership sold separately) to play new games launching this year like Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™ on day one. With Game Pass, there is always something new to play with hundreds of high-quality games like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Diablo IV, and more.  

    Pre-orders Coming Soon 

    Check back in the coming months to learn more about market availability and regional Estimated Retail Pricing (ERP) when we share pre-order details.  

    The introduction of our new Xbox Series X|S consoles alongside the many other devices in our Xbox gaming family offers even more ways to play with Xbox. On behalf of Team Xbox, thank you for making Xbox the best place to play. 

    Website: LINK

  • Eine verrückte Welt neu erfinden: Warum Gears of War: E-Day die Zukunft der Serie verkörpert

    Eine verrückte Welt neu erfinden: Warum Gears of War: E-Day die Zukunft der Serie verkörpert

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Fans of those mainline Gears of War games can expect to feel at home with how Gears of War: E-Day feels. The Coalition is working to recreate and improve the series’ trademark third-person action, charging between cover in life-or death situations, all set within an explosive campaign that combines satisfying gameplay and emotive, character-led storytelling. However, all this is told through a modern lens, and rooted in groundbreaking technology, giving The Coalition room to really build out those elements. It’s a careful balance – a classic Gears of War game that feels authentic next to the original, but with truly next-gen tech behind it. 

    “It’s going to feel like a new Gears game, because that’s what it is,” Searcy says. “It’s us revisiting the tone and the feeling of what makes Gears great, but we’re tapping into new techniques, new processes, and new technology that’s going to make the gameplay feel better than ever. It’s going to be awesome, a game that feels both truly new, and authentically Gears.”  

    Bringing the Monsters Back

    Gears of War: E-Day is set 14 years before the events of the original Gears of War and tells the story of the first Locust emergence on Sera. As the game unfolds, we’ll get to see how an ill-prepared world responds to a threat like the Locust. The Coalition are being very intentional to recast the Locusts not simply as foes but as living nightmares. These aren’t your typical alien or zombie videogame antagonists; they’re mysterious, formidable creatures that dwell beneath the earth, tapping into our deepest fears. “The design brief was pretty simple,” explains Searcy. “Locust are the ‘monsters under the bed.’ What would happen to the people of Sera in seeing this overwhelming army of monsters and trying to figure out…what are you going to do?” 

    Studio Art Director Aryan Hanbeck explains further, “When players experience E-Day, they see the monsters through the eyes of those encountering them for the first time.” The design team prioritized redefining the Locust Drone, which had slowly become mere cannon fodder as the series progressed. “We transformed the drone into something fearsome, physically intimidating, and utterly brutal,” Hanbeck notes, highlighting its enhanced status just behind Marcus and Dom in the announce trailer. “Getting the drone right was crucial; everything else with the Locust we’re scaling up from there.” 

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Every Announcement and Reveal

    Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Every Announcement and Reveal

    Reading Time: 21 minutes

    The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 showed players everywhere that they have a ton of games to look forward to. Fans of Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, Xbox Game Studios, or the countless partners building for Xbox were treated to a peek at what’s coming for their favorite franchises and new games alike.

    Players can look forward to incredible returns to beloved series with Gears of War: E-Day and Doom: The Dark Ages, fresh looks at the likes of State of Decay 3, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Perfect Dark,and South of Midnight, a reveal for Starfield: Shattered Space, and much more. The show even extended to Azeroth, with the release date reveal of The War Within, the next expansion for World of Warcraft.

    And from our partners, there was a world-first look at gameplay from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, an introduction to your future party members in the greatly anticipated Dragon Age: The Veilguard, an exciting look at the return of Big Boss in Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater, not to mention some incredible debuts with the likes of Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Atomfall, and Winter Burrow, among many others.

    Plus, we brought you a first reveal of new Xbox hardware with the announcement of three new Xbox Series X|S console options joining our current lineup this holiday, featuring the same speed and performance with more design, storage, and price options to fit your needs.

    And on top of all that, we also brought the gameplay reveal of a brand-new Call of Duty game with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 – and we’re following it up with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct, offering you an enormous deep-dive into the game. If you can’t tune in live, make sure to check back for a full rundown of what was announced in the second part of our enormous double feature.

    This is far from everything we have to show you – all this week, the Official Xbox Podcast will air podcasts from Monday, June 10th, featuring discussions with developers and even deeper looks at some of the exciting games from the show. It all starts tomorrow with an extended gameplay look at Avowed, on Xbox’s YouTube channel and podcast services, followed by Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater on Tuesday. If reading’s more your speed, every episode will be detailed in an Xbox Wire post breaking down what was revealed.

