Phil Spencer Comments On What The Future Of id Tech Engine Could Mean To Xbox

Looking at Microsoft’s ambitions from afar in regards to its acquisition for Bethesda, Zenimax Media, and the subsidiary franchises that come with the $7.5 billion suite, it is presumed that the main concern is first-party insurance. In that, Microsoft now with the teams behind Fallout, The Elder Scrolls, and Doom can now establish a greater future of unique releases for Xbox and its ecosystem of platforms intertwined. Howbeit, Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, goes on to disclose that is not greatly Microsoft’s concern. In fact, the purchase is told to be more in favor for its Netflix-esque video game service, Xbox Game Pass. However, those on Xbox devices will find to benefit most combining the monthly service with lineup of first-party teams already at work. To elaborate further, Spencer goes on to mention that the impressive track record for id Software’s proprietary id Tech engine should also be noted for the future of Xbox. The other thing I get really excited about with id that we haven’t really talked a lot about is the future of id Tech. And what could that mean inside of Xbox? Obviously, you know, we’ve got a ton of studios doing a bunch of different work – I love the way Marty talked about how they’ve collaborated with other Bethesda studios on id Tech. I just think about that to the next level, like, what can we do inside of our organization with id Tech, which is one of the world’s best game engines out there and just make it a tool that so many developers can use to realize their vision. Already, id Tech is revealed to be a prominent engine used in namely titles from the titular studio like Rage and Doom. But, Pete Hines, Bethesda Senior Vice President, reveals that the engine is also utilized in other properties such as The Evil Within and Wolfenstein: The New Order as well. In future reference to other prioritized machine technology from Bethesda, Todd Howard did comment on the advancements of Bethesda Game Studios’ own in-house engine. “It’s led to our largest engine overhaul since Oblivion, with all new technologies powering our first new IP in 25 years,” he explains. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you excited to see advanced from Microsoft thanks to the Bethesda purchase?

Microsoft To Showcase More Of Its Plans With Bethesda This Summer

It is no surprise on Thursday learning more of Microsoft’s plans in future reference with its acquisition of Bethesda parent company, Zenimax Media. As established in the hosted roundtable livestream earlier in the day, the Xbox team issued that its main concern leading ahead with Bethesda now welcomed to the family is to hone in on its ambitions for Xbox Game Pass. “If you’re an Xbox customer, the thing I want you to know is this is about delivering great exclusive games for you that ship on platforms where Game Pass exists, and that’s our goal. That’s why we’re doing this,” Xbox head Phil Spencer clarifies during the show. Already, Microsoft illustrates this with the near two dozen titles from Bethesda being entered to Xbox Game Pass later on Friday this week. As for its intentions moving forward, Bethesda’s future projects are still very much in the dark. However, the discussion soon reveals a planned showcase is said to take place later this summer in fact. “We’ll have something this summer,” Erin Losi, Bethesda Vice President of Global Marketing & Communications discloses during the talk. She adds that her and Xbox General Manager Aaron Greenberg already began discussing the plans for this coming summer and issues it requires months in advanced to gather the appropriate content and footage to host said presentation. Greenberg comments, “We’re deep in planning mode and its awesome because even as we’ve talked about, we think about content, we think how we produce things like we actually a lot of the same teams. “We think about stuff in the same way, so even the process, people don’t realize, but when you go put, you know, historically, it was like the E3, you know, event or whatever – you put on a show, you do a digital thing. Like, people don’t realize that takes months and months of preparation. “ More news on the games coming to Xbox Game Pass, the platform holder revealed that some of those titles are already planned to receive FPS Boost updates later in the year. Very “soon”, in fact. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you excited to hear from Bethesda later this summer?

Blizzard Entertainment Welcomes Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S Enhancements For Overwatch In New Update

