Sunday, June 10, 2018

News:: 'PUBG' War Mode comes to Xbox One in winter 2018

PUBG's PC-based players have already moved beyond battle royale with War Mode, so when do Xbox One gamers get their turn? It won't be too long. PUBG Corp and Microsoft have confirmed that War Mode will reach the Xbox crowd in winter 2018. As before, it's really built for gamers who prefer immediate firefights over the long buildup of the core game -- players parachute into a relatively small circle at frequent intervals already prepared to fight.

Source: Play Battlegrounds (Twitter)



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News:: Microsoft bought five studios to fix its Xbox game problem

It's no secret that Microsoft's lack of exclusive games is partially to blame for the Xbox One lagging behind the PS4. To rectify this, the company's gone on a bit of a shopping spree, acquiring five studios under its Microsoft Studios umbrella. Four of these are existing outfits: Undead Labs (State of Decay), Playground Games (Forza Horizon), Ninja Theory (Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice) and Compulsion Games (We Happy Few). The fifth is an all-new studio called The Initiative headed by Darrell Gallagher, the former chief of Crystal Dynamics who spearheaded the Tomb Raider reboot.



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News:: 'The Division' returns to Xbox with a battle for Washington DC

Microsoft stunned the assembled audience at its E3 2018 press conference with not only intense gameplay footage of "The Division 2" from Ubisoft, but also an official release date for the highly-anticipated sequel: March 15th, 2019. News of Tom Clancy's post-apocalyptic MMOFPS first surfaced back in March of this year and looks to build off of its predecessor in terms of both cinematics and gameplay. The story takes place just six months after the initial outbreak as the agents of The Division face a burgeoning civil war.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/the-division-2-battle-for-washington-dc/

News:: 'Sea of Thieves' is getting two DLCs this summer

Microsoft wasn't going to let E3 go by without mentioning new content for Sea of Thieves. At it's Xbox press conference today, we got a glimpse at the forthcoming "Cursed Sails" and "Forsaken Shores." New lands look super dark, with plenty of fire, ash and a host of cursed adventurers. We found out in April that updates would prioritize new maps over perks, and that certainly seems to be the case here. While "Forsaken Shores" won't be available until September, "Cursed Sails" is set to arrive next month. Get a taste of what's coming to Xbox and Windows 10 via the trailer below.



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News:: Psychedelic survival game 'We Happy Few' arrives August 10

Remember We Happy Few? That game about a small English town hooked on hallucinogenic drugs? Well, after a bunch of agonizing delays the indie adventure has a new release date for Xbox One: August 10th. That's a clarification of the "summer" window that developer Compulsion Games gave in January. Oh, and today Microsoft also announced that it had bought the studio outright (among a bunch of other developers). To mark the two announcements, Compulsion Games showed off a new trailer during today's Xbox press conference. It's beautiful, creepy and intriguing, showing off more of the world and its unsettling alternate history timeline.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/we-happy-few-release-date-august-10/

News:: Microsoft's 'Fast Start' will begin games twice as fast, Division, ESO and Fallout 4 out on Game Pass today

Microsoft's Xbox Game Pass head Ashley Speicher announced on stage today at E3 that "Fast Start" is coming to Xbox later this month in the Xbox One June update. It's as simple as it says -- it starts games up "twice as quickly!"

As a sort of  bonus -- Division 1, ESO, and Fallout 4 (as previously stated) will be enhanced with Xbox One X and will be playable today by way of Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft also re-iterated that they're very happy with the Game Pass so far, and it's hard to believe that it's been a year.

Microsoft's 'Fast Start' will begin games twice as fast, Division, ESO and Fallout 4 out on Game Pass today screenshot



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News:: PUBG's third map and War Mode are debuting on Xbox soon

PUBG's console home is on Xbox, so it makes perfect sense that Microsoft would spend some time in its E3 press conference to point out the advancements it's making through the Preview program.

The Xbox version of PUBG will soon get the Sahnok map. This is the 4x4 kilometer map that's made to focus on quicker matches and more frequent encounters. It hasn't officially launched on PC yet, but it has had plenty of testing weekends on the experimental server.

Also, Xbox will be getting War Mode sometime soon. War Mode is an alternative mode that's essentially deathmatch for PUBG, instead of the battle royale formula that made the game popular.

However, the most interesting news came in the form of a teaser. The closing seconds of the PUBG section showed someone trekking through the snow with  "Winter 2018" stinger. All indications are that the game's fourth map will be arctic. It's rather remarkable that this map will debut on Xbox seemingly around the time it's being introduced to PC.

