Schlagwort: nextgen games

  • Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 1 – 5

    Next Week on Xbox: New Games for April 1 – 5

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    This is Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we list all the games that are coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, and Game Pass! You can find more information on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for more details (release dates may vary). Let’s get started!

    Alchemist: The Potion Monger
    Xbox Live

    Alchemist: The Potion Monger

    Art Games Studio S.A.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $19.99

    Alchemist: The Potion Monger – April 3
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Alchemist: The Potion Monger is a mixture of simulation puzzle and RPG game, in which you can leave your lab, venture into the world, and change it with your brews! Choose your character “Race” from a wide array of animal types, with their strengths and weaknesses and begin your alchemical journey!

    Deceit 2
    Xbox Live

    Deceit 2

    World Makers

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Deceit 2 – April 3
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    An online social deduction horror game where you can inspire fear as the Terror, play detective as the Innocent, or create mayhem as the Cursed. Who can you trust to help you escape?

    Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris
    Xbox Live

    Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris

    Eastasiasoft Limited

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Flight Path: Adventures in Venaris April 3
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A top-down vertical shoot ’em up where choices presented in certain stages drastically alter the way the narrative unfolds. With multiple paths, unique content for each pilot you choose, specific tasks to complete, procedurally generated levels and unpredictable enemy attack patterns across 10 stages, Flightpath: Adventures in Venaris offers a wealth of replay value as you explore its narrative possibilities!

    Knowledge Keeper (Xbox Series X|S)
    Xbox Live

    Knowledge Keeper (Xbox Series X|S)

    Sometimes You

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $4.99 $3.99

    Free Trial

    Knowledge Keeper – April 3
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Become a keeper of knowledge by collecting shards of divine crystals. Look for the right way to obtain the crystals, avoid dangerous obstacles, and teleport from one space to another to get closer to your goal. Solve tasks on memory, logic, and orientation in space to get to the blocked areas.

    Freedom Planet 2
    Xbox Live

    Freedom Planet 2

    XSEED Games / Marvelous USA, Inc.

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 2

    ★★★★★

    $24.99 $22.49

    Freedom Planet 2 – April 4
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Return to the vibrant world of Avalice to battle an ancient threat in the long-awaited sequel to the surprise indie action-platformer hit, Freedom Planet. With 24 expertly designed stages, an ambitiously expanded Adventure mode, retro-but-refined 2D visuals, and the addition of the highly requested Boss Rush mode, Freedom Planet 2 is the indie darling grown up to become a true platforming power.

    Vigour
    Xbox Live

    Vigour

    Weakfish Studio Publishing

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Vigour – April 4
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    In this puzzle platformer game, you’ll play as a cute bird that must solve challenges with different mechanics per each of the levels, completing them by solving different puzzles for each season. With 30 differently designed levels, will you be able to pass them all?

    Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy
    Xbox Live

    Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy

    ChiliDog Interactive

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $5.99

    Dreamland Solitaire: Dark Prophecy – April 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    Enter a world of magic in a stunning new solitaire adventure! Guide a kind-hearted fairy, a noble knight, and a powerful wizard as they pursue the evil witch, Jill, who intends to destroy the knight’s realm and enslave its people.

    Sky Survivors
    Xbox Live

    Sky Survivors

    Desert Water Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Sky Survivors – April 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    An arena shooter roguelike where you choose from a variety of skills, unlock unique characters, and weapons. Build a sky tower where each floor gives your character a unique bonus. Create your own overpowered build and survive against hordes of monsters!

    Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded
    Xbox Live

    Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded

    Ratalaika Games S.L.

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Super Destronaut Landed X Loaded – April 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

    A 2D arcade with intense, addictive arena-based gameplay. Battle for as long as possible in 10 different arenas, each with its own unique set of challenges. Shoot down enemy combatants and gain special power-up drones that add extra firepower to your side.

    Withering Rooms
    Xbox Live

    Withering Rooms

    PERP GAMES

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    Withering Rooms – April 5
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

    Take on the role of young Nightingale in this challenging 2.5D RPG that draws inspiration from roguelikes, Souls likes, and classic survival horror games. Explore an expansive procedurally generated map of Mostyn House full of hedge mazes, tombs, caves, churches, and ruins that lie beyond its gates. Craft a wide variety of weapons, tools, spells, outfits, and magical artifacts. Encounter a cast of strange friends, merchants, and liars each with their own agenda.

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2404.240325-2200)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2404.240325-2200)

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Delta ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4063.240325-2200
    • Available: 3 p.m. PT – March 28, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 29, 2024

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Backgrounds

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Home

    • We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
      • Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240325-2200)

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4063.240325-2200
    • Available: 4 p.m. PT – March 28, 2024
    • Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – March 29, 2024

    Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

    Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Backgrounds

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Home

    • We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
      • Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2404.240325-2200)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2404.240325-2200)

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4063.240325-2200
    • Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 28, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 29, 2024

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Backgrounds

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Home

    • We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
      • Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Stampede: Racing Royale on Xbox Insider Program – Test Drive the Wild 60-Player Online Kart Racer

    Stampede: Racing Royale on Xbox Insider Program – Test Drive the Wild 60-Player Online Kart Racer

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Ahem… ‘scuse me, is this thing on?

    Hey there! Chris here from the Stampede: Racing Royale team. We’re super excited to bring our upcoming free-to-play racing game to Xbox Insider Program today! Like, right now! If you’re wondering what in the world this is all about, sit back, grab a snack, and let me give you the elevator pitch…

    Developed by the racing veterans and all-round swell folks at Sumo Leamington, Stampede: Racing Royale combines the fun and thrill of kart racing, with the tension, competition, and social shenanigans of a battle royale. Imagine dropping into a go-kart and racing in 60-player online events (yes, sixty!), avoiding elimination across three rounds, and competing to become the ultimate champion. Throw in a variety of wild power-ups to deploy, incredible maps to master, and different modes like Battle and Zombies, and you’ve got yourself a tasty cocktail known as ‘Stampede: Racing Royale’.

    There’s no point in racing well if you don’t look good doing it, either. This early version of the game already includes over 450 different customisation items to discover, earn, and equip for both your kart and character. From cheese wheels, to pirate costumes, to wearing an octopus on your head (they’re called Ollie!), play and progress to stand out on the track with the rarest and wildest gear.

    We may be early on in Stampede’s journey, but there’s still plenty to keep you coming back for one more match. Special Events will mix things up with different scenarios and limited-time rewards to earn. Account levels and kart progression will see you unlock Rare and Legendary gear to show off. Challenges are there to, err, challenge you to complete objectives and win more goodies.

    There’s so much more that Stampede will be serving up over time, but we’re getting ahead of ourselves. With Early Access kicking off later this year, joining Xbox Insider Program is an opportunity for our wonderful dev team to preview fresh features and additions, and a chance for you to test-drive what we’re building. Whether you’re on Xbox Series X|S or Windows PC, head to the Xbox Insider Hub now, find Stampede: Racing Royale, and jump into the action.

    Whilst progress and unlocks unfortunately can’t be carried over once Early Access begins, we wanted to make sure your support for Stampede is rewarded. Play at any time via the Xbox Insider Program and, in a future version of Stampede, we’ll drop an exclusive gift into your account, available only to Xbox Insiders. Just make sure you’re playing on the same Xbox account you used for Xbox Insiders to redeem it.

