Insider Dismisses “Microsoft Game Pass” Claims, Saying That Xbox Is Not Being Rebranded

One of the biggest controversies still stewing online is the fate of Xbox. Whilst the games unique to the platform are a great concern for possibly opening its reach to competing platforms entirely, the platform itself is also being questioned whether Microsoft is to continue backing its two decade-old investment. The current argument are which games are being pawned for multiplatform release. Thus far, this appears to apply to Hi-Fi Rush as well as Sea of Thieves – at least, that’s what claims say. Additionally, there is also concern for both Starfield alongside Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. However, it is passed as a rumor for the time being. There is also come familiar connotation hovering over Marvel’s Blade in a recent report where Bethesda could not comment if it is exclusive or not. Online this week, a new advertisement went live for Xbox Series X|S and it references Xbox Game Pass. Howbeit, it instead disregards Xbox entirely and instead is labeled “Microsoft Game Pass”. This went on to suggest Microsoft’s plans for next week is to dismantle the platform entirely, users online discuss. But, the post that GameStop – now deleted is said to be a mistake. According to Windows Central Gaming’s Jez Corden, the advertisement was created by GameStop itself. He goes on to reassure users that Xbox is not in danger with no plans to rebrand Microsoft instead. “Just to put the fire out before everyone starts screaming. I am told Gamestop just came up with “Microsoft Game Pass” themselves. The brand is still Xbox Game Pass / PC Game Pass with no planned changes rn.” To further add to this statement, there was a resurfacing post from Electronic Arts last spring that also used the same “Microsoft Game Pass” as well. While it shares a similarity, it has since been deleted – alike the GameStop advertisement now too. The same post does not reference Xbox Game Pass as such in its body which does illustrate to be a mistake. Ultimately, that is still more so conjecture with no official comment from either EA nor GameStop. Are you concerned about Microsoft possibly dropping the Xbox name entirely?

Disney invests $1.5 billion for a stake in Epic Games

Epic Games has been known for their tremendous work with Fortnite over the years bringing in the most iconic collaborations for a video game ever. Today it was announced that the Walt Disney Company has partnered with Epic Games on an all-new games and entertainment universe. Along with that, Disney will invest $1.5 billion to acquire an equity stake in Epic Games alongside the multiyear project. This collaboration will offer multiple opportunities for consumers to play, watch, shop, and engage with content, characters, and stories from Disney, Pixar, Marvel, Star Wars, Avatar, and a lot more. All of the content created through this partnership will be powered by Unreal Engine, Disney confirms. “Our exciting new relationship with Epic Games will bring together Disney’s beloved brands and franchises with the hugely popular Fortnite in a transformational new games and entertainment universe,” said Robert A. Iger, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company. “This marks Disney’s biggest entry ever into the world of games and offers significant opportunities for growth and expansion. We can’t wait for fans to experience the Disney stories and worlds they love in groundbreaking new ways.” “Disney was one of the first companies to believe in the potential of bringing their worlds together with ours in Fortnite, and they use Unreal Engine across their portfolio,” said Tim Sweeney, CEO and Founder, Epic Games. “Now we’re collaborating on something entirely new to build a persistent, open and interoperable ecosystem that will bring together the Disney and Fortnite communities.” This may not come as a huge surprise for some since one of the first major crossovers was with Marvel bringing the iconic superheroes to Fortnite. You can read more about this collaboration here.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Subscribers Can Jump Into Halo Season 2 With A New Paramount+ Trial

From the first season of Showtime’s Halo Television Series, many were excited the long-awaited official live-action adaptation of the iconic Xbox series. And while some aspects are accounted for accurately, plenty of the story beats by the end of Season 1 left fans mixed or downright disappointed. But, the big takeaway was the record viewings for the platform. Enough so that Paramount executives viewed it as a start of a greater franchise for the future. So, of course, that means a Season 2 is due to come. And, it has been with trailers and advertisements for some time now. The emphasis on ‘The Fall of Reach’ exciting fans choosing to return for the next installment when it airs on February 8th. Even more, early scores for Halo Season 2 are also strong just short of 90 percent on Rotten Tomatoes giving the series a nice change of pace from its initial debut for Season 1. In celebration of the airing for Season 2, Microsoft is gifting Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members a free 30-day trial for Paramount+ to catch the new slew of episodes roll out; similar to the first season arriving. The second season of the epic hit series “Halo” will premiere February 8, with two all-new episodes, on Paramount+. Starting today, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members, who are new to Paramount+, can experience all of the action with a 30-day trial to Paramount+ via Perks.* In addition to Halo, viewers can stream A Mountain of Entertainment on the service, including exclusive originals, big movies and more. Dan Hickey, Marketing Program Manager “In season two, Master Chief John-117 (Pablo Schreiber) leads his team of elite Spartans against the alien threat known as the Covenant. In the wake of a shocking event on a desolate planet, John cannot shake the feeling that his war is about to change and risks everything to prove what no one else will believe – that the Covenant is preparing to attack humanity’s greatest stronghold. With the galaxy on the brink, John embarks on a journey to find the key to humankind’s salvation, or its extinction, the Halo,” the synopsis reads. “Eligible Ultimate members may claim the 30-day subscription trial through the Perks gallery on their Xbox console, on the Xbox app on Windows PCs or through the Xbox Game Pass mobile app on iOS and Android. Once the Perk is claimed, members will be directed to the Paramount+ site to activate their trial. The Paramount+ app is also available to download and use on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles and Windows PCs in select regions.” Are you planning to watch Halo Season 2 this week? Halo Season 2 airs on February 8, 2024 exclusively on Paramount+. Source: Xbox Wire

