Sea of Thieves' New Mode Brings Competitive PvP Arena To The Game
Sea of Thieves, the pirate game developed by Rare, is getting a new player versus player mode called The Arena in 2019. Announced during X018, the Xbox fan event being held in Mexico City, the mode was billed as a way for players to "test their pirating skills in fast-paced matches against rival crews."
Rare is promising matches that are a "fun, frenetic and action-packed race to find treasure that brings together all the most exciting elements of Sea of Thieves." On top of this, The Arena will also introduce a brand new-tavern area and a Trading Company called the "Sea Dogs." This outfit will provide players with new goals to achieve, rewards to unlock, and fresh opportunities to build their pirate legend.
During the stream, developers Rare studio head Craig Duncan and executive producer Joe Neate came on stage to talk about The Arena. According to Neate, The Arena will be a distinct mode that is selected from a menu. The studio is currently testing it internally and will then give access to it to some of its community to refine. The launch date is currently set as "early 2019" and it will be a free update.
Sea of Thieves originally launched in March, 2018. In GameSpot's Sea of Thieves review, Peter Brown said it was "a somewhat hollow game that can be fun for a handful of hours when played with friends, and something worth trying out if you happen to be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber.
"Even though it's hard to wholeheartedly recommend, I like enough of what I see to hold out hope that things will eventually improve as the game continues to be patched and updated with new content," he added.
The last major update for Sea of Thieves update introduced Cargo Runs, which could be completed to improve your standing with the Merchant Alliance. These missions asked players to find specific cargo in question, acquire it--using any means necessary--and then drop it off at a destination point. Performance is evaluated based on speed and how well the goods were handled, so it's a matter of being fast but careful.
Rare has also launched Forsaken Shores, an expansion that opens up a volcanic region of the map that players can sail to and explore to complete challenges. Before that, there was the Hungering Deep and Cursed Sails add-on.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-11-2018, 11:29 AM - Forum: Lounge
- No Replies
Ori And The Will Of The Wisps Coming To Xbox Game Pass At Launch
Microsoft has announced that Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the sequel to acclaimed Xbox 360 titles Ori and the Blind Forest, will be available to Xbox Game Pass subscribers when the game launches in 2019. Those that have an active membership for the Microsoft service will be able to play the game at no additional cost.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps was first announced at E3 2018 and, as expected, the debut trailer showcased its beautiful, whimsical art style, as well as some of the tricky platforming gameplay that made the first game so compelling. As of yet, Ori and the Will of the Wisps doesn't have a specific release date, but developer Moon Studios is targeting 2019.
This announcement was made during X018, a fan event celebrating all things Xbox. During the show, Microsoft also confirmed that Ori and the Blind Forest is making its way to Xbox Game Pass in December, so you can play the first game in the series ahead of the sequel's launch.
For those that aren't subscribed to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft is offering a discount from now through January 3. During this period, membership will be available for $1 during for the first month. Xbox Live Gold subscriptions will also be discounted to $1 for the first month, so with both you'll be set up to download a variety of games and take them online. This is a good deal if you've had your eye on Forza Horizon 4 or State of Decay 2, which are two multiplayer titles released recently.
Ori and the Blind Forest launched in March, 2015. In his review, Kevin VanOrd awarded it a 9/10. "It's important, however, not to mistake Ori and the Blind Forest for being simply beautiful," he said. "It certainly is--but it is also unceasingly clever. It consistently surprises you with new tricks: gravitational divergences, new ways to move through its spaces, and carefully designed levels that require you to think quickly and respond.
"It is not as snappy as, say, a typical Mario platformer, seeking instead a broader gameplay arc stretching across a single, interconnected world. It's a superb and thematically consistent approach that allows Ori and the Blind Forest to build joy on a bed of heartache, adding a new layer of mechanical complexity with each ray of hope." Read the full Ori and the Blind Forest review for an in-depth analysis of it.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-11-2018, 11:29 AM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
Check out this year’s Black Friday deals from Microsoft and partners
Black Friday deals from Microsoft Store and our partners starting Saturday, November 10. Give wonder this holiday season with savings on Surface, Windows 10 PCs, Xbox One and more.
When I think back on a lifetime of giving holidays, I don’t always remember the exact presents or the pattern of the wrapping paper. What I recall clearly, though, is that smile, that laugh of someone unwrapping the perfect gift. For me – and from me – those gifts often had technology at the center, whether it was the latest gaming console I always wanted growing up, the perfect PC for my kids or the sold-out fitness wearable for my wife. Unwrapping a gift of technology always seems to generate a happy dance.
