Xbox Showcase

AppWizard
June 8, 2025
Obsidian Entertainment has announced that The Outer Worlds 2 will feature six companions with their own questlines linked to distinct factions, allowing players to influence their character arcs through gameplay choices. The game is set on Arcadia, a new colony governed by The Protectorate, and will include an enhanced perk system similar to Fallout: New Vegas, allowing for specialized character builds. Players will take on the role of a customizable Sky Marshall, with an emphasis on traits that affect gameplay dynamics. The sequel aims for deeper RPG mechanics and a more complex narrative due to increased development time and resources. The game is scheduled for release on October 29, 2025.
AppWizard
June 8, 2025
The Xbox PC app, which allows access to Microsoft Store PC games and PC Game Pass, has been improving, but recent changes indicate issues with library management. Microsoft is unifying the back ends of the Xbox One store and Xbox Series X|S consoles, leading to beta tests for deactivated games appearing on devices like the Lenovo Legion Go, resulting in unplayable clutter. Users cannot hide games or track cloud save statuses, and the "My PC games" section displays outdated and non-functional titles instead of actual PC games. Clicking on non-PC Xbox games redirects users to the Xbox console store without resolution, causing frustration among gamers. Microsoft is reportedly investing in enhancing Windows 11 PC gaming and the Xbox PC app, possibly in anticipation of an announcement regarding Project Kennan. The current inconsistencies may be due to backend unification efforts, creating confusion for Xbox gamers using various devices.
Winsage
June 1, 2025
Microsoft is reassessing its approach to handheld gaming and may step back from developing a first-party Xbox handheld device, shifting focus to collaborations with third-party manufacturers like ASUS for an Xbox-licensed handheld. Ubisoft teased potential announcements related to the Splinter Cell franchise, following confirmation of a remake of the original game in 2021. Rumors of a Persona 4 remake have surfaced, but it is unclear if the original English voice cast will return. An IGN Live event is scheduled for June 7-8 in Downtown Los Angeles, with tickets available and a promo code for a complimentary ticket.
AppWizard
May 6, 2025
Microsoft's multiplatform gaming strategy is showing strong results, with its titles dominating sales charts on the PlayStation Store in April 2025. In the U.S. and Canada, Microsoft games such as The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, Minecraft, and Forza Horizon 5 occupied the top three positions in the non-free-to-play download chart for PS5. Europe also saw success with Forza Horizon 5 leading, followed by The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered and Minecraft. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, launched on Game Pass, also appeared on both charts, alongside other Microsoft-owned titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, emphasized that this strategy is a calculated business move to enhance revenue, especially following the acquisition of Activision Blizzard. Discussions about transitioning Halo to other platforms have been ongoing, reflecting on the financial implications of exclusivity. While there may be pushback from Xbox fans regarding the dilution of brand identity, the focus remains on aligning with long-term business goals and evolving with the gaming audience.
Winsage
February 10, 2025
Microsoft refreshed the Windows Health Dashboard, providing updated information on known bugs affecting Windows 11 version 24H2, including a fix for users unable to modify specific date and time settings and a workaround for difficulties with Windows updates via USB or CD media. A guide was shared on restoring Dolby Digital (AC-3) support in Windows 11 version 24H2, and two debloating applications, WinScript and NoBloatbox, were introduced for system optimization and bloatware removal. This week's preview builds for Windows 11 included a significant update for MIDI and allowed users to customize widgets on their lock screens. An update for the Microsoft Store now permits users to choose which components of games to download. Optical Character Recognition has returned in the Photos app for Windows Insiders with enhancements and bug fixes. Microsoft announced the dates for its upcoming developer conference, Build 2025, scheduled for May 19-22 in Seattle, Washington. Firefox 135 was released with a redesigned new tab page and privacy enhancements, while Microsoft Edge 133 launched with an updated downloads interface and an AI-powered scareware blocker. Chrome version 134 is set to enhance picture-in-picture mode. In gaming news, several Xbox titles, including Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold, are being released for PlayStation 5. EA's Criterion Games is focused on the next Battlefield installment, leaving the future of Need for Speed uncertain. Microsoft will host the first ID@Xbox showcase on February 24, 2025. Valve updated Steam to include a banner for abandoned games, and Nvidia announced new games for the GeForce NOW streaming service. The Epic Games Store is offering two free titles, and Amazon Prime members have access to several free games.
AppWizard
September 27, 2024
At the Tokyo Game Show 2024, PC gaming is highlighted as a significant growth area, with traditional console-exclusive models declining. Warframe features prominently at the event, although attendees cannot ride the showcased motorbike. Microsoft's Game Pass subscription service has bolstered the ranks of PC gamers and attracted console gamers, particularly from Sony, due to the decline of exclusive titles and affordable access to new games. Microsoft has also announced the addition of classic titles like Starcraft 2 to Game Pass for PC users on November 5th. The rising costs of consoles, such as the PS5 Pro, are making PC gaming more appealing to budget-conscious gamers. Konami is in recovery mode following Hideo Kojima's departure, focusing on the remake of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, but faces uncertainty about future projects. SNK is revitalized after being acquired by a Saudi firm and is showcasing its fighting game, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, which will release on PC on day one. The fighting game genre is thriving on PC, with titles like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 already successful, and upcoming releases featuring cross-platform play.
AppWizard
September 26, 2024
During the Tokyo Game Show, Xbox announced a new game titled Threads of Time, which features elements like sky pirates, a mech-infested cyberpunk city, and dinosaurs. The game involves a quest to restore the ancient order of the Time Knights and will be available on Steam, though a release date has not been provided.
AppWizard
July 15, 2024
RPGs don't translate well into short, action-packed trailers. The Veilguard's development has been troubled, but despite the negative response to the first trailer, there is optimism that the game could be better than anything BioWare has made since Dragon Age 2. BioWare is known for action RPGs rather than traditional CRPGs, and their games have always had excellent core ability design and feel.
AppWizard
June 11, 2024
The 2024 Xbox Showcase unveiled new titles such as Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Doom: The Dark Ages, and a new Gears of War prequel. Other announcements included a Perfect Dark reboot, new Fable and Avowed games, expansions for World of Warcraft and Diablo 4, and new titles from EA, Square Enix, Kepler Interactive, GSC Game World, and Rebellion. Microsoft also announced the release of three new Xbox Series consoles.
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