Schlagwort: Cloud Gaming

  • Sea of Thieves Dives Into Season 11

    Sea of Thieves Dives Into Season 11

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Plunge beneath the waves and get straight to the action with our latest free update!

    A new Season has begun! Introducing a complete overhaul of the Voyage system, this latest Sea of Thieves update enables you to dive to your destination of choice directly from your Quest Table, while vastly expanding the rewards and progression pathways on offer.

    Arriving on January 23rd, Season 11 brings with it a fresh 100 levels of Renown and rewards to be earned alongside all the other improvements bundled in. Like previous Seasons, the update is free for all players across all the usual platforms – just install the most recent version of the game and you’re ready to go. While it’s downloading, check out our Season 11 Launch Trailer for a quick overview of everything you’ll be able to explore!

    At its heart, Season 11 is focused on getting you to the content you want to play faster than ever before. To do that, this update introduces a Quest Table to your ship to help revamp your Voyage experience. Now, rather than having to stop at an Outpost to buy new Voyages, you’ll be able to access them directly from your ship wherever you happen to be.

    Once you and your crew have decided on what type of outing you’d like to go on – whether that’s undertaking a traditional Voyage for a Trading Company, digging into the lore of a Tall Tale or battling your way through a themed World Event like a Skeleton Fort or Ashen Lord – you’ll have two transportation options: sail to your destination in the traditional way, or, if you want to jump right into the fray, dive beneath the waves to head straight there.

    The option of diving not only makes Voyages more viable for shorter game sessions, it opens up access to World Events not currently active on your server. Even better, these on-demand Events, known as Raid Voyages, are undertaken on behalf of a specific Trading Company and offer the corresponding loot, so you’ll always know what kind of reward you’re working towards. If you’re striving to progress with a specific Company, taking on a Raid Voyage and emerging victorious will net you a nice reputation boost.

    Be warned, however! You won’t be able to take any loot with you if you decide to dive right to your next destination. To get the full payout from your hard work, you’ll need to stop by an Outpost (or The Reaper’s Hideout) and cash in first. But all is not lost if you can’t make it all the way there – rather than all rewards being tied to loot delivery, you’ll now receive some Company reputation immediately on completion of a Voyage, so you’ll never walk away with nothing to show for your efforts.

    To keep up with all these new ways of earning reputation, the Trading Companies are expanding. With the exception of The Hunter’s Call, all Companies will now enable pirates to raise their reputation all the way up to level 100. Once players hit that momentous mark, they’ll be able to unlock their first Distinction and earn some sparkling hand jewellery to show off their accomplishment. With five levels of Distinction waiting to be earned and new rewards and Quest Table options to unlock along the way, this gives even long-time players plenty of new ground to cover!

    With so many changes coming to fundamental systems across Sea of Thieves, there are bound to be a lot of questions floating around about Season 11. To answer some of the most pressing ones, and to ensure that players have all the information they need to get right to the good stuff, members of the development team took the time to sit down in front of the camera and share their secrets in our most recent Deep Dive!

    In addition to the On Demand overhaul arriving with this Season, a lot of work has gone into fine-tuning and rebalancing existing Voyages and events to give you a smoother experience and ensure the rewards (including some new rewards!) feel satisfying. Find a shipwreck or a Message in a Bottle while out exploring and you can be sure the effort you invest in it will be worthwhile. With Chests of Fortune also out there among the Fleets of Fortune marked by a distinctive red ship cloud, the emergent world is very much alive…

    And as always, a new Season includes a range of new rewards to enjoy. 100 new levels of Renown come with unique cosmetics and currency to claim, while the optional Plunder Pass purchase offers players the chance to unlock a whole host of Well-Travelled Trader ship and clothing items. Meanwhile, the intimidating Boarhunter ship, clothing and weapon bundles make their debut in the Pirate Emporium for anyone with Ancient Coins to spend!

    Everything on offer in Sea of Thieves Season 11 is out now, ready for you to explore at your leisure. If you’re not sure how the new Voyage system works, or if you’re new to the game and just finding your feet, take a moment to check out the brand new Trading Company tutorials via your Quest Table. The Pirate Lord will walk you through everything you need to know! Or if you’re an old hand looking for a bullet-pointed breakdown, make the latest release notes your next destination.

    After that, it’s time to weigh anchor and get sailing! All the excitement of the seas is closer at hand than ever before…

    Website: LINK

  • Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

    Diving Deeper into the World of Avowed

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    “For us, creating these choices, like the big ones that affect the outcome of a quest, or the wellbeing of certain characters or communities are just as important as the smaller choices that you make in navigating a dialogue and, in subtle ways, influencing your relationship with another character,” said Patel. “All of it is really centered around letting the player be the main character in this setting.” 

    It’s important to note that for all we’ve now seen of Avowed, there’s much, much more to explore throughout the Living Lands. In fact, the specific quest in Shatterscarp we covered “is entirely discoverable, which means it’s also entirely missable.” In terms of scope of the game, Paramo compares with another recent Obsidian title, “it’s open-zone, size comparable to The Outer Worlds areas on the larger side, and [with] multiple paths essentially to tackle combat situations, or avoid them.” 

    According to Patel, sharp-eyed players will have much more to seek out throughout their time with Avowed: “One of the big delights of being a developer on a game like this is creating so much for players to find, and knowing that not everybody’s going to seek it out, and not everybody’s gonna find it, but knowing that the players who do are really going to enjoy the secrets they discover.” 

    Avowed launches this fall on Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC – for more information please visit the Avowed website

    Xbox Live

    Avowed

    Xbox Game Studios

    Welcome to the Living Lands, a mysterious island filled with adventure and danger.
    Set in the fictional world of Eora that was first introduced to players in the Pillars of Eternity franchise, Avowed is a first-person fantasy action RPG from the award-winning team at Obsidian Entertainment. You are the envoy of Aedyr, a distant land, sent to investigate rumors of a spreading plague throughout the Living Lands – an island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, and choices and consequences, and untamed wilderness. You discover a personal connection to the Living Lands and an ancient secret that threatens to destroy everything. Can you save this unknown frontier and your soul from the forces threatening to tear them asunder? The Weird and Wonderful Living Lands
    The Living Lands is a place that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you as it feels the island itself is calling out to you for help. Explore an island home to many different environments and landscapes, each with their own unique ecosystem. Visceral Combat to Play Your Way
    Mix and match swords, spells, guns, and shields to fight your way. Dig into your grimoire for spells to trap, freeze or burn enemies, bash them with your shield, or use range bows to attack from a distance. Companions as part of your journey
    Companions from a spread of species will fight alongside you, with their own unique set of abilities. From a former mercenary to an eccentric wizard, they will be part of your journey with your choices shaping them as you help them with their quests.

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 22 – 26

    Reading Time: 11 minutes

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Howl

    astragon Entertainment GmbH

    $14.99 $13.49

    Howl – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A turn-based tactical folktale set in medieval times. Play as a deaf heroine plunged into danger in search of a cure of a sinister “howling plague” that has ravaged the land, turning all who hear it into feral beasts.


    Xbox Live

    Lil‘ Guardsman

    Versus Evil, LLC

    Lil’ Guardsman – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Question humans, elves, goblins, cyclopes, and other fantasy creatures using your powers of deduction to determine who to admit or deny based on how they respond to your questions and your trusty tools. Sending visitors to jail, inadvertently zapping them to smithereens, or letting them go on their merry way are all part of the job.


    Xbox Live

    Stumble Guys

    Scopely, Inc.

    Stumble Guys – January 23
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Join millions of players and stumble to victory in this fun multiplayer knockout battle royale! Are you ready to enter the chaos? Running, stumbling, falling, jumping, and winning has never been so fun!


    Xbox Live

    Anomaly Agent

    NAISU

    $14.99 $12.74

    Anomaly Agent – January 24

    Become Agent 70 and stop the anomalies threatening to destroy the balance of the world! With memorable characters, unique Anomaly Bosses, a story full of twists, and smooth gameplay, Anomaly Agent is an adventure to be savored. We hope you enjoy your journey!


    Xbox Live

    Climber: Sky is the Limit

    Art Games Studio S.A.

    $12.49

    Climber: Sky is the Limit – January 24

    A mountain walking simulator game where you are a climber who takes on the most difficult and dangerous peaks on Earth. To succeed you need to plan your journey carefully by preparing appropriate equipment, choosing a suitable trail, facing extreme weather conditions, and surviving. Conquer your limits, overcome your fear, and reach the sky.


    Xbox Live

    Remains

    SoloQ

    $9.99

    Remains – January 24

    After a terrible incident, you were left in complete silence and absolute loneliness in the orbit of your planet. There is no one to help you, and you must survive and find out what caused such an incident. Find a way to restore oxygen, create tools for your needs, built a shelter in orbit while managing the dangers of outer space.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Saga of the Moon Priestess

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Saga of the Moon Priestess – January 24
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tragedy strikes the world of Lunaria as the illustrious prince is kidnapped by an unknown assailant! The well-being of the land itself now rests in the hands of a young hero, Sarissa, as she must fight, explore, and figure out how to rescue the young prince in this retro, top-down action adventure inspired by 8 and 16-bit classics.


    Xbox Live

    Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder

    Johnny Ostad

    Shalnor Legends 2: Trials of Thunder – January 24

    A Story-Rich RPG/Action-Adventure game, made by one person over the span of five years. Step into the shoes of the young Orc Mogren and explore all of Thunder Island. Venture into dangerous dungeons, explore caves, solve puzzles, and help the residents of the island with their quests.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy

    CAPCOM CO., LTD.

    $49.99

    Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy – January 25
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Join rookie attorney Apollo Justice and his mentor, the legendary Phoenix Wright, in this collection of 3 games! This title features the 14 episodes of Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, and the two DLC-only Special Episodes for a total of 16 episodes!


    Xbox Live

    Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil

    QUByte Interactive

    Devil Inside Us: Roots of Evil – January 25

    A story focused horror game where you play as a priest and help a family with their cursed house. As Aughust Heylel, an exorcist legitimized by the Vatican and a relevant priest doesn’t believe in his own faith anymore. He writes a letter talking about his life and his worst mission, the case “Roots of Evil”, which started in 1984. His mission was to investigate a house with paranormal activities, but the problem was way deeper. The case stuck into Aughust’s head for more than 30 years, and now, it’s finally the time to finish it!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Go Mecha Ball

    Super Rare Games

    Go Mecha Ball – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Available on day one with Game Pass! Load up and roll out, in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs.


    Xbox Live

    Hidden Through Time 2

    Rogueside

    Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Join Clicky on a new, enchanted adventure in Hidden Through Time 2: Myths & Magic! This charming 2D hidden object game is sure to delight with its playful tone, cozy vibes, and endless fun. Search for all the hidden objects scattered around beautiful hand-drawn worlds and unlock more as you go.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    The House of Da Vinci

    Blue Brain Games

    The House of Da Vinci – January 25

    Enter The House of Da Vinci, a must-try 3D puzzle adventure game. Solve mechanical puzzles, discover hidden objects, escape from rooms and dive into the authentic atmosphere of the Renaissance. Use all your wits to find out what’s behind your master’s disappearance.


    Xbox Live

    Jett Rider – Reduce, reuse and BLAST IT OFF!

    JanduSoft

    $12.49 $9.99


    Xbox Live

    Phantom Abyss (Game Preview)

    Devolver Digital

    153

    $24.99 $19.99

    Xbox Game Pass

    Free Trial

    Phantom Abyss (1.0) – January 25
    Game Pass

    A massive asynchronous multiplayer game that casts you into procedurally generated temples and tasks you with retrieving the sacred relics hidden within deadly chambers. Dodge scores of hidden traps, leap treacherous chasms, and flee relentless guardians through branching paths until one of the relics are claimed or the devices of death overwhelms you.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat

    Afil Games

    PuzzlePet – Feed Your Cat – January 25

    If you are passionate about kittens and enjoy solving puzzles, we have the perfect game for you: Feed Your Cat! Move the cat’s paw to grab the canned food and please the adorable kittens that appear on the map. The difficulty gradually increases, and players need to think about the order of obtaining the food before delivering it to the felines.