PUBG's third map and War Mode are debuting on Xbox soon screenshot



via destructoid https://www.destructoid.com/pubg-s-third-map-and-war-mode-are-debuting-on-xbox-soon-507159.phtml

News:: We Happy Few hits PC, PS4, and Xbox One this August

After wowing people with its reveal last year and losing some steam along the way, Compulsion Games is looking to rekindle interest in the tripped-out 1960s England survival adventure We Happy Few. The 1.0 release is set for August 10, 2018 with "over twenty hours of narrative-driven gameplay added."

We Happy Few hits PC, PS4, and Xbox One this August screenshot



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News:: The Divison 2 gets a reveal, deals with civil war

The Division 2 got its formal announcement at Microsoft's E3 presser. Along with a longer view of the gameplay, the story reveal looks to deal with some kind of Civil War breaking out in the US. The setting has moved away from NYC into the Nation's capital along with going for a more futuristic vibe.

The Divison 2 gets a reveal, deals with civil war screenshot



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News:: Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition coming to brighten your world this Winter

Microsoft have announced that Tales of Vesperia, the 2008 anime RPG, is to get re-released later this year as Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition.

A new trailer showcases the colourful anime action of Namco Bandai's fantasy epic, which originally landed on PS3 and Xbox 360. No further details were revealed, but we do know the game will be arriving in Winter of this year.

This will be a great opportunity for fans to revisit their favourite characters, or for newcomers to enjoy this acclaimed Japanese adventure.

Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition coming to brighten your world this Winter screenshot



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News:: 'Kingdom Hearts 3' journeys to the 'Frozen' universe

Five years after the last title of the franchise first reached store shelves, Microsoft revealed a slew of new details about "Kingdom Hearts 3", which the company announced last night will hit the PS4 and Xbox on January 29, 2019. In KH3, players will be tasked with navigating a winter wonderland while guiding Elsa, of "Frozen" fame, past her feelings of self-doubt and towards a more heroic path in life. Beyond helping Elsa, Sora, Donald, and Goofy also find themselves in search of the seven guardians of light and the "Key to Return Hearts." Further gameplay details remain scarce roughly six months out from the game's official release, but stay tuned to Engadget for more information as soon as it becomes available.



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News:: Forza Horizon 4 announced, set in the UK with 60fps!

Microsoft's Forza series is making a splash this year at E3 with the announcement of Forza Horizon 4. Even better yet, Horizon 4 will be releasing October 2 for both Xbox One and PC on Windows 10 -- it'll also be available on Xbox Game Pass that same day!

This time around, Horizon 4 will be taking us to the UK with a wide variety of locations to race through (such as Edinburgh), with a variety of different seasons and weather conditions, all with a glorious 60fps mode to boot!

Forza Horizon 4 announced, set in the UK with 60fps! screenshot



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News:: Microsoft announces new studio 'The Initiative,' acquires Playground Games, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, and Ninja Theory

Uh wow! Microsoft is throwing that money everywhere at E3 this year.

On stage Microsoft boss Phil Spencer announced that not only are they creating a new Santa Monica studio called "The Initiative," but they've also acquired Playground Games, Undead Labs, Compulsion Games, and Ninja Theory.

That's quite a lot of IPs that Microsoft just...owns now, and it's weird to think that they now have their hands in so many franchises, all in an instant.

Microsoft announces new studio 'The Initiative,' acquires Playground Games, Compulsion Games, Undead Labs, and Ninja Theory screenshot



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News:: Here's a new Kingdom Hearts III trailer with a focus on Frozen

Kingdom Hearts III is the first game in the series that's coming to Xbox. As such, it got some airtime at the Xbox E3 press conference today.

Sure, you know you're down to watch a new Kingdom Hearts III trailer. Sora with the Keyblade alongside a bunch of Disney folks. That's the good stuff we're here for. This trailer's too cool to just let it go.

Here's a new Kingdom Hearts III trailer with a focus on Frozen screenshot



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News:: 'Forza Horizon 4' is an open-world carPG coming October 2nd

One thing you can always expect from an Xbox E3 press conference is the latest installment in the Forza series. This year, that means Forza Horizon 4. It's set in Britain, where you'll have your choice of top-end supercars, Ken Block's Hoonigan Ford, off-road racers and more. The game also introduces a shared open-world experience and a new 60fps mode. You'll have to contend with dynamic seasons, which change the world around you in terms of looks and gameplay -- and of course, weather. In winter, for example, a lake has frozen over and there's snow to deal with.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/forza-horizon-4-october-2nd-e3-2018/

News:: Sea of Thieves continues with Cursed Sails and Forsaken Souls

Microsoft have revealed new content for their MMO piracy adventure (seven seas, not online downloads) Sea of Thieves will receive new content soon in the shape of two new adventures. Cursed Sails and The Forsaken Souls.