    But that’s all still to come. For the time being, here’s every single announcement and reveal from Xbox Games Showcase 2024:

    Age of Mythology: Retold – World’s Edge Presents its First-ever Gameplay Trailer 

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jbste8C0Yes?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    World’s Edge – the award-winning studio behind the Age of Empires franchise – showcased a trailer of truly mythical proportions: with a first look at gameplay from the upcoming Age of Mythology: Retold.

    Age of Mythology: Retold will combine the best elements of the beloved Age of Mythology (2002) with modern real-time strategy design, visuals and gameplay. The newly premiered trailer at Xbox Showcase 2024 revealed the first gameplay footage, showing off exciting action and divine powers, as well as some newly redesigned deity portraits. The World’s Edge team also confirmed the launch date for Age of Mythology: Retold – September 4, 2024 – and that this will be the first title in the Age of Empires franchise to ship on both PC and console at launch. 

    Age of Mythology: Retold is available to pre-order now.

    Avowed Offers a New Look at its Captivating Story 

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass  

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ykgkdU1NJUU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    This year, brace yourself for an expedition into the uncharted wilds of the Living Lands in Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed. In a brand-new story trailer, we learned more about the incredible journey we’ll be taking later this year, and met Giatta, one of the game’s four companions. As an envoy of the Aedyran Empire, you’re tasked with stopping the Dreamscourge, a mysterious blight wreaking havoc on the tumultuous frontier. Your soul hangs in the balance as you navigate the chaos of the Living Lands and embrace its wonders. Prepare for an expedition into the perilous, captivating, and utterly bizarre unknown where you will forge your destiny and shape the fate of the frontier. 

    Avowed will be released in 2024 – and you can learn more about the game’s story on Xbox Wire right now. 

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct Reveals Campaign, Multiplayer and Zombies Details

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Battle.net, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or play it day one with Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Ck15l7DMY0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    It’s official: Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, the latest addition to the popular Call of Duty franchise, is set to arrive on October 25. Developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is a spy action thriller where nothing is as what it seems. In this mind-bending narrative set in the early 1990s, a shadowy force has infiltrated the U.S. government and players will be forced to go rogue for the first time.

    In addition to a compelling new campaign, Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 features new innovations like Omnimovement, giving players the ability to sprint, slide, and dive in any direction and move like a Black Ops action hero across all game modes. Including the return of Classic Prestige, Theater Mode, and of course Round-Based Zombies, there’s something for everyone.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC on October 25. Play it day one on select Xbox Game Pass plans (Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass PC, Game Pass Console).

    Doom: The Dark Ages Comes to Xbox in 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, PlayStation 5, or play it day one with Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpgAOAOMUnA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Revealed worldwide today, Doom: The Dark Ages heralds the return of the unstoppable Doom Slayer in this upcoming single-player, dark fantasy action FPS from the legendary id Software.

    The prequel to Doom (2016), Doom: The Dark Ages puts players behind the visor of the mighty Slayer as they battle demonic hordes in grounded, hard-hitting combat inside an epic, cinematic tale of gods, kings and monsters. Supplementing his superhuman skills and over-the-top arsenal, the Slayer will also call upon his colossal Atlan mech to brawl with titanic beasts and retake the skies aboard his ferocious steed: a jet-fueled, cybernetic war dragon.

    Don your Shotgun, Shield Saw and Flail and charge headfirst into battle in 2025 when Doom: The Dark Ages arrives on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Add Doom: The Dark Ages to your wishlist via the Microsoft Store.

    Playground Games Asks ‘What Does It Mean to be a Hero?’ in the Next Installment of its Fable Trailer Series

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2FiBmVBaY0g?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    What does it mean to be a hero? In last year’s trailer, that question was answered by Dave, a gardener-turned-giant with a chip on his shoulder. This year, we get a much darker take from Humphry, played by the British comedy actor Matt King. Humphry was once Albion’s greatest Hero, but those glory days are long gone. In Fable, Humphry will be forced out of retirement when a mysterious figure from his past threatens the very existence of Albion.

    Playground Games also confirmed its collaboration with Eidos Montreal, who will be supporting the ongoing development of Fable, which will be coming to players in 2025. For Wishlist and more, visit xbox.com/fable.

    E-Day Marks a New Dawn for Gears of War

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EC20gLfUHeA?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Gears of War: E-Day is the next mainline game in the Gears of War universe, set during the pivotal Emergence Day. Fourteen years before Gears of War, war heroes Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago return home to face a new nightmare: the Locust Horde. These subterranean monsters, grotesque and relentless, erupt from below, laying siege on humanity itself.