    Xbox Live

    Starward Rogue

    Klabater

    Starward Rogue – January 25
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Starward Rogue is a bullet hell twin-stick shooter. Blast your way through the Megalith, a rogue-lite labyrinth lodged in the side of a star. Customize your mech with a huge variety of weapons, perks, and upgrades. Steel yourself for the dangers that lurk in the depths of the dungeon.


    Xbox Live

    Classic Pool

    Revulo Games

    Classic Pool – January 26

    Dive into the captivating world of Classic Pool, an exhilarating game that invites you to showcase and elevate your skills in the timeless realm of pool. Immerse yourself in the challenge as you select from a diverse array of AI opponents, each with their unique strategies. With an extensive collection of cues and tables at your fingertips, the possibilities are as endless as your ambition.


    Xbox Live

    Dead Tomb

    8 Bit Legit

    $4.99

    Dead Tomb – January 26

    A point-and-click adventure game that will take you back to the heyday of retro gaming. Your employer sends you on a study that takes you back in time, but as fate would have it, you find yourself in a serious predicament. A malfunction in your ship forces you to land in Egypt 1300BC where luckily you spot a huge pyramid you can set your craft down on.


    Xbox Live

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth Standard Edition

    SEGA

    $69.99

    Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth – January 26

    Live it up in Japan and explore all that Hawaii has to offer in an adventure so big it spans the Pacific. Two larger-than-life heroes brought together by the hand of fate, or perhaps something more sinister… Ichiban Kasuga, an unstoppable underdog, and Kazuma Kiryu, a broken man facing down a battle of his last days of life. Experience one-of-a-kind combat with dynamic, fast-paced RPG battles where the battlefield becomes your weapon, and anything goes.


    Xbox Live

    sCATch 2: The Painter Cat

    Colossus Game Studio

    sCATch 2: The Painter Cat – January 26

    sCATch 2 is a puzzle game where the goal is paint all colorful places of the maze and come to the exit. Combining colors and items with different mechanics on the way.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Croc’s World 4

    Sprakelsoft GmbH

    Croc’s World 4 – January 26

    After millions played the first 3 parts of “Croc’s World” it´s now time for “Croc’s World 4”! “Croc’s World 4” is a classical platformer with a lot of new enemies and new twists!


    Xbox Live

    The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    The Adventures of Panzer: Legacy Collection – January 26

    After nearly a decade; the legendary raid leader, General Panzer returns from his mysterious hiatus. Rejoined by his trusty lieutenant, Blarghe, the two of them set off on an incredible adventure to revisit their old raid team members.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Tardy

    Drageus Games S.A.

    Tardy – January 26
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Ramto isn’t the smartest guy in the Universe. He enjoys finding troubles – and solving them. But when he woke up on a spaceship, it was too much even for him. Now among heaps of weird devices created by a schizophrenic engineer, he’s on a quest to deal with crazy machines, solve a mystery of a vanished crew, and try to find a way back home.


    Xbox Live

    TEKKEN 8

    Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

    Tekken 8 – January 26
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Get ready for the next chapter in the legendary fighting game franchise! Fist meets fate by bringing the fight to the new generation. Completely redesigned character visuals. Elaborate, highly detailed models built from the ground up, and high-fidelity graphics break the limits of new-generation hardware by adding a new weight and atmosphere to Tekken’s signature battles. Vivid environments and destructible stages combine to create an overwhelming sense of immersion, creating the ultimate play experience.


    Xbox Live

    Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End (Xbox Version)

    Artifex Mundi

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    Tibetan Quest: Beyond World’s End – January 26
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Journey to the mystical city of Shangri-La to find your missing niece. Embark on an adventure at the edge of the world to save Larisa from the clutches of the ancient labyrinth in this captivating hidden object game that blends elements of the thriller and adventure genres with oriental esotericism and lore.


    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Developer_Direct: All the News and Announcements

    Xbox Developer_Direct: All the News and Announcements

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    It’s going to be a good year for Xbox players. At today’s Developer_Direct show, we provided deep-dives into five new games launching across Xbox Series X|S, PC, Game Pass and/or cloud – all of which will arrive later in 2024. Development teams at Xbox, Bethesda, and even one of our third-party partners invited you into their studios to showcase extended gameplay, reveal key information, and more.

    During the show, we visited the studios behind Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, and Ara: History Untold to find out more about each one. Members of each development team gave us a look into their creation, with new information, and offered a tantalizing glimpse of what’s to come this year. All four of these games will arrive on day one with Game Pass, and will contribute to what’s going to be another huge year for members, delivering incredible games throughout 2024.

    Plus, in a special surprise, we heard from the team at Square Enix to learn a lot more about Visions of Mana, the first new mainline entry in the Mana series in over 15 years, and its debut on Xbox platforms. With participation from developers on 3 continents, it was a truly global show.

    Here’s a summary of everything we announced and covered during Developer_Direct:

    Avowed – Launching Fall 2024

    Xbox Series X/S, PC, Cloud – Joining Game Pass on Day One

    Avowed Image

    Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel gave us a first deep-dive into the gameplay in Obsidian’s upcoming fantasy action RPG, from its dynamic combat, to its thoughtful reactivity, to its “colorful, vibrant, strange” world set in the Living Lands. Avowed continues Obsidian’s signature style of creating games with deep themes and player choice at the forefront.

    Not only will you make narrative decisions that can impact changes in the game down the line, but Avowed is also looking to offer choice in combat. Gameplay Director Gabe Paramo discussed not only how varied your weaponry will be – with melee weapons, ranged guns and bows, and magic-based wands (even dual-wielded wands!) to name a few – but how flexible combat can be, allowing you to quickly change loadouts for enemy encounters. Swappable loadouts mean you can approach combat however feels right to you.

    Art Director Matt Hansen then explained how the Living Lands is a mysterious island made up of wildly varied regions offering visually diverse backdrops and intriguing settings to explore. With secrets hidden throughout the regions, you’ll take in barren deserts, verdant forests, blighted wastes, volcanic biomes, and more.

    That’s not all for Avowed, however – make sure to tune in to the Xbox Podcast on Monday, January 22 for an exclusive interview with some of Obsidian’s developers, offering even more information on the gameplay reveal.

    Get ready to carve your own path through Avowed when it launches this fall for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Cloud – and arrives with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on day one. For more information please visit the Avowed website.

    Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II – Launching May 21

    Xbox Series X/S, PC, Cloud – Joining Game Pass on Day One

    Senua's Saga: Hellblade II Image

    Ninja Theory took us behind the scenes at their studio in Cambridge to take a look at Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, meet some of the team and learn more about the craft behind their new title, which is now in the final months of development.

    In the video we learned more about Senua’s new journey, which leads her to Iceland, a harsh and brutal land ravaged by myth and tyranny. We were given a new look at Senua’s experiences of the world, seen through her eyes as someone who experiences psychosis, and saw some of Senua’s visceral and violent battles with the Draugar. We also heard more detail on what players can expect from the game’s story and how binaural and spatial audio will sink player’s deep into the world of Hellblade.

    With a studio mission of crafting life-changing art with game-changing tech, Ninja Theory are pushing the boundaries of fidelity, richness and immersion. You can join Senua on her new quest, May 21. Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II is available to wishlist on Steam and pre-install on Xbox Game Pass now.

    Visions of Mana – Launching Summer 2024

    Xbox Series X|S, PC

    Visions of Mana Image

    In a surprise appearance, Square Enix joined the show to present Visions of Mana, the first new mainline entry in the series in over 15 years, and its debut on Xbox platforms. Series producer Masaru Oyamada presented a sneak peek at the gorgeous new RPG, sharing gameplay and behind the scenes footage before its launch in Summer 2024.

    Koichi Ishii – father of the Mana series and creator of many of its iconic monsters – discussed the implementation and design of the enemies in Visions of Mana, and introduced the adorable new animal companions, “pikuls” and explained the design process behind them.

    Oyamada then shared some details regarding the game’s score and revealed that the tracklist for Visions of Mana contains 100 songs in total, including works from musical talent who worked on previous Mana games. Oyamada also shared details of the adaptive music system that allows seamless transition from map exploration to battles, demonstrating a snippet of the background music changing as you enter or leave combat.

    Oyamada also revealed that in Visions of Mana, The Elementals will assist the player in battle in the form of specialized items, which will each have a different effect in combat. Combined with aerial combat that allows for weapons and magic to be used in mid-air, the combat is fast-paced and flexible.

    Visions of Mana launches Summer 2024 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC!

    Ara: History Untold – Launching Fall 2024

    PC – Joining PC Game Pass on Day One

    Ara: History Untold Image

    The key leads at Oxide Games debuted an all-new look at gameplay and shared an overview of the key features coming to Ara: History Untold during today’s Developer Direct. Viewers learned more about Ara’s crafting system, unique approach to simultaneous turns, and more.

    You can learn more about this innovative new historical grand strategy game with our in-depth interview with Design Director Michelle Menard and we will have more to share in the coming months leading up to Ara’s launch this fall on PC and with PC Game Pass. For the latest breaking news follow the Ara: History Untold social channels (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram/Threads) and wishlist the game on Steam.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle – Launching 2024

    Xbox Series X/S, PC – Joining Game Pass on Day One

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=htGnW6YNPjs?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    The official reveal of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle was debuted during Developer_Direct with over 13 minutes of gameplay footage and developer insights. This new journey starring the legendary archaeologist comes from the award-winning team at MachineGames – the minds behind Wolfenstein: The New Order and Wolfenstein: The New Colossus – in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games and executive produced by Bethesda Game Studios’ Todd Howard. Find out more on Bethesda.net.

    Other Streams

    Blizzard held a Diablo IV Developer Update Livestream earlier today that dug into the horrors waiting for you beneath the sands of Kehjistan in Season of the Construct, launching January 23, and introduced the competitive leaderboard activity called The Gauntlet. Associate Director of Community Adam Fletcher, Game Design Manager Daniel Tanguay, Quest Designer Madeleine James, and Lead Class Designer Adam Jackson spoke about the new Seneschal companion, Hazard-filled dungeons called Vaults, a new Questline, and more – all of which surfaces in Season of the Construct. Additionally, the group gave a quick look at The Gauntlet leaderboards and wrapped up the livestream by answering questions from the community in a Q&A session.

    Shortly after Developer_Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios kicked off The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal, unveiling the game’s next major Chapter, including the new zone, storyline, and other major features. You’ll be able to read more about what was revealed on Xbox Wire and Bethesda.net as soon as that show concludes.

    Looking Ahead

    Today marks just a small selection of the games coming to Xbox this year. With our own studios and our incredible partners bringing a diverse set of incredible experiences to Xbox consoles, PC, Cloud, and Game Pass, there’s going to be something new for every kind of player. To find out more, make sure to return to Xbox Wire later this month, when we post a round-up of some of the most exciting games coming to Xbox platforms in 2024.

    Website: LINK

  • How to Watch the Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 on Thursday, January 18

    How to Watch the Xbox Developer_Direct 2024 on Thursday, January 18

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    January 18 is going to be an incredible day for Xbox players. Developer_Direct returns this Thursday at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, and will bring you a deep-dive into some of the biggest games coming to Xbox platforms. We’re sure you want to know more, so here are all the details on how to tune in.

    Developer_Direct will share new, extended gameplay and developer insights for the upcoming Indiana Jones game, Avowed, Ara: History Untold, and Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II straight from the teams at MachineGames, Obsidian, Oxide Studios, and Ninja Theory.