For this holiday season and one of my favorite times of year, I’m looking forward to celebrating with my family and loved ones, and to giving more than just gifts. I’m hoping to share new moments of wonder with others and look back on them fondly, years from now.
This year Microsoft Store and our partners have some great options to give wonder with Black Friday deals for today’s digital lifestyle – from Xbox One bundles to the Surface family and Windows 10 PCs. Select deals will be available across regions, and pricing and timing may vary. Check out the full list of savings here.
Save up to $330 on Surface
Give inspiration with a new Surface this holiday and see, feel and hear the difference. Imagine what they’ll create with the Surface family: the better than ever, ultra-light Surface Pro 6 delivers even more speed and performance, the Surface Laptop is the ultimate in power and design, while the small, strong Surface Go is always adventure-ready.
Save up to $100 on Xbox One, Get Xbox Game Pass for $1
Give thrills this season for the gamer on your list with Xbox’s biggest Black Friday sale ever. With deals on Xbox consoles, accessories, Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Live Gold and must-have games, including the lowest price ever for Xbox One X at $399.99, there’s something for everyone.
Save Up to $740 on Windows 10 PCs
Give possibility with a Windows 10 PC and bring home gifts for work and play. Devices powered by Windows 10 provide you with all the latest features, and help you make the most of your time across work, home and anywhere in between.
Nov. 10-30: Get $120 off the MSI GL63 8RE-629 NewEgg.com and save up to $100 off the MSI GV62 8RD-200 on Amazon.com
Nov. 18-26: Get $400 off when you purchase the Odyssey Z ($1799.99) and the HMD Odyssey+ ($499.99) together on Samsung.com for just $1,899.99
Nov. 18-30: Save $150 on the Huawei Matebook X Pro at the Microsoft Store and get $30 off the Huawei MateBook D 14 on Amazon.com
Nov. 22-24: Get $200 off the Acer Nitro 5 Nov. 21-26 at BestBuy.com
Nov 22-Dec.1: Save up to $100 on the Asus ZenBook 13 (UX331) at Amazon.com and get the Asus VivoBook Flip 14 (TP412) for only $399 at Walmart.com.
Starting Nov. 22: Don’t miss great Black Friday deals from HP.com where you can save up to $740 on select ENVY, Pavilion, OMEN and Spectre PCs
Starting Nov. 23: Buy the Lenovo X1 Carbon for just $899.99 while supplies last
Additional Black Friday deals include:
Microsoft Store, whether shopping online, in a physical store, or through an Xbox or Windows 10 device, is the best destination for your holiday shopping. From getting tech recommendations from store associates, finding a standout gift at any price, trying out the latest devices, picking up a purchase you made online, or getting free shipping and returns for online purchases – Microsoft Store has you covered. Happy shopping!
*Select deals are available across markets. Timing and prices may vary by region. Visit your Microsoft Store location or online for more details on availability and pricing.
Offers valid for a limited time, while supplies last. Not valid on prior orders or purchases; cannot be transferred or otherwise redeemed for cash or coupon code(s). May not be combinable with other offers. Refunds will take into account the discount. Price discount does not include taxes, shipping or other fees. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. Microsoft reserves the right to modify or discontinue offers at any time. Other exclusions and limits may apply.
Earlier in the year we (finally) reviewed Carrier Battles 4 Quadacanal, a rare ‘serious’ iOS wargame that throws players into tWW2’s Pacific theatre, with gameplay and an aesthetic reminiscent of classic hex-and-counter wargames.
It’s a game that’s gone from strength to strength since releasing in 2016, and it recently went ‘Universal’ by being made available on iPhones. Now the game is making another big leap – Android!
Technically, it’s main focus is the jump to PC, but Carrier Battles latest Kickstarter seems to want to offer a wholly revamped experience across all platforms – PC, Android AND iOS. It’s going to have an improved AI, a new snazzy looking map, and you’ll even be able to play a Japanese campaign.
There will also be plenty of new scenarios plucked from the Pacific Theatre between 1941 – 44, including Wake Island and a new ‘What if’ campaign in the Hebrides.
We suggest checking out the Kickstarter page in full if you’re interested in supporting the game, and there’s also our review. At the time of writing, the project was at £4,300 out of a goal of £17,500, with 32 days to go.
OVERKILL?s The Walking Dead is a co-op first person shooter with elements of action, role-playing, survival horror and stealth, that invites players to explore the hugely popular The Walking Dead universe, where they will play the role of survivors fending for themselves in a post-apocalyptic world dominated by flesh-eating walkers. In 2016 Washington will fall ? what will you do?