    In the announce trailer for the series’ next major installment, The Coalition has teamed up with Blur Studio to forge a visually stunning trailer using in-game assets in Unreal Engine 5. It features a new instrumental version of ‘Mad World,’ originally performed by Gary Jules for the iconic 2006 commercial, now brilliantly reimagined by the game’s composer Adam Lastiwka. The trailer made its debut in 4K resolution and 30 FPS with 5.1 stereo sound. These specs, optimized for streaming, do not represent the final game’s performance.

    Find out more in our conversation with the developers on Xbox Wire.

    New Trailer for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, or play it day one on Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2aqnWFpRAY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Become the famous archaeologist and face off against sinister forces as you fight to uncover the truth behind one of history’s greatest mysteries in Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Brand new gameplay and a scene from a pivotal moment in the game were debuted during the Xbox Showcase. An intercepted message sends Indy and Gina to the Himalayas where their treacherous trek through the mountains leads them to a startling discovery. 

    Play Indiana Jones and the Great Circle day one on Game Pass when it launches later this year on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

    Take to the Skies on November 19 with the All-New Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvzlC4iCtns?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the next installment in the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise. It is the most ambitious consumer flight simulator ever undertaken. It features the largest, most diverse and detailed fleet of aircraft, the most complete representation of airports and air traffic, and the most visually stunning rendition of Earth ever created.

    This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 goes beyond merely operating the aircraft; it will allow simmers to pursue their dream of an aviation career.

    With features like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, commercial flights, remote cargo ops, VIP charter service, air racing, and more, simmers will not only be experiencing the joy of flight, but also dive into the pilot career they always dreamed of. The sky is calling! Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 takes off on PC and Xbox Series X|S on November 19, and will be available with Game Pass on console, PC, and cloud on day one.

    Perfect Dark Unveils First Look at Gameplay in New Trailer

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ofUi9DR9sc4?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Today, we got a first look at gameplay from Perfect Dark, The Initiative’s highly anticipated reboot of the secret agent series featuring the iconic Joanna Dark.

    In the near future, Earth is struck by a series of global disasters, bringing ecosystems around the world to the verge of collapse. In the all-new Perfect Dark game, you experience the journey of Joanna Dark, dataDyne’s elite agent, as she hunts down the world’s most wanted criminal, Daniel Carrington, to uncover the mysteries behind the technological breakthroughs that could threaten the lives of millions of people.

    The new trailer showed us Joanna’s descent into the game’s Cairo setting, offered us a glimpse at the mysteries behind this near-future ecological sci-fi story, and introduced us to a game that blends fluid traversal, gadgets, close-quarters combat, gunplay, stealth, and more to create the ultimate secret agent experience.

    Want to know more? Read our exclusive explainer article on Xbox Wire now.

    South of Midnight Shows Off First Gameplay – and the Monstrous Two-Toed Tom

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, or play it on day one with Xbox Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J4UHyaaWXuw?start=2&feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    South of Midnight – the beautiful third-person action-adventure game from We Happy Few creators Compulsion Games – showed off its first gameplay trailer during the show, ahead of its launch in 2025. We meet Hazel and her newly-revealed companion, Catfish, as they travel through a flooded area inspired by the Mississippi Delta – and quickly find themselves facing down one of the game’s monster Kings. Meet Two-Toed Tom, a gigantic albino alligator with a powerful hunger, and even his own theme song.

    The trailer offers a look at combat and traversal, showing off Hazel’s magical weaving powers, and gives us a taste of the game’s darkly gorgeous Deep South setting. We were lucky enough to sit down with South of Midnight’s developers and dive even deeper on the game – check out our exclusive interview on Xbox Wire.

    Open World Zombie Survival Game State of Decay 3 Unveils New Trailer

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjL3a5ZOFNo?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Today at Xbox Games Showcase, Undead Labs revealed a new trailer for State of Decay 3, giving us a closer look at the ambitious open world zombie survival game. This follow-up to fan-favorite State of Decay 2 represents a huge leap forward for the series and the studio.

    In State of Decay 3, the game’s world is now years into the apocalypse, with an evolving zombie threat taking over the landscape. You must fight back and reclaim lost ground, carving out a life for your community of survivalist homesteaders. Fans of the series might pick up on nods to some franchise staples in the new trailer: brutal combat; cooperatively battling back threats to the survivor group; permadeath; opening a car door on a zombie while speeding down the road. But the more you watch it, the more you can see hints at how State of Decay 3 will be the most ambitious game Undead Labs has ever envisioned. To learn more, check out Xbox Wire’s exclusive interview feature.

