Report: Forza Horizon 4 On Xbox Series X Includes 4K, 60FPS, And Slim Load Times

Developer Playground Games for the last couple of months has been reported to be working on an Xbox Series X|S version for 2018’s Forza Horizon 4. The discovery comes after learning of the firm’s separate endeavor which took place back in July as Xbox Game Studios revealed Playground Games to be leading development for the reboot of Lionhead Studios’ Fable. Given that the title is still months away projected to release in 2021, the team is still occupied with the next-generation game. But while fans wait, those picking up an Xbox Series X|S can return to Forza Horizon 4 with new optimizations for the game. According to Full Throttle Media, the game is being co-developed with Playground Games and Panic Button. In the hands-on impression from the outlet, it is told that Xbox Series X owners, at least, can expect the game to offer 4K resolution with 60 frames per second performance. On Xbox Series S, it is told framerate will be indifferent as resolution is to reach regular high definition – 1080p. On Xbox Series X, the game operates at native 4K resolution locked to 60FPS with all the visual bells and whistles you’d expect from the PC version. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series S drops the resolution to 1080p whilst maintaining that 60FPS lock. Considering the price of the all-digital console, it’s an impressive feat and although I haven’t tested the game on Xbox Series S, it should be ideal for those who are still playing on a Full HD display. Alan Walsh, Full Throttle Media Founder Unlike on Xbox One X, players on the new console can find the game running on the ultra settings from PC for Forza Horizon 4. Additionally, Full Throttle Media also frames the game to offer “almost non-existent” load times either when the game is booting up, fast traveling, swapping cars, or starting a race. This is also applied to the Quick Resume feature unique to Xbox Series X. The racing title is not the only release receiving enhancements on newer hardware. Developer Rare in a new blog post today disclosed that Sea of Thieves is to inherit 4K resolution output and 60 frames per second support when the new consoles ship later this month. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you returning to Forza Horizon 4 on Xbox Series X|S? Forza Horizon 4 will be available on Xbox Series X|S on November 10, 2020; out now for Xbox One and PC. Source: Full Throttle Media

Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order To Greet Xbox Game Pass Ultimate & EA Play Owners On November 10

This coming November 15th will mark the full first year since the release of Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Following the juggernaut release of the game atop of glowing reception and the exceeding performance of the game in sales, it is presumed that the game would continue onward through Electronic Arts’ subscription program EA Access. However, the game did not arrive. While titles such as Rocket Arena was welcomed to then-labeled EA Access Vault already this past July, the question continued to linger regarding the title starring Cameron Monaghan. Some understand that the game would be added much later due to the success as Electronic Arts would prefer to profit on the reputation before making the call. And though that is certainly undetermined still, the firm today announced to finally add the game. Months after the rebranding of EA Access to EA Play, Electronic Arts shares that Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order will be arriving to The Play List on November 10. In addition to that, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate users can also reap the benefit as well. That is due to EA Play also being a perk for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate – which will be granted on November 10 also. This also suggest the game will be available on Xbox Series X|S: while Electronic Arts pressed on cross-gen enhancements, Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order was not mentioned. In regards to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, developer Respawn Entertainment is reported to already be developing the sequel for the top seller. While much detail has yet to be elaborated on the follow-up, the game is projected to release sometime in 2022 ahead of the expiration of the publishing deal between Electronic Arts and LucasArts. While it is certain the second installment will arrive in time later on, it is currently uncertain regarding more entries. In the same report, Respawn Entertainment is said to be pursing a trilogy for the Star Wars: Jedi franchise, but if the license is not renewed, then the series might not be a complete story. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to play Kal Cestis’ story later on this month? Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC. Source: Electronic Arts.