To those that actively play Overwatch, it is expected that the title would stop its major announcements since the game’s release for Nintendo Switch back in 2019. Of course, new Heroes would continue to be added to the game as the developer plans to treat the 2016 title as a live service. However, there are other priorities that take the team’s attention. For one, the exciting sequel – Overwatch 2 – is in development. Howbeit, while the game is underway, there is no set date for its release. In a previous financial report from Activision Blizzard, Blizzard Entertainment is unsure as to when the game will arrive. Additionally, the same can also be said for Diablo IV as well for the time being. Despite what the firm has on its plate currently, it wasn’t easy to predict the developer would issue next-gen upgrades for Overwatch this week. But, the announcement is only unique to Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S; leaving PlayStation 5 in the dark currently. Added “Preferred Mode” graphics option which allows switching between three different presets: “Resolution”, “Balanced”, “Framerate”. These modes adjust video settings to bias towards image quality, resolution, and framerate. “Resolution”: This mode prefers higher-resolution output at the cost of some image-quality (Series X: 4K @ 60Hz, Series S: 1440p @ 60Hz).“Balanced”: This mode prefers image-quality at the cost of resolution (Series X: 1440p @ 60Hz, Series S: 1080p @ 60Hz).“Framerate”: This mode prefers higher frame-rate at 120 frames-per-second at the cost of both image-quality and resolution (Series X: 1440p @ 120Hz, Series S: 1080p @ 120Hz). Among the three modes to choose from on either Xbox Series iteration, the framerate option is the one that opens eyes the most. Mainly due to the game’s performance boosted up to 120 frames per second – even on Xbox Series S. Blizzard Entertainment mentions that there is a disclaimer to the mode: “Not you must have a TV that supports 120Hz or VRR (Variable-Refresh-Rate) to fully take advantage of the ‘Framerate’ mode.” With the indication that variable refresh rate is a concern for those wanting to experience Overwatch at 120 frames per second, perhaps that also stands in regards to the absent PlayStation 5 upgrade as well. Thankfully, Sony Interactive Entertainment in the past confirmed VRR is underway in a future update sometime later on. Elsewhere regarding Overwatch, a television show is currently in the pipeline for the series. The project was leaked alongside more details on the planned Diablo television series as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to play Overwatch on Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S? Overwatch is out now for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S; playable via backwards compatibility on PlayStation 5. Source: Blizzard Entertainment

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Developer Suggest Potential Mod Support Could Come To Xbox Version

To the long-awaited fans of GSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, it was a surprise to learn that the upcoming sequel will be arriving to console as well. More so an even bigger surprise for Xbox , many did not anticipate that Microsoft’s system could meet the benchmark that its PC counterpart issued for previous entries. But while many are accustomed to the game’s residency on PC for the past decade, the follow-up is only arriving to Xbox Series X & Xbox Series S. Although the game will play similarly to how it operates on PC, more details emerged recently which issues that one more characteristic from PC is also making its way to Xbox for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2. Already, raytracing and 120 frames per second are already shared to be present, but mods is also suggested to be included. In a recent Russian podcast, ‘Не занесли’, GSC Game World PR Manager Zakhar Bocharov elaborates that the game is in the possibility of receive mod support for Xbox since franchise holds a history with mods previously. Bocharov had this to say to Kotaku in a following report: Mods are extremely important to the STALKER franchise, so our case can be considered quite unique. To a certain extent, we have chosen Unreal Engine for STALKER 2 because of its mod support. The Xbox ecosystem is completely different. There [have been] cases of official mod support on the Xbox family, and Microsoft was extremely supportive with all our ideas so far. We’re thoroughly investigating what we can do at the moment, and there’s probably a way for our ideas to become reality. However, this shouldn’t be considered as an official announcement, as the development process is a long way off, trying and optimizing [until] release. Most noted, console is no stranger to mod support as Bocharov stated that games in the past dabbled in the feature. For instance, Bethesda’s The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition and Fallout 4 both pioneered the mechanic with in-house mod browsers for players to diversify their experiences. So, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 would be no exception if executed later on. Microsoft in a later statement also discloses its support to expand content via mod support as well. “We want to ensure developers have the freedom to incorporate features like mod support in ways that best enhance the gameplay experience they’re trying to achieve,” Kotaku was told from a Microsoft spokesperson. Previously, a recent S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 trailer revealed that the title is aimed to release sometime in 2021. As of reporting, there is no clear indication as for when the game is planned to launch approximately. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to us mods in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is it gets added? S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is said to arrive sometime in 2021 for Xbox Series X|S and PC. Source: Kotaku

A Number Of Bethesda Games Are Expecting FPS Boost Updates “Soon”, Microsoft Promises