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-11-2018, 05:29 AM - Forum: Lounge
- No Replies
Xbox One Backwards Compatibility Getting Three More Games Next Week
Microsoft announced even more backwards compatible games coming to the Xbox One at its X018 conference. On November 13, the service will add three more games: the full trilogy of Final Fantasy XIII titles with Xbox One X enhancements. Plus Civilization Revolution, which is already available via backwards compatibility, will be getting some Xbox One X upgrades as well.
The original Final Fantasy XIII was Square Enix's big tentpole title in its marquee franchise. For its two sequels--Final Fantasy XIII-2 and Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII--the studio focused more singularly on the central character of Lightning and blended in some action game mechanics. While FFXIII's narrative was built to stand alone, XIII-2 and Lightning Returns are part of a matched set, with a cliffhanger that neatly leads from one into the other.
Civilization Revolution took the sim aspects of the popular strategy series and simplified them for a more quick and casual experience. That helps the interface work a little better on consoles, but the game has hit tons of other platforms including mobile devices.
As always, once these go live on the service, if you already own these games you can insert the disc to start the download, or find the digital version in your Games section on the dashboard. The number of games on Xbox One is big and constantly growing, so check out our full list of backwards compatible games to see if any of your nostalgic favorites are already available.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-11-2018, 05:29 AM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
Everything the Xbox team announced at X018
This weekend, the Xbox community came together to take part in X018, a global celebration of all things Xbox filled with news, first looks, and plenty of surprises. More than 10,000 fans joined us at the fourth-annual Xbox FanFest: Mexico City to get a closer look at the future of Xbox through hands-on events and panels featuring members of Team Xbox, streamed live on Inside Xbox.
The big news of the day was the announcement that two game development studios with storied histories will join Microsoft Studios to create exclusive games for Xbox fans. Coupled with the five new studio partners we announced at E3, the future of Xbox exclusives is looking bright.
X018 showcased a lineup of upcoming titles with something for every gamer, including a first-look at Crackdown 3’s multiplayer mode, and new content from Just Cause 4, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2, and many more. What’s more, we’ve now got over 327 titles enhanced for Xbox One X, the world’s most powerful console. From exclusive blockbusters like Forza Horizon 4 to holiday standouts like Fallout 76, there’s no denying the biggest games of the holiday season play best on Xbox One.
Xbox also revealed deep console and game discounts for the holidays, as well as access to more than 100 games for one low monthly price through Xbox Game Pass – the best value in gaming. The team announced a number of awesome new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass soon, including hits like PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG).
So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at today’s big news:
Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment Join Microsoft Studios
As part of our commitment to bringing a steady stream of new, exclusive games to our fans, Matt Booty announced Microsoft’s intent to acquire two game development studios – Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment. The teams at Obsidian and inXile share a distinguished reputation for creating deep, engaging role-playing games. As part of Microsoft Studios, Obsidian and inXile will have the support and freedom to fully realize creative ambitions on both existing franchises and new projects. These two creative teams will continue to operate autonomously and bring their unique talents, IP and expertise to Microsoft Studios as they build new RPG experiences for our players and fans. You can learn more about Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment in our full announcement post here.
Crackdown 3 Announces Xbox Game Pass Launch on February 15 with Explosive Debut of Wrecking Zone Multiplayer
X018 provided a first look at the over-the-top antics and explosive gameplay of Crackdown 3’s Wrecking Zone, an all-new multiplayer mode where environmental destruction is your secret weapon to take down your enemies. Developed by Microsoft Studios in collaboration with Sumo Digital and Elbow Rocket, Crackdown 3 will bring super-powered Agents to New Providence, an action-packed open-world, to take down a criminal corporation using an explosive set of weapons and abilities. Step up your boom in the campaign on your own or with a friend to unleash cooperative mayhem when Crackdown 3 launches on February 15, 2019. Crackdown 3 is available at launch with Xbox Game Pass and globally on Xbox One and Windows 10.
As a special thanks to our fans, and to celebrate our X018 announcements, we will be offering the original Crackdown to all fans free of charge from now until November 30th. Experience the original now with Xbox One X enhancements. Head to the Microsoft Store now to get your copy!
