Xbox Game Pass Total Subscriber Headcount Now At 34 Million, Microsoft Shares

For roughly half a decade, Microsoft has entertained the idea of subscription-based services for gaming a la Xbox Game Pass. The last recorded number for the service officially released by Microsoft is 25 million. Of course, across console, PC, and cloud, many are interested if it will tread unto other platforms. In one statement, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said that the firm is not planning to ship the service for PlayStation nor Nintendo. And with over $8,700 in value as of 2023 for users, a new concern emerged. Recently, an ad by GameStop disclosed ‘Microsoft Game Pass’. Amid these new rumors of exclusives going multiplatform, it definitely set the community ablaze. But, it was later clarified by insiders to be a typo. So, how is the service performing thus far? Through its different avenues for the Xbox ecosystem, it is now updated to be over 34 million. This comes alongside the new addition of Diablo IV coming to Xbox Game Pass in March. Details remain light on what other plan the service has in mind for additional Activision Blizzard King games as of writing. “We’re happy to share that Diablo IV will be available to play by the 34 million Game Pass subscribers on both PC and Xbox consoles beginning March 28! This is only the start of Xbox players being able to enjoy Activision and Blizzard games on Game Pass – we look forward to sharing more soon,” Xbox communications director Jeff Rubenstein writes. Elsewhere in the recent podcast, it is said more Xbox games are to of course come to Xbox. However, the idea of exclusives is to be smaller within the next decade, says Spencer. “games that are exclusive to one piece of hardware – are going to be a smaller and smaller part of the game industry,” he said. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you part of the 34 million subscribed to Xbox Game Pass? Source: Xbox Wire

Phil Spencer Says The Number Of Platform Exclusives Are To Shrink In The Next Decade

One of the most confusing things to come out of the video game industry is Microsoft’s new pursuit for multiplatform releases. As many have already heard, reports & rumors are saying select titles are coming to PlayStation & Nintendo. And, Microsoft did address this during its Thursday podcast this week. In that, Phil Spencer revealed four titles are on the way as part of the new initiative.  Additionally, Spencer did disclose that the list ends there. While it is open to more games potentially in the future, it’s only the four games and not all of the Xbox exclusive lineup. Spencer does go on to add that both Starfield and the 2024-bound release Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are still Xbox exclusives despite claims online. And on this talk about unique releases, Spencer does give his opinion on the topic. While a major component for selling consoles, he does elaborate that this practice could be on the way out – or at least minimized – within the coming decade. You can watch the segment of the video below: “I do have a fundamental belief that over the next five or ten years, exclusive games – games that are exclusive to one piece of hardware – are going to be a smaller and smaller part of the game industry,” Spencer weighs in on the topic. “And that’s not some great insight cause if you look at the last ten years and what the biggest games are today it’s a natural place. Whether it’s one console and PC; multiple consoles; mobile, console, and PC; you see big games land on multiple platforms and we want to be a great platform for creators to realize that great potential.” Similarly, this is a mind set also shared by Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella. Previously, he elaborated that he wishes the industry to do away with the practice altogether. However, Spencer’s belief is backed by the results of the industry rather than preference. You can read the full report by heading here. What do you think is the right approach for console exclusive releases?

Phil Spencer Says There No Other Plans For Multiplatform Releases Outside Of The Four Determined Titles Underway

A conversation that continues to grow is: what games are coming to competing platforms? Well, reports did tell that Hi-Fi Rush & Sea of Thieves are likely to be part of this new business model for Microsoft. In total, four games are planned for this initiative as per Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer during the special edition podcast on Thursday. Amid the height of the rumors, it was also tossed around that the list is to also include the likes of 2023’s Starfield and the upcoming, highly-anticipated Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. However, in the middle of the discussion, Spencer did address that both games are to remain exclusive to Xbox. But, that does leave some room for players to understand if more is coming. Well in that same podcast, Spencer went on to confirm that there are no other intended titles to come to PlayStation nor Nintendo beyond the undisclosed batch of games already decided. You can watch the segment of the podcast in the video below: “So, four games, no promise beyond that. So if you’re on those other platforms and see those four games coming, please do take it as some signal that everything’s coming – it’s not. And we’re gonna learn.” Spencer did elaborate that this plan for the four predetermined titles are for an effort for the Xbox brand to extend to other users to hook players interest into Xbox down the line. Additionally, Microsoft also addresses its first major plans for Xbox Game Pass as per Activision Blizzard King. During the podcast, Xbox president Sarah Bond announces that Diablo IV is the first title from the acquisition to be coming to the subscription on March 28th. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you surprised by Spencer’s comment on the plans for Xbox titles outside of its platform?