To reiterate on the new capabilities for the latest console hardware, regardless of it being Xbox or PlayStation, both systems can achieve new standards that the original software could now approach on the intended hardware. So, games we played years ago are running even better on the latest systems from Microsoft & Sony. But in that effort, Microsoft goes the extra step. Back in February, the Xbox company welcomed FPS Boost for a selection of games to receive. The new update essentially issues a high-performance tune up to the original titles that released on Xbox One and taps in closer to the 60 frames per second range for the five titles, so far. Microsoft went on to disclose more games are expecting the same treatment at a later time, but failed to reveal what titles or when that will arrive. During the recent Bethesda + Xbox roundtable livestream on Thursday, Microsoft unveils that FPS Boost is coming “soon” to the dozen+ Bethesda games that are arriving to Xbox Game Pass this week. The teams are already working on adding FPS Boost to a number of those titles too, which I know we’re gonna announce soon. Not today, but soon. But that’s right [speaking to Todd Howard about upgrades on new hardware for legacy titles], without having to touch the code, you can basically take backwards compatible games – take full advantage of the new hardware and get things like FPS Boost is just another win for gamers. Aaron Greenberg, Xbox General Manager “A handful of these games will also benefit from FPS Boost on Xbox Series X|S, and we’ll have more to share on that soon,” Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor-in-Chief pens in addition to the statement made on Thursday from the latest blog post. In other news regarding the recent presentation held by Microsoft, Phil Spencer leads on the platform’s efforts to be more impactful in Japan. “I’ve talked for a long time about our desire to have more of a first-party presence in Japan. This is a great step there.” You can read the full report by heading here. What Bethesda games are you most excited to witness FPS Boost with?

Tango Gameworks Is Xbox’s First “Great Step” For A Larger Presence In Japan, Phil Spencer Shares

It is no surprise ranking Microsoft to being one of the most prolific companies in the west in regards to the video game industry. An American-made platform that emphasizes it ambitions on its native audience, but also stretches out to other continents like Europe and select parts of Asia which do show prominent growth. However, the firm has not established much footing in Japan where its competitors reside from. In the past, rumors surfaced suggesting Microsoft would be collaborating with other Japanese-established companies like Sega to help with the marketing for Xbox. But, of course, that never did hold any form upon the system’s release. Outside of the rumor, Bloomberg went on to report that Microsoft is pursuing teams in Japan for potential projects or outright acquisition. Yet again, the claims made were later denounced by Microsoft. But despite ambitions and other remarks made online, the firm is finally beginning its push into the Japanese market with its most recent purchase of Zenimax Media. A subsidiary of its publisher Bethesda, Tango Gameworks is told to be a “great step” for Microsoft’s aim to establish a presence in Japan. I’m ready to go to Tokyo. Yeah, I mean go see Tango [Gameworks], a studio that I have such respect for the history of the creations there. I’ve talked for a long time about our desire to have more of a first-party presence in Japan. This is a great step there. So I mean, just thinking about the map of where these teams are, and they just talk about all the games they’re working on, but I can’t wait to spend more time with the Tango team and get to know them. Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox Currently, Tango Gameworks latest concern is aimed towards GhostWire: Tokyo. But unlike its previous entries, the game is set to be a unique release to PlayStation 5 – and Microsoft promises to fulfill the agreement made between Bethesda & Sony Interactive Entertainment predating the acquisition. But, the firm also goes on to comment on its exclusive ambitions as well. Elsewhere in the Xbox welcoming Bethesda roundtable livestream, the firm also comments on its pursuit now with Bethesda at its side. For the most part, Xbox Game Pass is told to be the main emphasis for the purchase, but some projects are told to be intended to push the platform’s first-party releases as well. As to what comes after, perhaps Tango Gameworks next game will be with Executive Producer Shinji Mikami at the helm. In a previous interview, Mikami tells he is interested in possibly directing one more game in the future, and that could be one that develops after the acquisition. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for the future of Xbox in Japan?

“Delivering Great Exclusive Games For You That Ship On Platforms Where Game Pass Exists,” Phil Spencer Answers To Bethesda Exclusivity Concerns