The Hits Keep on Coming with Xbox Game Pass
Today, Microsoft announced the general availability of the Xbox Game Pass app on iOS and Android, enabling you to seamlessly browse and download new games to your home console via your mobile device, so you can quickly jump into gameplay the next time you turn on your Xbox One. We are also excited to continue to expand and diversify the Xbox Game Pass catalog by making the popular blockbuster title PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (PUBG) available to all members beginning on November 12. In addition, Thief of Thieves is officially available on Xbox One and in Xbox Game Pass starting today and we’re bringing Agents of Mayhem, MXGP3 and Thomas Was Alone to you starting on November 22.
We are also excited to bring unique gaming experiences like Ori and the Blind Forest, Kingdom Two Crowns and Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice to Xbox Game Pass this December and we announced additional new games from independent developers launching through the ID@Xbox program that will come to Xbox Game Pass the day they debut on Xbox One. Starting this holiday, this list includes Aftercharge, Supermarket Shriek, Mutant Year Zero, Pathologic 2, The Good Life, Void Bastards, and Secret Neighbor. Furthermore, we confirmed Ori and the Will of the Wisps will be available in Xbox Game Pass timed to its global release on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC in 2019.
And if all that isn’t enough to whet your Xbox Game Pass appetite, we also have an exciting offer you don’t want to miss. Starting today through January 3, you can sign up for Xbox Game Pass and receive your first full month for just $1. With a growing catalog of over 100 great games and new titles added every month, now has never been a better time to become an Xbox Game Pass member. Check out our full Xbox Game Pass post for complete details!
Xbox Delivers Its Biggest Black Friday Deals Ever
The holidays are almost here, and this year shoppers around the world will be able to give more as Xbox is back with our biggest Black Friday sale ever. Xbox is offering deep discounts up to $100 off select Xbox One consoles, bringing Xbox One X down to its lowest price ever starting at $399.99. But the savings don’t stop there. Can’t decide what gift to give to the gamer in your life this holiday? Give the gift of more than 100 titles, including access to Xbox exclusives the same day they launch, for one monthly price at an even better value with deals on Xbox Game Pass.
Score your first month of Xbox Game Pass for just $1. Because gaming is better together, we’re also offering a big discount on Xbox Live Gold that lets you get one month for just $1. And of course, it wouldn’t be Black Friday without discounts on your favorite Xbox games, so we’re offering savings on titles such as Forza Horizon 4, Sea of Thieves, State of Decay 2 and more. Check out the full Black Friday post for more details.
The Biggest Blockbuster Games Play Best on Xbox One
During today’s show, we shared looks at a number of new games coming to Xbox One, as well as updates on some fan favorites:
Take a Trip to Fortune Island in Forza Horizon 4
Ben Thaker-Fell, Chief Designer of the Forza Horizon series, announced the first expansion for Forza Horizon 4, “Fortune Island”, which will release on Dec. 13 on Xbox and Windows 10 PCs. “Fortune Island” takes players on an all-new adventure in the remote northern reaches of the British Isles, where they will encounter extreme conditions including fierce lightning storms, perilous cliffside dirt roads, and sweeping paved mountain switchbacks under the mystical glow of the aurora borealis in search of hidden treasure.
Forza Horizon 4 players will also be able to drive all five of Ken Block’s high-powered, custom-built Ford vehicles from the upcoming GymkhanaTEN, the 10th installment of the award-winning, Gymkhana viral video franchise. These rides began rolling out in Forza Horizon 4 earlier this month for Car Pass members with the release of the 1977 Ford GymkhanaTEN, F-150 Hoonitruck and the 1993 Ford Escort Cosworth Group A. Coming in November for all players are the 1965 Ford Hoonicorn Mustang V2 and the 2017 Ford Fiesta RS and arriving in December is the 2016 Ford GymkhanaTEN Focus RS RX.
Forza Horizon 4 “Fortune Island” will be available as part of the Forza Horizon 4 Expansions Bundle which provides players with two game expansions at a reduced cost of $34.99 . Owners of Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Edition and Forza Horizon 4 Ultimate Add-Ons Bundle will receive Fortune Island at no additional cost. Xbox Game Pass subscribers, who do not already own one of the bundles, are eligible for 10% off a bundle or 10% off an individual purchase of Fortune Island.
Minecraft Marketplace Gets Bigger and Better
Helen Chiang, Head of Minecraft, dropped in to talk about Minecraft’s record-breaking year – a new game announcement, releasing major vanilla game updates, and surpassing 91 million monthly players. On top of all of this, Helen shared insight into the ever-expanding Minecraft Marketplace, bringing Marketplace partner PixelHeads along with her. PixelHeads, one of the most popular official Minecraft partner teams, stopped by to talk about their creations and how they got their start in game development and the Marketplace. During the show, the Minecraft team was proud to announce that the Marketplace has reached 77 partners who have driven more than 13 million purchases for their creations since it launched last June! Viewers also got a very special look at the history behind Cats and Pandas in Minecraft, which will release next month.