Diablo IV Is The First Activision Blizzard Game To Hit Xbox Game Pass, Coming March 2024

On Thursday, Microsoft officially pressed on its first-party plans for competing platforms. In total, four games are said to be intended for this new business approach. While it is not confirmed what is planned, it seems likely that the previously reported Sea of Thieves as well as Hi-Fi Rush are going multiplatform. Additionally, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer did address which games are not planned to hit opposing hardware. When questioned, he responded by saying “not Starfield or Indiana Jones [and the Great Circle].” Going back on the first comment, Spencer did emphasize that “just four” games are intended for this new approach. As of writing, it is undetermined if more titles are to be added to that list. In one announcement as per Xbox president Sarah Bond, she reveals that Diablo IV is coming to Xbox Game Pass in March. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “All of our games are always in [Xbox] Game Pass,” she says during the podcast. “And so I’m excited to announce, y’know, with the coming together of Activision Blizzard King that Activision & Blizzard games are coming to Game Pass starting with Diablo IV on March 28th which I’m super super excited to share today.” This comes after one statement that Diablo IV nor Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III would hit the service. But it was worded to be added in that year. Furthermore, Microsoft was clear that this transition to welcoming Activision Blizzard King to its platform would not be overnight. In fact, it was clarified that the wait would be months before the first true signs of the deal would take effect on Xbox Game Pass. You can read the full report by heading here.  Are you excited that Diablo IV is coming to Xbox Game Pass?

Microsoft Confirms Starfield, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle Remain Xbox Exclusives

The biggest chatter online circulating around Xbox this past week is the discourse of whether or not its games are coming to more platforms like PlayStation & Nintendo. With initial whispers of its intent for Sea of Thieves and Hi-Fi Rush were understandable, more titles were soon added to this list for enticed users online. This included the likes of Starfield as well as Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Even more, users online claimed this does not end with even more Xbox-defining titles coming to competing platforms. With some wisdom, reliant insiders did denounce these statements pertaining to ‘high-profile’ titles to remain exclusive. And at the recent Xbox Podcast on the matter, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer said that the plans include four games; although not directly mentioning what these titles will be as respective announcements will be made in the nearing future. He goes on to clarify that both Starfield & Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are not part of that list. You can watch the segment of the podcast in the video below: “They are not Starfield and Indiana Jones [and the Great Circle],” Spencer answers when pressed during the podcast. Already, it seemed already farlandish for this to be a reality with the platform countless times denouncing any chances of the game coming to PlayStation. Even in one developing report, it was said that Starfield was off the table days before Thursday’s podcast aired. What makes thing more clear of this is a prior statement from Disney. Head of gaming Sean Shoptaw told Axios Gaming that it does not view the Xbox-only release for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle as “overly exclusionary” when disregarding the option for a PlayStation release. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you relieved neither Starfield or Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are still only on Xbox?

Microsoft’s Plans For Xbox Includes Four Unnamed Titles Going Multiplatform, New Podcast Shares