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ First Gameplay Glimpse Revealed

    Xbox Series X|S (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jx8WN9fY22M?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15 for Xbox Series X|S, giving players a chance to explore 16th Century Japan as Naoe, an adept shinobi from the province of Iga; and Yasuke, a powerful samurai and Assassin’s Creed’s first fully playable historical figure. Today’s gameplay trailer gave fans their first glimpse at what’s new in Assassin’s Creed Shadows – we saw how the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe will differ (and complement one another) in equipment and abilities, as well as the game’s wider world, and Shadows’ changing seasons. Stay tuned for a full gameplay walkthrough reveal tomorrow during Ubisoft Forward (starting at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK).

    Survive, Explore and Uncover the Truth in Atomfall

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_HG3si5zKv0?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Set in the rolling British countryside with idyllic pubs, quaint villages, and red phone boxes, it soon becomes clear that things are far from normal. Created by Rebellion, the makers of the much-loved Sniper Elite and Zombie Army franchises, Atomfall is inspired by a real-world nuclear disaster that occurred in northern England in 1957. The game follows a fictional storyline where you find yourself in the quarantine zone five years after the event.

    Explore the countryside, villages, and settlements and meet odd people, wicked cults, rogue government agencies and others along the way. Explore this open world adventure and seek out the truth at your own pace. A single player, survival-action game, Atomfall blends post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia, folk horror, and elements of classic British sci-fi to create an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience.

    Atomfall will launch in 2025, coming to Game Pass on day one. It will also be available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. The studio will be revealing more about Atomfall soon.

    Prepare to Fight for Your Life in Sandfall Interactive’s Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

    Xbox Series X|S, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDyqGZy78Ng?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming reactive turn-based RPG that will transport you to a beautiful, surrealist new world inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque – a period famous for its stunning and lavish contributions to the country’s world-renowned culture of art.

    As a member of the Expeditioners, who are embarking on an impossible quest to end the Paintress’ cycle of death, you’ll journey through a vast and beautiful fantasy world where you’ll battle deadly adversaries, befriend fabled creatures, and discover traces of those who came before. You can wish list the game today on the Xbox Store and follow @Expedition33 on X (formally Twitter) to stay up to date.

    Dragon Age: The Veilguard – Meet the Veilguard for the First Time in a New Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drVOCrvXHhE?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    BioWare and Electronic Arts revealed a new trailer for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, where we meet your team of seven companions, each with their own rich story to discover and shape. Together, you will become The Veilguard.

    Expanding upon the Dragon Age stories, worlds and characters from previous games, players will enter a vibrant land of rugged wilderness, treacherous labyrinths, and glittering cities – steeped in conflict and secret magics. Together with your companions, you will challenge a pair of corrupt ancient gods, who have broken free from centuries of darkness and are hellbent on destroying the world. Thedas needs someone they can count on, and that person is you. Rise as Rook, Dragon Age’s newest hero. Be who you want to be and play how you want to play as you fight to stop the gods from blighting the world. Find out more on Xbox Wire.

    Souls-lite Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Arrives With a Bang on July 18

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AELgaQ6GqSs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    The long-awaited return from Ashen developer A44 is almost here – during the show, we announced that Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will arrive on July 18. Set in the beleaguered world of Kian, you’ll guide Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that have invaded her world.

    Blending classic Souls mechanics with a brutal, fast-paced combat system, Nor can use a combination of axe combat, flintlock weaponry, and magic, creating devastating combos – but you’ll need skill to survive. Pre-orders are open now, and a deluxe edition offers alternative outfits and weapon customization options.

    FragPunk Explodes Into the Show

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fN8EdlB0P10?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Looking for a new competitive FPS? FragPunk is a frantic, squad-based, 5v5 hero shooter where you set the rules of engagement for every new round by activating power-up cards. With its debut at Xbox Games Showcase 2024, FragPunk rocks the hero shooter genre with fast-paced combat and a plethora of synergies and counterplays between over 70 shard cards, 10 heroes, 14 weapons and 4 maps!

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Our Original Star

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiCDmeW9eac?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Life Is Strange: Double Exposure isn’t just a return for the beloved narrative adventure series, but a return for its original star, Max Caulfield. Several years after we guided her through Arcadia Bay, Double Exposure sees Max return later in her life, now an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University.