Electronic Arts Covers Next-Gen Details For Apex Legends, FIFA, Madden, And More

When quickly glancing to your calendar, it instantly snaps that the next-generation of console hardware is upon us as Xbox Series X|S alongside PlayStation 5 is just a week away if less. And regardless if you confirmed your pre-order on a console or not, these system are prepared to ship globally. Alongside that, games that are to be compatible on both platforms are also being primed for launch as well. For major publishers, a new initiative has taken priority for its consumers: cross-generational purchases. In that sense, layers will not be required to repurchase a game if already acquired on older hardware. Additionally, players returning to their favorite games on the new devices will also face enhancements based on the hardware. According to publisher Electronic Arts, the firm has eight games that are primed for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 with upgrades only offered from the respected console. You can read the full list of games and details below: Apex Legends PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: 1440p support (more enhancements to follow in a update arriving in 2021). FIFA 21 PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: improved load times and increased framerates (more details to be shared closer to the next-gen release). Operates in similarity to current-generation upgraded consoles – Xbox Series X to Xbox One X; Xbox Series S to Xbox One S; PlayStation 5 to PlayStation 4 Pro. Madden 21 PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: improved load times and increased framerates (more details to be shared closer to the next-gen release). Operates in similarity to current-generation upgraded consoles – Xbox Series X to Xbox One X; Xbox Series S to Xbox One S; PlayStation 5 to PlayStation 4 Pro. Need for Speed Hot Pursuit Remastered PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: operates in similarity to current-generation upgraded consoles – Xbox Series X to Xbox One X; Xbox Series S to Xbox One S; PlayStation 5 to PlayStation 4 Pro. NHL 21 PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: improved load times and increased framerates. Operates in similarity to current-generation upgraded consoles – Xbox Series X to Xbox One X; Xbox Series S to Xbox One S; PlayStation 5 to PlayStation 4 Pro. Star Wars Squadrons PlayStation 5: improved lighting with performance and resolution matching PlayStation 4 Pro Xbox Series X|S: improved lighting, targeting 4k/60 FPS on Xbox Series X and 1440p/60 FPS on Xbox Series S. The Sims 4 PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: improved load times and increased framerates with base game and all expansions included. UFC 4 PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S: improved load times and increased framerates (more details to be shared closer to the next-gen release). operates in similarity to current-generation upgraded consoles – Xbox Series X to Xbox One X; Xbox Series S to Xbox One S; PlayStation 5 to PlayStation 4 Pro. Elsewhere recently, Ubisoft unveiled its list of next-generation enhancements for the publisher’s lineup of titles. Those include Watch Dogs: Legion, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, and Riders Republic. You can read the full report by heading here. What EA titles are you revisiting on next-gen hardware? Source: Electronic Arts

Rare Offers Insight On Sea Of Thieves And The Upgrades To Come On Xbox Series X|S

For those that recall to the early fragments of 2020, there was plenty of uncertainty as to what the Xbox Series X and then-codenamed Project Lockhart would offer in the tense of performance. For that matter, the same can also be said for content as well in regards to first-party software. But while that question is still left unanswered even today, it is confirmed that a handful of unique properties will be receiving next=gen upgrades for the new hardware. Among those, developer Rare told that Sea of Thieves will be among the dozens that expected to receive new console enhancements. While Smart Delivery is one program that is emphasized to bridge generations with next-generation benefits, Sea of Thieves was one of the few at the time to be branded for the Xbox Series X. Now in a new blog post, the U.K. team returns to truly define what is included in the bundle for Sea of Thieves on Xbox Series X|S. Among the broader details to be offered on Xbox Game Pass for the new consoles, Rare goes to elaborate on the features only found on the new systems. The first thing you’ll notice is how it looks: next-gen console players will experience the beauty of our pirate paradise like never before when they experience it running at 60 frames per second in full 4K definition on the Xbox Series X, and 60 frames per second in 1080p on the Xbox Series S. Then there are the performance improvements: the greater processing power of both new consoles will lead to significantly reduced load times, helping players get into the action (and back into the action after sinking or visiting the Ferry of the Damned) much more quickly. Joe Neate, Sea of Thieves Executive Producer Alike on Xbox One and PC, cross-platform play will also be activated for Sea of Thieves when the game arrives to Xbox Series X|S. Noted, that includes Xbox, Windows 10, and Steam versions of the game. Of course, the next-generation of Xbox is not where Sea of Thieves meets its end. On the contrary, more updates are presumed to unravel for the title well after the Xbox Series X|S ship. Most recently, the Vault of the Ancients Update launched for Sea of Thieves which included new gold-seeking adventures and canine companions. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you returning to Sea of Thieves on Xbox Series X|S? Sea of Thieves breaks land for Xbox Series X|S on November 10, 2020; out now for Xbox One and PC. Source: Rare

Bluepoint Games Showcases Character Creator And Photo Mode For PlayStation 5’s Demon’s Souls