Battle Rival Crews in The Arena in Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves is changing in a big way with its fifth free content update since launch, ‘The Arena.’ Releasing in early 2019, ‘The Arena’ is an all-new competitive game mode that allows players to test their pirating skills in fast-paced matches against rival crews. Each match is a fun, frenetic and action-packed race to find treasure that brings together all the most exciting elements of Sea of Thieves – on demand. ‘The Arena’ also includes a new-tavern area together with a new Trading Company – the Sea Dogs – which will offer new goals, rewards and opportunities to progress to Pirate Legend. Sea of Thieves is available on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Xbox Game Pass as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.
Unveiling the Zedhunter Pack in State of Decay 2
Today, we got a first look at the next content pack for State of Decay 2 launching November 16th, the Zedhunter Pack. This new pack adds the powerful and silent crossbow as a new zombie-slaying weapon along with additional melee weapons, facilities, blood plague consumables, and gameplay updates like the ability to respect your skills all into the main game. As part of our continued commitment to supporting the four million players in the State of Decay 2 community, Zedhunter will be free for all players – owners of either Standard or Ultimate Edition along with Xbox Game Pass members. Looking forward, we also announced that we are working on a more challenging player experience coming in 2019. Stay tuned for additional details on this difficulty setting and more.
Shoot Your Way to Safety in Void Bastards
Premiered during Inside Xbox and inspired by BioShock and System Shock 2, Void Bastards is a revolutionary new strategy-shooter that will test your wits as well as exercise your aim coming to Xbox as a console launch exclusive. Can you lead the misfit prisoners of the Void Ark through the derelict spaceships and myriad dangers of the Sargasso Nebula? Will you make the right choices about what to do, where to go and when to fight? Master combat, manage ship controls, scavenge supplies, craft improvised tools and much more! Void Bastards will also come to Xbox Game Pass coinciding with its launch on Xbox One.
Battlefield V
A trailer was debuted highlighting the Xbox One X enhancements for the highly-anticipated title, “Battlefield V,” coming from Electronic Arts and DICE. Featuring 4K Ultra HD and HDR support on Xbox One X, leading to enhanced visuals allowing you to lead your squad to victory in the highest fidelity Battlefield title ever. It’s the best looking console experience launching worldwide on November 20, but EA Access members can jump in to the Battlefield V Play First Trial beginning November 9.
Our First Look at Devil May Cry 5’s ‘Void Mode’
Devil May Cry 5 producer Matt Walker joined director Hideaki Itsuno from Capcom’s head office in the vibrant city of Osaka to show off the rich culture of the city and share how the team draws from their surroundings. Itsuno provided insight into how Capcom’s action games are influenced by the Osaka area, before giving Inside Xbox a first look at the comprehensive training mode he’s created for Devil May Cry 5 – dubbed ‘The Void’. As a first for Xbox fans, Itsuno gave a personal tour of Nero’s Devil Breakers, including the bonus Devil Breakers available in the Deluxe Edition content of Devil May Cry 5.
Two Highly Anticipated Fighters Join the Jump Force Roster
Bandai Namco gives Inside Xbox an exclusive first look at some never-before seen special moves of two of the most anticipated characters slated to appear in Jump Force. Bandai Namco Entertainment America’s LATAM Community Manager Diego Paramio will give us a play-by-play to accompany the world debut of the Awakening Transformations of two legendary Dragon Ball characters that will be playable in Jump Force: SSGSS Vegeta and Golden Frieza! This is the first time fans will be able to see these two highly anticipated characters going into their respective super-powered modes and showing off their mightiest special moves!
As another special treat, Bandai Namco also premiered the first footage of SSGSS Goku in action in Jump Force! You won’t want to miss it!
Just Cause 4 Brings the Thunder
The new Just Cause 4 CGI cinematic trailer sums up the blockbuster action Just Cause 4 delivers. Rico Rodriguez faces his biggest challenge yet in Solís, leading the Army of Chaos against the ruthless Gabriela Morales. Just Cause 4 is the biggest, most varied and creative Just Cause ever. Everything you love about the series is back and beefed up: insane physics, unmatched levels of destruction and the player’s trademark parachute, wingsuit and grapple. This December, Just Cause 4 brings the thunder on Xbox One and Xbox One X.