Cursed Sails will arrive in July, while Forsaken Souls will be ship shape in time for September. So mizzen the masts... or whatever the hell you do, and prepare for more Sea of Thieves adventure!

Sea of Thieves is available now on Xbox One and PC.

Sea of Thieves continues with Cursed Sails and Forsaken Souls screenshot

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News:: Metro Exodus has some gnarly-looking monsters

Metro Exodus made an appearance at Microsoft's E3 2018 presser with a new trailer and a new date. After recently slipping out of this year, the post-apocalyptic shooter is now set for February 22, 2019.

Metro Exodus has some gnarly-looking monsters screenshot



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News:: NieR: Automata is coming as an Xbox One X Enhanced title this month

With very little fanfare in a blink and you'll miss it moment (there seems to be a lot of those during E3!), Microsoft announced that NieR: Automata will be coming to Xbox One on June 26, digitally.

This is a huge development for developer PlatinumGames, who was previously nixing the port because of the low sales of the Xbox One in their home region of Japan. They changed their minds though, and it is indeed coming this month with the no-physical caveat.

NieR: Automata previously launched on PC and PS4 in 2017.

NieR: Automata is coming as an Xbox One X Enhanced title this month screenshot



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News:: Crackdown 3 is still a thing!

Crackdown 3 is still alive! It needs to develop more, grow more, get more powerful -- before it (finally) releases. During Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference, they showed off a brand new gameplay trailer with narration from the one and only Terry Crews.

Here's hoping we finally get a chance to experience it this February.

Crackdown 3 is still a thing! screenshot

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News:: Fallout 4 gets added to Xbox Game Pass today

Xbox Game Pass just celebrated it's one-year anniversary, and it was a pretty dang decent year. There's a new big third-party title getting added to the library right now.

On stage at the Xbox E3 press conference, Todd Howard revealed that Fallout 4 is now a part of Xbox Game Pass. There's a lot of Wasteland to scour for $10 a month for anyone who hasn't already played Fallout 4. Surely the best radiation per dollar ratio out there.

Fallout 4 gets added to Xbox Game Pass today screenshot



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News:: The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit channels our childhood wonder

Square Enix and Dontnod Entertainment are partnering up again to create The Awesome Adventues of Captain Spirit. Exhibiting a style very similar to Life is Strange, the game is set from the perspective of its child protagonist and looks to tackle subjects like dealing with grief over a lost loved one. So far, it is confirmed for Xbox One, but will likely end up on PC and PS4.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit channels our childhood wonder screenshot



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News:: New footage revealed for Bethesda's Fallout 76, Xbox One pre-orders open June 15

Today at Microsoft's E3 conference, the publisher revealed more footage of the recently revealed Fallout 76. The new game, set in West Virginia, is set to be four times the scale of Fallout 4. That's pretty damn big.

Set to the tones of Country Roads, Take Me Home, West Virginia, well, it 'aint looking too grand.

Fallout 76 is coming to PC, PS4 and Xbox One. Pre-orders open on Xbox Store June 15.

New footage revealed for Bethesda's Fallout 76, Xbox One pre-orders open June 15 screenshot

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News:: 'Life is Strange' returns with 'The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit'

The next Life is Strange is all about childhood. Following the original series and Before the Storm, which dealt with the challenges of adolescence (and some nifty time travel), developer Dontnod is focusing a young boy with a big imagination. The game is called The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit, and will launch for free on June 26th. It was announced at Microsoft's E3 press conference, however it's safe to assume that the title will be available on other platforms, like previous entries. Dontnod calls it a game in the Life is Strange "universe," so who knows, maybe it will have ties to Max and Chloe...



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News:: Yoko Taro's 'Nier: Automata' comes to Xbox One on June 26

Nier: Automata was one of the most surprising games of 2017. The Japanese RPG had a mind-bending story, conceived by Nier and Drakengard director Yoko Taro, and a snappy combat system refined by Bayonetta developer PlatinumGames. It was a huge success for Square Enix, shifting more than 3 million copies and winning countless awards. Now, the game is coming to Xbox One. A special Become As Gods edition will hit the Xbox Store on June 26th, bundling the base game, the 3C3C1D119440927 expansion, and a slew of in-game skins and accessories, including a Grimoire Weiss-themed robot companion. Hopefully the extra sales will solidify a sequel, or an entirely new project by Taro and his team.