    It’s going to be a big day for the Xbox family, with two other livestreams taking place. Earlier in the day, Blizzard will host a Diablo IV Developer Update Livestream at 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm UK. Shortly after Developer_Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios will hostThe Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK to preview 2024’s biggest update.

    When is Developer_Direct? Thursday, January 18 at 12pm Pacific Time / 3pm Eastern Time / 8pm UK time.

    How do I watch Developer_Direct? Developer_Direct will be streamed live on the official Xbox and Bethesda channels below:

    The show will also be streamed simultaneously on regional Xbox and Bethesda channels around the globe, as well as on Steam. It will also air on China’s Bilibili platform on Friday, January 19.

    I’m not going to be able to watch, where can I find out what was announced? A full recap will go live immediately following the show (including localized versions in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, LATAM Spanish, and Japanese following later). Xbox Wire will also publish detailed blog posts about select games from the show.

    Notes for co-streamers and creators: We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so.

    However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that glitches or disruptions by bots and other automated software won’t interfere with your co-stream.

    For those planning to create full post-show breakdowns of Developer_Direct in the form of VOD coverage, we recommend you do not use any audio containing copyrighted music to avoid any action by automated bots, and to also consult the terms of service for your service provider.

    How do I watch the Diablo IV Developer Update Livestream? At 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm UK, Blizzard will unearth details about the next season’s gameplay features, Season Journey, and quality-of-life updates. Plus, Blizzard will also share information about The Gauntlet. You can watch the event on Diablo’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

    How do I watch the Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal stream? Shortly after Developer_Direct, ZeniMax Online Studios will hostThe Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK to preview 2024’s biggest update. Streamed from Bethesda’s official Twitch channel at Twitch.tv/Bethesda (with Twitch Drops!) and via global Xbox YouTube and Twitch channels, the standalone presentation will see the development team unveil the game’s next major Chapter, including the new zone, storyline, and other major features.

    Will there be updates on Activision Blizzard King games? No new information on Activision Blizzard King games will be a part of Developer_Direct. You can look forward to news from those teams later this year.

    When will the games in the show be released? All the games in this year’s Developer_Direct will be arriving later, with more details to be shared in the program.

    We’ll see you for Developer_Direct on Thursday, January 18!

    Website: LINK

  • Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Palworld, Persona 3 Reload, F1 23, and More

    Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Palworld, Persona 3 Reload, F1 23, and More

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Be it a big fancy car, a Brotato, a big ole boss, or a turnip (I couldn’t find a way to make that one start with a “B”) we’ve got characters for you to check out. Let’s get ready to nail that pre-install button and get to the games! 

    Available Today 

    Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC) 
    As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check, and survive the night in this story-driven, first-person psychological-thriller. 

    Coming Soon 

    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 18 
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Turnip Boy is back! This time he’s teaming up with the Pickled Gang to plan and execute the weirdest heist of all time. Shake down hostages, steal valuables, battle the fuzz, and use wacky tools bought off the dark web to move further into the vaults of the Botanical Bank. 

    F1 23 (Console and PC) EA Play – January 18 
    EA Sports’ F1 23 is coming soon to PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play. Test your driving talents, create your dream team, and be the last to brake in the official video game of the 2023 FIA Formula One World Championship. 

    F1 23 Image

    Palworld (Cloud, Console, PC) – January 19 
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Embark on an open-world adventure through Palworld, where you can discover and capture over 100 Pals! Unveil the secrets of this mysterious land, overcome formidable bosses, and build powerful bases. Use your Pals to do tasks for you and automate entire production lines. 

    Palworld Image

    Go Mecha Ball (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 25 
    Available on day one with Game Pass: Load up and roll out in this twin stick shooter with roguelike progression! Blast your way through arcade-style levels, using pinball-style physics mixed with an arsenal of devastating weapons. Defeat waves of enemy bots, battle big bosses, and upgrade your mech between runs. 

    Brotato (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 30 
    A top-down roguelite arena shooter where you play a potato wielding up to 6 weapons at a time to fight off hordes of aliens. Choose from a variety of traits and items to create unique builds and survive until help arrives. 

    Persona 3 Reload (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 2 
    Available on day one with Game Pass: If I told you there was an hour “hidden” between one day and the next, would you believe me? Walk the delicate line between life and death and unravel the mysteries of the Dark Hour in Persona 3 Reload, a captivating reimagining of the genre-defining RPG, reborn for the modern era. 

    Persona 3 Reload Image

    Anuchard (Cloud, Console, and PC) – February 6 
    The kingdom of Anuchard has fallen. Generations after the collapse, its surviving descendants have chosen you to become The Bellwielder of the magical Audros Bell. Go forth, battle monsters, solve puzzles, and restore Anuchard to its former skyward glory! 

    DLC / Game Updates 

    Dead By Daylight: Alan Wake – January 30 

    Game Pass members save 10% off Alan Wake in Dead by Daylight. From one Dark Place to another. Dead by Daylight: Alan Wake brings bestselling author Alan Wake into The Fog.

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks 

    Naraka: Bladepoint Season 11 Bundle – Available now 
    Boost your wardrobe with Xbox headgear, rare cosmetics from new season treasures, and three legendary skins with free trials! Get a head start in Season 11 with experience boost cards! 

    Turbo Golf Racing Pet Pack – Available now 
    Drive off in the Pupps Car Body, Goldie Ball, Guzzle Shield, Knots Spoiler, Treats Wheels, Paws Decal, Fur Finish, and Kibble Boost. This Perk content requires Turbo Golf Racing to use. 

    Leaving January 31 

    The following game is leaving soon, so make sure you knock out some contracts or grab a few more achievements before it goes. You can even save up to 20% on your purchase to keep it in your library to keep the good times going. 

    • Hitman: World of Assassination (Cloud, Console, and PC) 

    Hope your new year has brought you lots of games, high scores, and lots of new achievements! We’ll be back soon with more announcements – but you can always keep up with us here, or @Xbox on Whatsapp, @XboxGamePassPC on X, or @XboxGamePass on Instagram. Talk to you again soon! 

    Website: LINK

  • Persona 3 Reload: How Atlus Reimagined a Classic RPG

    Persona 3 Reload: How Atlus Reimagined a Classic RPG

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    “We’ve done a lot of surveys with users and fans, and whenever we did a survey on what people wanted to see as a remake for the Persona series, the number one answer was always Persona 3,” P3R Producer Ryota Niitsuma told me. “After Persona 5 Royal came out, the Persona team was ready for another project and we were trying to think about what to do. We were saying, ‘Hey, a remake could be pretty good. Everybody wants to see Persona 3, so this is the right time.’ The stars have aligned.” 

    Respecting the impact that the original had on players, the team wanted to preserve the core of Persona 3, while also bridging the 15 year plus gap since it released, and all of the technological advances in that timeframe.  

    “When [the original Persona 3] first came out, I really thought that both then and now that this game is just incredible, something that, even though many years have passed in the interval, the colors of them haven’t faded,” shared Game Director Takuya Yamaguchi.

    “I wanted to leave all of the parts that made Persona 3 what it was, all the parts that made up the core of how beautiful it was, as-is, but then try to address the things that have changed in the interim…  I wanted users to think that when they played this game. ‘I’m playing, not a remake of something old, but I’m playing something that is the newest entry to the Persona series.’” 

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 15 – 19

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Food Truck Simulator

    UltimateGames

    Food Truck Simulator – January 16

    Renovate your very own food truck with a wide range of customization options with a large catalogue of equipment options to choose from. Create your own recipes with a detailed cooking system and encounter different locations across an entire city with different types of customers within a living city with dynamic day and night cycle.


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 3: Chair of Hephaestus

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 3 – January 17

    Join the Argonaut team in a new time management game, free Pelias from the trap, and crack the case of Hephaestus’ chair! Construct buildings, remove obstacles, repair damaged bridges, and more. Over 40 beautiful levels await you, along with a multitude of varied quests, increasing difficulty, an upbeat plot, an extraordinary magical world, and exciting gameplay for all ages.


    Xbox Live

    Nephenthesys

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Nephenthesys – January 17
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Nephenthesys is a vertical scrolling shoot’em up presented in widescreen top-down 3D style. Blast through a huge variety of enemy ships, collect power-ups for wider shot spreads and special bombs, then face off against screen-filling bosses. This mission will take you through caverns, waterways, cityscapes and more. Do you have the skills to see it through?


    Xbox Live

    Bahnsen Knights

    Chorus Worldwide Games

    Bahnsen Knights – January 18

    In a world of religious fanaticism, F5 tornadoes and Ford Sierras you are Boulder, an undercover agent. Your assignment sees you infiltrate the Bahnsen Knights, a deadly, supercharged cult with an enigmatic leader. In this murky and dangerous world, you must keep your wits about you and stay alive to unravel the mystery behind an old friend’s disappearance in this interactive adventure.


    Xbox Live

    Prince of Persia The Lost Crown

    UBISOFT

    9

    $49.99

    Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – January 18
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate. Play as Sargon and evolve from sword-wielding prodigy to extraordinary legend as you master acrobatic combat and unlock new Time Powers and unique super abilities.


    Xbox Live

    Resetail

    Weakfish Studio Publishing

    Resetail – January 18
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this 2D platformer you must watch out for spikes, obstacles and enemies and make the right moves to find the key to the right door! You can also use the enemies you see around to your advantage to beat the level. Speedrun mode allows players to race against the clock and beat their own records.


    Xbox Live

    Rising Lords

    Deck13 Spotlight

    Rising Lords – January 18

    Collect taxes and resources. Dictate rations and field work. Forge weapons, raise armies, and build mighty fortified cities. Help your people become knights, or dump them on a battlefield far away, but be careful: even the humblest peasants will revolt eventually, and an unlucky event card can change the fate of your realm quickly…


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank

    Graffiti Games

    $14.99

    Turnip Boy Robs a Bank – January 18
    Game Pass / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Turnip Boy is ready to commit more felonies in this comedic action-adventure game with roguelite elements. This time the career criminal is teaming up with the fearsome Pickled Gang to plan and execute the weirdest heist of all time! Shake down hostages, steal precious valuables, and explore the deep, dark depths and history of the Botanical Bank.


    Xbox Live

    Kubics

    RAFAEL V.F

    Kubics – January 19

    Kubics is a platform puzzle game, focused on switching between 2 characters, You have control of two players using one of the players as a shield or platform to achieve your objective.


    Xbox Live

    Palworld (Game Preview)

    POCKET PAIR, Inc.

    Palworld (Game Preview) – January 19
    Game Pass

    Available day one with Game Pass! Collect all kinds of exciting Pals to fight, farm, build, and work for you in this completely new multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game!


    Xbox Live

    Witch Rise

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Witch Rise – January 19

    Witch Rise tells the tale of a sweet, innocent young girl who was turned into a piglet by the cruel Fallen Witch. Now, our heroine must embark on a quest to overcome the curse and change back into to her old self again. During your journey you’ll need to find the four magic staffs in order defeat the Fallen Witch, and thus recover your human body.


    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for January 8 – 12

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow

    Catthia Games

    $13.99 $12.59

    Cynthia: Hidden in the Moonshadow – January 10

    A third-person stealth adventure game focused on the story of the Moonshadow Huntress: Cynthia Stranborg. Take control of the young adept and learn new stealth skills during your journey. Find out what happened in the home village and follow your desired path to rescue the ones you love the most.


    Xbox Live

    Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin – January 10

    Prove your worth as a village hero by rebuilding a tavern, taking on quests and discovering romance along the way! Ikkarus and the Prince of Sin is a Yaoi-themed fantasy adventure visual novel where you can manage your daily routine, travel the land, accept side quests, and more.


    Xbox Live

    Popcorn Rocket

    Battle Geek Plus, L.L.C.

