Microsoft Launches New Video Game Themes For Microsoft Edge And Its Out Now
While Microsoft’s drive is to continue to deliver its platform to systems outside of Xbox, like PC and now mobile, the games never break out of the formality of simply playing. Looking at other Microsoft entities, the firm does inject some Xbox DNA into other avenues like with its A.I. assistant, Cortana. But, there are more attempts for Microsoft to further its endeavors outside of traditional Xbox for gaming. In a new video issued earlier in January, Microsoft reveals themes are coming to its self-named browser, Microsoft Edge. With varying colors and other images to replace the background, Microsoft also welcomes over a handful of first-party themes for Microsoft Edge as well. You can read the full roster of gaming themes in the list below: Alpha Halo – HaloArrival – HaloFortune Island – Forza Horizon 4Gears x Luke Preece – Gears of WarGhosts of Reach – HaloGold Hoarder – Sea of ThievesGround War – GroundedHalo – HaloHaven – HaloHowl – Ori and the Will of the WispsMt. Fuji – Microsoft Flight SimulatorOcean Flight – Microsoft Flight SimulatorShallow’s Nest – Ori and the Will of the WispsShips of Fortune – Sea of ThievesSpirit Willow – Ori and the Will of the WispsSteampunk Omen – Gears TacticsThe Forest – Ori and the Will of the WispsThe Megalodon – Sea of ThievesThe Mist – Sea of ThievesTwilight Vista – Microsoft Flight SimulatorWinter Horizon – Forza Horizon 4 “Personalize Edge with themes that change the look and feel of your browser and the new tab page to create beautiful and immersive visual experiences,” the description wrote for the newly added themes. “Apply different themes to each profile to help you easily separate home, school, or work.” Microsoft goes on to disclose more themes are due to arrive at a later date – expecting even more gaming-oriented themes to also be included. You can view the current 25 themes available for download in by heading here. Which theme sparks you the most interested from the list?
Session Developer Crea-ture Studios Scores Publishing Deal With Nacon
While the wait seemed to be never arriving, Crea-ture Studios’ Session did eventually arrive to Xbox One. In June this past year, the skateboarding simulator entered Xbox Preview welcoming a new platform to Session. However, the game and the overall development for the title still remained to be a crowdfunded venture for the most part. While fans looking to fulfill its hunger for a new skateboarding title, Session happened to appear at the most desperate of times. For sure, the game is the most recognized releases since the longing drought for a new Skate game alongside entries like Skater XL, for example. But, financial stability and resources is a priority for Crea-ture Studios to properly work on Session to further improve the game’s experience leading forward. In a new blog post, the Canadian game studio reveals its new agreement with game publisher Nacon to officially publish Session. So over the last few years, several publishing companies have reached out to us and we thought none of them fit the Session brand until the team at Nacon reached out to us like a Tactical Ballistic Missile and blow us away with their passion, inspiration and a battle plan for Session we couldn’t ignore. This deal obviously means many positive things for us, the community and the Studio as a whole and beyond what we could ever hope for. Better licensing and branding integration, more localisation options, more platforms, and so on. As you can imagine, the team will grow and has already started to grow, which adds to a greater and faster development pace, grander objectives but more importantly, allowing us to fulfil the vision we always dreamt of for Session. More exciting news from Crea-ture Studios following the new publishing deal struck with Nacon, the team can pursue more ambitious pastures with Session and even aim for other systems as well. While the Canadian team is the dedicated studio for the PC version, it is presumed ILLOGIKA will then helm other platforms like PlayStation or Switch as it already does for Xbox. Even more, the team also teases that Update 0.0.0.6 is being prepared to ship for backers very soon. Additionally, the developer also reveals that Daewon Song, Mark Appleyard, Many Santiago, Billy Marks, and Antiferg are all receiving a playable character for Session in the coming future. Are you excited for the future of Session? Session is available now on PC and Xbox One; supported for Xbox Series X|S via backwards compatibility. Source: Crea-ture Studios