A Familiar Face Comes to Kingdom Hearts III
KINGDOM HEARTS III revealed the return of Winnie the Pooh in a brand new trailer at the Microsoft Fan Fest in Mexico City! The trailer also revealed ominous hints of Master Xehanort and Organization XIII’s nefarious activities. Sora, Donald, Goofy as well as many other Disney and Pixar heroes (like from Big Hero 6, Tangled, and Pirates of the Caribbean and more) will need to stand strong together and fight to save the light from the impending darkness. Attendees were able to play a demo that featured segments from the Hercules and Toy Story worlds. KINGDOM HEARTS III comes out January 29, 2019.
A Closer Look at The Forge in Shadow of the Tomb Raider
You may have already experienced Lara Croft’s defining moment, but Shadow of the Tomb Raider continues with The Forge – the first of seven, monthly DLC adventures. Join Narrative Director Jason Dozois and Senior Associate Producer Jo Dahan as they take Lara and her newfound friend, Abi on a co-op journey through the fiery tower of The Forge on Inside Xbox.
The Xbox One Backward Compatibility Catalog Continues to Grow
Today, we shared that on November 13, four, new Backward Compatible titles will be getting enhanced for Xbox One X. Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2 and LIGHTNING RETURNS: Final Fantasy XIII will be entirely new to the Back Compat catalog, while Civilization Revolution will be receiving an (Xbox One X Enhanced) update to take advantage of the world’s most powerful console. To date, gamers have enjoyed playing well over 1 billion hours of Backward Compatible games and we look forward to continuing to grow the collection including more than 500 Xbox 360 games, 25 Xbox One X Enhanced Xbox 360 titles, and 32 Original Xbox classics.
Play Your Way with Mouse and Keyboard Support
Support for mouse and keyboard input on Xbox One will arrive next week, with select titles enabled at launch for Insiders and even more coming. On today’s IX episode, Epic detailed how Fortnite will be one of the first titles to offer mouse and keyboard input alongside previously announced Warframe in today’s update, with Bomber Crew, Deep Rock Galactic, Strange Brigade, Vermintide 2, War Thunder and X-Morph Defense adding support in November, and Children of Morta, DayZ, Minion Master, Moonlighter, Vigor, Warface, and Wargroove adding support in the future. When the update launches next week, all developers will have the tools they need to create tailored mouse and keyboard experiences for their games as they see fit to ensure a fair and fun experience for fans.
Additionally, we shared that the best mouse and keyboard experience on Xbox One will be available through Designed for Xbox mice and keyboards. These are created for living room or desktop scenarios, come equipped with a dedicated Xbox key, and support the new Xbox Dynamic Lighting feature – enabling immersive in-game lighting effects. Razer will be the exclusive partner to ship a Designed for Xbox mouse and keyboard and will formally introduce the product at CES in January.
The Xbox Adaptive Controller Launches Worldwide
We’re very proud to announce that the Xbox Adaptive Controller is launching in 17 new markets in 2019, including Mexico. New countries to offer the acclaimed controller include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hong Kong, Hungary, Israel, Japan, Slovakia, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Taiwan, Turkey and UAE. We’ll be bringing you more details on the worldwide launch of the Xbox Adaptive Controller soon.
#givewithXbox
We also announced #givewithXbox, a holiday-timed campaign from Xbox that aims to bring the joy of gaming to everyone. Beginning today and ending December 9, Xbox will donate $5 USD of Xbox products, up to $1 million, for every photo shared on social media about what gaming together means using the hashtag #givewithXbox. The donations will be split amongst four inspirational charities who help bring gaming to everyone: Child’s Play, Gamers Outreach, SpecialEffect and Operation Supply Drop. Xbox is committed more than ever to gaming for everyone and making Xbox a place where everyone has fun. So, jump in with Xbox to help even more people play this holiday season.
‘Winter of Arcade’ Returns this December
Last but not least, we’re thrilled to announce ‘Winter of Arcade’, where from December 6th to December 21st we will providing special incentives on select ID@Xbox titles to help you fill out your library. Tune into The Game Awards on December 6 live on Mixer for more info.
Welcome to Fortuna – Warframe’s biggest update ever. Explore the frigid landscape of Venus populated with new Corpus threats, subterranean mysteries and an ecosystem on the brink of destruction. #LiftTogether
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-11-2018, 03:11 AM - Forum: Lounge
- No Replies
Activision Blizzard’s revenues falter after Destiny 2 DLC ‘underperformed’
Activision Blizzard today released its financials for its third quarter ended September 30, stating that its results were better than predicted despite showing a decrease in total revenue and overall player engagement.