As we inch closer to the release of the next-generation consoles, specifically the PlayStation 5, newer information on the featured titles exclusive to the system are unveiled. One of the most anticipated releases Sony’s device is Demon’s Souls: a complete remake of the same-named 2008 PlayStation 3 title before the beloved Dark Souls series conjured by FromSoftware. In a new stream of details for the approaching launch title, Bluepoint Games that is responsible for the remake’s development spares new information on Demon’s Souls. In the blog post, the studio elaborates primarily on the character customization and the photo mode that will be included in the full, retail release of the game. In contrast to the PlayStation 3 version, Demon’s Souls is told to feature more options that expands possibilities for the player. Regardless of the player’s muscle structure, sex, or race, the ability to change the appearance is available for all users to create unique persona when playing Demon’s Souls. With this new character creator, you will be able to customize your appearance with up to 16 million permutations. We’ve added many more customization options than you’ll remember from the PS3 game, and also worked hard to ensure there is a satisfying variety possible for those who wish to tinker with every slider. Play as yourself, or who you want to be. Here are just a few of the many possible combinations. Gavin Moore, Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios External Development Creative Director As for the in-house photo mode, players can find an arrangement of features like zoom, filters, and scaling for every composition. Either to capture an exciting scene or for players to pose in a cool locale, variety is available for every photo taken. Outside of taking pictures, players can also use the filters to change the scenery of the game and even alter the atmosphere of the experience – similar to The Last of Us Part II. Previously, Sony listed Demon’s Souls on the PlayStation Store. Dissecting the page reveals that the next-generation title will cost players approximately 66 GB on PlayStation 5. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to dabble with these features when Demon’s Souls launches? Demon’s Souls is scheduled to ship on November 12, 2020 and November 19, 2020 for PlayStation 5. Source: PlayStation Blog

Rogue Company Teases New Rogue Fixer Alongside Xbox Series X|S Version Coming On November 10

Over a month ago, developer First Watch Games and publisher Hi-Rez Studios gave the green light for Rogue Company to go into open beta. After several months of closed testing, the two firms were confident in the game’s current performance for public playtesting to commence. As part of the floodgates opening, a new Rogue Dahlia was introduced for old and new players to experience when the game is available to the masses. Of course, now that the game has settled on current console platforms alongside Nintendo Switch and PC, there should be suspicion that the game will be shipping for next-generation systems as well. And you’re right to speculate that: Hi-Rez Studios unveiled Rogue Company will be arriving to Xbox Series X|S on launch day – November 10. In addition to the first net-generation version of Rogue Company being announced, First Watch Games also teases a new Rogue to debut for the freshest hardware to hit the market. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Running at native 4k@120 fps on Series X and 1440@120 fps on Series S, this free-to-play game also features full cross-play and cross-save with Switch, PS4, Xbox One and PC,” the press release reads regarding the Xbox Series X|S version. Additionally, it should be noted that Rogue Company is already a multiplatform release. So it is suggested that there will be a PlayStation 5 release on the horizon as well – most likely when the system hits store shelves on November 12 this month. Even more, the same enhancements are expected to also be applicable for the device also. Following Rogue Company going live on all currently supported platforms, Hi-Rez Studios’ CEO Stewart Chisam revealed that the title became the most installed played client of the firm’s library – even topping Smite & Paladins. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to hit up Rogue Company on the next-generation consoles? Rogue Company is coming to Xbox Series X|S on November 10, 2020; out now for Nintendo Switch, PC, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.

Listed Enhancements For Days Gone On PlayStation 5 Includes 4K & 60 FPS Support, Bend Studio Shares

As of currently reporting, Bend Studio’s Days Gone is still unique to PlayStation 4. While other massive entries from Sony Interactive Entertainment’s repertoire of published releases arrived to PC – like Death Stranding or Horizon Zero Dawn – the same cannot be said for the 2019-released project. However, there were reports of the game being shipped for the platform earlier this year. But alike with several reports on Amazon France alongside the addition of Persona 5 and Bloodborne potentially coming to PC from the then-surfaced listings, it was later clarified that the findings were fraudulent. But despite Days Gone being available only on PlayStation 4, the game is available via the backwards compatibility program for PlayStation 5. So, of course, with the game being access on the newer hardware there will be certain attributes to perform better on the next-generation system. On Twitter, Bend Studio shares that Days Gone will be available to support 4K resolution alongside 60 frames per second performance on PlayStation 5. While the new margin for the PlayStation 4 is certainly nothing new as many other first-party entries are told to also do the same, it is exciting regardless to experience the title with all the bells and whistles coming this month. Bend Studio does emphasize that save transfers from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 will be supported which is appreciated. On the matter of cross-generational saving for PlayStation, Sony does clarify the feature is only decided based on the developer. Hideaki Nishino, Senior Vice President of Platform Planning & Management stated that support will very ultimately based on the decision of the respected studio. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning on playing Days Gone on PlayStation 5? Days Gone is currently available on PlayStation 4.

