Microsoft and Activision want you to spend money on Black Ops 6

Microsoft and Activision officially revealed Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 during the Xbox Games Showcase which gave us a deep dive into its Campaign with teases for its multiplayer and zombie modes. What they also revealed were the options of editions you can purchase for Black Ops 6. With this title coming to Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has provided multiple different ways to spend money on this game. Here are all of the different editions of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 available for pre-order: Black Ops 6: Vault Edition – $99.99 The Vault Edition returns once again for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 and is the ultimate edition for the game. It comes with all of the must-have benefits and is the obvious choice for any hardcore Call of Duty fan. You’ll get Open Beta Early Access and a lot of cosmetic items. Here is what’s included with the Vault Edition: Open Beta Early Access (Preorder Benefit). Woods Operator Pack (Preorder Benefit). A Digital version of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. BlackCell. Hunters vs. Hunted Operator Pack. Mastercraft Weapon Collection. GobbleGum Pack. You can purchase the Vault Edition for $99.99 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Console Cross-Gen Bundle (Digital Edition) – $69.99 Both Xbox and PlayStation have the Console Cross-Gen Bundle that will allow you to own Black Ops 6 on both generations of consoles. So if you buy it on PS5 you’ll also own it on PS4. If you want to see the benefit of getting this version you’ll have to pre-order and here is what you’ll get: Open Beta Early Access (Preorder Benefit) Woods Operator Pack (Preorder Benefit) Black Ops 6 PC Edition – $69.99 Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 is available across three different locations on PC: the Microsoft Store, Battle.net, and Steam. Make sure to choose wisely when getting this game on PC. The benefits of pre-purchasing Black Ops 6 on PC are the same as mentioned above. Game Pass Vault Edition Upgrade – $30.00 Just like with Starfield, if you want to have access to all the benefits of the Vault Edition as a Game Pass subscriber you’ll need to upgrade by spending $30.00. If you do so you’ll receive all of the benefits mentioned above. Today, Activision revealed that carry-forward content would not be coming to Black Ops 6 meaning that all of the content you spent extra money on in Modern Warfare II and Modern Warfare III will not make it over to the new game. This will make that content irrelevant if you don’t plan on playing Modern Warfare anymore. Activision or Treyarch did not say if any of the cosmetic items we have seen over the last few years would eventually be resold for Black Ops 6, but this is a frustrating sign for passionate players.
The Future of Xbox in hardware “is pretty awesome” says Phil Spencer

Today, Microsoft held its yearly Xbox Games Showcase which was all about sharing new details on games that are coming out within the next year. There were 30 games showcased with 17 of them being Xbox first-party titles. CEO of Microsoft Gaming, Phil Spencer was interviewed by IGN a few hours after the showcase and was asked about the future of Xbox hardware. Ryan McCaffrey at IGN Live asked Phil Spencer about the Xbox Handheld rumors that have been spreading for some time. The Microsoft Gaming CEO said the future of Xbox in hardware is pretty awesome. “I don’t want to say anything, but the future for us in hardware is pretty awesome. Today was about the games, but we will have a time to come out and talk more about platform.” You can also see the quote on X (Twitter). The only hardware news that came out of the Xbox Games Showcase was the all-digital Xbox Series X that will come out later this year and another version of the Xbox Series S and standard Series X. Rumors were spreading ahead of the Showcase about Microsoft teasing a handheld console. That obviously did not come to fruition, but that doesn’t mean it can’t happen in a few years from now.
Diablo IV Expansion ‘The Vessel Of Hatred’ Arriving This October

The release of Diablo IV from Blizzard Entertainment has only been a glowing effort after years of waiting since the last flagship installment. “I am so pleased with how Diablo IV has turned out. It embraces its roots, taking some gameplay advances of Diablo 3 and features of Immortal to give us a proper next-generation entry to the series. I can’t wait to see the seasonal content and add to the game over time, as this will usher a new generation of action RPGs into the modern era,” our review for the game reads. In response to the game’s reception, Blizzard Entertainment quickly learned that Diablo IV was the firm’s fastest-selling release ever. Not only that, but it also made history: Diablo IV was the first Blizzard Entertainment title to be added to Xbox Game Pass post-acquisition. And now with expansion ‘The Vessel of Hatred’ on the way, players grow only more excited. At the Xbox Games Showcase, Blizzard Entertainment reveals an October release date for the upcoming add-on. You can watch the cinematic trailer in the video below: “Unleash the power of the Spiritborn, a new class that harnesses the mystical spirits of the jungle for swift and devastating attacks. The hunt for Neyrelle begins anew as she strives to thwart Mephisto’s sinister plot,” the synopsis for The Vessel of Hatred reads from the Xbox Wire blog post. “Dive into the jungle region of Nahantu, where new Dungeons, Strongholds, and enemies await, along with a new PvE co-op activity where you can team up to take down challenges for promising rewards. Plus, recruit new Mercenaries to aid you in your quest, grow in power as they progress, and help you in combat with their unique abilities.” How excited are you for The Vessel of Hatred? The Vessel of Hatred arrives to Diablo IV on October 8, 2024 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire
A44 Games Prepares July 2024 Launch For Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn

A44 Games, the team most notable for its 2019 release Ashen is already onto its next major IP – Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Announced back in 2022, the game grabbed many from its impressive visuals, smooth souls-like combat, and intriguing universe. What’s more, the game is also prepared to launch on Xbox Game Pass as well. In a more recent update from the developer, A44 Games gave a behind-the-scenes look at Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn. Part of that included the in-depth character creator for the full game. Alongside enriching its own world, players can do this as well when developing their own persona through this creator before the story even begins. At the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, A44 Games revealed Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is set to release this summer in July. You can watch the release date trailer in the video below: “Set in the beleaguered world of Kian, you’ll guide Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that have invaded her world. Blending classic Souls mechanics with a brutal, fast-paced combat system, Nor can use a combination of axe combat, flintlock weaponry, and magic, creating devastating combos – but you’ll need skill to survive,” the Xbox Wire description for the game reads. Among other third-party showcased projects, Sandfall Interactive left the same impression with its trailer for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 as the title utilizes Unreal Engine 5 to its fullest capacity. You can read the full report by heading here. Do you plan to play Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn when it releases? Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn ships July 18, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 Receives 2025 Release Window In New Trailer

The magic that comes from Unreal Engine 5 is finally being realized. While promising demonstrations was an era while the pandemic was still in full effect, developers have begun releasing full projects capitalizing on this game-building suite. We’ve seen this with titles including RoboCop: Rogue City as well as the previous Matrix experience that released. Even at Xbox it is making waves. Reports indicate that Halo is to adopt Unreal Engine 5 at 343 Industries. The most recent example of this is Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II. “Ninja Theory took full advantage of what Unreal Engine 5 had to offer when it developed its new AAA title and it delivered, tremendously,” our review shares. “The developer utilized photogrammetry to capture images of real-world locations in Iceland, aiding in the creation of highly realistic and textured 3D models for the game.” Now from developer Sandfall Interactive, Unreal Engine 5 shows a new level of detail with Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is an upcoming reactive turn-based RPG that will transport you to a beautiful, surrealist new world inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque – a period famous for its stunning and lavish contributions to the country’s world-renowned culture of art,” the Xbox Wire description reads for the game. “As a member of the Expeditioners, who are embarking on an impossible quest to end the Paintress’ cycle of death, you’ll journey through a vast and beautiful fantasy world where you’ll battle deadly adversaries, befriend fabled creatures, and discover traces of those who came before.” How excited are you for Clair Obscur: Expedition 33? Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 will release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire
Winter Burrow comes to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass in 2025

Winter Burrow from Noodlecake and Pine Creek Games was announced at the Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. This is a cozy woodland survival game where you explore, gather resources, craft tools, knit warm sweaters, bake pies and meet the locals. The main character of the game is a tiny mouse and adventures through a wilderness that is freezing and full of snow. Here are all the details behind the game’s storyline and setting: Restore your broken-down childhood burrow to a place you can again call home and relax in front of the fireplace. Play as a mouse who has returned from life in the big city only to find that your childhood home is in ruin. And your Aunt, who was supposed to be looking after it, has gone missing. Brave the elements and journey out into the frozen wilderness to collect resources for survival and the long journey of restoring your burrow. Beware of the insect wildlife and remember that nobody survives on their own. Find new friends, expand your survival handbook and solve the mystery of what happened to your Aunt. Winter Burrow will come to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Game Pass in 2025.
Rebellion Announces Atomfall, Launches In 2025

From U.K.-based Rebellion, the team continues offering new projects ever so often. In 2022, it was Sniper Elite 5. “The Sniper Elite series is one of my personal favorites, and Sniper Elite 5 completely fills a void left behind with the lack of any relevant Metal Gear or Splinter Cell for the current generation. […] Stellar level design and refined gameplay mechanics firmly establish Sniper Elite 5 among the stealth action classics such as Hitman and Splinter Cell,” our review for the game reads. Not only that, but the team is still whittling away at more virtual reality projects. After its launch for Sniper Elite VR, the same treatment is also coming to Zombie Army as well. A proper virtual reality title is currently in development with plans to release on Meta Quest, Steam, and PlayStation VR 2. Now this weekend, Rebellion reveals there is more under the hood at its studio as well. At the Xbox Games Showcase, Rebellion announced post-apocalyptic, open-world experience Atomfall. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Set in the rolling British countryside with idyllic pubs, quaint villages, and red phone boxes, it soon becomes clear that things are far from normal. Created by Rebellion, the makers of the much-loved Sniper Elite and Zombie Army franchises, Atomfall is inspired by a real-world nuclear disaster that occurred in northern England in 1957. The game follows a fictional storyline where you find yourself in the quarantine zone five years after the event. “Explore the countryside, villages, and settlements and meet odd people, wicked cults, rogue government agencies and others along the way. Explore this open world adventure and seek out the truth at your own pace. A single player, survival-action game, Atomfall blends post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia, folk horror, and elements of classic British sci-fi to create an immersive and thrilling gameplay experience.” How excited are you for Atomfall? Atomfall will release in 2025 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire
Is South of Midnight coming to PlayStation 5?