Gabe Newell Issues New Games Are Underway At Valve In New Interview
While Valve is most recognized for sitting behind the definitive PC video game storefront Steam, the firm in the past year returned to the earth realm and delivered a new game – Half-Life: Alyx. More than a decade since the release of Half-Life 2: Episode 2, the developer issued a prequel that takes place before the events of the second mainline installment. And after the reception of the virtual reality experience, Valve looks to be cashing in for more releases. After hitting store shelves, Half-Life: Alyx already surpassed 500K units sold. Even more, the concurrent player base was recorded to sit at 40,000 active users average in its first month of release. But now looking ahead, Valve is surely making a comeback as a developer says president Gabe Newell in a recent interview. Upon speaking with New Zealand’s 1 News, Newell shares the coming forecast for the Valve Corporation, but of course, leaves out the finer details as for its coming projects. We definitely have games in development that we’re going to be announcing. It’s fun to ship games. Alyx was great. To be back doing singleplayer games, that created a lot of momentum inside the company to do more of that. In the discussion between Newell and the news broadcasting network, he also comments on his experience on the release of Cyberpunk 2077. While he disclosed his time to be enjoyable on PC, Newell does show sympathy for CD Projekt Red in its situation. “I have a lot of sympathy with a situation that every game developer finds themselves in,” Newell interjects. Newell continues with one comment worth noting: “all I know is that there are a lot of very happy gamers in the PC space, which are the ones that are most visible to us.” In regards to the targeted platform for Valve, it seems its coming announcements will most likely reside on the PC spectrum looking ahead from his statement. There is the possibility of console ports, but that is a decision Valve will make on its behalf to put resources towards. What are you hoping to be announced from Valve next? Source: 1 News
MLB The Show 21 Rating Appears In Brazil, No Signs Of Multiplatform Release Yet
While the San Diego Studio-developed MLB The Show series currently resides unique to Sony’s PlayStation platform, that is bound to change after a new agreement as part of the extended deal between Major League Baseball and Sony Interactive Entertainment. As per a press release issued ahead of the launch for MLB The Show 20, the two firms met in the middle to continue its partnership with the series making way to new platforms. At the time, it was presumed that MLB The Show in its next major installment would break its exclusive ties with PlayStation in favor for a broader audience for other consoles. However, nothing was set in stone as to when the migration would be made. And now in a new finding on a ratings board in Brazil, 2021 might not be the year. Uncovered by Gematsu, it appears that only PlayStation 4 alongside the young PlayStation 5 are rated for MLB The Show 21. You can view the rating in the tweet below: For now, there is no sign of the series entering Xbox, PC, or even Switch. But, that is not to say it could still happen. While nothing is verified to arrive to said systems this year in regards to MLB The Show, there is still window for it to happen. Perhaps, closer to the announcement for MLB The Show 21 will Sony Interactive Entertainment break the multiplatform release. As for now, keep hopes to a minimum. Of course, the game is anticipated to arrive to both iterations of PlayStation, so that explains the current ratings. More excitingly, this is the first piece of evidence which reveals a next-generation version for the franchise. The newer machines are anticipated to further iron down the rough edges of the previous console generation. Are you excited for MLB The Show 21? MLB The Show 21 is listed for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
What are the top 10 games from 2020?