Netflix Exclusive Valiant Hearts: Coming Home Now Rated For Consoles & PC

For more than a year, Netflix has continued to usher this new wave of mobile releases and remaining exclusive for its platform. It happened with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge. And the same can also be said about Valiant Hearts: Coming Home. In fact, it is exclusive to Netflix entirely at the time of writing. This is part of an arrangement with Ubisoft to develop exclusive projects intended for Netflix’s gaming initiative. The lineup alongside Valiant Hearts 2 also notes Mighty Quest & an Assassin’s Creed title as well. However, it appears that this plan might be for a timed exclusive rather than a lifetime unique release at Netflix. In a new finding from Gematsu, Valiant Hearts: Coming Home is rated for console & PC. In Korea, the game has a rating for PC. And in Brazil, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch versions are rated. What draws the question further is how far does this extend actually? Will it only be for the third-party titles or for its in-house games as well? It is confirmed that there is a Rebel Moon title in development at Super Evil Megacorp. Elsewhere, it is reported that games for Squid Games, Wednesday, and Black Mirror are also in the works too. Other reported projects aimed for Netflix also includes an unannounced project with Sega & Rovio. In a recent leak, it shares that a new Chao Garden title is planned to ship for the platform later on this year. Perhaps it will also break ties in due time with Netflix after launch? You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited to play Valiant Hearts: Coming Home outside of Netflix?

Peacemaker Officially Coming To Mortal Kombat 1 On February 28 For Early Access

The latest entry from NetherRealm Studios – Mortal Kombat 1 – has remained the most-anticipated release from the series yet. As of last month, it was revealed that the title surpassed more than 3 million units sold since its launch back in September. Looking ahead, its post-launch plans are glowing with major additions to the roster. The list includes Omni-Man, Peacemaker, Homelander, and classic returns for Ermac & Quan Chi. In one interview, Ed Boone told plans for the Kombat Pack did at one point include John Wick. However, there were complications with the effort and could not manifest the ambition. Thus far, Omni-Man already arrived to Mortal Kombat 1 back in November. In one development, it was confirmed actor Antony Starr would not be reprising his role for Homelander. From the official account on X, it is confirmed that Peacemaker is to make his debut for Mortal Kombat 1 on February 28th later this month. Noted, it is for the early access users as details on the full release is still planned to be shared later this month. “Peacemaker is preparing for his arrival in the New Era. Early access will be available on February 28, along with the arrival of the new season around the same time.” Regarding other Mortal Kombat updates, the live-action film did kick off filming back in July 2023. Of course, it will be a direct sequel to the 2021 New Line Cinema picture and is to continue following the story of Cole Young. The film previously enlisted Moon Knight writer Jeremy Slater to pen the script for the second entry. As for the new characters to make an appearance, Johnny Cage, Shao Kahn, Quan Chi, Jerrod, and Sindel are reported to be in Mortal Kombat II. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most excited for in Mortal Kombat 1 adding Peacemaker finally? Mortal Kombat 1 is available for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC

Lore Promised To Get Big In-Game Tie-Ins For Apex Legends, Lead Writer Tells

For more than a decade, Respawn Entertainment’s Titanfall universe has been a story-rich experience across the game that came out. But nearing almost a full ten years since the last installment in the mainline series, there has not been a direct way for players to continue digesting more story. And while Apex Legends has taken the spotlight, the grander plot of the connected series is limited when it comes to how lore is distributed. Previously, with the recent decline of the live-service, Electronic Arts CEO Andrew Wilson told that plans for the coming future includes a large expansion of the universe via Apex Legends. Additionally, in a new development, it is said that Apex Legends is a large focal point for the publisher to drive engagement up once again. According to a recent interview with GameSpot, Season 20 – Breakout is to be the catalyst for more story-focused experiences in-game. Although the game is to celebrate its 5th anniversary in early 2024, lore won’t take the main stage just yet. But, the latter part of the year is to face a large grasp on lore. Lead writer Ashley Reed hints that more Titnalfall 2 story points are hinted at in the recent launch trailer that arrived this week. Typically, with the the anniversary seasons–the first season of the year–we try to let the celebration take center stage, so we try not to introduce a lot of plot-heavy stuff during the anniversary season. Especially this one, it’s a big anniversary! We don’t want to distract from that [by adding a new Legend with a new backstory]. “You get a little hint that something’s going on with Horizon [in the launch trailer]. It may be worth looking at that shot again from the end of the trailer,” Reed references in terms of the Titanfall 2/Apex Legends connection; hinting at a Time Gauntlet-like device used in the 2016 game. Even more, this year is to face an incline in story-focused lore in-game rather than separated trailers or audible listenings. “We’re tying more of our [gameplay] features coming this year even more closely to the story, and it is meant to be like a full, year-long experience, and Horizon maybe, possibly, is the cornerstone of it.” Of course, on top of conspiracy that tails behind the growing plot, there will be plenty of character development as well: this season being a large focus on Horizon & Ash. Respawn is focused on its craft to tie story to its gameplay. “I think what I’m most proud of is the tighter connection we have to the design. [Plot points] are coming more into the game. We’re coming up with creative solutions for ‘How can we put this in [the game] where it’s immediately accessible and interesting and engaging, while feeling like it’s part of the whole and not, like, a distraction from it?’ There are challenges to it. But we’re solving the puzzle.” What are you hoping Apex Legends brings to the greater Titanfall universe next? Apex Legends is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: GameSpot

EVO 2024 lineup has been revealed

The last year has been a great time for fans of fighting games as we’ve received Street Fighter 6, Mortal Kombat 1, and Tekken 8 all within the last few months. One of the biggest fighting game events of the year, Evo finally revealed what games we can expect to see in Las Vegas this July EVO 2024 Lineup Mortal Kombat 1 Tekken 8 Guilty Gear -Strive- Granblue Fantasy: Versus Rising Street Fighter 6 The King of Fighters XV Under Night In-Birth II Sys: Celes Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike One of the surprise announcements was the return of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike as it returns as the second tournament in the Evo throwback series. Evo 2024 will be the seventh appearance the game will have as a main event and it will allow a new generation of players to compete in the classic. Each title will have a minimum prize pool of $30,000 USD and the prize money will be split across the Top 8 finalists in each game. Evo 2024 in Las Vegas will take place July 19-21, 2024 making it the first time the event will be four days long. Source: Evo.gg

Capcom Gauges Fans Interest in Remakes with “Super Elections” Survey

Capcom, the Japanese video game developer and publisher, is asking fans to vote for their favorite games in a survey called “Super Elections”. The survey, which is available on the official Capcom Town website, allows fans to choose up to three games from a list of over 200 titles, spanning from the 1980s to the present day. The survey is part of Capcom’s 40th anniversary celebration, which also includes various events, merchandise, and promotions. According to the website, the results of the survey will be used to “help shape the future of Capcom”. This has led some fans to speculate that Capcom is planning to remake some of the most popular games in the survey, following the success of recent remakes such as Resident Evil 2, Resident Evil 3, and Monster Hunter Rise. Some of the games that fans can vote for in the survey include: Street Fighter II: The classic fighting game that revolutionized the genre and spawned numerous sequels and spin-offs. Street Fighter II was originally released in 1991 and has been ported to various platforms over the years. It features iconic characters such as Ryu, Chun-Li, Ken, and M. Bison. Mega Man X: The first game in the Mega Man X series, which introduced a darker and more mature tone to the Mega Man franchise. Mega Man X was released in 1993 and follows the adventures of X, a robot who fights against the evil Sigma and his army of Mavericks. The game features fast-paced action, platforming, and upgrades. Devil May Cry: The first game in the Devil May Cry series, which is known for its stylish and over-the-top action. Devil May Cry was released in 2001 and stars Dante, a demon hunter who uses a variety of weapons and abilities to slay demons. The game was originally conceived as a Resident Evil spin-off, but became a separate franchise due to its different gameplay and tone. Okami: A critically acclaimed action-adventure game that draws inspiration from Japanese mythology and art. Okami was released in 2006 and follows the story of Amaterasu, the sun goddess who takes the form of a white wolf. The game features a unique cel-shaded graphics style and a gameplay mechanic that allows the player to use a celestial brush to manipulate the environment and combat enemies. Ace Attorney: A series of adventure games that focus on the trials and tribulations of various lawyers and their clients. The first game in the series, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney, was released in 2001 and follows the rookie lawyer Phoenix Wright as he defends his clients in court and investigates crimes. The series is known for its humorous and quirky characters, plot twists, and catchphrases. The survey will run until February 28, 2024, and the results will be announced in March. Fans who participate in the survey will also receive a special wallpaper featuring some of the Capcom characters. To vote for your favorite games, visit the Capcom Town website and fill out the Super Elections survey form.