    Our first public playtests in 2023 allowed us to make improvements driven by community feedback, and we’ll be doing exactly the same with Xbox Insider Program. Keep an eye out for surveys and announcements in the Xbox Insider Hub to give your opinion, and share your thoughts on our official Discord server – or just hang out with us there. We’re cool, honest…

    Stampede: Racing Royale is all about conquering the chaos with friends and against the world, making memories with fast-paced automotive shenanigans. The 10,000-IQ plays, the epic fails, the sick drifts – all that stuff. So, grab some friends, play, stream, give us your hot takes, and be part of the wildest racing event in existence. Now, where did I leave that homing missile…?

    Ready to hit the track?

    Note: This playtest has limited capacity and is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

    1. Open the Xbox Insider Hub on your Xbox Series X|S or Windows PC.
    2. Navigate to Previews > Stampede: Racing Royale
    3. Select Join.
    4. Wait for registration to complete, and you should be directed to the correct Store Page to install the preview.

    Need a pit stop?

    If you experience any issues while playing Stampede: Racing Royale, please use “Report a problem” so we can investigate. (Note: This is only for Xbox consoles.)

    1. Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.
    2. Select Report a problem.
    3. Select the Games category and Stampede: Racing Royale subcategory.
    4. Fill out the form, in detail, and select Submit.

    Wanna keep in touch?

    Stampede: Racing Royale on X/Twitter || YouTube || TikTok || Instagram

    Xbox Insider on X/Twitter || Reddit

    Website: LINK

  • Get a First Look at Ace Customization in Towerborne

    Get a First Look at Ace Customization in Towerborne

    Reading Time: 7 minutes

    In Towerborne, you play as an Ace – a warrior defending the Belfry – and having multiple options to customize your character in game is important to the Stoic development team to offer our Towerborne community the best gaming experience possible.

    We sat down with Lead 3D Character Artist Jason Findley, Lead Concept Artist Jeff Murchie, and Art Director Pedro Toledo at Stoic to have an in-depth discussion relating to Towerborne’s Ace customization station, AKA Mirror’s Wagon.

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon

    Alright gentlemen let’s go ahead and dive into it. First, what is Mirror’s Wagon?

    Pedro: Mirror’s Wagon is where players will take their Ace whenever they want to refresh their looks. Change their hair, trim their beard, increase the size of their eyes, change the color of their skin, their gender expression, their voice… It’s where you reinvent your avatar, as frequently as you want.

    Jeff: Mirror’s Wagon is also a place where you can create an avatar that reflects you, or you can create something completely different and fantastic. You can change your avatar regularly or commit to a particular look!

    Jason: It is certainly a place where players can express their own identity… you can also think of it as a FUN place to experiment, over time, to see what’s possible!

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Body Type Options

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Voice Options

    What were some of the challenges the team faced during the creative process of building a character customizer?

    Pedro: Character customization systems are always a great creative and technical challenge: identifying where the value is, so we don’t spend too many cycles on features that might not be important to players, and going nuts on the things we feel players will enjoy the most. We knew from the beginning that we wanted players to have as much freedom as possible, and it takes a lot of dedication from all areas of development to support that… but we’re confident players will enjoy it.

    Jason: The overall challenge for the team was to make sure we enabled Players to express themselves as much as possible, while remaining true to the art and character design vision for the game.

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Details

    How important was it for the team to provide a wide variety of character customizations?

    Pedro: While there’s no such thing as unlimited customization, we wanted to support a system that gave players freedom to express themselves in multiple fun ways. We wanted it to be simple, to not depend on complex rules for how things can be mixed and matched, so players could find their own unique looks.

    Jeff: I think the trick is to create customizable parts that are flexible and combine to make both expected and unexpected results. I believe in creating parts that work well with each other: it increases the creative scope of the player and gives the impression of creation with few limits.

    Jason: “No limits” was the feeling we were looking to convey! The important part was providing options that were easy for a player to utilize, while still giving options, and we can’t wait for players to get their hands on it. 😀

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Color Options

    Players can change and customize their Ace at any point in the game, meaning players are not tied into one single look. Was this always the case?

    Jeff: As far as I can remember, this was always the case.  I personally like the freedom our system offers. If you feel dedicated to your look, you can stick with it. For some players, customization is a very fun part of the game, more important to some players than others and by not locking those customizations into one look, it creates an environment that invites the player back.

    Pedro: We knew we wanted players to be able to change their looks whenever they wanted. Players like customizing their avatars and building these character systems can be fun! It was a win-win for us.

    Jason: Since I joined the Stoic team over two years ago, it’s always been understood that players love expressing themselves. And giving them the freedom to do that, when they want, felt like a no-brainer.

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Lips

    How do you balance player customization options against the artistic aesthetic of Towerborne? An example would be different face features for one Ace to look like a human, while others like elves or creatures from another planet.  

    Jeff: This is always a struggle, and there are a lot of opinions on how far to push in either direction.  We have been thoughtful about creating content that fits directly into the narrative of our world: customization options that feel grounded, real-world but romanticized. Most of our options complement the cultures and narrative of the Towerborne world. That said, we do want to allow for more freedom of expression. We want to offer some customization options that feel unique and push the boundaries to some extent. As our game grows, so will our understanding of how far we can push those boundaries. We want players to have fun and create expressive characters, but we also want each player character to still feel like it relates directly back to the world of Towerborne.

    Pedro: Exactly, Towerborne will keep expanding and so will our characters. Besides that, Aces are not like other people in Towerborne: their connection with the Umbra makes them special.
    That can be represented by their unique skin colors, bug eyes, pointy ears… By exploring this idea, we can give players all sorts of fun, cool, wacky options that are still grounded in our world.

    Jason: Towerborne is a weird and whimsical place: familiar, but seemingly without limits. The intention with Mirror’s Wagon is to empower players to experience that when expressing themselves, and we are confident they will have fun with it!

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Skin

    What are the team’s favorite features in Mirror’s Wagon?

    Jeff: I love playing with the hairstyle and facial hair customizations, in part because this was one of the concept team’s main areas of focus. I love the variety of hairstyles and facial hair. There are traditional styles, modern, fantastic, and even some Victorian or old-world looking hairstyles which really fit the tone of the game.

    Pedro: I really like our eyes. Being able to use 2D eyes on 3D characters really added to the cel-shaded look and allowed us to offer customization options that are not always possible in traditional 3D characters in games.

    Jason: I think you’d get different answers from different team members, but personally, I love finding a hair/facial hair/nose/eye/ear that speaks to me, in the moment, and finding all the different options that I can pair with it to create a real “character.” However, I’ve heard other team members declare that being able to find options that represent themselves is very satisfying, so we try to do both!

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Hair

    Will Mirror’s Wagon continue to evolve with each Towerborne season?

    Jeff: Like gear sets and weapons, we intend to add to our library of options. As the game evolves and new styles are introduced, there will be opportunities to grow. The more we create, the more we realize we can iterate and make new, compelling options for all players. Once the game comes out, we’ll also come to understand what the Towerborne community wants, which will help us focus our efforts in delivering content that is highly desired.

    Pedro: It will certainly keep evolving and expanding. Not only regarding the number of options available for each category, but possibly new categories too. As a team we have all worked on several different character systems in the past, there’s still more we know we can do, and I’m sure players will have fun with that.

    Jason: The team already has ideas about updating what’s already possible in the game. We’ll also be listening to what players think we should add to our current options!

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon - Complexion

    Do you know how many customization combinations are possible? (Yes, someone please do the math.)

    Jeff: Haha, no. Not me. A lot.  Maybe Jason knows the numbers?

    Pedro: Oh… more than I can count.