In these times of coronavirus pandemic, when we are all forced to shut in our homes and where our normal routine life has come to a halt, we mustn’t let these conditions get into our heads. We indeed need to follow all the guidelines and we cannot go out to visit our friends, we can not go to movies, concerts, restaurants, etc. However, as we all are in our homes, we must look for ways to distract ourselves so that we don’t get depressed in this situation. What better way to refresh the mind than playing games? Below is a list of the top 10 games from 2020 that you can play to keep yourself refreshed in these times. Jacks or Better This game is perfect for Video Poker beginners, all you have to do in this game to win is get a pair of Jacks in your hand or better. The game is known for having low variance and above-average pay-outs. Ori and the Will of the Wisps In the game’s preface, Ori and a large group of other delightful characters receive and raise an infant owl. In any case, misfortune strikes when Ori and the child fowl are isolated. The player at that point crosses a perfectly delivered scene and addresses a progression of mischievous little riddles in a tragic reunification mission. Paradise killer This game is a welcome attack of strut and style. Set on an escape island brimming with undying hot divinities, the open-world homicide secret requests that you institute equity anyway you see fit. Question suspects, assess hints, go over plausible excuses, and perhaps start an indulgence or two — all for the sake of truth. Regardless of whether you leave uncertain of the last decision, the bangin’ city pop and jazz-motivated soundtrack make turning over each rock on the island a real satisfaction. Among Us In this game, a few players are allotted to minigame-style fix occupations around the boat, while the “Impostor” sets out to unobtrusively disturb and murder the players. Get on a conference to talk about who may be an Impostor, at that point vote to toss them out. The characters in this game look silly, hand-drawn looks and inspire early web games. Half-Life: Alyx Some were anxious about the possibility that Half-Life: Alyx, one of Valve’s first VR games, probably won’t satisfy the hopes. Yet, without a sorry excuse for uncertainty, this is a Half-Life game that does more than Valve gave up in 2007. It is, similar to its ancestors, a psyche bowing drive around with a material science framework to kick the bucket for. The creative, head-scratching logical riddles. Tense hikes through zombie-pervaded demise pits that ingrain dread in a way that is better than most other virtual reality games. In other waters As an AI of strange provenance stuck in the suit of an interstellar wayfarer, you help direct your human accomplice through a verdant outsider sea world. You utilize the guide UI to explore her through one of a kind ecologies as she lists every life form’s specific attributes. You won’t have the option to see any of these outsiders yourself. You must depend on her descriptions, and fortunately, they are beautiful. Last of Us Part II This game will amaze, disappoint, and even anger numerous players—however they are provocative dangers. The continuation follows Ellie, full-grown and still invulnerable to the infection that has changed a lot of humankind into zombies, as she battles with the outcomes of an ethically questionable choice made by her dad figure Joel in the main game. The end will sit with you for quite a long time, if not years, to come. Helltaker This game just takes about an hour to play, however, it’s an advantageous hour of your life if you like charming evil spirits, young ladies or puzzle games. The game offers a few difficulties introduced in the style of a basic square pushing puzzle, for certain turns tossed in. You’ll need to gather evil spirit young ladies as you slide through some serious hardship, prevailing upon their souls while additionally tackling the mind shaking puzzles. The riddles themselves aren’t excessively hard, however, they are sufficiently difficult to make you squint and frown. No man’s sky The space investigation game is fit as a fiddle and sets a lively scenery for quite possibly the most exciting networks in gaming. Players can fabricate a space base, learn outsider dialects, investigate an unending cluster of staggering universes, maintain a tanker business, function as a broker, get hired soldier occupations, and snap photographs of outsider vistas. No Man’s Sky surrenders the hard study of other space sims and has developed into a remarkable encounter. Hades Alleged “Rebel like” games, which center around trouble, replayability, and rehashed passings, have been stylish for as far back as a decade, however, Hades denotes the sub-class’ most elevated pinnacle yet. In this fabulous run-based game, players assume the part of Hades’ child Zagreus as he endeavors to get away from the Greek hidden world, engaging eminent saints and getting support from the entire Pantheon
After Months Of Delistings And Rumors, Microsoft Increases Pricing For Xbox Live Gold
