Report: Latest Xbox Alpha Skip Welcomes Cloud To Console Including xCloud And Even Google Stadia

Looking at xCloud and the reach that the new service is achieving already on Android devices, Microsoft plans to turn on the burners to max heat with other platforms in its crosshairs. For this spring, the cloud-based platform is already scheduled to hit Apple iOS alongside PC via implementation as a browser-based application. And that is not to mention console is also on its radar as well. Previously, Xbox lead Phil Spencer did comment that support, for Xbox One at least, is not too far from reaching. “We think it could be a good way for us to bridge generations and be able to let people play those games.” Spencer adds, “I don’t think it’s years off.” In regards to aimed avenues for xCloud on conventional gaming hardware, Spencer did state to offer it for playing demos on console as well as PC too. In a new report from The Verge, the outlet issues that the first phase for cloud streaming is already at the shore. Through the latest Alpha Skip Ahead build for Xbox Insiders, Xbox console now welcome Chronium version of Microsoft Edge. With that, is planned to be executed on this iteration of the browser in the approaching season. Additionally, The Verge also entertains that Google Stadia can also be accessed through this new version of Microsoft Edge as well. The Chronium build for Microsoft Edge is to offer improve compatibility for browser-based features and even desktop elements as well which can now be found on console. Not to mention better support for namely applications like Skype an Discord, which is still not available on console either. From The Verge previously, the publication also pressed on the browser-based application for xCloud. In that, the feature offers captured images of a working build on desktop which is expected to be the same way Apple owners plan to access xCloud on their devices as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to use xCloud on console? Source: The Verge

Resident Evil 8 File Size Just Tips Over 50 GB, Xbox Listing Reveals

Looking at the coming forecast of Resident Evil content, there is plenty that 2021 will offer for its fans later on this year. For one, Netflix is to feature a new CGI film ‘Resident Evil: Infinite Darkness’ in the coming months as announced previously back in September. A of reporting, there is no indication for the production’s release. Outside of that, a new titular live-action film is also due for this fall. Reported to be in production under Constatin Films, it was issued through a string of images from the set that filming has already concluded. But, the firm later confirmed the news verifying that the project is now entering post-production in preparation for the film’s box office release later this September. But in a closer date, a new mainline installment arrives this spring. As part of the franchise’s showcase presentation earlier this year, Resident Evil 8: Village is arriving in May. More over, there will also be last-generation versions (Xbox One, PlayStation 4) as well. In a new discovery on the Microsoft Store, the title will only take up 50.02 GB of hard drive space. “Experience survival horror like never before in the eighth major installment in the storied Resident Evil franchise – Resident Evil Village,” the synopsis reads in the description. “Set a few years after the horrifying events in the critically acclaimed Resident Evil 7 biohazard, the all-new storyline begins with Ethan Winters and his wife Mia living peacefully in a new location, free from their past nightmares. Just as they are building their new life together, tragedy befalls them once again.” Launching the same day as Resident Evil 8: Village, Capcom announced a new multiplayer matchmaking release, Resident Evil Re:Verse. Those who pre-order Resident Evil 8: Village will gain instant access to the game when it arrives in May. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you have enough space for Resident Evil 8: Village? Resident Evil 8: Village arrives on May 7, 2021 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Microsoft Store

Custom Game Browser Confirmed To Release In Increments Starting With Halo Reach For Halo: The Master Chief Collection