    Jason: Geez…I’m really bad at math. But, if I’m right, it’s north of 572,832,000 (that’s not including color or texture-based options, and transforms on eyes, because it’s too early in the morning for me to figure that out with any confidence.

    (Writer’s note: I was kidding… but Jason did in fact attempt to do the math.)

    Towerborne - Mirror's Wagon

    Pedro: The whole art team is super excited to see how players will choose to build their Aces. We’re proud of the system we built, and we hope you will all have as much fun playing it as we did building it.

    Jason: What Pedro said!

    Towerborne is still under development, and game content presented in this article is not final. Towerborne will be released later this year. For more information visit our website, our Discord, and our social media channels: TikTok, Instagram, and Twitter/X.

    Follow our Towerborne Twitch channel for an upcoming Mirror’s Wagon Stream with the development team!

    Defend the Belfry!

    Website: LINK

  • Free Play Days – Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker and Black Desert 

    Free Play Days – Cyberpunk 2077, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker and Black Desert 

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Oh boy do we have a stacked weekend for you for Free Play Days! Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker and Black Desert are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday March 28 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, March 31 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.  

    Additionally, Cyberpunk 2077 and Assassin’s Creed Mirage are free to try for all Xbox members during the same time (Game Pass Core / Game Pass Ultimate not required) with Cyberpunk 2077 having a 5-hour timed trial and Assassin’s Creed Mirage having a 2-hour timed trial.  

    Game Pass Core will give players access to our advanced multiplayer network, a select collection of over 25 games to play with friends around the world, and exclusive member deals! Read more about Game Pass Core at Xbox Wire.

    How To Start Playing

    Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

    Keep The Fun Going

    Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

    Free Play Days (Game Pass Core or Game Pass Ultimate Required)

    NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER
    Xbox Live

    NARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKER

    BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 636

    ★★★★★

    $19.99 $9.99

    Free Trial

    Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker 
    Answer the call of the shinobi! Create your own custom shinobi, or select your favorite character, and participate in 4v4 battles where you can unleash a multitude of ninja techniques on your opponents. Follow your ninja way and lead your team to victory! Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker is on sale now at up to 75% off for a limited time during this Free Play Days weekend! 

    Black Desert: Traveler Edition
    Xbox Live

    Black Desert: Traveler Edition

    Pearl Abyss

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 94

    ★★★★★

    $29.99 $5.99

    Black Desert 
    Black Desert’s newest class arrives! Brandishing her Hammers, the master of Alchemy: Scholar! Experience the world of Black Desert through the eyes of Scholar or find your playstyle with 27 classes to choose from! 

    Free Play Days (Game Pass Not Required)

    Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (Xbox Series X|S)
    Xbox Live

    Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition (Xbox Series X|S)

    CD PROJEKT RED

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 1412

    ★★★★★

    $79.99

    Cyberpunk 2077 
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
    Cyberpunk 2077 is an open-world, action-adventure RPG set in the megalopolis of Night City, where you play as a cyberpunk mercenary wrapped up in a do-or-die fight for survival. Improved and featuring all-new free additional content, customize your character and playstyle as you take on jobs, build a reputation, and unlock upgrades. Between March 28 and April 1st all Xbox players can hop into Night City and explore the first five hours of what it has to offer.  

    Assassin’s Creed® Mirage
    Xbox Live

    Assassin’s Creed® Mirage

    Ubisoft

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 756

    ★★★★★

    $49.99 $29.99

    Assassin’s Creed Mirage
    Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
    Try Assassin’s Creed Mirage for free during the Free Play Days! Play for 2 hours and discover the story of Basim, a cunning street thief with nightmarish visions, seeking answers and justice. Parkour seamlessly through a vibrant and dense city and use stealth to take down targets with visceral assassinations. Assassin’s Creed Mirage is available at up to 40% off the Standard and Deluxe Edition for all Game Pass members, until April 4th. 

    Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news. 

    Website: LINK

  • How to Make the Most of Cyberpunk 2077 During Xbox Free Play Days for All

    How to Make the Most of Cyberpunk 2077 During Xbox Free Play Days for All

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Summary

    • A free trial of Cyberpunk 2077 is available on Xbox Series X|S as part of Xbox Free Play Days For All.
    • Players can experience the first five hours of the action-adventure RPG from March 28 to April 1.
    • From high-stakes heists and high-octane shoot outs to street vendors, cyberpsychos, and more, Night City has a lot to offer newcomers.

    At CD Projekt Red, we’re excited to give Xbox players a chance to discover Cyberpunk 2077 for free as part of Xbox Free Play Days For All! Starting tomorrow at 4pm CET, all Xbox players can hop into Night City and explore everything it has to offer. But with only five hours to spend in the city of dreams, I rounded up some tips and tricks to make the ascent to legendary merc that much smoother.

    Upgrade Your Tools

    In order to keep your weapons in top shape, dismantle any items or clothing you need for components (don’t worry, the clothes will be added to your wardrobe even if you scrap them for parts). These components can then be used to upgrade all of your Iconic weapons — all you need to do is navigate to the Crafting menu within your Inventory, and you’ll see how many components you need. When it comes to non-Iconics, keep an eye out for the guns that enemies drop. Their tier will grow alongside your own progress.

    The same rule applies for cyberware: dismantling everything will also help with ensuring you can upgrade your chrome at the ripperdoc. Although you receive some basic pieces at the start of the game, I’d recommend first investing money into higher-tier cyberware and only then upgrading — especially when it comes to your skeleton, which will help mitigate damage. Another great piece of cyberware is Fortified Ankles or Reinforced Tendons, which let you make the most of Night City’s verticality with a charged jump or double jump.

    Cyberpunk 2077 Asset

    Familiarize Yourself With the Skill Tree

    Cyberpunk 2077’s perks received a major overhaul as part of Update 2.0 — available on Xbox Series X|S — making it easier than ever to create unique and impactful builds. Take a look through the perks available in each skill tree to get a sense of where you should invest your points. Even in the early game, there are plenty of opportunities to level up and test out great perks.

    If you’re interested in netrunning, it’s best to invest heavily in the Intelligence tree; for stealth, the Cool tree is a must, while anyone interested in melee will find a wealth of great perks in the Body tree. Feel free to mix and match, or go all in on one specific tree! If you want to plan your approach ahead of time, I’d recommend spending some time in the Cyberpunk 2077 Build Planner to get a sense of what you can choose.

    Cyberpunk 2077 Asset

    Decrypt Everything

    In both the main story and side quests, you’ll come across optional chances to hack into terminals or decrypt shards. At the beginning, the hacking minigame, or Breach Protocol, can be trickier to nail because of the smaller margin of error. This means planning all your moves before you start is key — you’ll also have various sequences that you have to complete, but it’s not always possible to do all of them in one go. Decide which payoff you want to go for (which sometimes means the amount of eurodollars you’ll receive, or the level of decryption you’ll achieve). Be careful: Breach Protocol is a timed event, meaning that once you lock in your first move, you’ll only have so long to complete the whole sequence.

    (Don’t) Fight the Law

    As an up-and-coming merc (heavy emphasis on the “up-and-coming”), you might not be ready to tussle with trigger-happy law enforcement at this stage. Not to mention, the more you hit back, the more reinforcements the police call in, and the more intense their countermeasures become. Wreaking too much havoc can see you flagged as a cyberpsycho and facing down the NCPD’s apex predators: MaxTac. This new addition to the police department is available as part of Update 2.0, accessible on Series X|S. In any case, be sure to watch how many stars you’ve received in the top right corner and duck into a safe alley if need be.