    Unfortunately, calamity is never far away – Max’s friend Safi is killed, and we’ll be plunged into a full-on murder-mystery, with a supernatural twist. Max’s original power to rewind time has morphed into the ability to entirely Shift timelines, and we’ll be exploring two parallel realities – one where Safi is safe and well, and the other in the wake of her death – in order to discover the identity of her killer. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure arrives on October 29, and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will be able to play the first two chapters from October 15.

    Mecha Break Revealed: Create Your Mech and Take It to War Together

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N14JSXhgAeQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech-based shooter that allows players to choose from a variety of mechs, customize their appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain.

    Prepare for adrenaline-pumping battles, lightning-fast maneuvers, and explosive firepower. Mecha Break’s Xbox Closed Beta will be coming to Xbox Series X in August 2024, and will be available to all players in 2025. Mecha Break features customizable mechs, player-created mech pilots, a wide array of mech and weapon types, and three distinct game modes — a 6v6 Battlefield mode, 3v3 Arena mode, and up to 60-player PvEvP mode — to put players in the pilot seat and create the ultimate mech showdown experience. Discover an array of attacker, brawler, defender, sniper, and support mechs, each with unique playstyles and toolsets. Players can personalize each mech with custom full-body paint jobs and upgrade attachments, enhancing their stats to suit their chosen playstyle.

    For the upcoming August Closed Beta Test on Xbox Series X, the highlight game mode will be the 6v6 Battlefield mode. Work together with your team and engage in intense aerial and ground combat as you fight for the objective.

    Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Shows Its New Take on a Classic

    Xbox Series X|S (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTVaEPHa9Bc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater creates a deeply immersive world with enhanced visuals and sounds, using the full potential of Unreal Engine 5 while keeping legacy controls and voice lines from the original title intact. A new third-person camera and control layout offers players an intuitive introduction to the beginning of the Metal Gear Solid saga as they step into the boots of Snake in a high-stakes, espionage thriller.

    Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits – Coming 2025

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCTH8R6RD74?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    From Beethoven & Dinosaur, award-winning developers of The Artful Escape, comes Mixtape. On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more adventure together. En route to their final party together, a perfectly-curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories together.

    Immerse yourself in the teenage wasteland, playing through a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. The story is delivered through a mixtape of comedic, joyful gameplay, from skateboarding and flying to taking photos after hours at an abandoned theme park, and much more. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Similar to games like What Remains of Edith Finch, Mixtape ties its narrative to a unique, vignette-driven structure that emphasizes variety, surprise, and comedy in its gameplay.

    Featuring music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and more. Mixtape effectively blends gameplay, narrative, and music. Join the crew on their last night together as they experience a mixtape of memories, set to the soundtrack of a generation.

    S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Reveals the Time of Opportunities Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9RktmztDtwg?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    The new trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is here. Packed with brand-new reveals, this trailer showcases the array of experiences awaiting players, from locations to encounters with mutants and archanomalies. And hubs! Places to have some well-deserved rest and prepare your body and gear for the next intense mission.

    In-game footage is mixed with narrative snippets, highlighting the prominence of the non-linear storyline in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The Time of Opportunities trailer is aptly named, reflecting the boundless potential that awaits within this unforgiving landscape. How will you see the Zone? And how will She remember you?

    This time, you’ll hear much more of the Ukrainian voiceover. Being a Ukrainian company, GSC Game World knows that many fans are eager to experience the game in Ukrainian with subtitles of their choice. The trailer is aimed to provide a better understanding of what this experience will feel like. The Time of Opportunities trailer kicks off a series of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 showcases throughout this summer. Please stay tuned for additional announcements.

    Winter Burrow Is a Cozy Survival Experience Inspired By a Love of Nature

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ngvzOKaj8tY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Build your dream burrow and explore a charming, snow-coated open world in Winter Burrow, a cozy woodland survival game. As a tiny mouse, spend your days adventuring through brisk environments as you search for your lost aunty, and collect up resources to restore your childhood burrow.

    Winter Burrow merges comfy, cozy game elements with challenging yet approachable survival merchanics. Spend time in your burrow, crafting cute decorations to make your surroundings feel homely, knit cozy clothing to stay warm in the cold weather, and make sure you’re prepared for those big days of foraging in the forests. To stay up to date on all things Winter Burrow, wishlist the game on the Xbox Store and follow Winter Burrow on Twitter.

    Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Revealed – A Journey Into the Darkness of the Late Ming Dynasty

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms)

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u7CGFPbfSCY?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Step into the dark and tumultuous land of Shu in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. This soulslike action-RPG launches day one on Xbox Series X|S and immerses players in the dark late Ming Dynasty, a period rife with warring factions and a mysterious illness turning humans into monstrous creatures. You are Wuchang, a pirate warrior struck by amnesia and afflicted by Ornithropy, a horrific disease but the source of immense power. As you explore the depths of Shu, you’ll enhance your arsenal, master new skills harvested from fallen foes, and evolve your fighting style by sacrificing Red Mercury.