In contrast to the game’s release back in 2014, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is a shining example of good dexterity from a game studio and the potential an experience can evolve to when properly managed. But despite the bells and whistles it offers now, the title is still not close to what many anticipate to offer alike its predecessors previously. Even with cross-play enabled between both console & PC it is supported on. That being an organized custom game browser: the series anthology currently does not feature one alike entries previously did independently. But unlike its formers, this search mechanism is to stretch across generations of titles through Halo: The Master Chief Collection. But do not worry, it is on the way. 343 Industries previously teased the feature’s arrival last year, but now it is being prepared for the public fairly soon. However, in a new Halo Waypoint post, the developer clarifies it will not be incorporated for all titles right off the bat. Instead, only Halo Reach will offer the option at first with more support to phase in at later intervals. Custom Game Browser (CGB) will be added into MCC over “Phases” as we build it to be supported across all games. Since sharing our initial concepts of it vs. what we are building now, it has really grown in terms of scope and features. Given this increase it is taking a bit more time for the entire feature to be developed and we are building it in a phased approach. This allows players to enjoy the foundation we have built and enjoy these benefits in the near term. In flight, we will be releasing the “Phase 1” version which is the initial iteration of this feature to be built on over time. Once completed, this feature will be available for all titles in MCC, receiving various updates and bug fixes as needed as time progresses. Tyler Prince, 343 Industries Community Support & Engagement Coodinator To elaborate further on how the custom game browser will be organized as well, 343 Industries issues that players will be able to host ‘sessions’ on dedicated servers for the respected game. Options such as game mode, maps, team changing, etc. will be available for this as well. There will also be a pre-game phase which allows players to duke it out in a slayer variant until the lobby population meets the minimum requirement to begin. Overall, the custom game browser is aimed to be a gateway to develop playlists with the community. Additionally, there will be options allowing users to play in the same lobbies as previous games within the playlist as maps and even modes swap out. The ‘Browse Flow’ tool will be a prime orchestrator for the feature to assist players in entering lobbies and playlists. Currently, the feature will only be implemented via the latest MCC Flight for users that are already active in pre-released features for Halo: The Master Chief Collection. In regards to what is already out for the bundle of Halo games, 343 Industries previously shipped the Xbox Series X|S enhancement for the game offering 4K resolution output and up to 120 frames per second support. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to use the custom game browser for Halo: The Master Chief Collection? Halo: The Master Chief Collection is out now for Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Series X|S. Source: Halo Waypoint

Tarsier Studios Already Working On New IP Says Parent Company

For the now second game in the series, developer Tarsier Studios is planning to work on a new IP following Little Nightmares II. In the line of titles from the game studio, its latest entry is said to be the start for something grander from the team moving forward. In a recent earnings report from Embracer Group, the parent company of Tarsier Studios, the team is working on a new venture outside of Little Nightmares. “After the quarter Tarsier studios game Little Nightmares 2 was published external publisher and was well received by its audience. Tarsier studios will, from now on, focus on creating new IPs,” reads the statement from the financial report. For those unfamiliar, Tarsier Studios became a subsidiary of Embracer Group following the acquisition made by THQ Nordic previously. In regards to Little Nightmares, the series is publisher by Bandai Namco. In a separate statement from Embracer Group, the firm elaborates further on the new pursuit for Tarsier Studios, and transcribed by IGN. I’m super-thrilled, and I spoke to the CEO of Tarsier the other day, and congratulated him [on] the critical success of Little Nightmares 2. It’s an IP they created, but it’s owned by Bandai Namco and published by Bandai Namco, so it doesn’t really have any significant commercial impact for us, even though if it does really well it could have some royalty revenues over time. But I’m super excited about them achieving such a game again, because the first game was very well received, and this game looks as well received. Now, having that game created, they will move over to create new IPs, and I’m super excited, and that was the main reason we made this acquisition a bit over a year ago. Lars Wingefors, Embracer Group CEO For the sake of the new ambition from Tarsier Studios, it is left unanswered as to where the developer will lead for the new IP. As for the thriller platformer genre, it is already cemented that Tarsier Studios pioneered a new way of storytelling with Little Nightmares and its sequel. In regards to Embracer Group previously, the firm recently merged operations with Gearbox Entertainment. However, the firm went to clarify that the relationship between 2K and the developer will not be squandered following the agreement. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for the future of Tarsier Studios? Source: Embracer Group

Report: Joystick Design For DualSense, And Found In Xbox Controller & Joy Cons, Lasts Roughly 400 Hours Of Use