    Cyberpunk 2077 Asset

    Meet Watson’s Resident Fixer

    Each district in Night City has a fixer that rules the area, pulling in mercenaries for gigs and rewarding them appropriately. In Watson, Regina is the one to give you a call and introduce herself. You’ll meet her quite early in your story, and she’ll send a few potential gigs your way — on top of that, she’s got quite a unique proposition for dealing with the wave of cyberpsychosis hitting the city. If you’re looking to get a sample of the gigs and fights that Cyberpunk 2077 has in store for you, it may be worth hearing her out. However, fixers can be a particular bunch, and they’re not always happy with a merc zeroing everyone in the vicinity. Which brings me to my next point:

    Learn How to Deal Non-Lethal Damage

    There are a few quests where taking out your marks may not be the best option. In those situations, there are two main ways to handle that: equipping the non-lethal Pax mod on your gun, or whipping out a baseball bat or similar blunt weapon. (Of course, you could always ignore your non-lethal orders and go in for the kill, but this will affect your payout.) All blunt non-lethal melee weapons are marked as such, and the Pax mod can be picked up during your normal gigs or purchased from a weapons dealer. However, Pax is permanent, so it’s best to pick a gun you don’t mind defanging. And don’t get too trigger-happy: hitting someone who’s already unconscious will also zero them.

    Cyberpunk 2077 Asset

    Arm Yourself (With Knowledge)

    Our team at CDPR has prepared plenty of guides to make your experience as fun as possible! Check out our Ultimate Edition Game Booklet for build inspiration, insight into characters, dev interviews, and more. You’ll have everything you need to make the most out of Cyberpunk 2077 during Xbox Free Play Days For All — and you’ll be ruling the streets of Night City in no time.

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2404.240325-2200)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2404.240325-2200)

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4063.240325-2200
    • Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 27, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 28, 2024

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Backgrounds

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error when attempting to set a new dynamic background.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Home

    • We are aware some tiles at the top of Home may not navigate as expected, such as when trying to claim Perks, and we’re working on a fix.
      • Workaround: Take an alternate path. For example, if you’re trying to claim Perks, open Game Pass > Perks.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Indie Selects for March 2024: The ID@Xbox Team Serves Up Another Batch of Outstanding Indies

    Indie Selects for March 2024: The ID@Xbox Team Serves Up Another Batch of Outstanding Indies

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    It’s been a month since our first round of Indie Selects were announced, and we’re back again with another great batch of games that we think you’ll love. As a reminder (or introduction if you’re new to this program), Indie Selects are chosen from recently launched Xbox games that the ID@Xbox team considers to be indie and that aren’t available with Game Pass. The whole team votes and the top six vote winners are our Indie Selects for the month.

    The selects for March 2024 run the gamut from the return of an old favorite, a brilliant new take on a very old card game, and an intense horror experience. Here’s the list (in no particular order):

    Balatro

    Balatro Image Asset

    It’s just video poker, right? You’d be forgiven for thinking that by just glancing at it, but you’d be very wrong. It takes the rather simplistic poker framework and reinvents it as a deep, engaging and utterly addictive roguelike. You start with a basic deck and play hands to beat a target number of chips for each round. But where it gets fun is unlocking bonus and special cards that make your choices much more complex and interesting. Leveling up “three of a kind” and playing it with a Spade bonus can make it more valuable than even a Royal Flush. And you can unlock new Jokers and other cards after each run to create new options for the next run. And…suddenly it’s 3:00 AM and you’re still playing.

    Tomb Raider I – III Remastered Starring Lara Croft

    Tomb Raider Remastered Image Asset

    The first Tomb Raider came out in 1996 and took the gaming world by storm. It’s an absolute classic from start to finish. This remaster of the first three games is a love letter to the origins of the series, featuring all three original adventures, including the expansions and secret levels, improved graphics, and the choice to play with classic or modern controls. The classic “tank” controls might seem a bit alarming and strange to anybody under 35, but playing that way certainly took us back to our youth and thrill of tomb raiding with Lara.

    As with many games from the ‘90s, they’re not considered particularly easy by modern standards, but finding your way through platforming-based puzzles and figuring out the best solutions is incredibly rewarding. Does a remaster compilation of games that were undeniably “triple A” back in their day count as “indie”? Great question. Who knows for sure. We decided that it counts since the developer behind the remaster, Aspyr, generally fits the bill. But instead of getting bogged down in that thought experiment, go play the games. You can thank me later.

    The Outlast Trials

    Outlast Trials Image Asset

    The original Outlast and its sequel, Outlast 2, were terrifying first-person adventure survival games, where, with no way to defend yourself, you survived by hiding, sliding, creeping, crouching, and running through the levels, staying one step ahead of whoever was trying to kill you at that particular moment.

    The Outlast Trials takes that formula and adds four player co-op, and radically over-the-top villains, who hunt you and buddies down in a series of outrageous death games. After each run you can upgrade your character through various class-based skill trees, before you and your friends jump back into the next terrifying experience. It can be as hysterically funny as it is terrifying, while the gameplay loop of surviving, solving puzzles, and finding an escape is incredibly compelling. The game can be played solo, but it’s much more fun if you can find some friends to brave the experience with you.

    Rounds

    Rounders Image Asset

    Landfall created the delightfully wacky Totally Accurate Battle Simulator, and Stickfight, The Game. With Rounds, they’ve created probably the world’s first 1v1 roguelike combat game. At the start of the game, each player uses their noodle arms to select a card containing a power-up. You’re given a half dozen to choose from out of 65 or so overall. Powerups can let you shoot straighter, make bullets explode on impact, let your bullets push enemies back, or give you all kinds of other slight advantages.

    Where it gets interesting is at the end of each, uh, round the loser gets to pick a new card with a new ability. And since abilities stack, by the end of each five-round game, you can create an overwhelmingly powerful custom build (assuming, of course, that you lose a lot). This mechanic turns an otherwise simple, level-based combat game into a sophisticated roguelike where each player can build their strengths against the other player’s weaknesses. The game is never the same from one round to the next.

    Slave Zero X

    Slave Zero X Image Asset

    Slave Zero, a cult favorite 1999 Windows and Dreamcast game, cast the player as a giant, rampaging robot in a third person shooter. A quarter century later, Ziggurat brings us a prequel to that game, in a stylish 2.5D world. But unlike the original, Slave Zero X plays out as a brawler blended with the precise gameplay mechanics of a fighting game.

    It’s the kind of game that can drive you to toss your controller through a window, but in the next breadth has you climbing through the window to retrieve it because you just can’t stop playing. The art and music are both fantastic and do a lot to help serve up the rich cyberpunk world. Hard? Yes. A bit unfair at times? Maybe. Rewarding, addictive and compelling? Absolutely.

    Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2

    Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 Image Asset

    Finally, this month we have something completely different. Choice of Life: Middle Ages 2 is a medieval choose-your-own-adventure experience, where you play your cards to direct your choices. Each decision you make leads to seemingly endless twists and turns. There are apparently over a thousand different events that you can encounter in the game, along with over 99 ways to do, but you’d have to go through many different playthroughs to find them all.

    It’s a relaxing, casual experience that encourages you to play around with your choices to see where your kingdom will end up. At the end of the first playthrough (which might be very short, since death is constantly right around the corner) you’ll almost certainly find yourself wanting to jump in and see where else fate, and your decisions, will take you.

