The Crew Motorfest expands to Maui this November
Ubisoft Forward took place today unveiling new updates to many existing titles including XDefiant and The Crew Motorfest. This Fall will mark Year 2 for The Crew Motorfest and there will be an expansion available when the volcanic paradise of Maui joins the game. Maui will offer up to more than 100 square kilometers to explore and race through, ranging from the streets of Kahului to Haleakalā National Park, with its bamboo groves, volcanic sands, and the waterfalls of its Ohe’o Gulch Sacred Pools. It will be free to everyone when Season 5 launches this November. The new island will also be one of the locations for The Chase Squad. Players will team up with an elite group of drivers aiming to challenge traditional racing as they defeat their rivals. The Chase Squad challenges players to track, outsmart, and outmaneuver racing rivals in high-speed nighttime pursuits across the islands. Season 5 will bring more content to the Made in Japan playlist with new events, races, and locations. More information about this Season will be unveiled during The Crew Showcase this September. The Crew Motorfest is by far the best in the series taking place in a beautiful location. With more content coming, the game is only getting better. Source: Ubisoft
XDefiant is getting a new Faction, maps, and a CTF mode in July
Ubisoft Forward has taken place featuring updates on existing games including XDefiant with more details about Season 1. Currently, XDefiant is in the middle of its preseason that just released on May 21 and Ubisoft has given us a tease of what to expect in July. A brand-new Faction, GSK will join the game in Season 1, with three new maps, and a Capture the Flag mode. In an interview with IGN Live, it was confirmed that XDefiant will be getting Team Deathmatch in the next few weeks. The following maps are Clubhouse, Daytona, and Rockefeller. You can get a glimpse of the new Faction and the new maps in the latest trailer dropped by Ubisoft on YouTube. On July 1, Ubisoft will reveal all of the content coming to XDefiant Season 1 which you’ll get a look at the Battle Pass and everything else that will release on July 2. XDefiant is available now on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Ubisoft Connect. Source: Ubisoft
Ubisoft Rolls Out Battlecore Arena For Early Access Today
In its annual presentation, Ubisoft is anticipated to showcase upcoming projects including the likes of Prince of Persia, for instance. The livestreamed event featured new updates on the IP including a 2026 release window established for Prince of Persia: The Sand of Time Remake as well as the flow of content out now and in September for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown as well. Additionally, Ubisoft also used this window to launch Battlecore Arena: a PvP platform shooter which hit early access on PC. You can watch the launch trailer in the video below: “In BattleCore Arena, you will compete in fast-paced PvP battles with responsive controls mixing shooting, platforming, physics mastery and team strategy! With your team, Dash, Jump (and double jump); use your trusted weapons and abilities to eject your opponents out of the arena,” the Steam page reads for the game. “Enjoy different 3v3 modes with your friends or play alone in a free-for-all battle to be the last core standing! Physics will be your greatest ally or your worst enemy! Perform mind-blowing aerial maneuvers and mix the jump, double jump, directional dash, and gravity to take the upper hand! “Personalize the appearance of your core! Choose your Armor, customize your Lights, your Banner and your Elimination Explosion to impose your style in and out the Arena. You can count on unique weapons and abilities to be the most powerful core of the arena. Gear up for upcoming battles and create your own playstyle by choosing a ranged weapon and game changer perks!” Do you have any interest for Battlecore Arena? Battlecore Arena is out on PC via Early Access. Source: Ubisoft
Ubisoft Announces Just Dance VR, Launches October 2024
Across its properties, Ubisoft also entertains annual releases. Its most ongoing is Just Dance. Since its debut on the Nintendo Wii, the series has branched to multiple platforms ever since. The latest entry, Just Dance 2024, is playable across Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo hardware. However, the series is jumping to virtual reality now. At Ubisoft Forward, the publisher revealed Just Dance VR with an October 2024 release date. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Up to six players can dance together in 360-degree universes from iconic Just Dance songs. Just Dance VR also features all-new gameplay with two-hand scoring, and introduces a social hub called Dancity where players can meet others from around the world. In Dancity, players have their own apartment, where they can dance and interact with toys with up to six players, or virtually hang out while showing off their customizable avatars.” Ubisoft also shares the song track for Just Dance VR consists of 25 different tracks. Some featured songs include “Don’t Stop Me Now” by Queen, “Bad Liar” by Selena Gomez, “Starships” by Nicki Minaj, “Lights” by Ellie Goulding, “Call Me Maybe” by Carly Rae Jepsen, “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody (All We Got)” by Fergie Ft. Q-tip, GoonRock, “Volar” by Lele Pons ft. Susan Diaz and Victor Cardenas. The decision to further its investment comes at a surprise for those that chime in on Ubisoft’s push thus far. Following the release of Assassin’s Creed Nexus VR, it was evident that the project did underperform and the firm would be holding back further investment. At least, that’s what CEO Yves Guillemot said then. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in Just Dance VR at all? Just Dance VR launches October 15, 2024 for Meta Quest 2, Meta Quest 3, and Meta Quest Pro. Source: Ubisoft
Ubisoft Reveals Monopoly Coming To Xbox/PlayStation/PC/Switch This September