For the sake of video game controller longevity, the problem most face upon players the past couple of generations resides primarily in the control sticks/joysticks on the gamepad itself. While nothing lasts forever, players find that stuck buttons and other mechanism hiccups are less apparent than drifting on controllers after extended use. Most notorious recently with the Nintendo Switch Joys-Cons; so much that Nintendo eventually offered free repairs to send in. However, with the introduction of the latest DualSense controller, many believed that the next-generation of video game controllers would do away with this issue. However, the apparent problem on the surface is more prevalent this time around than ever according to a new report. Issued by iFixIt on YouTube, one video investigates that the problem with control sticks on the latest console is similar to previous iterations as well. In that, the same the off-the-shelf hardware by Alps used for the DualSense is the same we find with Xbox controllers and other peripherals released by Nintendo as well. Prioritizing the PlayStation 5 controller, it is discovered that about 417 hours of gameplay can be accumulated before the first sign of drift is present. Reading an information sheet presented by Alps, it reveals that the joystick lifecycle expect about 2,000,000 cycles of the component before issues appear. Additionally, around 500,000 clicks of the control stick is also recorded before appearing problems also. Concluding the report, Kevin Purdy indicates that the hardware should be easily accessed and replaced since long-term playing with the video game controllers only lasts for so long. But for now, the only repose to these issues is through experienced repair of searching for a resolution via YouTube tutorials. Outside of on-hand repair, iFixIt suggests using your warranty on the gamepad if available or to simply pursue purchasing a new controller altogether. To reiterate, Purdy is painted baffled how consumers are still unable to simply swap the components when damaged or generally inefficient to the respected user. Are you experiencing any drifting issues with the DualSense controller? Source: iFixIt

Aliens: Fireteam Announced For Summer 2021 Release For Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, And PC

Upon reflection on the previous hierarchy of Ridley Scott’s Alien and the respected line of entries for consoles, there is a mix of controversy. While not entirely, but there is some questionable stuff that is on there. For one, Alien: Colonial Marines still stands to be the direct opposite of what it was advertised almost a decade after. But, Alien: Isolation did answer to be a entry which resonates closely to the franchise whilst dipping into the isometric horror genre. Following, the Alien brand did adopt a follow-up to the 2014 title with Alien Blackout. Fans initially grew excited to welcome another strand of the new experience back in 2019, but it was quickly discovered that the sequel starring Amanda Ripley is only unique to the mobile platform. So fans remain hungry for a new installment on conventional video game hardware. In a new abrupt announcement this past week, Cold Iron Studios unveils Aliens: FIreteam. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Face off against waves of terrifying Xenomorph and Weyland-Yutani Synthetic foes alongside two players or AI teammates, as you and your fireteam desperately fight your way through four unique campaigns that introduce new storylines to the Alien universe,” the synapse reads on Steam. “Create and customize your own Colonial Marine, choosing from an extensive variety of classes, weapons, gear and perks, battling overwhelming odds in this heart-pounding survival shooter experience.” Previously, Obsidian Entertainment Chris Avellone told VG24/7 that a concept for a new Aliens title was scrapped at the developer in the past. Dubbed ‘Aliens: Crucible’, the project would sit as a survival experience playing as engineers as a outbreak commences upon the vessel. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested by the video for Aliens: Fireteam? Aliens: Fireteam arrives to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC sometime in summer 2021.

Niantic Presents HoloLens Build For Pokemon Go

While Pokémon Go is still operating, the direction the mobile game is taking shows to reinvigorate an experience that many fans are eager to head towards. Granted that Gen 6 Pokémon has just graced the game, Unova Region Pokémonwas welcomed back in September 2019 and Niantic did greatly compensate elsewhere during that wait. In that, fans witnessed the additions of Mega Evolution types just this past summer which adds yet another layer of interactive play for its avid users. However, Niantic is currently building a new experience that might make headway for public consumption later down the line. In a new video presented at Microsoft Ignite 2021, Niantic showcases the already augmented reality-enabled project running on Microsoft HoloLens. You can watch the brief video in the footage below: The reveal happens to be the official first-party endeavor by Niantic. But for followers that reflect back to 2016, one fan developer did implement a HoloLens version of Pokémon Go previously. Video games surely are not the first for the evergrowing peripheral either as Microsoft has previously showcased Halo and even Minecraft for HoloLens in the past. “While this demo is not intended for consumer use, it offers an early glimpse into the future evolutions in both software and hardware,” John Hanke, Niantic Founder & CEO penned in a blog post. “We’ve only scratched the surface. We know the years ahead to be filled with important achievements which will serve as waypoints in AR’s journey to become a life-changing computing platform. We’re thrilled to be leading the way.” Elsewhere in relevance to Pokémon Go previously, Niantic announced that the mobile title is expecting seasons for the game back in December. In that, certain regions based on the time of the year will feature unique Pokémon for players to find inly at that respected timeframe. You can read the full report by heading here. Would you purchase a HoloLens for Pokémon Go if it comes to the public? Pokémon Go is out now for Android & iOS. Source: Niantic