    Battle against grotesque abominations, drawing on ancient lore to challenge the creeping darkness that threatens the humanity that remains. As you piece together Wuchang’s lost memories, your choices will lead you to one of several endings—each determined by the choices made, secrets unearthed and the allies you choose to trust. Will you reveal the truths of Wuchang’s curse and bring peace to Shu, or will you succumb to the encroaching horrors? The fate of the land rests in your hands. Nothing is Forever.

    Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Releases October 8 – Pre-purchase Now and Get In-game Rewards Today

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, PC via Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7pt0ntHN4g?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Prepare yourself for the next chapter of Diablo IV from Blizzard Entertainment: Vessel of Hatred, the game’s first expansion, emerges on October 8.

    Unleash the power of the Spiritborn, a new class that harnesses the mystical spirits of the jungle for swift and devastating attacks. The hunt for Neyrelle begins anew as she strives to thwart Mephisto’s sinister plot. Dive into the jungle region of Nahantu, where new Dungeons, Strongholds, and enemies await, along with a new PvE co-op activity where you can team up to take down challenges for promising rewards. Plus, recruit new Mercenaries to aid you in your quest, grow in power as they progress, and help you in combat with their unique abilities.

    Embrace the shadows on October 8! Vessel of Hatred is set to redefine your journey through Sanctuary. Pre-purchase now and unlock immediate in-game rewards. The darkness does not rest – neither should you.

    The Elder Scrolls Online Invites You to Discover Tamriel in a New Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Epic Games Store, cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dw82N_KH6jc?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Celebrating a decade of adventures within Tamriel’s Second Era, The Elder Scrolls Online invites you to begin your epic story with a new trailer. Whether you’re an Elder Scrolls veteran or a newcomer to the series, you can explore an ever-growing world, party up with your fellow adventures, and discover why over 24 million players have now experienced the award-winning online RPG.

    June also features the launch of ESO’s latest Chapter, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road, now available on PC/Mac and coming June 18 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Unravel the mystery of the return of the Forgotten Prince, unlock the Scribing System to create your own abilities, and delve into the region of West Weld, a part of Tamriel not seen since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Visit elderscrollsonline.com for more on the Gold Road Chapter and the ongoing 10-Year Anniversary Celebration.

    Fallout 76 Skyline Valley Release Date Announced With New Trailer

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, or play it day one with Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wGDLe7HShLk?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    In Skyline Valley’s major expansion of the world map, you’ll cross the Savage Divide and travel to the southern reaches of Appalachia. This picturesque new region, Skyline Valley, introduces fresh locations to explore among the woodlands once known as Shenandoah National Park.

    Seek out Vault 63 and uncover its mysteries. Learn the truth about the Lost, the electric Ghouls that inhabit the Vault, and their enigmatic overseer, Hugo Stolz. You’ll chase storms in Skyline Valley’s new Public Event, Dangerous Pastimes, and fight new region bosses, a monumental trifecta of Robo-brains. Skyline Valley comes to Fallout 76 on June 12.

    Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update: Being Bad Can Sometimes Feel Good

    Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, cloud, PlayStation 5, Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=catD9gN3smU?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Rare showed off their dark side with a fiery new Sea of Thieves trailer, heralding the return of Captain Flameheart and inviting players to become the boss fight. An all-new world event will pit pirates against Flameheart’s mighty flagship in order to seize it, raining fire on their foes with a skeleton crew at their command and reaping the rewards of their dastardly deeds. This thrilling new encounter is part of Sea of Thieves: Season 13, which arrives on July 25 as a free update for all players on Xbox, PC and PS5.

    Starfield Shattered Space Reveal Trailer, Plus Highlights from the June Update

    Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Game Pass

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w-Vwd3oall8?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Deep in the dark reaches of space, the followers of the Great Serpent live shrouded in mystery. Begin an epic new story and explore House Va’ruun territory in Shattered Space, Starfield’s first major expansion. Watch the reveal trailer now and experience the story of House Va’ruun when Shattered Space launches later this year.

    In addition to the first look at Shattered Space, highlights from Starfield‘s latest major update were shared immediately following the Xbox Showcase. Official mod support with the launch of Creations, the first new quest DLC with the introduction of Trackers Alliance, new bounty hunting features, and improvements to melee weapons are the highlights of Starfield’s June Update. The June Update is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

    The Darkness Calls on August 26 with World of Warcraft: The War Within

    PC via Battle.net

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5JEqjsfIxfQ?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Blizzard Entertainment’s 10th World of Warcraft expansion and the opening chapter of the most ambitious story arc in the game’s near 20-year history, The War Within is set to launch on August 26.