    Popcorn Rocket – January 10

    Play it old school like being back in the arcade in a fluid top-down space shooter which feels as smooth as buttery popcorn! Have fun blasting away as you jam out to some rockin’ 8-bit, 16-bit, and orchestral tunes just like playing arcade games at the movie theater!


    Xbox Live

    Electrician Simulator

    Gaming Factory S.A.

    Electrician Simulator – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Learn the secrets of the electrician profession and become the best professional in town. Check your inbox regularly and accept a variety of jobs, from small tasks to complex electrical installations. Try to do your job with as much attention to detail as possible!


    Xbox Live

    Top Racer Collection

    QUByte Interactive & bleem.net

    Top Racer Collection – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S /

    Top Racer Collection brings back three ‘90s classic arcade racers in one incredible package, featuring classic titles such as Top Racer, Top Racer 2, and Top Racer 3000. In addition, the collection will feature new and exclusive content. Get up to speed and experience the nostalgic mix of action and addictive gameplay today!


    Xbox Live

    True Virus

    Ultimate Games

    6

    $8.99

    True Virus – January 11

    A point-and-click adventure game that takes players to an abandoned psychiatric hospital. Set in a world ravaged by an enigmatic and dangerous pandemic, play the role of a mental hospital patient who has awoken to a devastated world — your job is to find out what really happened.


    Xbox Live

    War Hospital

    Nacon

    $39.99 $35.99

    War Hospital – January 11
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    The year is 1918. You are major Henry Wells, a retired British combat medic, drafted back to take charge of a field hospital in the nightmare of World War I. Understaffed and undersupplied, the hospital is the last bastion of hope for countless soldiers on the Western Front. Your main aims are to keep up your team’s morale and support the war effort with the soldiers you have treated.


    Xbox Live

    Beyond Doors

    Old School Vibes

    Beyond Doors – January 12

    Immerse yourself in this mind-bending platformer as Caleb who has awakened in a mystical dimension after experiencing burnout in his job. Door-to-door, guided by enigmatic musical notes, he needs to be reminded of his true calling.


    Xbox Live

    Creatura

    FreeMind S.A.

    Creatura – January 12

    In Creatura, design and take care of enclosed ecosystems full of animals and plants grown from scratch, using scientifically accurate natural/artificial selection and genetic engineering. Make an epic journey over epochs of evolution, from single cell organisms sharing water with algae, to complex animals living in lush gardens.


    Xbox Live

    Grotto

    Digerati

    Grotto – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Grotto is a mystical, narrative-focused experience. You are the Soothsayer. The one capable of talking with the stars and unveiling their messages. In a time of turmoil, the tribe of the valley turn to your powers of divination and come to you for guidance.


    Xbox Live

    Kitten Hero

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Kitten Hero – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A fast-paced action platformer were you play as an extremely cute little cat trying to save his human and other kittens trapped inside a spaceship controlled by a powerful supercomputer. To get there, you’ll jump, climb, and dash your way through 80 levels filled with deadly spikes, saws, missiles and more.


    Xbox Live

    Shinorubi

    Red Art Games

    Shinorubi – January 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    A shoot ’em up rooted in the bullet hell, danmaku, and manic shooter genres. In the universe, there is a compound that can only be found on one singular planet, Shinorubi. Shinorubi packs a great arcade action punch with great replayability thanks to its numerous difficulty levels, arranged modes, and player ships.


    Website: LINK

  • Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More

    Coming to Xbox Game Pass: Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Resident Evil 2, Hell Let Loose, and More

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Happy 2024! We hope your new year’s celebration was full of fun and games and that you have even more in store in the days to come. To help with that, let’s add some more games to your “to be played” list!


    Available Today


    Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    Deep in international waters, Tesla’s Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. Use your wits to guide Rose on her journey to find her sister Ada, overcome dangers unknown to understand the fate of the Helios and its inhabitants in this narrative driven steampunk adventure.


    Coming Soon


    Hell Let Loose (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – January 4
    Squad up and take to the battlefields of World War II in the ever-expanding, hardcore, first-person shooter experience that is Hell Let Loose. Join other players online in epic, 100 player battles, taking place across huge, to-scale maps, where working as a team is a matter of life and death, and the right – or wrong – decision can turn the tide of battle. We’ll see you on the front lines!

    Assassin’s Creed Valhalla (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
    Become Eivor, a legendary Viking warrior. Explore England’s Dark Ages as you raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla in this critically acclaimed entry in the Assassin’s Creed series.

    Figment (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 9
    An action-adventure game that invites you to explore a unique, surreal universe filled with music, humor and a multi-layered narrative. Join Dusty and his ever-optimistic friend, Piper, on an adventure through the different sides of the mind, seeking to restore the courage that’s been lost.

    Super Mega Baseball 4 (Cloud, Console, and PC) EA Play – January 11
    Super Mega Baseball 4 is coming soon to PC Game Pass and Ultimate via EA Play, so grab your glove and your bat. It’s time to go yard with the best to ever play the game. Hit, pitch, throw, and slide into home plate with the series’ signature combination of arcade-inspired style and immersive gameplay depth.

    We Happy Few (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 11
    Making a return to the Game Pass library! From Compulsion Games, set in a drug-fueled, retro futuristic city in an alternative 1960s England, We Happy Few is an action adventure game in which you hide, fight, and conform your way out of a delusional Joy-obsessed world.

    Resident Evil 2 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
    Revisit the critically acclaimed nightmare of Raccoon City in Resident Evil 2 with new visuals, modern gameplay mechanics, and an over-the-shoulder perspective. Join rookie cop Leon S. Kennedy and college student Claire Redfield as they fight to survive a mysterious viral outbreak in Raccoon City that has turned its citizens into terrifying, flesh-eating zombies.

    Those Who Remain (Cloud, Console, and PC) – January 16
    As the lights go out, the embers of darkness are stoked in the sleepy town of Dormont. Confront uncomfortable horrors, keep your sanity in check, and survive the night in this story-driven first-person psychological-thriller.


    DLC / Game Updates


    Dead by Daylight: Chucky – Available now

    Game Pass members save 10% on their purchase! Meet your new best friend ‘til the end. Dead by Daylight: Chucky brings an iconic horror legend into The Fog with a new Killer: The Good Guy – Chucky. Purchasing this add-on unlocks an exclusive Charm: Good Guys Box. Wanna play?

    Hello Neighbor 2 Anniversary Update – Available now

    To celebrate the recent anniversary of Hello Neighbor 2 there is a new free update to check out. Visit the whole new area – the forest located on the outskirts of Raven Brooks. Explore the church and adjoining graveyard, once a renowned landmark and popular destination for townsfolk, now abandoned and eerily weird. Recent reports of a strange, cloaked figure seen lurking throughout the woods are probably completely unfounded. Are you brave enough to find it out?

    Sea of Thieves: Season Ten – Available now
    Sea of Thieves: Season Ten continues with the arrival of a new way to sail! Enjoy playing Safer Seas mode at your own pace, alone or with a crew of friends, immersing yourself in your adventures without interruption. Other crews and greater rewards await in the existing High Seas mode. Learn more here.


    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks


    Sea of Thieves: Nightshine Parrot Pack – Available Now
    This pack contains the Nightshine Parrot Jacket, Nightshine Parrot Sails, Nightshine Parrot Figurehead, Nightshine Parrot Hat and Nightshine Parrot Cutlass, as well as 10,000 gold to spend in-game.


    Leaving Soon


    The following games are leaving soon, so make sure to tie up any loose ends before they go. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep them in your library.

    January 5:

    • Grand Theft Auto V (Cloud and Console)

    January 15:

    • Garden Story (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • MotoGP 22 (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC)
    • Persona 3 Portable (Cloud, Console, and PC)

    That wraps us up! Be sure to toss us a follow on our socials at Xbox Game Pass or Xbox Game Pass PC and stay tuned for more updates. Catch you next time!

    Website: LINK

  • The Elder Scrolls Online: Complete Merry Quests and Earn Special Rewards During the New Life Festival Event

    The Elder Scrolls Online: Complete Merry Quests and Earn Special Rewards During the New Life Festival Event

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

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    Website: LINK

  • How Dungeons of Hinterberg Bridges Reality with Fantasy When Creating Its Massive Overworlds

    How Dungeons of Hinterberg Bridges Reality with Fantasy When Creating Its Massive Overworlds

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Summary

    • Inspired by the real glaciers in the Alps, Dungeons of Hinterberg’s Glacier overworld offers a unique and playful experience of magical snowboarding, exploration, combat, and discovery, with hidden secrets, adventures, and rewards.
    • The Glacier overworld is non-linear and requires players to solve puzzles, complete challenges, and revisit the area at different points. Like other overworlds, the gameplay is affected by the social dynamics in Hinterberg, as players build their reputation and connections to access new places and meet new NPCs.
    • Dungeons of Hinterberg will be available on day one with Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and Windows.

    Since the original reveal of Dungeons of Hinterberg during the Xbox Games Showcase this past June, we’ve gotten a steady stream of news and information from its creators. Whether it was getting a first hands-on and look at the mountainous overworld and dungeons during during gamescom, or learning more about the social-sim aspect that players will experience in the idyllic town of Hinterberg during Xbox Partner Preview, we’ve been treated to a lot of great details en route to the game’s 2024 launch!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    But Microbird couldn’t let us sneak off into the holidays without another great look at Dungeons of Hinterberg, and today we were treated to a preview of its Glacier overworld as part of their latest livestream. Following that, we caught up with Co-Founder and Art Director for Microbird Games Regina Reisinger to get some more details on the icy overworld, how players can build rep, and monsters… so many monsters.


    Can you tell us a little bit about the four overworlds and how they function in Dungeons of Hinterberg?

    The overworlds are an integral part of your holiday in Hinterberg: every day of your vacation starts with a hearty breakfast, and then it’s time to decide which of the overworlds you want to visit today. Overworlds are distinct, mid-sized areas around Hinterberg, and are all inspired by real Austrian landscapes and biomes. They all hold ample opportunity and space to explore, fight monsters, discover some secrets, or just sit down in a beautiful spot and meditate for a day.

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    There are four visually distinct overworlds that all offer their own flavor of magic as well. If you feel like a relaxing hike, why not go to the lush green mountain meadows of Doberkogel? Are you in a more serene mood? Consider visiting Hinterwald, a picturesque forest where you can walk between tall trees and little streamlets, while spotting some deer in the distance. Or if you want to cool down, you could take the cable car up to Kolmstein, a glacier that is covered in snow and ice all year round.

    We’ve seen gameplay in the Forest and Mountain overworlds – and now Glacier! Can you share more about the process of developing the Glacier overworld?

    The glacier is an overworld that is very dear to our hearts, and one that was a lot of fun to design.  It is the third overworld that will become available in the game, and it switches up how we handle movement, by providing Luisa and the players with a magic hoverboard skill. We really wanted to capture the amazing feeling that you get in real life when skiing or snowboarding down a wide-open slope full of snow, surrounded by mountains and a view that goes on for miles. We used Unity’s terrain system, mixed with some manually built parts, so we could create exactly the kind of exploration experience that we imagined.

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    What unique abilities can players expect from the Glacier overworld?

    As already mentioned, the hoverboard is one of the two magic skills unique to the glacier, and probably the one players will use the most. Zipping along the snowy landscape at a dizzying pace, grinding along magical rails and trying to complete challenging slalom courses are just some of the fun things you can do with this skill. And of course, it comes in handy in combat as well, where you can use it to knock over enemies and draw a flaming barrier behind you. The second skill is a magical light ray that can be used to solve puzzles, hit enemies, or manipulate your environment. Combining both – grinding along a rail while zapping enemies or targets around you – is lots of fun as well.

    You’ve spoken a bit about how Dungeons of Hinterberg’s setting and monsters are inspired by locations in Austria and its folklore. What inspirations have directly influenced the Glacier overworld?