Now that Zenimax Media, and by extension Bethesda, is now welcomed to the Xbox family, players are left concerning as to where the coming releases for titles from the firm will land for other platforms outside of Xbox. While rumors and other claims from prolific insiders suggest that namely releases like Starfield and even The Elder Scrolls VI are considered to be unique to Xbox, the platform holder has yet to press on the matter directly. In the past, Microsoft has commented to emphasize on its own ecosystem for Xbox with Xbox Game Pass to be the highlight for the acquisition at hand, but still does not directly cover whether or not the purchase will affect users on PlayStation or Nintendo systems. Upon the finalizing of the deal, Microsoft did tell that most attention as part of the deal will be handled directly towards Xbox Game Pass. “With the addition of the Bethesda creative teams, gamers should know that Xbox consoles, PC, and Game Pass will be the best place to experience new Bethesda games”. In a later statement from Xbox head Phil Spencer, he further elaborates during the Thursday Bethesda + Xbox roundtable that Xbox Game Pass is still the intent of the acquisition for the most part. I listen to the podcasts and all the questions, so I’m gonna try to be as clear as I can, because that’s what I—I just think it’s fair. So obviously I can’t sit here and say every Bethesda game is exclusive, because we know that’s not true. There’s contractual obligations that we’re going to see through as we always do in every one of these instances. We have games that exist on other platforms, and we’re going to go support those games on the platforms they’re on. There’s communities of players. We love those communities and we’ll continue to invest in them. And even in the future, there might be things that have either contractual things or a legacy on different platforms that we’ll go do. But if you’re an Xbox customer, the thing I want you to know is this is about delivering great exclusive games for you that ship on platforms where Game Pass exists, and that’s our goal. That’s why we’re doing this. That’s the root of this partnership that we’re building, and the creative capability we will be able to bring to market for our Xbox customers is going to be the best it’s ever been for Xbox after we’re done here. So, while Microsoft will still plan to deliver on the deals and other agreements already made by Bethesda, the Xbox firm is still looking to expand the Xbox Game Pass lobby alongside its first-party repertoire leading forward. Spencer even explains that legacy projects and established franchises already acquainted on other systems will remain to arrive to hardware outside of Microsoft’s jurisdiction. But, new properties that are yet to be revealed are still in the dark as the firm will determine its exclusivity on a “case-by-case” basis, which the firm previously confirmed. Additionally, Microsoft plans to already make moves with Xbox Game Pass with nearly two dozen additions to Xbox Game Pass starting tomorrow. You can read the full rundown by heading here. Are you contempt with Spencer’s statement on Bethesda following the acquisition?

Microsoft Plans To Welcome Almost Two Dozen Bethesda Games To Xbox Game Pass This Friday

One milestone that many view to benefit Microsoft greatly is the finalizing for the firm’s acquisition of Zenimax Media. In that, the Xbox company can officially welcome all subsidiaries of the publishing firm including Bethesda’s network of teams. Not to mention the number of franchises that makes up the firm like Fallout, Doom, The Elder Scrolls, and Dishonored. And to celebrate the occasion, Microsoft issued that an update in regards to Xbox Game Pass will be the subject for an announcement later in the week. As for other gathered speculation that arose following the indication, it was shortly after learnt that namely entries from Bethesda can expect versions for Windows 10 PC which is expected to be associated with the news drop regarding Xbox Game Pass later in the week. In the recently held roundtable livestream between Xbox & Bethesda on Thursday, it is revealed that roughly two dozen Bethesda titles will be coming to Xbox Game Pass starting tomorrow. You can read the full list below: Console Dishonored Definitive Edition Dishonored 2 Doom Doom II Doom 64 Doom 3 DOOM Eternal The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition The Elder Scrolls Online The Evil Within Fallout 4 Fallout 76 Fallout: New Vegas Prey Rage 2 Wolfenstein: The New Order Wolfenstein: The Old Blood Wolfenstein: Youngblood PC Dishonored Definitive Edition Dishonored 2 Doom Doom II Doom 64 Doom 3 DOOM Eternal The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition The Evil Within Fallout 4 Fallout 76 Prey Rage 2 Wolfenstein: The New Order Wolfenstein: The Old Blood Wolfenstein: Youngblood Android Dishonored Definitive Edition Dishonored 2 Doom Doom II Doom 64 Doom 3 DOOM Eternal The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition The Evil Within Fallout 4 Fallout 76 Prey Rage 2 Wolfenstein: The New Order Wolfenstein: The Old Blood Wolfenstein: Youngblood Collectively, players across all platforms on either spectrum of the Xbox ecosystem can indulge in some of Bethesda’s most prolific releases. Understandably, some games are only unique to console since the Xbox 360 version in attempting to provide that outside the retail unit cannot be dealt so seamlessly. But, the lineup is still exciting no matter where you reside. Most recently, Microsoft issued its lineup for Xbox Game Pass entering March 2021. The lineup emphasized on sports releases like Madden NFL 21, NBA 2K21, and Football Manager 2021. You can read the full report by heading here. Which Bethesda titles are you most excited to play first from Xbox Game Pass? Source: Xbox Wire