Over the course of this past week, reports & claims went live online disclosing new ambitions on behalf of Xbox leadership to distribute its collective first-party titles outside of Xbox. And no, we’re not talking about PC. Any of the major releases on Xbox would extend its reach to both Nintendo & PlayStation consoles. These rumors emerged with statements regarding both Hi-Fi Rush & Sea of Thieves then. However, these reports began to overlap with baseless claims to the whole sum of Xbox titles would be going multiplatform. Talks regarding Starfield & Indiana Jones and the Great Circle were told to be included in this now. Even other claims told Halo and even Gears of War were on that list. Some reputable insiders went ahead to denounce this floodgate of claims premature to the proper announcement. At the Thursday Xbox Podcast addressing this head-on, Microsoft clarifies that only four titles are being prepared for this fate. Howbeit, the announcement of said titles will be made accordingly by the respected developer, Phil Spencer explains. You can watch the segment in the video below: “We’ve made the decision that we’re gonna take four games to the other consoles- just four games. [It’s] not a change to our fundamental exclusive strategy- we’re making this decision for some specific reasons. We make every decision really with the long-term health of Xbox in mind,” Spencer elaborates during the discussion in the podcast. “I’m not gonna name those games: the teams that are building those games have announce plans that are not too far away. As we know, game teams put a lot of energy into their announcements […] so I don’t want to take anything away from those teams. So I won’t be talking about the titles specifically, but I think when they come out it will make sense.” He adds regarding the choosing of these titles: “We look at games that are over a year old […] a couple of the games are community-driven games; new games that kind of first iterations of a franchise that have reached their full potential – let’s say on Xbox and PC – there’s always growth. Franchises that we obviously want to continue to invest in […] Two of them kinda community-driven games that we can continue to invest in.” Two of the other games are smaller games that were never really meant to be built for as “platform exclusives” and all the fanfare that goes all around that. But games that our teams really wanted to go build that we love supporting creative endeavors across our studios regardless of size. And as they realize their full potential on Xbox & PC, we see an opportunity to utilize other platforms as a place to just drive more business value out of those games. Spencer goes on to say that the intent is to fuel creatives and the ambitions at the tied studios is at the forefront with the move to fuel new iterations or “new projects in our portfolio.” Determining what games he is likely referring to is the aforementioned Hi-Fi Rush & Sea of Thieves. Other possibilities include Grounded as well as possibly even Pentiment from its small scale approach at Obsidian Entertainment. What is your response to the statement from Microsoft Gaming?

Review: News Tower

Developer – Sparrow Night Publisher – Twin Sails Interactive Platforms –  PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher EXTRA !!!EXTRA !!!!! READ ALL ABOUT IT !!! THERE’S A NEW REVIEW ON RECTIFY GAMING !!!! Step into the smoke-filled newsrooms and bustling streets of 1930s New York City with News Tower, a game that masterfully transports players back to the era of fedoras, jazz, and clandestine dealings. This fabulous journey through the annals of journalism not only captures the essence of the tumultuous 1930s but also infuses the gameplay with an authentic touch of the times, immersing players in the vibrant tapestry of an era defined by Prohibition, the Great Depression, and, intriguingly and most importantly, the occasional missing cat. In this riveting narrative, players find themselves on a quest to become an influential publisher during a time when the city’s heartbeat was syncopated by the sounds of swing music. The game brilliantly weaves historical events into the storyline, giving players the power to define their editorial line and influence the unfolding drama that mirrors the grit and glamour of 1930s New York. The result is a rich tapestry of storytelling that not only captures the chaotic essence of the era but also allows players to make their mark on its history. News Tower’s unique charm lies in its ability to intertwine the player’s choices with the city’s historical backdrop. As players navigate the maze of ethical decisions, rubbing shoulders with the mafia and the mayor, the game feels like a thrilling journey through a noir film, where every choice has consequences as stark as the cityscape itself. It’s a world where ink-stained reporters, their fedoras pulled low, chase leads through dimly lit alleys, and the truth is as elusive as a speakeasy password whispered in the shadows. The brilliance of the game’s narrative extends to the very heart of journalism—the pursuit of the scoop. Reporters, with their fedoras perched at a jaunty angle and typewriters clacking away, become your allies in uncovering the stories that shape history. The urgency of beating deadlines reflects the relentless pace of 1930s newsrooms, where the race to get the story first was as fierce as a Harlem rent party, and the city’s pulse reverberated through the newsprint. News Tower also pays meticulous attention to the management side of running a newspaper in the 1930s, offering players a glimpse into the intricacies of balancing the chaos and creativity of a newsroom. Your tower, filled with the clattering of typewriters and the hum of rotary phones, is a testament to the era’s industrial charm. Managing various professions, from reporters and photographers to janitors and lawyers, captures the diversity of a newsroom buzzing with activity, reminiscent of the era when a newspaper’s power lay in the synergy of its eclectic staff. The game’s nod to the historical quirks of the time, such as the impact of a coal generator on the typesetter’s floor, adds a delightful touch, providing players with a nuanced understanding of the challenges faced by media pioneers. Transforming your initially dingy tower into a prestigious workspace with lush vegetation and endless coffee—a nod to the era’s love affair with caffeine—becomes an essential part of the experience, mirroring the efforts of the era’s newspaper moguls to create an environment conducive to creativity and productivity. As you rise from a local Brooklyn newspaper to conquer Wall Street, Yankee Stadium, and beyond, News Tower sprinkles its gameplay with delightful 1930s references, each location serving as a portal to a bygone era. These locations not only offer upgrades and new audiences with their unique reading interests but also provide players with a visual and thematic journey into the heart of historical New York. It’s like stepping into a time machine, where the headlines are as sensational as a swing dance competition at the Cotton Club, and every victory feels like a triumph over the challenges of a bygone era. News Tower is not just a game; it’s a time capsule that propels players into the vibrant, chaotic world of 1930s journalism, inviting them to navigate the challenges and triumphs of the era. With its authentic references, captivating narrative, and strategic management elements, it stands as a must-play for those who yearn to experience the glitz and grit of a bygone era.