    The glacier overworld is actually one where we took a lot of inspiration from the real world. The Alps are known for their glaciers, where you can experience a wintery landscape all year round: even in summer, you might only be a cable car ride away from a mountaintop covered in ice and snow. This makes a glacier kind of a special and magical place in and of itself. Unfortunately, the changing climate has become a danger for these biomes as well. That’s another reason why it was important to us to try and capture that unique flair and feeling; to share it with players and hopefully make them appreciate this unique biome as much as we do!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    What are you most excited for players to check out in the Glacier overworld when Dungeons of Hinterberg launches next year?

    The glacier overworld has a very non-linear, playful feeling to it. You can overlook much of the biome from your first vantage point, but reaching and getting access to all these areas, and the dungeon portals hidden there, is not as easy. Players will need to explore, puzzle, complete challenges, and revisit the overworld at different points throughout the game. We are very excited for players to discover all these spots, and are looking forward to seeing how they approach navigating this special overworld – be it on a magical hoverboard or on foot.

    You’ve shared with us previously on how some of the social dynamics work in Dungeons of Hinterberg. Can you share some more about how these different biomes will affect Luisa? I imagine a Glacier world may not hold the same type of social interactions one could have in the Forest, for example.

    Most of the socializing takes place in the village of Hinterberg, your home base that you return to every evening. That does not mean that you won’t need any help from your friends and connections when it comes to navigating the overworlds, though! Some places might only be accessible to you if you have a good enough reputation around Hinterberg, or a powerful friend to give you a leg up. And occasionally you might even meet a friend in the middle of a snowy slope, who might give you some rewards for teaching them a lesson in hoverboarding!

    Dungeons of Hinterberg Screenshot

    Thanks to Regina Reisinger for taking some time to speak with us today. You can look for Dungeons of Hinterberg to launch day one with Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S and Windows in 2024.

    Website: LINK

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases Famous Flyer 08: The Cessna T207A Turbo Stationair

    Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases Famous Flyer 08: The Cessna T207A Turbo Stationair

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    One of the aviation world’s most legendary light civil utility models is now available for Microsoft Flight Simulator pilots.

    ONE OF CESSNA’S BRIGHTEST STARS:

    The single-engine T207A Turbo Stationair is one of the brightest stars in the history of Cessna, an American aviation producer. It is a turbocharged variant of the model 207, a proven utility aircraft known for its exceptional short field performance and bush flying capabilities. The T207A Turbo Stationair, which seats up to eight including pilot(s), earned the status of legend due to its turbo-charged power and ability to deftly handle even the toughest unimproved airstrips.

    BORN OUT OF A LONG LINEAGE OF SUCCESS:

    The T207A traces its lineage to the Cessna 210, a single-engine, six-seat model introduced in 1957, featured retractable landing gear. Using the 210 as a design base, Cessna developed their 206 line, introducing the first model in the early 1960s. The 206 family of aircraft would go on to be one of the most successful breeds of single-engine, civil light utility aircraft to ever fly.

    Cessna refined the exceptional design of the 206 by creating the 207. The 207 debuted in 1969 and is a stretched variant of the 206 with an increased fuselage length of 45 inches. Cessna manufactured the 207 from 1969 to 1984, building a total of 626 airframes.

    The 207 is renowned as an exceptional short field and bush transport aircraft. It is powerful, rugged, and has a utilitarian and capacious design. In addition to wide use as an air taxi, the 207 has also been used as been used as a skydiving platform and for aerial photography and mapping.

    A SPORT-UTILITY VEHICLE OF THE SKY:

    The 207 was produced in several variants, including the T207A, a turbocharged iteration that was initially certified in July of 1976, and was subsequently certified for eight seats in September of 1979. The seven-seat version was named the Turbo Skywagon and the eight-seater the Turbo Stationair. Aviators familiar with the T207A Stationair often call it a “sport-utility vehicle of the sky” due to its roomy interior, power, ruggedness, and versatility.

    The Cessna T207A measures 32 feet, 2 inches in length, stands 9 feet, 7 inches tall, and has a wingspan of 36 feet. It features a fixed tricycle landing gear and a standard tail unit. The aircraft is powered by a Continental TSIO-520-M turbocharged 6-cylinder piston engine that delivers up to 310 horsepower. It has a range of 671 miles, a service ceiling of 26,000 feet above sea level, and it climbs at 810 feet per minute. It boasts a takeoff distance of 1,100 feet, a landing distance of 765 feet, cruises at 185 miles per hour with a top speed of 196 miles per hour.

    ADVENTURES THROUGHOUT THE GLOBE:

    The Microsoft Flight Simulator Cessna T207A was meticulously crafted to provide a remarkably authentic flying experience.

    The Cessna T207A Turbo Stationair is available in three versions: standard, cargo / freighter, and a skydiving configuration. The standard version has ten liveries available, eight classic, an Xbox, and an Aviator’s Club. The cargo / freighter comes with five liveries total, four classic and an Aviator’s Club. The skydiving configuration includes five liveries, four classic and an Xbox. Buy it today for $14.99. The sky is calling!


    Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and lower-spec PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter.

    Website: LINK

  • Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases City Update V: European Cities

    Microsoft Flight Simulator Releases City Update V: European Cities

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Experience a finely curated selection of renowned European cities in the newest addition to the Microsoft Flight Simulator experience.

    European Cities I is the latest exciting addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator’s rich and immersive worldwide experience. Microsoft and its partners at Bing Maps and Vexcel produced five five exemplary urban regions throughout Europe for this update: The Hague (Netherlands), Brussels (Belgium), Košice (Slovakia), Zagreb (Croatia), and Cádiz (Spain). Each was produced in the highest visual fidelity using the latest geographic information and TIN (triangulated irregular network) surface modeling.

    We invite you to explore these individual cities and include them in your upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator flight adventures.

    In detail:

    The Hague:

    The Hague is the third most populous city in the northwestern European country of the Netherlands and the functional center of the country’s governance. The renowned city is the home of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice. Throughout the world it is recognized as the “international city of peace and justice.” Located on the North Sea Coast, The Hague offers an incredibly diverse array of sights, including:

    • The Peace Palace
    • A number of international legal institutions
    • Het Strijkijzer (The Flatiron), an architectural award-winning skyscraper
    • The Hoftoren (Court Tower), a striking tower that stands as the third highest building in the city
    Brussels:

    Brussels is the capital and most populous city of the northwestern European country of Belgium. Its rich history dates to the 10th century, and today it is a vital center of national and international governance, finance, the arts, and education. Brussels, situated in the Senne River Valley in the north-central region of Belgium, features architectural works representative of an array of styles. Sights include:

    • Royal Theatre of La Monnaie, a famed opera house
    • Church of Our Lady of Laeken, visually notable for its soaring towers
    • National Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the world’s largest and most recognizable churches
    Košice:

    Košice is the second largest city in the Central European country of Slovakia after the capital, Bratislava. Located along the Hornád River at the eastern periphery of the Slovak Ore Mountains, Košice is the governmental, cultural, educational, and economic center of eastern Slovakia. The town, which traces its lineage to the year 1230, features a medley of architecture ranging from classic to ultra-modern. Notable sights include:

    • Cathedral of St. Elizabeth, the largest church in Slovakia
    • Business Center Košice, one of the city’s modern wonders and
    • Urban Tower, a renaissance bell tower
    Zagreb:

    Zagreb is the capital of the Central European nation of Croatia and the country’s most populous city. It is located just south of the Slovenian border on the southern reaches of the small Medvednica range of mountains, part of the Dinaric Alps. Built along the Sava River, Zagreb’s history dates to the Roman times and the city today offers a stunning visual mosaic of the classic and elegantly modern. Some of the sights Zagreb offers include:

    • The Croatian National Theater, a beautifully ornate venue for opera, ballet, and theater
    • Ban Jelačić Square, the central hub of Zagreb
    • The Cibona Tower, Croatia’s third highest building
    Cádiz:

    Cádiz, located on the Atlantic coast of southwestern Spain, is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Western Europe. It was founded by the Phoenicians in 1100 BC and has served as an important port through the centuries. Today, Cádiz is the capital of Cádiz Province, part of Andalusia, the most populous autonomous region of Spain. Set on a strip of land surrounded by water, Cádiz is renowned for its seaside backdrop and beautifully preserved structures. The city’s architecture is some of the most stunning throughout Europe, and includes:

    • Casa de Iberoamérica del Ayuntamiento de Cádiz, a former prison that is now a cultural venue
    • Cádiz Cathedral, a baroque cathedral known as “The Cathedral of The Americas” as it was built with proceeds from trade between Spain and America
    • The ruins of the Roman Theatre of Cádiz, one of the largest structures built by the Roman Empire

    City Update V: European Cities I is available FREE to all owners of Microsoft Flight Simulator. Ensure that your simulator is running version 1.34.16.0, download City Update V, and enjoy soaring above the beautiful sights that each region offers! The sky is calling!


     Microsoft Flight Simulator is available for Xbox Series X|S and PC with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, and Steam, and on Xbox One and supported mobile phones, tablets, and non-optimized PCs via Xbox Cloud Gaming. Learn more about Microsoft Flight Simulator here (video), here (store), and follow (Instagram) and @MSFSOfficial on “X” (formerly Twitter).

    Website: LINK

  • Tips for Gifting an Xbox Series X|S for the Holidays

    Tips for Gifting an Xbox Series X|S for the Holidays

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    So, you’ve decided to gift someone a brand-new Xbox console. First off: you’re incredibly generous! We’re sure they’ll be grateful to get something as awesome as a new Xbox from their soon-to-be most-favorite person in the world. But, before you kick off the celebration and start gaming, there are a few key things you can do to help your giftee get started.


    Prepare the Console

    Xbox Series X|S Hero Image

    It’s time to get their console ready to go. Start with the instructions included in the box to guide you through connecting online (broadband or wireless), plug into an HDMI-compatible TV, and turn it on to begin the updating process.

    Keeping the console updated both ensures they can play every new game right away and helps keep the console safe and secure. We highly recommend completing this step before you attach any additional peripherals, like external hard drives, battery charging stations, etc. This will help ensure maximum compatibility between your existing (and future) devices and accessories – see list of compatible ones here on Xbox.com.

    This can take some time depending on your online connection and how many updates the console needs to apply. If possible, consider getting this done before your giftee unwraps their present so everyone can jump in and start gaming that much faster on the big day. 

    While the console is updating, this can also be a great time to download the Xbox app for iOS or Android, which also includes some step-by-step instructions and console management features from your smartphone. And if you’re a parent, we recommend downloading the Xbox Family Settings app (more on that in a bit) 


    Create a Free Xbox Account

    Xbox Account Asset

    Next, they will need to create a free Xbox account to access features like playing free-to-play online multiplayer games, joining a community, and more. You can direct them to sign up and get started here. If they already have a personal Microsoft account (e.g. via Windows, Office, Outlook, etc), they can simply use that one.

    This is also a great time to set up a Family Group, especially if you’re gifting the Xbox to someone under the age of 13 in the family. You can set up designated Xbox accounts for everyone who is going to play. And as the organizer, you can set up separate content and screentime settings based on each person. You can learn more about the benefits of creating a Family Group on Xbox here.


    Select Your Family Settings

    Xbox Family Settings App

    If you’re gifting the console to someone under the age of 13, be sure to set up a child account. This will make it easier for parents to add family members to a family group, and easily check on their console activities with the Xbox Family Settings app, available for free on iOS and Android.

    You can customize their experience with features like setting screen time limits, managing content restrictions, chat access, revising friend requests, and setting spending limits on the Xbox Store. Even better, it’s easy to adjust settings at any time. So, if you’ve gifted this new Xbox for that special someone in your life, this is a great way to help start some healthy gaming habits together. You can learn more about the Family Settings app here. And check out some recommended co-op games to play with your family this holiday season here on Xbox Wire.