    This upcoming expansion – the first of three in The Worldsoul Saga – will draw you deep into the mythology of World of Warcraft, weaving narrative threads from the past two decades together in a way that will captivate players both old and new. For a limited time, Blizzard is offering the Welcome to Azeroth Bundle,  which includes everything players need to begin their adventure in Azeroth. The bundle includes the current expansion – the critically acclaimed Dragonflight – a level 60 character boost, and 60 days of game time, for $24.99 USD.

    Don’t miss out on this legendary adventure! Join the community today, explore the wonders of Dragon Isles, and prepare yourself for The War Within – pre-purchases are available now through Battle.net.

    Three New Xbox Series X|S Console Options Revealed

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mzDPNi77F24?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Three new Xbox Series X|S console options are joining our current lineup, and we’re excited to give players more ways to join gaming with Xbox – it’s the best way to enjoy the diverse experiences crafted by game creators. This holiday, our 1TB Series S in Robot White, an all-digital Xbox Series X, and a 2TB Xbox Series X Special Edition in Galaxy Black will be available in select markets (console assortment will vary by market). Stay tuned for updates in the coming months where we’ll provide information about market availability and regional Estimated Retail Pricing (ERP) when we share pre-order details. To learn more about these new consoles, head on over to the Wire post here. 

    With the incredible lineup of games shown at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 and Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6 Direct, this is one of the best years ever to upgrade your console or jump into Xbox for the first time. 

    Website: LINK

  • Avowed: Erfahren Sie mehr über die Geschichte und einen neuen Gefährten

    Avowed: Erfahren Sie mehr über die Geschichte und einen neuen Gefährten

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Summary

    • The Xbox Games Showcase provided a fresh look at Avowed with its first story trailer.
    • Meet Giatta, one of the four companions you’ll encounter during your adventures.
    • Discover the Dreamscourge and its devastating impact on the region.
    • Take a peek at the factions at play and the choices you’ll face as you forge your destiny.

    The last few months at Obsidian Entertainment have been fast-paced and exciting. Since we saw you at the Xbox Developer_Direct this past January, we’ve been busy with Avowed, getting it ready for release in 2024. Today, we’re thrilled to have revealed our first-ever story trailer at Xbox Games Showcase 2024, and to talk with you more about what we’ve shared.

    In Avowed, as the envoy sent directly by the Aedyran emperor, your adventure kicks off in Paradis, the bustling port city at the heart of the Living Lands. This vibrant hub has been shaped and reshaped by generations of pioneers, each leaving their mark, often in blood, on the Living Lands. It’s also the epicenter of tension between Aedyran forces and the locals, who are suspicious of Aedyr’s growing presence.

    Rumors and hysteria have also begun to bubble up in Paradis surrounding the Dreamscourge – a mysterious plague of the soul – as it afflicts people, animals, and even the land itself. No one knows how it spreads, but many have come to recognize and dread the symptoms: first, victims experience confusion, disorientation, and hallucinations. As it worsens, they become unpredictable and erratic in their behavior, as if trapped in a waking nightmare. In the final stage, they turn into violent “Dreamthralls,” their bodies twisted with fungal growths and their minds and souls overtaken by the plague.

    Watching our newest trailer, you’ll hear three distinct voices speaking to you. First is your emperor, who believes the Dreamscourge could develop, if unchecked, into a dire threat to Aedyr. He sends you into this wild frontier to uncover the source of the plague and put an end to it. Inquisitor Lödwyn, the leader of the Steel Garrote – an extremist paladin order from Aedyr – believes there’s something more sinister at play and calls on you not only to eradicate the Dreamscourge, but also to bring the island’s unruly factions to heel. Meanwhile, your companion Giatta perceives a larger and more mysterious force at work in the land and urges you to embrace it in all of its awe and chaos. As a stranger to these shores, you’ll need to navigate your relationship with all three of these factions, work to uncover the source of the Dreamscourge and prevent it from plunging the Living Lands into madness.

    Supporting you on your journey are four companions, including Giatta. A brilliant and outspoken animancer who studies soul energy, she has endured suspicion and ire for her work. But like you, she desperately seeks a solution to the Dreamscourge. She’s a vital ally who will help you understand the unique metaphysical ecosystem of the Living Lands.