In the past handful of months, rumors and other claims circulated around Microsoft’s online subscription service, Xbox Live. At the time, it was suggested that the Xbox company was preparing to do away with the program altogether after the discovery of the 12-month and 24-month subscription options being delisted from the Microsoft Store. However, that was not the case for the company. It was in a statement later issued to The Verge, a spokesperson representing Microsoft denounced the claims made as the firm has no ambitions to make Xbox Live a free service. “There are no changes being made to the experience of the service or Xbox Live Gold,” the representative issued at the time. But in the end, it is now apparent as to what Microsoft plans to do to its service – that is increase the pricing. In a new Xbox Wire blog post, the firm elaborates that pricing for Xbox Live Gold in the 1-month, 3-month, and 6-,onth tiers are expecting a price increase. Going forward, new pricing will be 1-month for $10.99, 3-months for $29.99, and 6-months for $59.99, or your local market equivalent. You can always visit your account to manage your membership, and prices won’t adjust until at least 45 days after you receive the messages. Microsoft continues by clarifying that the decision goes to coincide with strategic pricing as changes are met in certain regions. The choice to increase the pricing for Xbox Live Gold falls under price assessments as Microsoft aims to mirror its value of its services in different markets. Howbeit, the announcement is also received to be Microsoft’s segue to welcome more users to Xbox Game Pass as the service continues to grow. “If you’d like to upgrade your Gold membership to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate your remaining Gold time will also convert directly to Ultimate (up to 36 months),” the firm injects into the announcement. The biggest problem is the blatant attempt to sway more of its user base onto a service through this route. Again, Xbox Game Pass is already very popular, however, many do not appreciate the price adjustment to go into Microsoft’s favor. For the change to be justified, Xbox Live Gold and the Games with Gold program and other benefits need to meet the higher pricing. For February 2021, this does illustrate to be a good sign for Xbox users. However, Microsoft has a record of dry Xbox Games with Gold lineups, but there is the possibility to shine for months to come. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you approve of the increased pricing for Xbox Live Gold? Source: Xbox Wire
February 2021’s Xbox Games With Gold Includes Resident Evil, Gears 5, Indiana Jones And The Emperor’s Tomb, And More
It is no secret that Microsoft continues to cash in on its Xbox Game Pass video game service since its inception back in 2017. However, it is easy to tell its influence also left the predated Xbox Games with Gold initiative in a bad state. Rectify Gaming has its suspicions that the problem is Microsoft overshadows the program with Xbox Game Pass continuing to grow immensely. However, there is a sign that Microsoft is still looking to resolve the plague afflicting Xbox Games with Gold. In the coming forecast of games arriving to Xbox Games with Gold for February 2021, it looks the drought of engaging titles might have cleared for the approaching month. In that, there are five new entries set to arrive next month and most are worth grabbing once available. Kicking off for February 2021 on the 1st, Microsoft welcomes Resident Evil and Gears 5 for Xbox One users alongside Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb for Original Xbox. The two for the last-generation system will be available until February 28. However, the classic Xbox release is only up to install until February 15. As for the remaining releases this month, February 16 introduces Dandra: Trials of Fear Edition for Xbox One alongside Lost Planet 2 for Xbox 360. The first is available until March 15 whilst the latter is only primed for free download until February 28. Altogether, February 2021 looks to be a very engaging month for Xbox Games with Gold. As for the current Xbox Games with Gold titles, Little Nightmares, Dead Rising, and Bleed 2 are still available to install as of writing. You can read the full report by Xbox Games with Gold January 2021 by heading here. Are you impressed with the February 2021 Xbox Games with Gold lineup? Resident Evil & Gears 5 will be available for free from February 1, 2021 to February 28, 2021; Indiana Jones and the Emperor’s Tomb from February 1, 2021 to February 15, 2020; Lost Planet 2 from February 16, 2021 to February 28, 2021; Dandra: Trials of Fear Edition from February 16, 2021 until March 15, 2021. Source: Xbox Wire
Tom Holland-Starred Uncharted Movie Faces Another Delay Landing The Box Office Release Onto February 2022
While the preface for the long-awaited Uncharted movie is more than a decade old at this point, the film has continuously faced delays in the production’s box office release. Prior to the July 2021 schedule for the film adaptation, Uncharted was expected to hit theaters in March of this year. However, even the rescheduling for this summer has now been ushered to a new date outside of this year altogether. In a new report transcribed by The Hollywood Reporter, Sony announces a handful of films being pushed to a later date. Among productions such as Ghostbusters: Afterlife, No Time To Die, Peter Rabbit: The Runaway, and Cinderella, the Tom Holland & Mark Wahlberg-starring film is now being set to release in 2022. Originally, the movie was set to release on July 16 later this year, but now, fans that waited for more than two PlayStation lifespans are told the film is now hitting theaters in February next year. “Sony further revealed that it is pushing Uncharted out of 2021 entirely. The video game adaptation, which stars Tom Holland as treasure hunter Nathan Drake, is moving from July 16 to Feb. 11, 2022. The film will screen in Imax and large premium format screens, and also stars Mark Wahlberg.” In the past month or so, Sony Pictures and PlayStation Pictures issued new information alongside pictures for the coming video game-adapted film. Among that, the production also finished up filming as post-production commenced in December as well. Which makes the recent delay of the film even more surprising. Interesting enough, Sony Interactive Entertainment President & CEO Jim Ryan issued that Uncharted and the upcoming HBO The Last of Us show is the start of something greater from PlayStation Pictures. It is presumed more PlayStation-oriented entertainment is on the horizon for the coming future from Ryan’s statement. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you still waiting for the Uncharted movie to hit the box office? Uncharted is set to arrive to theaters on February 11, 2022. Source: The Hollywood Reporter