    Adopt an Energy Saving Approach

    Xbox Carbon Aware hero image

    Did you know you can help reduce emissions (and your energy bill) with Xbox? It’s true. By using the Shutdown (energy saving) feature, you’ll use up to 20x less power when your console is off compared to its Sleep mode. Out of the box, your console will default to the Shutdown setting, but you can always adjust by heading to the Settings menu on your console, navigate to the General tab, and check Power Options. You can learn about how to adopt an energy saving approach here.


    Utilize Gaming Accessibility Features  

    The game accessibility logo is displayed

    Thanks to feedback from the Gaming & Disability Community, many games in the Microsoft Store on Xbox display Xbox Game Accessibility Feature Tags that specify different accessibility features available in games. These make it easier to find games that meet players’ specific gaming needs and interests. Beyond the Microsoft Store, the Xbox Series X|S includes several features to help make gaming for everyone:

    • Copilot allows you to link two controllers so you can use them like a single controller.
    • The Xbox Accessories app can let you configure the button layout on the Xbox Wireless Controller.
    • Speech to Text converts player speech or in-game chat that you can read on screen.
    • Quick Settings allow you to quickly enable elements like Night Mode, High Contrast, and more.

    You can find the full range of accessibility settings here on the official Accessibility site on Xbox.com. Xbox is also home to plenty of games with great accessibility features, often made in partnership with the disability community:

    • Forza Motorsport: features Blind Driving Assists, a feature set built for players who are Blind or have Low Vision.
    • Forza Horizon 5: has an ASL/BSL interpreter during the cinematics in the game.
    • Grounded: includes an Arachnophobia Safe Mode which allows players to adjust how spiders appear in the game.
    • The Vale: an audio-based action-adventure title that places you in the worn leather boots of a blind adventurer, and more.  

    Xbox also offers the Xbox Adaptive Controller, which is designed primarily to meet the needs of gamers with limited mobility. It functions as a unified hub for devices that help make gaming more accessible with a wide range of devices. You can learn more about the Xbox Adaptive Controller here, as well as the official Xbox Adaptive Controller User Guide


    Join Game Pass Ultimate

    Game Pass Key Art

    Game Pass Ultimate unlocks significant player benefits – if you want to give your giftee the very best value for money, consider this membership. Game Pass Ultimate gives you access to online console multiplayer and hundreds of high-quality games for you to play immediately. That includes those from major Xbox Games Studios franchises on day one like Halo, Starfield, Gears of War, Forza, and many others, including a wide variety of unique ID@Xbox games, and new games added all the time. Ultimate also unlocks access to PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) – more on that below– as well as an EA Play membership with access to best-loved series like F1, Battlefield, and Star Wars.

    If the gamer in your life also enjoys playing on PC, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership also unlocks tons of games playable on Windows or you can gift a PC Game Pass membership! With the Xbox app for Windows PC, you can browse the catalog of PC games, view recommendations, filter by genre, and with the click of a button discover your next favorite game. And like the Ultimate membership, PC Game Pass also includes EA Play on Windows PC at no extra cost giving you access to a collection of EA’s top titles, exclusive in-game rewards, and early trials of select new games.

    There’s also Xbox Game Pass Core, which includes online console multiplayer and access to over 25 high-quality games on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. It also includes member deals and discounts of up to 50% off select games with Game Pass promotions.


    Get Gaming

    Microsoft Store’s Countdown Sale Hero Image

    Now that you’re all set up it’s time to start gaming together! There are several places across Xbox.com that can help you find what you’re looking for. Our Games homepage on Xbox.com profiles all the latest and greatest in new releases and best sellers. You can also find the latest deals on our Xbox Sales & Specials page where you can browse sales, specials, consoles, accessories, and more to take your play to the next level.

    A few other places you may want to check out would be our official Xbox Gear Shop for all the latest in Xbox clothing and accessories and the Microsoft Store on Xbox to grab the latest releases, blockbuster exclusives, season passes, add-on content, ID@Xbox games and more – all at great prices (and even better with your 10% Store discount with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate).

    Also, one of the most exciting technologies at Xbox, which continues to get better and better, is Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). It lets players stream hundreds of high-quality games anywhere with a Game Pass Ultimate membership, allowing you to play Xbox console games on other devices you already own, including mobile devices, tablets, and PCs. In addition, all membership tiers allow you to utilize Xbox Remote Play. This feature allows you to play games installed locally on your console on any compatible PC, Android, or IOD device. You can learn more about Xbox Remote Play here.


    Once again, welcome to the world of Xbox! While you’re here, make sure you check out some of our other Holiday features we’ve recently published, like how to Build Your Perfect Xbox Stocking, the Best Co-op and Party Games of 2023, and a Holiday Travel Guide if you’re hitting the road this holiday season. Also, if you haven’t already, be sure to bookmark Xbox Wire to stay up to date on all the latest and greatest news and updates about your favorite games across Xbox and Windows.

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 18 – 22

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 18 – 22

    Reading Time: 11 minutes

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Deleted – Cyber Invasion

    EpiXR Games

    $4.99

    Deleted – Cyber Invasion – December 19

    An intense, fast-paced rogue-lite twin-stick shooter that will push your skills to the limit! Take control of a powerful drone and prepare to face off against hordes of enemies standing in your way. Are you ready for the ultimate challenge?


    Xbox Live

    Aery – Calm Mind 4

    EpiXR Games

    $14.99

    Aery – Calm Mind 4 – December 20

    An interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. Jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes, and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes. Because there are no enemies or any other danger in this game you will be able to lean back and enjoy the scenery and the sensation of flying.


    Xbox Live

    Cave Digger 2

    VRKiwi

    Cave Digger 2 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Play as a prospector who begins their adventure in a seemingly abandoned camp with the goal of extracting valuables from the caves. Trade them for new tools, upgrades, and locations to advance your frontier exploration as you unveil the secrets of the Valley.


    Xbox Live

    fig.

    Take IT Studio! sp. z o. o.

    fig. – December 20

    You do not know anything, yet you must move forward. Wander through the corridors of a mysterious factory and recover your abilities. Fight patrolling drones and break through to demanding boss battles. Seek a way out and find the meaning of the game’s title.


    Xbox Live

    Ravva and the Phantom Library

    Eastasiasoft Limited, Galope

    Ravva and the Phantom Library – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take the role young summoner apprentice Ravva and call upon 4 unique companions as you attempt to escape the nightmarish Phantom Library! In this retro side-scrolling platformer, you can enter the world of haunted books in any order you choose and defeat each book’s master before facing the one who controls the library.


    Xbox Live

    Rough Justice: ’84

    Daedalic Entertainment

    Rough Justice: ’84 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this single-player board game, solve puzzles using dice and cards to successfully run your private security agency. Advise your agents as they deal with security, fugitive recovery, repossession cases, and more.


    Xbox Live

    The Rumble Fish + (Preorder Exclusive Price)

    3goo K.K.

    $7.19

    The Rumble Fish + – December 20

    Originally developed in 2004 by Dimps, renowned for its smooth animation and deep game mechanics, The Rumble Fish + has returned with new features. From online PvP with rollback netcode to a training mode with features such as CPU recording and playback, everything you need as a fighting game lover is here!


    Xbox Live

    STUFFED

    The Game Publisher

    Stuffed – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A procedurally generated, first-person shooter that takes place in the dreams of a little girl. Play as a teddy bear and defend your owner’s bedroom door and defeat a variety of nightmares in endless waves. Earn points from defeating nightmares and use them to unlock new map areas and weapons.


    Xbox Live

    Vostok 2061

    Omni Games

    Vostok 2061 – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    As a fresh graduate of the Earth Aviation Academy, you are assigned to the distant edge of known space. Investigate strange colonist behavior and deal with unknown threats in the ZPDN-A sector. Hone your piloting skills, expand your arsenal, and complete your mission.


    Xbox Live

    Wall World

    UniqueGames Publishing GmbH

    Wall World – December 20
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Welcome to Wall World, a mining rogue-lite with tower defense elements. Explore procedurally generated mines and discover fantastical biomes. Find resources and technologies for purchasing valuable upgrades. Fight off hordes of aggressive monsters using your mobile base.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Choo-Choo Charles

    Two Star Games

    Choo-Choo Charles – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Charles is a bloodthirsty train… and you need to destroy him. Navigate a massive play area in your trusty old engine. These winding tracks are treacherous, so you’ll need to plan each mission carefully. Be wary when traveling on foot or switching the track’s direction — Charles might be waiting for you.


    Xbox Live

    DETECTIVE – Stella Porta case

    JanduSoft

    $10.49 $9.44

    Detective – Stella Porta case – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Put yourself in the shoes of a detective who investigates three strange disappearances. In all cases there is a contract signed by the disappeared, that contract is from an organization called “Stella Porta”.


    Xbox Live

    My Child Lebensborn Remastered

    Sarepta Studio

    My Child Lebensborn Remastered – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    You adopt a young Lebensborn child in Norway after WWII, but parenting will be hard as your child grows up in a hostile and hateful environment. See a different side of the war, inspired by the true stories of the Lebensborn children. Discover how hatred continues to create victims, even after victory.


    Xbox Live

    Ominous Tales – The Forsaken Isle

    Joindots GmbH

    Ominous Tales – The Forsaken Isle – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    There’s an island 30 miles off the coast of England that the locals call “The Forsaken Isle”. This once bustling port city is now said to be home to ghosts, necromancers, and dangerous man-eating wolves. When you decided to hire a local boatman to take you to the island, you thought these were just legends – you’ll quickly be proven wrong in this blend of point-and-click adventure and hidden object game.


    Xbox Live

    Paperman: Adventure Delivered

    Mindscape

    Paperman: Adventure Delivered – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Meet Paperman and the team in an adventure to find the lost mail and defeat the greedy dragon. Explore colorful worlds and collect all golden letters in this 3D collectathon platformer!


    Xbox Live

    SokoWinter

    QUByte Interactive

    SokoWinter – December 21

    A puzzle game with slippery floors. Get to know the curious hobbies of four stylish penguins as they push around large ice cubes. Why do they like this activity so much? Unsure. Our knowledge of penguins is limited.


    Xbox Live

    Three Minutes To Eight

    Assemble Entertainment

    Three Minutes To Eight – December 21
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A mind-bending pixel art adventure game that breaks the mold by introducing an intriguing twist: the protagonist is destined to meet their demise at precisely 07:57 PM. However, hope is not lost. It’s up to you to unravel what lies beneath, uncover secret paths, find ways to cheat death, and unlock multiple endings.


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    9Ball Pocket

    Super PowerUp Games

    $5.99 $4.79

    9-Ball Pocket – December 22

    9-Ball Pocket brings you eight-ball pool, also known as American billiards. You can compete with up to 4 friends or against the AI in Versus mode or challenge the best in the world in Arcade mode, where you can make combo shots and rack up points to become number one in the online rankings.


    Xbox Live

    Gray Dawn

    Interactive Stone

    Gray Dawn – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    You will be entangled in a terrifying adventure of a priest on a quest to prove his innocence. Guilty or not, you find yourself trapped in the middle of strange events involving a demonic possession and divine apparitions.


    Xbox Live

    Jack Dragon and the Stone of Peace

    Tea Monster Games

    Free Trial


    Xbox Live

    Jinshin

    KEMCO

    $14.99

    Jinshin – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An RPG based on an ancient-themed fantasy tale of when Kami deities lived alongside humans. Mikazuchi, a man of sword mastery and wisdom, joins the Amaterasu Clan to save his master from Onigami Ichigan, the head of an ominous force. When the war is done, will peace or chaos reign supreme?