Review: GENIE Reprise

Developer – Eastasiasoft, Tonguç Bodur Publisher – Eastasiasoft Platforms –  PS5 (Reviewed), Xbox Series X|S Review copy given by Publisher When I first saw the Press release for Genie Reprise come into my email, I thought the game would be a fun little first-person exploration game, where you solve little puzzles or do fun interactive tasks to advance the progress., with Some poetry mixed in to help tell the story, well …… this game is far from that and feels very much like a tech demo, then an exploration game, if you can call it a game at all. Genie Reprise, takes players on a lackluster journey through a fantasy world, with all the excitement of watching paint dry. Get ready to yawn your way through fifteen chapters, each lasting a mind-numbing 8-10 minutes, resulting in an excruciatingly long runtime of around 2 hours. If you were hoping for engaging gameplay, think again. Forget about any challenges or brain stimulation; Genie Reprise has no puzzles, zero interactive elements (except for an underwhelming gate that needs switches to open), and absolutely no collectibles to spice things up (other than the game premise where You’re simply instructed to find a handful of crystal shards within each environment). The developers seemingly embraced the philosophy of “less is more” to an absurd degree, leaving players with an experience that is less entertaining and more like a lesson in patience. How do I even begin to explain what the game actually is? Well, you’re on an eternal stroll to find a handful of crystal shards scattered in each environment. Oh, the thrill! These shards, when collected, magically generate beacons that, brace yourself, initiate a poetry recital – and not just any poetry, but poetry read at a pace that makes a snail look like Usain Bolt. The monotony is accentuated by a softly spoken female voice, which isn’t anything to write home about. Navigating the small, uninspired locations to find these shards becomes an exercise in futility, marked only by beams of light stretching into the sky. The only thing stretching here is the player’s tolerance for monotony. Though it’s tempting to dwell on what’s lacking, GENIE Reprise does manage to bring something to the table for those willing to give it a chance. Spread across the fifteen chapters, the game unfolds in diverse and visually stunning fantasy-themed locations. Each chapter introduces a unique setting, characterized by soft lighting and intricate textures. From a forest adorned with oversized fungi to a medieval village immersed in a brisk winter, an underground cavern with a prominent statue centerpiece, and a magical realm boasting floating islands—GENIE Reprise offers a variety of captivating landscapes. Notably, a gas-punk-style city showcases the uninhibited creativity of inventors, presenting a plethora of sights to explore and appreciate. Oh Wait, I said this was advertised as an exploration game right ??? Well that’s far from the truth also. In fact, most of the locations have something to stop and stare at. It’s a shame that a lot of this is mere window dressing. In the rural coastal town, for instance, it’s impossible to enter the town itself, restricting access to the beach only. The blustery mountain range meanwhile has a view that stretches for miles, yet ends up being one of the smaller locations, with the path to the mountain itself blocked. Run across the bridge, turn back around, and that’s the end of that chapter. GENIE Reprise is but a tease. The poetry in GENIE Reprise desperately attempts to tether itself to the sights and sounds of each location, a feeble blend of ambient effects and piano-led musical scores. For those unimpressed by poetic endeavors, GENIE Reprise generously offers you mere glimpses of game worlds to aimlessly wander through – cramped locales that wouldn’t even make the cut in the next big-budget Western RPG. The sheer lack of substance in these worlds is staggering; there’s nothing to do beyond the absolute bare minimum required to stumble through the experience until its inevitable, and merciful, conclusion. While a handful of locales might stick around in your mind, it’s more likely due to the trauma of realizing how utterly unengaging and devoid of challenge the entire experience is. If there was any intent behind this lackluster endeavor, part of me suspects that the developers aimed for a masterpiece in mediocrity from the start. GENIE Reprise 100% feels more like a tech demo then a game.