    But remember, the Dreamscourge is not the only thing you are up against. Tensions simmer between the locals and Aedyr, and the island itself seems to be rebelling against itself.

    Every choice you make could tip the balance of fate toward one faction or the other. Who will you align with? Who will you destroy? And who will ultimately control the Living Lands?  

    Avowed will be released in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam and cloud, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass.

    Website: LINK

  • More Choices Than Ever Before with Three New Xbox Series X|S Consoles Coming Holiday 2024 

    More Choices Than Ever Before with Three New Xbox Series X|S Consoles Coming Holiday 2024 

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition

    Experience the fastest, most powerful Xbox, now with a 2TB SSD. This new special edition Xbox Series X delivers the same speed, performance and features of Xbox Series X, but with twice the storage and a unique design. Drawing inspiration from constellations and the spirit of exploration and adventure that outer space evokes, the special edition console in Galaxy Black features a silver, grey, and green celestial effect representing thousands of games and millions of gamers playing on Xbox.  

    Hold on to the action with a matching Xbox Wireless Controller, featuring a Galaxy Black D-pad and Velocity Green back case, only available with this special edition console. With more storage, players can store even more of their favorite games like Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft, and Starfield (games sold separately). Xbox Series X – 2TB Galaxy Black Special Edition will be available in limited quantities in select markets for $599.99/€649.99​ ERP. 

    Better Together   

    Elevate your gaming experience with Xbox accessories, designed to pair seamlessly with Xbox Series X|S. Discover a wide range of options, including customized controllers with Xbox Design Lab to complete your setup and achieve the ultimate Xbox Series X|S experience. Stay tuned for even more accessory options coming soon, including controller designs for your favorite new titles and console wraps compatible with all Xbox Series X consoles. 

    Players can also join Game Pass (membership sold separately) to play new games launching this year like Call of Duty®: Black Ops 6, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle™ on day one. With Game Pass, there is always something new to play with hundreds of high-quality games like Starfield, Forza Motorsport, Diablo IV, and more.  

    Pre-orders Coming Soon 

    Check back in the coming months to learn more about market availability and regional Estimated Retail Pricing (ERP) when we share pre-order details.  

    The introduction of our new Xbox Series X|S consoles alongside the many other devices in our Xbox gaming family offers even more ways to play with Xbox. On behalf of Team Xbox, thank you for making Xbox the best place to play. 

    Website: LINK

  • Reinventing A Mad World: Why Gears of War: E-Day Represents the Future of the Series

    Reinventing A Mad World: Why Gears of War: E-Day Represents the Future of the Series

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Fans of those mainline Gears of War games can expect to feel at home with how Gears of War: E-Day feels. The Coalition is working to recreate and improve the series’ trademark third-person action, charging between cover in life-or death situations, all set within an explosive campaign that combines satisfying gameplay and emotive, character-led storytelling. However, all this is told through a modern lens, and rooted in groundbreaking technology, giving The Coalition room to really build out those elements. It’s a careful balance – a classic Gears of War game that feels authentic next to the original, but with truly next-gen tech behind it. 

    “It’s going to feel like a new Gears game, because that’s what it is,” Searcy says. “It’s us revisiting the tone and the feeling of what makes Gears great, but we’re tapping into new techniques, new processes, and new technology that’s going to make the gameplay feel better than ever. It’s going to be awesome, a game that feels both truly new, and authentically Gears.”  

    Bringing the Monsters Back

    Gears of War: E-Day is set 14 years before the events of the original Gears of War and tells the story of the first Locust emergence on Sera. As the game unfolds, we’ll get to see how an ill-prepared world responds to a threat like the Locust. The Coalition are being very intentional to recast the Locusts not simply as foes but as living nightmares. These aren’t your typical alien or zombie videogame antagonists; they’re mysterious, formidable creatures that dwell beneath the earth, tapping into our deepest fears. “The design brief was pretty simple,” explains Searcy. “Locust are the ‘monsters under the bed.’ What would happen to the people of Sera in seeing this overwhelming army of monsters and trying to figure out…what are you going to do?” 

    Studio Art Director Aryan Hanbeck explains further, “When players experience E-Day, they see the monsters through the eyes of those encountering them for the first time.” The design team prioritized redefining the Locust Drone, which had slowly become mere cannon fodder as the series progressed. “We transformed the drone into something fearsome, physically intimidating, and utterly brutal,” Hanbeck notes, highlighting its enhanced status just behind Marcus and Dom in the announce trailer. “Getting the drone right was crucial; everything else with the Locust we’re scaling up from there.” 

    Website: LINK