    Website: LINK

  • No Man’s Sky Orbital Update Introduces Space Station Overhaul, Ship Customization, and More

    No Man’s Sky Orbital Update Introduces Space Station Overhaul, Ship Customization, and More

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Summary

    • No Man’s Sky free Orbital Update available to download today.
    • Space stations are now vast and varied in the all-new Orbital update for No Man’s Sky.
    • No Man’s Sky players on Xbox can now customize their starships.

    Last month, all Xbox owners were able to try No Man’s Sky’s free Omega expedition whether they owned No Man’s Sky or not. We were thrilled to welcome so many new Travellers into our friendly community. This month, we’re excited to show all those new players what veteran players have come to expect by way of regular updates as we unveil the Orbital update, free for existing owners to download today.

    Orbital focusses on an area of the game which has remained largely unchanged since No Man’s Sky launched on Xbox five years ago. It’s an aspect which every player encounters almost every time they embark on a new adventure – the ever-present space stations!

    No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

    Space stations have always been a vibrant and much-frequented feature of every No Man’s Sky star system and are a bustling destination for trade, equipment upgrades, missions, fast travel around the universe and endearing yourself to the locals.

    The first thing to strike you about these news stations is their vastness. They loom ever larger upon your starship as you approach the docking entrance. Secondly, their procedurally-generated exteriors mean that you rarely encounter the same form twice. Upon initiating the docking sequence, the large, cavernous landing strip you traverse hints towards a much larger interior than previous, again with a wide variety of layouts.

    No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

    One of the new additions to the space station map which Travellers will no doubt race towards is the Ship Fabricator. For a while now, players have dreamed of the ability to create their own starships in their dream configuration. This new function enables you to combine parts of salvaged ships together in a near-limitless array of permutations to create brand new form factors. You may still need to scour the universe for that perfect S-Class though!

    The envoys from the three universe guilds – Merchant, Mercenary, Explorer – frequent the new space stations and it’s always worth paying them a visit. Your standing with the guilds can be increased with donations of interesting artefacts from your travels, and a higher standing unlocks ever-higher gifts, cheap supplies and discounts, anything from free ammo and fuel to powerful equipment upgrades.

    No Man's Sky Orbital Update Image Asset

    Orbital also ushers in the concept of “Intervention Events” as part of freighter expeditions. Frigates that you have dispatched to the far-flung corners of the universe on lucrative missions can now call upon further instruction mid-voyage or even ask you to come to where they are to assist them in their objective.

    As with all No Man’s Sky free updates, Orbital features a whole host of other additions and improvements, large and small. It is available to download from today, free for all existing Xbox and Game Pass owners. Our journey continues.

    No Man's Sky
    Xbox Live
    Xbox Play Anywhere

    No Man’s Sky

    Hello Games

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 925

    ★★★★★

    $59.99 $47.99

    Xbox One X Enhanced

    PC Game Pass

    Xbox Game Pass

    No Man’s Sky comes complete with all 26 major updates up to and including Omega. Inspired by the adventure and imagination that we love from classic science-fiction, No Man’s Sky presents you with a galaxy to explore, filled with unique planets and lifeforms, and constant danger and action. In No Man’s Sky, every star is the light of a distant sun, each orbited by planets filled with life, and you can go to any of them you choose. Fly smoothly from deep space to planetary surfaces, with no loading screens, and no limits. In this infinite procedurally generated universe, you’ll discover places and creatures that no other players have seen before – and perhaps never will again. Embark on an epic voyage
    At the centre of the galaxy lies a irresistible pulse which draws you on a journey towards it to learn the true nature of the cosmos. But, facing hostile creatures and fierce pirates, you’ll know that death comes at a cost, and survival will be down to the choices you make over how you upgrade your ship, your weapon and suit. Find your own destiny
    Your voyage through No Man’s Sky is up to you. Will you be a fighter, preying on the weak and taking their riches, or taking out pirates for their bounties? Power is yours if you upgrade your ship for speed and weaponry.
    Or a trader? Find rich resources on forgotten worlds and exploit them for the highest prices. Invest in more cargo space and you’ll reap huge rewards.
    Or perhaps an explorer? Go beyond the known frontier and discover places and things that no one has ever seen before. Upgrade your engines to jump ever farther, and strengthen your suit for survival in toxic environments that would kill the unwary. Share your journey
    The galaxy is a living, breathing place. Trade convoys travel between stars, factions vie for territory, pirates hunt the unwary, and the police are ever watching. Every other player lives in the same galaxy, and you can choose to share your discoveries with them on a map that spans known space. Perhaps you will see the results of their actions as well as your own…

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2404.240321-2000)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Delta (2404.240321-2000)

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Delta ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4051.240321-2000
    • Available: 3 p.m. PT – March 26, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 27, 2024

    New Features and Experiences

    We have exciting news! Delta users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

    Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

    Xbox Insiders can preview Mouse and Keyboard support while playing via cloud gaming on supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs.

    Currently supported titles and any known issues are below:

    • Fortnite
      • Browsers only
    • ARK Survival Evolved
    • Sea of Thieves
    • Grounded
    • Halo Infinite
    • Atomic Heart
      • Known Issue: There is some difficulty switching between gamepad (controller) and Mouse and Keyboard while streaming game
    • Sniper Elite 5
    • Deep Rock Galactic
    • High on Life
    • Zombie Army 4 Dead War
    • Gears Tactics
    • Pentiment
    • Doom 64
    • Age of Empires 2

    Additional consideration for Xbox Insiders:

    • Some games will display controller UI elements (e.g., “press A to start”) by default. Their UI will adapt to Mouse & Keyboard input only after player has started to use Mouse/Keyboard to interact with the game (moving the cursor and/or pressing keys)
    • On browser:
      • The game stream needs to be in full screen mode to work with mouse and keyboard. Players can hold the ESC key at any time to exit full-screen mode.
      • The player must click on the game stream element explicitly for it to “capture your pointer”. Otherwise, your mouse input won’t be sent to the game.
      • Players can press ALT+F9 to exit mouse and keyboard use for the game

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Game Card

    • Fixed an issue where the tooltip would not update as expected when choosing Add to or Remove from Play later.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240321-2000)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2404.240321-2000)

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Omega ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4051.240321-2000
    • Available: 4 p.m. PT – March 26, 2024
    • Mandatory: 4 p.m. PT – March 27, 2024

    Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

    Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

    New Features and Experiences

    We have exciting news! Omega users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

    Capture & Share

    Users will now see a toast notification after uploading a new screenshot or game clip to OneDrive if they’re running low on space.

    Discord Voice – Soundboard Audio

    Xbox players who have joined Discord Voice will now be able to hear soundboard audio from others in the channel or call. A mute button for soundboard audio can be found in the Discord Voice options in the Guide. At this time, you cannot trigger soundboard audio from the console.

    Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

    Xbox Insiders can preview Mouse and Keyboard support while playing via cloud gaming on supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs.

    Currently supported titles and any known issues are below:

    • Fortnite
      • Browsers only
    • ARK Survival Evolved
    • Sea of Thieves
    • Grounded
    • Halo Infinite
    • Atomic Heart
      • Known Issue: There is some difficulty switching between gamepad (controller) and Mouse and Keyboard while streaming game
    • Sniper Elite 5
    • Deep Rock Galactic
    • High on Life
    • Zombie Army 4 Dead War
    • Gears Tactics
    • Pentiment
    • Doom 64
    • Age of Empires 2

    Additional consideration for Xbox Insiders:

    • Some games will display controller UI elements (e.g., “press A to start”) by default. Their UI will adapt to Mouse & Keyboard input only after player has started to use Mouse/Keyboard to interact with the game (moving the cursor and/or pressing keys)
    • On browser:
      • The game stream needs to be in full screen mode to work with mouse and keyboard. Players can hold the ESC key at any time to exit full-screen mode.
      • The player must click on the game stream element explicitly for it to “capture your pointer”. Otherwise, your mouse input won’t be sent to the game.
      • Players can press ALT+F9 to exit mouse and keyboard use for the game

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Capture & Share

    • Fixes to improve unexpected behavior in the Captures app when storing captures on both the internal Xbox storage and an external drive.