The company’s total revenues decreased roughly 7 percent to $1.51 billion, while net income was up 38 percent year-over-year to $260 million. It’s a bit of a slowdown for the company, which has reported robust earnings for the pasttwo quarters.
The decline in total revenues can be attributed in part to Destiny 2: Forsaken, which debuted in early September. The company’s revenues from console games and services dropped 34 percent year-over-year to $347 million, with the company adding that the recently-released Destiny 2 expansion isn’t performing as well as anticipated.
Activision Blizzard’s mobile revenue was also down 11 percent to $523 million, but balanced out partially by a 21 percent boost in PC revenues to $482 million.
The growth in Blizzard’s PC game earnings is driven largely by the launch of World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth back in August, which sold 3.4 million copies during its first day on shelves — a record for the franchise, the company noted.
Team Xbox Looks Back on Their Favorite ID@Xbox and Indie Game Memories
All of us here on Team Xbox are tremendous fans of the talent involved in the creation of games, especially those that come into the ID@Xbox program. From cartoon platformers to adventure games to strategy simulators, there’s a robust catalog of titles that deliver countless memories from those gaming worlds. It’s almost unfair that we can only share a few of those with you too, but we’ve taken some of our most memorable moments and captured them here in this feature. Enjoy.
Chris Charla – Senior Director of ID@Xbox
Having been part of ID@Xbox since the beginning, it’s extremely hard to pick one moment from the thousands of great moments and games and people involved with this program on both the Xbox and developer side. But if you made me pick just one, it would be E3 2015, when I was onstage, in the dark, watching Chad and Jared Moldenhauer introduce Cuphead. I knew how hard they were working, and I knew that after the teaser the year before, people were expecting a lot. I also know how much that trailer was going to blow everyone away. That moment when the StudioMDHR logo came up on stage, I got goosebumps like I never have before, and I just could not get the silly grin off my face watching that game own the stage at E3. There have been tons and tons and tons of other fantastic moments and games over the last five years, but that moment will always stay with me!
Phil Spencer – Head of Xbox
The game that comes to mind for me is Brothers. I have such a vivid memory of the first time I completed the game as there’s a key moment at the end in which the game mechanic is designed to reinforce the emotion I felt as a player. If you haven’t played it, Brothers is a cooperative, puzzle-based game where each thumbstick controls one of the two brothers on screen simultaneously. In the game, the brothers’ mother has died and their dad is sick and in need of medicine. The game is about the brothers’ quest to get medicine and by the end of the game, the older brother dies as well. As the story draws to a close, the younger brother is alone, trying to get back to his dad and to do so, he must swim across a stream. We learn early in the game that the younger brother does not swim. Until this moment in the game, he’s only crossed water on the back of his older brother.
So there I was, trying to finish the game, pausing and working to solve the puzzle of how to get the younger brother across the water without his older brother. And then the answer just came to me and when I tried it and it worked – it was spine tingling. I felt the loneliness and sadness of the young brother. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered a gameplay mechanic that evoked emotion in the way Brothers did for me and so many other players.
Ashley McKissick – Head of Xbox Game Pass
Four years ago, when my son was six-years-old, we spent our winter vacation playing Never Alone and exploring the Iñupiat culture together. It was the perfect game to play with my little one. The co-op nature meant that we had to work together, and the controls were so intuitive and well-crafted. The fact that, while playing through the adventure, we also got to learn about this special Alaskan Native community, made it even more special. I also just absolutely loved the art style in Never Alone, especially the environments, and I am so glad that ID@Xbox enabled us to discover this game. Playing this little gem will remain a fond holiday memory for my son and I.
Craig Duncan – Studio Head, Rare Games
I’ve enjoyed many incredible ID@Xbox games over the years but my favorite moment is quite a recent one while browsing the what’s new in Xbox Game Pass section there was a game called Manual Samuel. I hadn’t heard of it but was drawn to the art of a cartoon death holding a puppet and then spent the next few hours being pulled out of my gaming comfort zone doing what appeared to be normal everyday tasks; without spoiling the plot which everyone should experience spoiler free it made me smile throughout and laugh at some of the dialog and the crazy moments that poor Samuel had to navigate with appropriate well deserved achievements awarded throughout including probably the craziest driving achievement I have ever earned ? A really funny, enjoyable and unique little adventure.