EA Motive Is Working On A New Game, But Denounces Claims Of Being A New Star Wars Title

Just this past month in October, developer EA Motive officially shipped Star Wars Squadrons. While a basic flight commando release at the foundation, the game does show to be a love letter to fans of the classic 1993 X-Wing or 1998 Rogue Squadron 3D looking for a new fix. But despite the enthusiastic release from many, the game does not look to be making much of an impression during its post-launch. Speaking with UploadVR previously, EA Motive shared that any post-launch add-ons or expansions are not part of the plan for Star Wars Squadrons. The studio feels that game does not require additional content as EA Motive pledges not to treat the game as a live service. Which leaves room to suggest the firm is working on a new game. Following that, claims began to surface reporting the Montreal team is busy with a new Star Wars project. But the claims only being based on speculation, the developer came to the surface to disclose the reports to be inaccurate. However, the studio does share there is a game underway, but not a part of the Star Wars franchise. The news certainly come as a surprise when referencing the studio’s development library. Only two projects both within the Star Wars plethora, it does conjure what the firm could be underway with now. It was reported until January 2019 that the codenamed Ragtag Star Wars game would be no longer from EA Motive. The title then was framed to be an open-world experience which was birthed from inspiration of the previously canned Star Wars 1313. For certain, this also does look to show less likeliness of another rumored Star Wars game currently being spoken of through the grapevine – Star Wars: Force Unleashed 3. Recently, claims circulated suggesting the game is in active development after a decade long hiatus since the sequel. But now EA Motive sharing not to be involved with any Star Wars-related projects, this draws the question to the legitimacy of the rumor. You can read the full report by heading here. What do you hope to see come from EA Motive next?

Next-Gen Consoles Require More Hard Drive Space To Play Call Of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, Activision Reveals

While November means the long-awaited arrival of the next-generation consoles from both Microsoft and Sony, it also means that the annual installment for Call of Duty is also on the calendar as well. Next Friday, developer Treyarch and publisher Activision plans to ship Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and in anticipation for the title’s release, the two gives fans some hindsight in preparation for the game. In that, the largest concern for most games to the degree of Call of Duty and other AAA, big budget release is the actual file size of the title. Treyarch recently just spilled the beans on what PC users can expect the game to be – 50 GB at the lowest and 250 GB at the highest – and now console users can get a good understanding too. With certain platforms are primed for more enhancements based on the stronger hardware, the space requirement will differ, of course. And Treyarch embodies that revealing next-generation versions ask for more in contrast to its current-gen counterparts. You can view the full list below: PlayStation 4: 95 GB PlayStation 5: 133 GB Xbox One: 93 GB Xbox Series X|S: 136 GB In addition to that, pro-loading for platforms has been shared as well. PlayStation 4 and Xbox One can begin starting today on November 5. As for the next-generation systems, expect pre-loading available on the respected day of release: Xbox Series X|S for November 10 and PlayStation 5 on November 12. Overall, there are some elements only unique to next-generation consoles for Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War. Of course, higher resolution output and greater performance. One noted attribute is that the game will be among the first to ask for $70 coming this new console lifecycle. You can read the full report by heading here. What platform are you getting Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War for? Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War launches on November 13, 2020 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and PC. Source: Activision

Coming Update For Friday The 13th: The Game Shuts Down Dedicated Servers, Gun Media Reveals

While an ambitious attempt for developer Gun Media to reincarnate Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13th franchise into an expansive online experience, the title unfortunately met a legal barrier not too long after the game began to make noise. In that, due to the licensing confusion between Jason Voorhees and the Friday the 13th brand, Gun Media was met with a halt in development refraining the team to even add new assets to the game. Despite that, the team did share that players are still free to play and can expect for online interactivity to continue forward. Gun Media shared that dedicated servers will be established so avid players can continue to return and play the game without worrying about the game going away. But after that roughly two years later, now dedicated servers are being pulled. In a new blog post on the Friday the 13th forums, Gun Media announces that the coming update for the game will remove dedicated servers from the game. However, the action does not refrain players from continuing to play the game, the team tells. Dedicated Servers for Friday the 13th: The Game will be decommissioned in the upcoming patch, set to roll out this month, November 2020. What this means is that the game will revert back to peer to peer matchmaking for Quick Play lobbies. The Database Servers, however, will stay active and continue to house all player progression and unlocks, so users can continue to play Friday the 13th: The Game via peer to peer Quick Play and Private Matches. Matt Shotcha, Friday The 13th Lead Community Developer For the game’s online presence, Gun Media elaborates that it will be severing any miscellaneous domains and to only use general social media accounts to relay important announcement. Additionally, Friday the 13th will still be available to purchase on respected platform storefronts alongside dedicated troubleshooting on JasonKillsBugs.com. While Friday the 13th is left in purgatory due to legal obstacles, there could be related titles to come to fruition in the coming future. According to Producer Victor Miller for the film franchise, new projects are currently in discussion for the brand. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you still play Friday the 13th? Friday the 13th is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Gun Media