    Xbox Live

    Party Friends

    Revulo Games

    Party Friends – December 22

    Join the party extravaganza with Party Friends, a riotous collection of over 20 mini-games spanning 4 wildly entertaining themes – up to 4 players in multiplayer. From the charming Farm to the icy thrills of the Winter Resort, and from the sun-soaked Beach to the enchanting depths of the Forest, get ready for a whirlwind of fun, laughter, and competition!


    Xbox Live

    Pixel Strike 3D

    Vulcron

    Pixel Strike 3D – December 22

    Pixel Strike 3D is a multiplayer first-person shooter that features fast-paced gameplay and a wide variety of player customization. Battle friends and foes from all around the world in over 20 unique game modes.


    Xbox Live

    Railbreak

    Dead Drop Studios LLC

    $19.99

    Railbreak – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    It’s Saturday night in Cypress Ridge which means the city is in ruins, hordes of flesh eating undead are on the prowl, and you have the arcade all to yourself! Grab your controller, select your survivor, and blast your way to safety as the city burns around you in this on-rails survival horror shooter. Oh, and don’t forget to bring a friend for zombie fodder, er, we mean multiplayer experience!


    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    Rock ‚N Racing Off Road

    Super PowerUp Games

    $9.99 $7.99

    Rock ‘N Racing Off Road – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

    Entertaining and exciting races with loads of skids, crashes, and amazing jumps. You will have several modes of play, such as Cup mode, time trial and multiplayer with the option of up to four players at a time.


    Xbox Live

    SHMUP Mania

    DERIK D.F

    $4.99 $3.99

    SHMUP Mania – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Aliens have been identified by military radar and are advancing towards a planet. You must fight using your best vehicle and save the galaxy. This version includes adjustments, revisions, technical and graphic improvements, giving you the best high-definition experience and quality in the series.


    Xbox Live

    Wordsweeper by POWGI

    Lightwood Games

    Wordsweeper by POWGI – December 22
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A crossword puzzle solved using logic and deduction. This new word game draws inspiration from the classic puzzler Minesweeper and is exclusive to POWGI.


    Website: LINK

  • Play Xbox Game Pass on Even More Devices with Meta Quest 3 today

    Play Xbox Game Pass on Even More Devices with Meta Quest 3 today

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    Summary

    • Players with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate can now enjoy hundreds of games with their Meta Quest headset with the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app.
    • Award-winning titles like Forza Motorsport and Hi-Fi Rush can be experienced anywhere, anytime with a Meta Quest headset.
    • Get started by downloading the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and launch it on your headset.

    At Xbox, we’re always looking to make gaming available to more people on more devices. Starting today Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is now available on Meta Quest 3. You can play hundreds of games with a Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro headset, the latest Quest software update, an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, a supported controller, and a high-speed internet connection.

    Experience your favorite games like Starfield and Forza Motorsport on a huge virtual screen, or discover ID@Xbox gems like Unpacking playable on the go. You can also enjoy classics like Fallout 4 and Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order or have some fun with Goat Simulator and LEGO Star Wars that are currently available to play with your Game Pass membership. And the best part is, you can play them anywhere, anytime, and however you want to play.

    Enjoy Game Pass Today with Your Meta Quest Headset

    Getting started is easy. Simply download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and then follow the tutorial to pair it with your supported controller. Meta Quest can work with a variety of devices, including Xbox Wireless controllers with Bluetooth support. Once paired, log in to your Microsoft account with an active Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership to start gaming! If you don’t have a membership, sign up for a trial today.

    From within the app, you can browse and play hundreds of games from the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate library. You can choose from four different display sizes and either immerse yourself in an Xbox-themed virtual space or enjoy a view of your physical surroundings with Quest 3 or Pro’s stereoscopic full-color Passthrough.

    Check out this clip to see Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) in action on Meta Quest:

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

    Today’s announcement is just another example of our commitment to bring everyone who loves to play games around the world together, across all platforms and screens. You can read more about Xbox Cloud Gaming on Meta Quest devices in Meta’s announcement here, and to learn more about Xbox Cloud Gaming, visit xbox.com/cloudgaming.

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Holiday Travel Guide: How to Keep Playing Your Favorite Games, No Matter Where You Celebrate

    Xbox Holiday Travel Guide: How to Keep Playing Your Favorite Games, No Matter Where You Celebrate

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    The holidays can be a perfect time to relax, unwind, and enjoy some quality time with your family and friends. But if you’re a gamer, the holidays may arrive at a time when you’re 50 hours into your Starfield playthrough, or when you’re this close to completing that Halo Infinite battle pass. Fortunately, through the power of Game Pass and Xbox cloud saves, hitting the road doesn’t mean you’ve got to hit pause entirely for a week or two. I rarely stay home for the holidays, so I’m pleased to share my tips for staying in the game, even when I’m far from my home gaming setup.

    Connect the Xbox Series S to an UPspec xScreen for ultimate portability

    One of the easiest ways to enjoy your Xbox on the road is… to just bring it with you. The small-but-mighty Xbox Series S easily slides into a carry-on; mine has hitched a ride across the country to my parent’s house again and again, snugly secured in the laptop sleeve of a standard-sized backpack. If your folks don’t have a spare TV ready for you to game on, or if your hotel blocks external devices (why do they do that??), here’s a great option: UPspec xScreen, a portable Designed for Xbox screen specifically made for the Xbox Series S.

    X-Screen
    X-Screen

    This cleverly-designed LCD display directly attaches to your console via HDMI; together, they form a portable gaming setup that plays anywhere. Even better, the xScreen draws power directly from the console – no need to plug in a separate power cable. I’ve even seen players fire up the Series S/xScreen combo on an airplane seatback tray… just make sure they don’t recline mid-game!

    Handheld PCs such as the new Lenovo Legion Go

    For pretty much all of gaming history, portability has required sacrifice. Handheld games were often streamlined experiences or simplified ports of their console or PC brethren – something to tide you over until you were back in front of your home setup. That’s all beginning to change; one of the most exciting developments in PC Gaming in recent years is the growth of powerful, portable, handheld PCs. Smaller and lighter than gaming laptops, newcomers such as the Lenovo Legion Go, Asus ROG Ally and Ayaneo Air allow players to enjoy pretty much any Windows PC game, anywhere, from a device that can slip right into your bag. Even better, native PC Game Pass compatibility means you’re able to access hundreds of games on the go, and even the ability to pick right up where you left off from home.  

    Lenovo Legion Asset

    I’ve been spending time recently with the new Lenovo Legion Go, which advances the handheld PC form factor in several ways. Its 8.8”, 2560 x 1600 screen is nothing short of breathtaking, making it a pleasure to soak in a visually vibrant title like Persona 5 Tactica, yet easy to read the fine print in the menus. The generous display, coupled with detachable TrueStrike controllers complete with hall effect joysticks and a sturdy, infinitely adjustable kickstand allow the Legion Go to shine in detachable mode, allowing players to kick back and game in comfort. In an innovative touch, the right controller slots into an included base, essentially turning it into a vertical mouse, complete with a scroll wheel. Lenovo calls it FPS mode, allowing for precision aiming in shooter titles, but I also found it handy for navigating Windows. When controllers are attached, the Legion Go also features a handy touchpad under the right joystick for accurate pointing and clicking. 

    While designed for gaming, the devices mentioned run full-fat Windows 11, meaning you can plug in an external display, connect a mouse and keyboard through USB-C or Bluetooth, and the handheld you were just playing Starfield on can check email, work on a presentation, or do just about anything else a PC can. While excellent for travel, I’ve found myself curling up on my Legion Go and ROG Ally at home more and more. Handheld gaming PCs feel here to stay.

    Playing via powerful, yet portable gaming laptops

    One of the easiest ways to enjoy your games while traveling is with a laptop designed for PC Gaming, equipped with powerful processors, high-end graphics cards, and memory rivaling beefy desktop builds. Many gaming laptops also pack high-res, fast-refresh displays, mechanical keyboards, and impressive speakers, making them equally suited for use at home as they are on the road.

    But hauling around a high-end laptop through crowded airports and train stations can be a bit panic-inducing; I know all too well how one clumsy move can send your beloved game setup careening towards the floor at terminal speed. The folks at ASUS seem to understand this: they subject their TUF Gaming line to a series of MIL-STD-810H tests to ensure reliability in the face of drops, humidity, and cold conditions.

    TUF Gaming Laptops

    I’ve been testing out their TUF Gaming A15 for the past few weeks; powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 processor and packing an Nvidia Geforce RTX 4060 GPU, I’ve been enjoying a raft of current titles from Forza Motorsport to Baldur’s Gate 3 at High graphics settings and hitting well over 60 FPS, which is always a treat from your kitchen table. With a PC Game Pass membership, you can access hundreds of games – be sure to select “Offline Permissions” in the Xbox app on PC before you head out on your trip and you can continue playing most single-player games even on airplane mode.

    Game Pass also syncs your Xbox saves via the cloud, meaning you’ll seamlessly resume your in-game progress, even bouncing back and forth between devices. With a connected Xbox controller and a pair of noise canceling headphones, you can step away for some immersive me-time wherever you can find a chair.

    Needless to say, if you’ve got any work to get done, these laptops can handle just about anything you throw at them, from basic office correspondence to intensive video editing. This holiday I’ll be on the road for close to two weeks, including some long flights, and the ASUS TUF Gaming laptop  is coming with me. I haven’t dropped it yet, but that’s one less thing to worry about.

    Playing via Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta)

    We get it; your suitcase is full, your budget isn’t flexible as you’d like… there are many reasons why buying something new isn’t in the cards this holiday. That doesn’t mean you’ve got to give up gaming for the holidays. As long as you have a stable internet connection, the most lightweight way to enjoy your games while traveling is through Xbox Cloud Gaming (beta), which allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to stream games from the cloud to a phone, tablet, select Samsung TVs, and just about any PC that can run a browser. You don’t need to download or install anything; launch the Xbox app or head over to xbox.com/play and start playing new releases such as Forza Motorsport or Like a Dragon: Gaiden.

    Kishi V2

    While many titles support touch controls, for more precise controls, you’ve got options: connect an Xbox Wireless or Elite Series Controller,  DualShock 4, or any from this list via Bluetooth, and just about any computer or tablet with a browser is now your Xbox on the go. On your phone, you’ve got even more options: mobile controller accessories such as Backbone and Razer Kishi can turn that Android or iPhone of yours into a portable Xbox with all the buttons where you’d expect them. Even more affordably, several companies make clips (like this one) to attach your phone to the controller you already have.

    Happy Holiday Gaming!

    Clearly, the days of your games being tethered to your TV are in the rear-view mirror. Regardless of budget or luggage space, I hope these tips help you enjoy both your games and your travels at the same time. Happy gaming and happy holidays!

    Website: LINK

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 11 – 15

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for December 11 – 15

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


    Xbox Live

    Cards We’re Dealt

    Cole Chittim

    $9.99

    Cards We’re Dealt – December 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Wander haunted halls as an office temp and collect magical cards with supernatural abilities to fight demons and and explore the underworld in this horror, deckbuilding, roguelike game. Uncover the mystery of how you ended up here in the 6 chapter story and fight for your soul in the endless escape mode!


    Xbox Live

    Dungeons of Sundaria

    Industry Games

    $14.99

    Dungeons of Sundaria – December 12
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Adventure through epic dungeons facing fearsome creatures either solo or with a group of friends. Master your class, loot everything, and destroy the foul creatures of the deep! Will you survive long enough to become a hero of legend?


    Xbox Live

    Hell Well

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    Hell Well – December 13
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take the role of a dark sorcerer as you defend yourself against waves of angels seeking to destroy you! Presented in retro 4-tone style, Hell Well is a top-down tower defense survival game where your downfall is inevitable, but the challenge is to survive and take down as many foes as possible before your ultimate demise.