    Network Transfer

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error that could occur when initiating a network transfer if the content already exists.

    Parties

    • Fixes to address an issue where no members would be listed when attempting to invite club members to a party.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2404.240321-2000)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Beta (2404.240321-2000)

    Reading Time: 4 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Beta ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4051.240321-2000
    • Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 26, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 27, 2024

    New Features and Experiences

    We have exciting news! Beta users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

    Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)

    Xbox Insiders can preview Mouse and Keyboard support while playing via cloud gaming on supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs.

    Currently supported titles and any known issues are below:

    • Fortnite
      • Browsers only
    • ARK Survival Evolved
    • Sea of Thieves
    • Grounded
    • Halo Infinite
    • Atomic Heart
      • Known Issue: There is some difficulty switching between gamepad (controller) and Mouse and Keyboard while streaming game
    • Sniper Elite 5
    • Deep Rock Galactic
    • High on Life
    • Zombie Army 4 Dead War
    • Gears Tactics
    • Pentiment
    • Doom 64
    • Age of Empires 2

    Additional consideration for Xbox Insiders:

    • Some games will display controller UI elements (e.g., “press A to start”) by default. Their UI will adapt to Mouse & Keyboard input only after player has started to use Mouse/Keyboard to interact with the game (moving the cursor and/or pressing keys)
    • On browser:
      • The game stream needs to be in full screen mode to work with mouse and keyboard. Players can hold the ESC key at any time to exit full-screen mode.
      • The player must click on the game stream element explicitly for it to “capture your pointer”. Otherwise, your mouse input won’t be sent to the game.
      • Players can press ALT+F9 to exit mouse and keyboard use for the game

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Game Card

    • Fixed an issue where the tooltip would not update as expected when choosing Add to or Remove from Play later.

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Scions of Ithelia Update 41 Now Live on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

    Scions of Ithelia Update 41 Now Live on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

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    Website: LINK

  • How Asphalt Legends Unite is Steering its Players into a New Age of Arcade Racing

    How Asphalt Legends Unite is Steering its Players into a New Age of Arcade Racing

    Reading Time: 6 minutes

    The latest entry in the Asphalt series, Asphalt 9: Legends, is getting ready to release its first ever expansion, Asphalt Legends Unite, bringing with it a whole new world for its drivers to play in.

    Once launched, it will replace Asphalt 9: Legends on digital storefronts while allowing existing players to easily upgrade to the newest version and continue their progress. It will also open doors to all players worldwide with cross-play support, and offer some major upgrades under the hood with an improved game engine, UI, and garage, as well as introducing some highly requested features like a new co-op game mode and an increase to the garage level cap.

    We had a chance to catch up with Asphalt’s Game Manager Ignacio Marin who took us on a drive through all of the exiting things that are coming your way once Asphalt Legends Unite launches on Xbox and Windows on July 17, 2024.

    What is Asphalt Legends Unite?

    “Asphalt Legends Unite is not only our first expansion to Asphalt 9: Legends, but it’s also a massive change in mentality,” explains Marin. “Unite is a statement for us, as it not only signifies all our player bases uniting and finally playing together, but it also opens a world of possibilities that we want to take our time to explore. Whether it’s the chance to play with your friends, no matter the platform, or the range of esports possibilities available, Asphalt Legends Unite is a huge change for the franchise moving forward.”

    These game-shifting changes are brought in by the inclusion of cross-play, a first for the Asphalt series, that will allow all players to finally race each other, no matter where they choose to play.

    “The launch itself is also just the start for us,” continues Marin. “Our team has been hard at work for over a year, not only working on the new features but also adapting how we work together to ensure they can bring their vision to reality. We already have a series of new features and updates we’re currently working on, aside from our usual Season Events calendar, which we will continue to release throughout the year.”

    Asphalt Legends Unite Asset

    Cross-Platform Play, a First for the Series

    “Cross-play has been both our most requested feature and our worst kept secret,” Marin jokingly admits. “We’ve been working on it for over a year now, as it not only involves our largest technical update since release, but a big step up on how teams need to work together.”

    Until now, each version of the game was siloed depending on what platform players used, with some versions also having their own independent seasonal calendar.

    “All the teams are hard at work to ensure all platforms are on a similar starting point and ready for the launch of Asphalt Legends Unite, while also making sure our players have a smooth ride when cross-play arrives.” shares Marin. “We’re excited to see our players finally race together, and the new gameplay opportunities it will open for us.”

    Play with the World

    “The opportunities brought by cross-play are endless” explains Marin. “It immediately brings a whole new layer of new opponents into the competition, as they can face each other globally now, and new horizons to explore both from a game and esports perspective. “

    Asphalt Legends Unite will launch with a new co-op mode, in which groups of players face each other, one team taking the role of law enforcement and the other of a team of Syndicate Drivers trying to make their escape. You’ll have to team up to chase down the opposition or to make your escape in a daring new mode.

    “Our new game mode brings a whole new way of experiencing the game,” says Marin. “It’s the first chance players will have to play together instead of against each other, and we’re already hard at work on a new Friends list and Private Lobby features. Shout out to our Asphalt Content Creators, who have both inspired us and helped us test Private Lobbies this past year!”

    “Esports is also something we want to expand on.” continues Marin. “This new open ecosystem will provide us with both new opportunities and challenges to explore, such as global competitions, platform or control-mode specific tournaments, and other potential formats. We’re already in discussions with some new and exciting partners to explore new racing opportunities for our most dedicated players. One thing is for certain: we’ll be bringing back live stage finals in a big way this year, so stay tuned for more news!”

    Asphalt Legends Unite Asset

    New Partnership – Formula E

    “We’re so happy it’s back!” Marin exclaims. “Formula E are doing some really interesting and cool things for the racing world, and we’re excited to collaborate with them once more and to run events alongside their real-world races.”

    Asphalt is collaborating with Formula E once more on a series of events, starting March 28, and coinciding with their own races in Tokyo, Portland, and London!

     “We’ve already been lucky enough to collaborate together on a really exclusive event in the past, where a few lucky players got a chance to race with a Formula E car in Asphalt,” Marin says. This time around, everyone will get a chance to get behind the wheel, and they will also get to add the car to their garage collection!”

    The first Formula E time-limited event will arrive just in time for Formula E’s Tokyo race on March 28, followed by a second event starting June 27 aligned with the Portland race and a final event on July 18, two days before the London Formula E race. Race attendees at these three events will also be able to play the event in Asphalt Legends Unite at the gaming arena set up by Formula E.

    Upgrades under the hood

    “We don’t call it an expansion lightly,” begins Marin. “Asphalt Legends Unite is a brand-new start for us and I think it shows the moment players launch the game.”

    Marin refers to the complete overhaul of the Asphalt experience players will face once logging into Asphalt Legends Unite, which apart from featuring an upgraded game engine, also sports a new UI and player garage.

    “The game has never looked better, I’m pretty amazed with the results.” confides Marin. “It’s been a true team effort to bring this together, and the game really benefits from it. The dynamic lighting and effects add a new layer of realism, and the art direction comes together for a fresh experience. And it couldn’t come at a better time, as the new night track we’ll be releasing looks spectacular with the new lights.”