The Division 2 Crosses With Resident Evil For Limited Time Anniversary Event Starting February 2nd
In just one day, Resident Evil instantly became the talking point for the video game industry. On Thursday, publisher Capcom issued a livestreamed showcase for the direction of the series entering 2021. Most notably, the firm included new details on the highly-anticipated Resident Evil 8 alongside juicy details in regard to the playable demo that is available now to install. Of course, the demonstration is only playable for PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 presumed through the marketing deal for the game on the platform. But, what makes the new demo so interesting is the information that spares it will be a unique experience separate from the full game that is scheduled to launch in May. But believe it or not, there is also Resident Evil news outside of the series. Yes, in an announcement during the livestream, Massive Entertainment announced a crossover event between The Division 2 and Resident Evil for the 25th anniversary celebration of the franchise. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Starting February 2, you can unlock special Resident Evil caches that contain themed cosmetic items, including outfits, weapon skins, individual vanity items; and also earn additional gameplay rewards, like backpack trophies,” Ubisoft pens in the announcement post. “To celebrate the start of the event, all agents who log in throughout the Resident Evil event will receive the Leon Kennedy RPD 3-piece outfit to start their collection.” Gathered from the trailer, there is an arrangement of in-game cosmetics to rep the RPD insignia and other items to acquire during the event. The crossover is told to begin on February 2nd and to run its course until February 15th later in the month. On the topic of Resident Evil and multiplayer, Capcom announced Resident Evil Re:Verse. The new experience is a free addition for fans that decide to pick up Resident Evil 8 when it launches. It is told to be a deathmatch project as players can choose iconic faces to play in-game. You can read more details on the title by heading here. Are you planning to visit The Division 2’s D.C. for some Resident Evil items? The Division 2 is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Stadia, and Luna; playable on Xbox Series X|S & PlayStation 5 via backwards compatibility. Source: Ubisoft
Capcom Issues Teaser For New Multiplayer Experience, Resident Evil Re:Verse
While the Resident Evil series continues to branch in new directions with a duo of remakes already on the market an a new, exciting eighth installment on the horizon for this spring, it should be noted a separate experience is being developed over at Capcom. While under the codenamed alias ‘Project Resistance’, the series is taking the online survival route with this new upcoming addition. Back during the Tokyo Game Show in 2019, Capcom introduced new information including the cast of characters that will be playable alongside the abilities unique to each person. Essentially, the basis is for players to run through a death-infused crash course while the “Mastermind” controls the entire scenario from a hidden location. Erect traps, control enemies, and redirect players is the objective for the one behind the cameras. Now in a new trailer during Thursday’s Resident Evil Showcase, Capcom presents the a new multiplayer experience in response to Project Resistance – Resident Evil Re:Verse. You can watch the new teaser trailer in the video below: “In Resident Evil Re:Verse you can test your skills against other players in four to six-person deathmatch battles,” the synopsis reads on the game’s website. “Play as beloved characters from the Resident Evil series and turn the tides of battle with powerful bioweapons. Take part in 5-minute Deathmatches, where the player with the most points wins!” What is unique to Re:Verse is that upon players dying, they can be utilized as a new entity to change the course of the game. “When your character is taken out, their body transforms into a powerful bioweapon which can be used against other players. Pick up multiple Virus Capsules to transform into even stronger bioweapons.” Capcom notes that purchasing Resident Evil 8 will provide Re:Verse for free. The publisher confirms the game will be cross-gen based on the respected console family you play.. Elsewhere during the Resident Evil Showcase, Capcom issues new information on Resident Evil 8. In that, the game is scheduled to release in early May and the new demo for the title is to be set elsewhere in the Resident Evil universe outside of the main Village experience. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to test the waters for Resident Evil Re:Verse? Resident Evil Re:Verse is expected to launch on May 7, 2021 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Capcom