    Xbox Live

    Aztek Tiki Talisman

    JanduSoft

    $5.99 $5.39

    Aztek Tiki Talisman – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Prepare for an exhilarating and challenging journey into the heart of the ancient Aztec jungle. This vibrant 3D platformer promises a unique and action-packed experience that will transport you to a world brimming with mystery and danger. Dive into a beautifully designed adventure that combines challenging platforming, thrilling combat encounters, and mind-bending puzzles.


    Xbox Live

    Cookie Cutter

    Rogue Games, Inc.

    Cookie Cutter – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Fueled by love and powered by rage, join Cherry on a blood-soaked quest for revenge as she explores the massive Megastructure and eviscerates the armies of INFONET in an unforgettable over-the-top 2D platformer that breaks tropes and bones.


    Xbox Live

    HARDCORE MECHA

    E-Home Entertianment Development Co., Ltd

    $24.99 $19.99

    Hardcore Mecha – December 14

    A 2D platformer action game that’s centered around giant mechs. The campaign mode offers rich gameplay and a seamless immersive experience. You can also hop online, choose your favorite mecha, and experience the fast-paced hardcore competitive battle of steel in multiplayer.


    Xbox Live

    Raccoo Venture

    QUByte Interactive

    Raccoo Venture – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Discover your true destiny through a world full of magic and secret items. Save the harmony of the world and prevent chaos from returning to the land of Verta. But for that, many puzzles and the most unusual enemies will cross your path.


    Xbox Live

    Rising Dusk

    Shinyuden

    $9.99

    Rising Dusk – December 14
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Enter the world of Rising Dusk. A land permanently in the hours of twilight and inhabited by an assortment of ghouls. Take control of Tamako, a young girl trapped in the realm of the Yokai. Can you navigate this perilous land and reach the strange new mountain on the horizon? The only way forward may be to avoid every coin in this puzzling 2D platformer.


    Xbox Live

    Argonauts Agency 2: Pandora’s Box

    8floor ltd

    Argonauts Agency 2: Pandora’s Box – December 15

    Pelias has accidentally opened Pandora’s Box in his storeroom. Now a real cataclysm was forming above his home, and picking up speed, and Pelias himself was being followed by all the trouble and disasters of the world. Something had to be done about Pandora’s Box at once! Join the argonauts and help them rid the world of Pandora’s Box across dozens of exciting levels with a fun plot, colorful comics, memorable characters.


    Xbox Live

    Ballotron Coolbox (Windows)

    Desert Water Games

    Ballotron Cool Box (Windows) – December 15

    Feel the coolness of Christmas in the new part of Ballotron! Shoot small balls to hit larger balls. Connect two large balls to complete levels. Break piles of ice and enjoy the atmosphere of winter, presents and holidays.


    Xbox Live

    Criminal Expert

    Forever Entertainment S. A.

    Criminal Expert – December 15

    A detective video game that puts you under the pressure of inexorably passing time. The story contains multiple selection paths, and you ultimately decide how it ends. Listen to witnesses, gather evidence, order searches and track suspects. Pay attention to every detail – the further fate of the characters depends on you.


    Xbox Live

    Emergency Call – The Attack Squad

    Aerosoft GmbH

    Emergency Call – The Attack Squad – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    The unclear damage situation at the beginning of every scene, whether it is fires, rescue of people or technical assistance requires your attention. Keep in mind that the choice of the right tools is just as important as a reasonable tactical order you must decide on, when exploring and working through the operations.


    Xbox Live

    Everdream Valley

    Untold Tales S.A.

    Everdream Valley – December 15

    A farming adventure with a breath of magic. By day, restore your homestead – raise crops, care for animals and rebuild your farm. At night become the various farmland creatures through your dreams.


    Xbox Live

    Hirilun

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    Hirilun – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Welcome to Hirilun, also known as the city of shadows, where only the fleet of foot can rise to fame. In this mysterious environment you’ll race against the clock to reach your goal. Every level presents a new challenge with multiple paths to choose from, so it’s up to you to decide which route is the fastest.


    Xbox Live

    METRO QUESTER

    KEMCO

    Metro Quester – December 15
    Smart Delivery

    A dungeon exploration RPG based in a post-apocalyptic futuristic world created by the manga artist Kazushi Hagiwara, with a deep game system designed by Hironori Kato that offers the excitement and surprises reminiscent of 1980s computer games through hack and slash.


    Xbox Live

    Trinity Fusion Pre-Order Bundle

    Angry Mob Games

    $19.99

    Trinity Fusion – December 15
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Take control of your parallel selves on a mission to save the dying multiverse in this rogue-lite action platformer! Explore dark, sci-fi worlds and engage in fast-paced, smooth, and precise combat. Fight through a combination of procedurally generated levels as well as hand-crafted challenges and arenas that will put your skills to the test.


    Yuletide Legends: Who Framed Santa Claus (Full)

    Artifex Mundi

    Yuletide Legends: Who Framed Santa Claus – December 15

    Take on the role of an experienced detective and get carried away by a winter adventure amid frozen lands. Find hidden motives of the antagonist and save Santa Claus from a false conviction in this seasonal Hidden Objects adventure.


    Website: LINK

  • Safer Seas Mode Brings Single-Crew Servers to Sea of Thieves

    Safer Seas Mode Brings Single-Crew Servers to Sea of Thieves

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    Summary

    • Safer Seas will open up in the latest Sea of Thieves content update, available December 7 and free for all players with Xbox Game Pass and across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11, and Steam.
    • For the first time, players can choose to sail the Sea of Thieves alone or in a crew of chosen friends, without the possibility of PvP encounters.
    • This update arrives as the third of three major content updates that make up the ongoing Sea of Thieves Season Ten.

    After two months of back-to-back content updates, Sea of Thieves completes the trio promised back at the start of Season Ten by introducing a brand new game mode for players to explore: Safer Seas! Allowing exploration and adventure on a single-crew server, either alone or with a crew of chosen friends, this update opens the door to an entirely new way of playing the game.

    A Peaceful Voyage

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    In Safer Seas, players can elect to sail solo or with a crew of up to three friends, with no other player-controlled crews present in the world. For fresh-faced pirates just starting their journey, this means a chance to learn the ropes without having to keep an eye out for hostile rivals, and an opportunity to understand the world and its key mechanics before diving into the traditional mayhem of the main Sea of Thieves game mode, now known as High Seas.

    There’s no shortage of content in Safer Seas for players old or new to tackle. As in High Seas, a wide range of Voyages can be undertaken for the various Trading Companies, while World Events are frequently encountered, from fending off a Megalodon attack to striking down fearsome Ashen Lords. The ability to unlock the corresponding Commendations for these activities will also be present in Safer Seas.

    For story-hungry pirates, Safer Seas still gives access to all the game’s narrative-driven Tall Tales, including the crossover experiences that make up 2023’s Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island and 2021’s Pirates of the Caribbean-themed Sea of Thieves: A Pirate’s Life. In the absence of enemy crews, you’ll now be able to immerse yourself in all this lore at your leisure, without the risk of being interrupted by anyone who thinks you might have valuable loot tucked away.

    Reduced Risk, Reduced Reward

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    While Safer Seas presents players with a wealth of content to explore at their own pace, there are of course some aspects of the game incompatible with a strictly single-crew experience. As a result, Safer Seas has a slightly reduced range of activities in comparison to High Seas.

    For instance, content built around player vs. player interactions has no place in Safer Seas by design, such as Faction battles using the Hourglass of Fate or the competitive Skull of Siren Song Voyage. Similarly, The Reaper’s Bones Trading Company will not be accessible there due to its focus on player combat.

    There are also some limits placed on progression within Safer Seas to account for the reduced risk in the absence of other players. Gold and reputation rewards will be accrued at 30% of that awarded in High Seas, and Trading Company reputation levels are capped at 40. This means that players will not be able to obtain the coveted title of Pirate Legend without venturing onto High Seas and, correspondingly, Safer Seas isn’t the place to engage with the Pirate Legend-focused Trading Company, Athena’s Fortune.

    These limitations have been put in place to maintain a balance between Safer and High Seas, and to encourage players to try out both modes to see which suits their play style and needs. Even with these in place, however, Safer Seas presents a world alive with opportunities, whether it’s diving into Sea of Thieves lore through the Tall Tales, spending an undisturbed evening working on your fishing skills, or getting to grips with the game’s combat mechanics by taking on veritable hordes of skeletons. After all, Safer Seas isn’t entirely without risk – with or without roving pirate crews, the Sea of Thieves is a perilous place!

    Fashion for All

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    One thing remaining consistent across Safer and High Seas is pirate style. The Outpost shops and Pirate Emporium are accessible in either mode, and Ancient Coin earnings won’t be subject to the 30% cap on gold and reputation. Seasonal Renown can also be earned at the same rate across both High Seas and Safer Seas, so your progress towards the active Season’s cosmetic and currency rewards (and the rewards themselves) will be consistent no matter how you choose to play.

    If you’ve picked up the Season Ten Plunder Pass, you’ll still be able to work towards unlocking the Stormfish Chaser ship set and clothing alongside all the usual gold, Doubloons and Ancient Coins available through the 100 levels of Renown on offer during this Season.

    Over in the Pirate Emporium, a range of time-limited seasonal goodies make a comeback this month, including the Festival of Giving weapons and pet outfits. The Bonechiller Costume is also back for the holidays, and this time it’s bringing with it an entire ship collection and bundle of weapons to fill out that frightfully festive look. Combined with the Ransacking Emote, you shouldn’t have any problem getting into the holiday spirit…

    A Jam-Packed Season

    Sea of Thieves Safer Seas Screenshot

    Of course, Safer Seas is far from the only content to explore in Season Ten. December’s monthly update is the third to arrive this Season, following the introduction of Guilds in October and the Skull of Siren Song Voyage in November.

    With Guilds, players can team up with fellow sailors beyond the usual limit of a four-person crew. By forming or joining a Guild, pirates can contribute to its shared Guild Reputation and unlock exclusive rewards for all Guild Members as they progress. And, for those of a less collaborative persuasion, the Skull of Siren Song Voyage sees the notorious Captain Briggsy summon pirates from across the waves into a competitive race to claim an ancient and powerful artefact.

    All these new updates have been accompanied by a host of improvements and fixes to various areas of Sea of Thieves, to ensure that you’re able to have the experience you want out on the waves. With Safer Seas, that personalized experience is more accessible than ever, and we can’t wait to see you out there!

    Find Out More

    For more information on this Sea of Thieves update, including full release notes, visit the Sea of Thieves website. The update is currently available for free to all Sea of Thieves players who have bought the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10/11 PC or via Steam, or players who have access to it with Xbox Game Pass. Simply download and install the latest Sea of Thieves update to get access.

    New to Sea of Thieves? Find out about the latest free content updates on our What’s New page, get familiar with Who’s Who or pick up some gameplay tips from our Pirate Academy, which provides invaluable information on topics ranging from sailing to swordplay as you prepare for your maiden voyage. Learn more about Sea of Thieves here, or join the ongoing adventure at www.seaofthieves.com where you can embark on an epic journey with one of gaming’s most welcoming communities!

    Website: LINK

  • These Are a Few of Our Favorite “Designed for Xbox” Things

    These Are a Few of Our Favorite “Designed for Xbox” Things

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    ‘Tis the season once more, and our esteemed Designed for Xbox partners have truly delivered, unveiling a spectacular array of new third-party products into the Xbox ecosystem this year! From the new wireless controller by Turtle Beach to the refreshed revival of gaming classics like the Logitech G Astro A50 X, this holiday season promises an abundance of exciting additions!

    We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Designed for Xbox products across many different categories and price points as you’re looking for the perfect show of love for the gamer in your life. Even if that gamer is you! We trust that you’ll find delight in these exceptional Designed for Xbox products, and we encourage you to explore the entire suite of offerings this holiday season.

    Wishing you and yours a safe and enjoyable holiday season, from the Designed for Xbox family to yours.

    Website: LINK