    “Also, we had to give our players what they wanted, and have completely reworked the garage, giving everyone a brand-new space to display their garage collections with gigantic LED displays creating a very modern setup.” continues Marin. “And yes, improving our garage also means expanding our maximum Garage Level cap. Our players have been asking us to do so, and we’re happy to announce that they will be able to expand their legend to new heights.”

    “And last but not least, we also took some time to entirely rework the main User Interface of the game.” explains Marin. “With our increased presence on consoles, we wanted to make sure our menus and overall experience was more accessible to all, and in particular, introduce optimization aimed at better controller navigation, while also throwing a new aesthetic to celebrate the new expansion.”

    Asphalt Legends Unite Asset

    Only in 1st gear

    “We’ve only just begun to rev up.” explains Marin. “The launch of Asphalt Legends Unite will help us set the starting point, with all our players finally on the same starting line. And we plan to continue accelerating through the year with new feature updates.”

    “It’s still too early to get into any sort of details,” Marin teases. “But you can expect more news on future plans once we’ve launched. One step at a time! In the meantime, you should join our community as we’ll be sharing more in-depth looks into our expansion in our Road to Unite series.”

    Thanks again Asphalt’s Game Manager Ignacio Marin for taking the time to answer some of our questions. Look for Asphalt Legends Unite, the expansion to Asphalt 9: Legends, to launch on July 17, 2024, for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows.

    Website: LINK

  • Everything You Need to Know About Diablo IV Coming to Game Pass

    Everything You Need to Know About Diablo IV Coming to Game Pass

    Reading Time: 5 minutes

    The gates of Hell are opening even wider, and Diablo IV is coming to Game Pass starting March 28! Whether you’re a seasoned demon slayer, or brand new to the world of Diablo, this guide is for you. Let’s unleash the darkness and unravel the mysteries of Sanctuary.

    For PC players, here’s how to get in the game:

    Diablo BattleNet Summary Asset
    • Open the Xbox App on PC and make sure you are signed in with your Microsoft account tied to your Game Pass membership. Then click on Diablo IV and then the Install button.
    • Click “Install Battle.net” when prompted and complete the installation. (If you already have Battle.net installed, you’ll skip to the next step automatically)
    • You’ll be prompted to connect your Battle.net account to your Microsoft account. If you already have a Battle.net account you can log in to complete the connection, or from here you can create a Battle.net account to make the connection.
    • Once you have downloaded Battle.net and connected your accounts, you can complete the installation of Diablo IV!

    Story and Lore

    If you’re new to Diablo, you will be able to dive right into the demonic world of Diablo IV with no need to have played the previous titles. The story takes place several decades after the events of Diablo III and introduces a new cast of characters and motivations in the most sinister chapter of the Diablo universe to date. This is a standalone game that you can jump into immediately, illustrating how the very world you’ll save came to be. Set in Sanctuary, a refuge built by members of the warring High Heavens and Burning Hells as an escape from the unremitting conflict, you begin your journey wandering through an ominous frozen land. You quickly learn about the prophesied return of the demon Lilith, the Daughter of Hatred, who created Sanctuary alongside the arch angel Inarius. Consumed by hatred and revenge, her desire for the conquest and destruction of heaven and hell puts all of Sanctuary’s denizens at risk as she brings dark urges to the hearts of both demons and humans alike.  It falls on you and a select few to oppose her plans and do battle while keeping the fate of Sanctuary in the balance.

    Gameplay

    Now that you know a little more about Sanctuary, let’s talk gameplay. Diablo IV is an isometric action role playing game (ARPG), where you’ll harness abilities, powerful Skills, and famed gear to defend your home from snarling demons and otherworldly horrors. Across Sanctuary, you’ll delve into replayable, procedurally generated dungeons, while progressing through the story and getting more potent items and materials for your wanderer. Your character traverses the open world of Sanctuary, hack-and-slashing through the progression system as one of five experience-defining class fantasies: Barbarian, Druid, Necromancer, Rogue, or Sorcerer Participate in world events, take down strongholds, work with other players to tackle World Bosses, or battle other players in the PvP Fields of Hatred. Join or make your own clan to form alliances with other players.   

    We have a quick “teach me” from head of Diablo Rod Fergusson to walk through how to play:

    [youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=971V-LsPoZg?feature=oembed&w=500&h=281]

    Choose your Class

     There are 5 classes to choose from in Diablo IV. Each with multiple skills and talents to  fit your preferred playstyle.

    • Barbarian: The master of arms of Diablo IV. Dual wield or swing massive 2-handed weapons (with the ability to swap between both in the heat of combat) while you get up close and personal with your enemies.
    • Druid: Shapeshift your way through Sanctuary as a werewolf or a werebear while doling out magic alongside your spirit animal pets (they each grant you specific boons) to freak out everyone around you.
    • Necromancer: You never have to travel alone as a speaker of the dead. Use your profane knowledge to summon your own personal pack of skeletons and a golem to fight the monsters for, or with you.
    • Rogue: If you can’t choose between ranged or melee, why not both? Move quickly in combat to either stab combatants up close or fire at them with a bow from afar.
    • Sorcerer: Enjoy time around the fire as you set your enemies ablaze (or freeze them or strike with lightning) with elemental magics.

    If you’re new to Diablo IV, it’s recommended to start by creating a character in the Seasonal realm, but do not check the “Skip Campaign” option – make your way through Diablo IV’s story mode first. Seasons are recurring, time-limited events, challenges, rewards, and gameplay changes, and when a season ends, your seasonal characters and their progress are converted to non-seasonal characters, so once you’re through the story mode, you’re good to roll a new character for Season 4 dropping in May!

    You’re about to dive into a world of chaos, monsters, gear, and a conflict between the High Heavens and Burning Hells.

    Pick your class, play style, and go hunt down Lilith. See you in hell, friends!

    Diablo® IV
    Xbox Live

    Diablo® IV

    Blizzard Entertainment

    ☆☆☆☆☆ 679

    ★★★★★

    Diablo® IV is the next-gen action RPG experience with endless evil to slaughter, countless abilities to master, nightmarish Dungeons, and legendary loot. Embark on the campaign solo or with friends, meeting memorable characters through beautifully dark settings and a gripping story, or go rogue through an expansive End Game and shared world where players will meet in towns to trade, team up to battle World Bosses, or descend into PVP zones to test their skills against other players – no lobbies necessary – with cross-play and cross-progression on all available platforms. This is only the beginning for Diablo® IV, with new events, stories, seasons, rewards, and more looming on the horizon. Battle.net account required. Internet connection required. For more information, please visit Diablo.com. © 2023 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. Diablo, Diablo Immortal, World of Warcraft, and Blizzard Entertainment are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. in the U.S and/or other countries. All rights reserved.

    Website: LINK

  • Chill Out with the Arctic Camo Special Edition Controller

    Chill Out with the Arctic Camo Special Edition Controller

    Reading Time: 2 minutes

    The Arctic Camo Special Edition controller is now making its worldwide debut! It was originally launched in the United States on May 2023 at select retailers and will now expand to international markets to reach more fans. Arctic Camo features a patchwork of rugged white and grey that all tie together into one striking visual. This monochromatic multitool, from the thumbsticks to the hybrid D-Pad and all the way to the triggers, is the perfect purchase for gamers who crave a controller that exudes both style and sophistication.