Katie Stone Perez – Principal Program Manager, Mixer
The timer ends, you see the results, and my daughters jump up and cheer “We did it!” We have come together as a family and defeated the unbread. That’s my favorite ID@Xbox moment. My family loves playing games together and Overcooked 2 provides a great level of challenge but when we work together we can always be successful. Each level starts with us coming up with a plan and then the chaos ensues. The game has become an almost nightly ritual for us before bed and I love that we can have that moment of success that unites us as a family.
Jeff Rubenstein – Xbox Comms and Inside Xbox Host
I may not recall my daughter’s first word, or exactly when she took her first steps. Should we have saved a lock of hair from her first haircut? Yet I vividly remember her first Minecraft world, I showed her how to record her first PotG in Overwatch, and was sitting right next to her during her first Fortnite Victory Royale – the culmination of a carefully laid game education curriculum that began with… Chariot. Yes, Frima Games’ platformer has players dragging a king’s coffin to a more luxurious burial site to placate his demanding spirit (who berates you on your journey), but it’s colorful, kid-friendly, and teaches the mechanics of platforming and cooperative play. More importantly, it sparked a love of gaming and a father-daughter bonding activity that continues to this day. And that’s better than a pair of bronzed baby shoes any day.
Graeme Boyd – Xbox Live’s AceyBongos and Inside Xbox Host
The day I got married is one of the greatest days of my life. I am, of course, talking about Stardew Valley. My real wedding was pretty good too, I guess. But in Stardew Valley, getting married felt like the culmination of months of hard work and careful relationship building as I carved out my new life on the farm. It felt like acceptance.
That’s the funny thing about Stardew Valley – it starts out like a nice mash-up of Harvest Moon, Animal Crossing, and even Minecraft. But soon enough the rhythms of it – tending your crops, selling your goods, making new friends, exploring the town, the seasons rolling in and out – they get inside you. You feel part of something special. And for me, that experience was one of the most relaxing and fulfilling I’ve ever had in a video game. Stardew Valley became my happy place (I still have a map of the town next to my desk at work and I gaze longingly at it during stressful conference calls). Getting married made it even happier.
Oh, yeah. I got married to Leah. Obviously.
Will Tuttle – Editor in Chief of Xbox Wire
I’m a sucker for a great narrative and ID@Xbox has no shortage of amazing narrative-driven games, from the haunting family drama of the excellent What Remains of Edith Finch to the sci-fi horror of Soma. The best of these combine a compelling narrative with unique simple-but-complex gameplay. One of my favorite games of this generation, Thomas Was Aloneby Bithell Games, is a pitch-perfect example of that intoxicating blend. At first glance, the game looks like a straightforward, minimalistic platformer starring a group of quadrilateral shapes, but it quickly becomes clear that it’s much more.
Thanks to top-notch writing and some truly wonderful narration by British humorist Danny Wallace (who won a BAFTA for his performance), those little blocks become Thomas, Claire, Chris, John, and Laura. By combining those beautifully humanized shapes with some good old-fashioned puzzle platforming, Thomas Was Alone helped to push the medium forward in unexpectedly new ways.
Larry Hryb – Xbox Live’s Major Nelson and Inside Xbox Host
As a fan of film, music and obviously video games, I’ve long had an appreciation for content created and produced by independent studios. So, when I heard the ID@Xbox team was celebrating the release of their 1,000th indie title, I naturally considered some of my favorites and it was impossible not to think about Cuphead.
Cuphead is an absolute gem, featuring beautifully crafted visuals reminiscent of sound cartoons from the golden age of animation. The soundtrack is easily some of the best music you will hear in a video game, composed using live musicians playing jazz, early big band, and ragtime music, a favorite genre of mine. But Cuphead doesn’t just look and sound great, it plays great too. My colleagues may heckle me a bit as I praise Cuphead’s gameplay since I am admittedly “challenged” by some of the levels, but the game is just so much fun to play.
As great as Cuphead is though, the real magic of the game is with the number of subtle references (some might even call them Easter Eggs) seamlessly interwoven into the game. I heard mention of a Street Fighter reference when you battle the frogs Ribby and Croaks, and when I encountered that particular scene, it indeed appeared to be a clear tribute to Street Fighter.
Sure, there are the more obvious ones, like a building in the background named after the developers or the name of their studio appearing in different places. But when you dig a little deeper, you’ll discover a seemingly unending link to other cartoon characters, video games and real people including actors, musicians, artists, and cartoonists. It’s fascinating as you play the game when you recognize one of these subtle links and even more fascinating to think of all the hidden connections yet to be discovered.