South of Midnight from Compulsion Games is a brand-new Action & Adventure title that is aimed to launch in 2025. The game was first announced in 2023 and made an appearance with a gameplay trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2024. Will South of Midnight Come To PlayStation 5? South of Midnight is planned to release for Xbox Series X|S and PC with no plans for a PlayStation 5 release as of this moment. The game will also be available on Xbox Game Pass the day it releases. With Microsoft’s recent decisions for its games, we wouldn’t count out South of Midnight coming to other consoles in the future. The latest title from the We Happy Few creators is a Dark Modern Folktale. When a hurricane rips through Prospero, Hazel, the main character, is pulled into a Southern Gothic world where reality and fantasy are interwoven, and ancient creatures from folklore emerge. In this coming-of-age adventure, Hazel journeys forth to rescue her mother and delves into a haunting web of folklore and family secrets, untangling her own identity.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Sets Landing For November 2024 Release

Developer Asobo Studio alongside the A Plague Tale franchise is also committed to Microsoft Flight Simulator. One of its recent highlights for the game arrived in November. Although the film was delayed, the game studio still rolled out its Dune II collaboration which added the film’s Ornithopters to the game. Not to mention the World Update XIV which emphasized on Central European cities. Additionally, 2024 is also to offer that same level of promise for Microsoft Flight Simulator. Already, this is illustrated with World Update XVI in February which included the landmarks & more for the Caribbean territories. Of course, there is also the namesake Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launching later this year. At the Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox & Asobo Studio shared that Microsoft Flight Simulator is set to release in November. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is the next installment in the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise. It is the most ambitious consumer flight simulator ever undertaken. It features the largest, most diverse and detailed fleet of aircraft, the most complete representation of airports and air traffic, and the most visually stunning rendition of Earth ever created,” the Xbox Wire post reads. “This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 goes beyond merely operating the aircraft; it will allow simmers to pursue their dream of an aviation career. With features like aerial firefighting, search and rescue, commercial flights, remote cargo ops, VIP charter service, air racing, and more, simmers will not only be experiencing the joy of flight, but also dive into the pilot career they always dreamed of.” Are you excited for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024? Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 ships on November 19, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S & PC. Source: Xbox Wire
Annapurna Interactive, Beethoven & Dinosaur Announces Mixtape For 2025 Launch

From Annapurna Interactive, the publisher does not cease to offer aesthetically pleasing experiences from talented, small developers. Just look at Sayonara Wild Hearts. “From the aesthetically pleasing visuals, addicting gameplay, and fitting soundtrack, all together it kept me glued to the screen until the end of the demo and hungry for more,” our impressions for the game shared. The same can also be said for the more recent The Artful Escape. Scheduled for its launch in September 2021, developer Beethoven & Dinosaur offer a unique game fixing music and storytelling into one experience. And upon its arrival on Xbox Game Pass, players jumped in and digested another one of Annapurna Interactive’s hallmark releases. Now at the Xbox Games Showcase, Beethoven & Dinosaur returns with a nostalgic, music-filled road trip – Mixtape. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “From Beethoven & Dinosaur, award-winning developers of The Artful Escape, comes Mixtape. On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more adventure together. En route to their final party together, a perfectly curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories together. Immerse yourself in the teenage wasteland, playing through a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. “The story is delivered through a mixtape of comedic, joyful gameplay, from skateboarding and flying to taking photos after hours at an abandoned theme park, and much more. It’s the greatest hits of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Similar to games like What Remains of Edith Finch, Mixtape ties its narrative to a unique, vignette-driven structure that emphasizes variety, surprise, and comedy in its gameplay. “Featuring music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and more. Mixtape effectively blends gameplay, narrative, and music. Join the crew on their last night together as they experience a mixtape of memories, set to the soundtrack of a generation.” What are you most grabbed from the reveal for Mixtape? Mixtape is set to release in 2025 for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Source: Xbox Wire