    Arctic Camo Special Edition Controller

    Like the rest of the Camo series, Arctic Camo comes with features which make Xbox controllers stand out. Enjoy modern sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort during gameplay – with a hybrid D-Pad that allows your fingers to glide across the surface, textured grips on the bumpers, triggers, and back case for a stronger support. By using Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless, the Arctic Camo controller can connect to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, mobile phones and tablets (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details).

    With a 3.5mm audio jack, you only need your favorite compatible headset to either fully immerse yourself within the gaming world or coordinate with your friends to campaign collectively. Play longer with up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors) and save all your best memories on the expedition through the dedicated share button. Tailor your experiences with the Xbox Accessories app which lets you remap your controller’s buttons and create controller profiles to have vastly different personalization options for your games.

    Arctic Camo Special Edition Controller

    The Xbox Wireless Controller – Arctic Camo Special Edition is available today in all Xbox markets worldwide for $69.99 USD ERP. Consider pairing your new Arctic Camo controller with the Arctic Camo Xbox Series X Console Wrap to complete your style, only available in United States and Canda at the Microsoft Store. Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.

    Website: LINK

  • Celebrate South Park: Snow Day! with Four Cool Custom Xbox Series X Consoles

    Celebrate South Park: Snow Day! with Four Cool Custom Xbox Series X Consoles

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Summary

    • Chill out with these four unique Xbox Series X consoles and controllers, featuring iconic South Park characters.
    • Fans will have the chance to win one of these consoles in a limited-time sweepstakes, ending April 25, 2024.
    • South Park: Snow Day launches on Xbox Series X|S today, March 26, 2024.

    In a cool collaboration, South Park Digital Studios and THQ Nordic unveil a series of custom Xbox Series X consoles, celebrating the release of their latest co-op game adventure, South Park: Snow Day! Known for iconic titles like South Park: The Stick of Truth and South Park: The Fractured but Whole, South Park now invites fans to join Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny in a three-dimensional snow-filled battle.

    The four custom Xbox Series X consoles and controllers feature Grand Wizard Cartman, Kyle the High Elf, Princess Kenny, and Stan Marshwalker. A rare collectible for any South Park fan, these consoles will have you wishing for a Snow Day to spend on the couch.

    Fans will have the chance to win one of the four consoles by following @Xbox on X (formerly Twitter) and retweeting the official Xbox sweepstakes tweet during the Entry Period. The giveaway runs exclusively from March 26, 2024, through April 25, 2024. For official rules and eligibility details, visit here.

    South Park: Snow Day! takes players through a blizzard-struck town, offering a unique blend of action-packed combat and cooperative gameplay. With the ability to play solo or with up to three friends, the game introduces new dynamics in weapon customization and special abilities, all while battling to save South Park from an endless winter.

    SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! - Pre-Order
    Xbox Live

    SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! – Pre-Order

    THQ Nordic

    ☆☆☆☆☆

    ★★★★★

    $29.99

    Pre-Order SOUTH PARK: SNOW DAY! now and receive the Underwear Gnome Cosmetics pack including the Underwear Gnome hat, a stylish beard, a green tunic and a yellow cape FOR FREE! From South Park Digital Studios, the studio that brought you South Park: The Stick of Truth, South Park: The Fractured but Whole, and South Park: Phone Destroyer comes the next chapter in the journey of the New Kid. Join Cartman, Stan, Kyle, and Kenny, in three-dimensional glory, to celebrate the most magical day in any young child’s life – a snow day! A massive blizzard has thrown the town into chaos and, more importantly, canceled school. Play with up to three friends, use matchmaking, or solo the game with ally bots and battle through the snow-piled town of South Park. Engage in frenetic, action-packed combat against warring factions in an all-new story where you make the rules. Equip unique weapons and deploy devastating, upgradable special abilities on a new adventure to save the world and enjoy a day without school. It’s a snow day, dude! – It’s an all-new 3D co-op game.
    – A blizzard of epic proportions has blanketed the town of South Park and it’s up to Cartman, Stan, Kenny, Kyle, and you, as the New Kid, to save the town.
    – Experience cooperative gameplay for the first time ever in a South Park game with up to three friends or ally bots – unleashing powerful, coordinated attacks on your foes.
    – Equip and upgrade devastating melee and ranged weapons. Deploy special abilities and powers that will bring hordes of enemies and epic bosses to their knees.
    – Use a wide range of iconic cosmetics and customize your New Kid with endless possible combinations from beanies to Cheesy Poof T-shirts to chin balls.

    Website: LINK

  • Get To Know Our Team: Shawn – 3rd Party Studio Support Specialist

    Get To Know Our Team: Shawn – 3rd Party Studio Support Specialist

    Reading Time: < 1 minute

    Well, if you want a more discrete example, I have another tear-jerker from my time in retail. We did those League tournaments every weekend for like 18 months, right? Well, at one of the first ones, we have this son and dad come in a join a team. They were playing well together and doing like post-match analysis. The next day after the tournament, the dad comes back in and starts thanking us profusely for the opportunity. Apparently, his relationship with his son hadn’t been the best the last few years and the son wanted to come to the tournament. It was the first time they had connected like that in a long time. After that, I think they showed up every week until we stopped hosting them in-store.

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2404.240321-2000)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha (2404.240321-2000)

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2404ZN\25398.4051.240321-2000
    • Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 25, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 26, 2024

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK

  • Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Skip-Ahead (2408.240321-2200)

    Xbox Insider Release Notes – Alpha Skip-Ahead (2408.240321-2200)

    Reading Time: 3 minutes

    Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today.

    It’s important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device.

    Details can be found below!

    Xbox Insider Release Notes

    System Update Details

    • OS Version: XB_FLT_2408GE\26086.1505.240321-2200
    • Available: 2 p.m. PT – March 25, 2024
    • Mandatory: 3 a.m. PT – March 26, 2024

    Fixes Included

    Thanks to all the great feedback Xbox Insiders provide and the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented with this build:

    Capture & Share

    • Fixes to improve unexpected behavior in the Captures app when storing captures on both the internal Xbox storage and an external drive.

    Installation

    • Fixes to address an unexpected error some users experienced when updating Minecraft (0x87e00021).

    System

    • Various updates to properly reflect local languages across the console.

    Known Issues

    While known issues may have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes, they are not being ignored! However, it may take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution. If you experience any of these issues, we ask that you please follow any guidance provided and file feedback with Report a Problem.

    Audio

    • Some users have reported experiencing intermittent audio issues across the dashboard, games, and apps.
      • Troubleshooting: If you do experience issues, please confirm your TV and all other equipment have the latest firmware installed. If you are unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance. You can also find additional troubleshooting tips here: Troubleshoot audio on your Xbox console.
      • Feedback: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware and troubleshooting further, please submit feedback via Report a Problem when you are experiencing the issue. Use the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”.
        • Note: Be sure to include as much information as possible about the issue, when it started, your setup, troubleshooting you have completed, and any additional information that will help us reproduce the issue.

    Capture & Share

    • We have received reports of unexpected behavior when viewing HDR screenshots in the Captures app, and we are investigating.

    Networking

    • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to the network immediately on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
      • Workaround: Wait a minute or two for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center or the guide then file feedback with Report a Problem. Learn more about restarting here: How to restart or power cycle your Xbox console.

    As always, be sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of any issues you encounter. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

    What Happens to Your Feedback

    If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please visit the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

    When posting to the subreddit, please look through the most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to existing threads with the same issue before posting a new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Also, don’t forget to use “Report a Problem” before posting – the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

    Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today and welcome to the community if you’re just joining us! We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

    For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

    Website: LINK