Source: Square Enix (Press Release)



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News:: 'Fallout 76' brings the apocalypse to West Virginia

A few days ago, we got our first tease of the new Fallout game, and at today's Xbox E3 press conference, we're getting the full reveal of Fallout 76. Bethesda's Todd Howard said that the latest entry in the series will be a prequel to 2015's Fallout 4 and is four times larger than that game.



via Engadget RSS Feedhttps://www.engadget.com/2018/06/10/fallout-76-preview-e3-2018/

News:: From Software's new game is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and it has a hook

Finally, we have a legitimate first look at From Software's new game. During The Game Awards last December, we got a tantalizing teaser. Now, during Xbox's E3 press conference, we have a world debut.

It's Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and it takes place in some sort of feudal Japan setting. The big hook is a literal hook. The playable character is shown with a grappling hook connected to a prosthetic arm. It seems as though locomotion will be a major focus for Sekiro, and that's how it innovates on the Dark Souls formula. 

Sekiro will release in 2019. We'll surely have more to report on Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice as details trickle out over the course of E3. 

From Software's new game is Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and it has a hook screenshot



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News:: Ori and the Will of the Wisps sure looks breathtaking

Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a sight for sore eyes. Microsoft brought a new gameplay trailer for its E3 2018 press conference and I need it to be 2019 already so I can play this immediately. For the time being, I'll just have to pause this video every few seconds and marvel at the art direction. The lighting!

Things seem to start on a light note, but I'm expecting to get emotional again.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps sure looks breathtaking screenshot



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News:: 'Sekiro' is the latest game from the studio behind 'Dark Souls'

During its E3 press conference, Microsoft teased the next game from the studio behind Dark Souls and Bloodborne: It's called Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. If you're familiar with FromSoftware's previous work, you have a good idea of what to expect here. The beauty of ancient Japan is portrayed in a way that's dark and brooding, yet still lovely. There's also a ton of blood and gore, as the main character, a ninja with a powerful prosthetic arm, sets out on a path of revenge.



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News:: 'Halo Infinite' puts Master Chief back in the fight

As expected, Microsoft opened its E3 presentation by unveiling the next chapter in the Halo franchise: Halo Infinite. The teaser trailer didn't show much beyond a pretty wildlife trailer with only a brief glimpse of the Master Chief, but it's been three years since Halo 5 came out.

Source: Halo (Twitter)



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News:: Microsoft announces Halo Infinite at E3

Microsoft boss Phil Spencer kicked off Microsoft's E3 conference with a biggie: Halo Infinite.

Said to be running with the Slipspace Engine, Master Chief is once again at the forefront and will yet again "save humanity." Yep, it's a Halo!

Microsoft says it has "50 games" to show today and "15 world premieres." Strap in! It can't be worse than EA's press conference yesterday.

Microsoft announces Halo Infinite at E3 screenshot

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News:: Live from Xbox's E3 2018 press conference!

Last year Microsoft admitted that exclusive games were thin on the ground, so what does it have to show for it at E3 2018? (Well, beside no Crackdown 3?) Rumors suggest we could see more Forza Horizon and Gears of War news -- and hey, let's not discount the chance of a Halo appearance.

The big show kicks off at 1PM PT / 4PM ET later today. Join us for liveblog coverage!



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News:: Come watch Xbox's E3 2018 press conference with us!

Xbox can't possibly have as big of an E3 as it did in 2017. Last year, Project Scorpio (remember, the Xbox One X wasn't even named yet) was the most anticipated news item out of all three console platform-holders' line-ups. Hardware has that effect.

This year, it's not likely that Xbox will have anything new as far as hardware goes, so its software will need to carry the show. It seems as if Microsoft will lean heavily on its established properties, as it has for the several past years. There are credible-seeming rumors that we'll get proper reveals for Halo 6 and Forza Horizon 4.

However, it's Gears of War that's most interesting. There are reports that Microsoft might reveal three Gears of War titles. Three! The obvious one is Gears of War 5. The others are said to be a real-time strategy game a la Halo Wars and some sort of battle royale experience.

The big three properties are all well and good, but can we expect more first-party stuff? Now that Sea of Thieves and State of Decay 2 have released, Crackdown 3 and the new Ori title are the only Microsoft Studios games we know about. It seems like it's time we hear more on that front. And, if not, Xbox will probably look to lock down more console exclusives like it did with PUBG; that move certainly seems to have worked out fantastically.

Join us as we watch the future of Xbox take shape over the next two hours. It starts at 1pm Pacific, 30 minutes from when this post goes live. Let's hear your reactions in the comments below.

(Also, here's a link to the week's press conference schedule so you always know which publisher is up next.)

Come watch Xbox's E3 2018 press conference with us! screenshot



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