From Ubisoft’s own showcase on Monday, one of its most focused IP was centered during the presentation. With multiple announcements, Prince of Persia fans remain well fed after the franchise remained dormant for some time. One of the biggest announcements came in the form of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake. With little shared, it was confirmed that the new project is set to release sometime in 2026. Another announcement was also made for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. One portion of the reveal included a batch of new content that arrives today for the game. Additionally, plans for the first major add-on for the sidescrolling metroidvania is set to release later in September. However, there is more that is on the way that month, Ubisoft reveals. During the presentation, Ubisoft announced Monopoly is coming with a new coat of paint for modern platforms. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “A next-generation digital take on Monopoly is set to launch this September for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Switch, and PC through the Ubisoft Store, the Epic Games Store, and Steam. Now, the classic tabletop experience is brought to life as players can look at and explore a dynamic neighborhood as they move around the board, uncovering hidden tokens and Mr. Monopoly along the way. And, in an homage to real-life frustrations Monopoly can bring, players will be able to flip the digital board. “Monopoly will also offer a customizable experience, whether that’s choosing a favorite set of dice or token aesthetic, creating a homemade rule set, or enabling a Fast Mode that uses speed die and pushes for faster board progression and shorter matches. Players can dive into Monopoly with up to five other friends, either in couch co-op or in online matches.” How excited are you to see Monopoly coming to more systems? Monopoly is listed to release for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC sometime in September 2024. Source: Ubisoft
Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown Free Content Arrives In New Update Today, DLC ‘Mask Of Darkness’ Set For September Launch
The surprise announcement for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown took many by surprise. But what surprised players even more was how well-tuned the game arrived at launch. “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown stands as a testament to the harmonious fusion of innovative gameplay, a compelling narrative, and exquisite artistic design,” our review for the game reads. “The meticulous attention to detail in both design and storytelling ensures that every moment in the game is a memorable one, leaving a lasting impression on those who embark on this captivating journey.” What’s more, Ubisoft is not finished with the game just yet as post-launch plans for the game are still prepared to roll out. At Ubisoft Forward, the publisher shared some of its promised content coming to Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s upcoming story DLC, Mask of Darkness, was revealed during the show, with a September 2024 release date. And starting today, fans can delve into the free Divine Trials update, which adds 22 expert challenges to the Metroidvania-inspired adventure. “These can be accessed through the Hall of Memorials, a new door located in the Haven, and players can pick from four sets of challenges with unique conditions. These progressively more difficult trials are unlocked as players gain new powers for Sargon, and offer a range of challenges built around platforming, puzzles, and combat. Each of the four sets also features a reworked boss battle at the end, and players who beat them can earn four new amulets and outfits.” Are you planning to jump into this new Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown content? Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Ubisoft
Ubisoft Announced 2026 Release For Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake
At the time of its announcement, Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake stood to be a misstep from Ubisoft with many complaining about the game’s handling. Even after hearing the complaints, the team was committed to the direction for the game. However, the project was faced with continued delays for its scheduled release until it was left undated. By summer 2022, Ubisoft announced its prolific Montreal game studio would be picking up the project from its Pune & Mumbai counterparts. What wasn’t anticipated is how much more the wait for the game has become. In one update on the game, it was revealed that Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake was still in its concept phase as development essentially restarted the clock. But at the Ubisoft Forward showcase, the publisher offered an update on the title. In that, a planned release date for the game is set for 2026. You can watch the teaser in the video below: “Finally, the remake of Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time made an appearance with a brief teaser trailer revealing that the classic adventure – rebuilt from the ground up and now entering its full production phase – will launch in 2026. Ubisoft Montreal, with support from co-dev studios in Toronto, Bucharest, Paris, and Pune, will bring the Prince and Farah’s story to life for a new generation of players,” the Ubisoft blog post shares. Are you surprised by this update for Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake? Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake is listed to release in 2026. Source: Ubisoft
Xbox Games Showcase was successful without Halo & Forza
The Xbox Games Showcase has come and gone already and it was arguably one of the best presentations we have seen from Xbox in over 10 years. There were 30 games at the show with 17 of them being first-party titles. Some of the most exciting games at the event were Doom: The Dark Ages, Perfect Dark, State of Decay 3, Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, and many others. Most Popular First-Party Trailers on the Xbox YouTube channel from the Showcase (Top 4): 1. Gears of War: E-Day2. Fable3. Perfect Dark4. DOOM: The Dark Ages pic.twitter.com/l6oY1MwCmy — Klobrille (@klobrille) June 10, 2024 One of the biggest reputations that Xbox events always had was that it has become an expectation to see Halo, Forza, and Gears of War at these shows. Last year, Gears of War and Halo were absent and this time around the Forza and Halo franchises were not there. Buys more time for the future of Halo Given the numerous games that Xbox is now able to feature, 343 Industries has the opportunity to devote more time to developing future Halo titles. From a fan’s perspective, it seems that there was previously greater pressure to release new titles, even if they weren’t fully prepared. The controversial releases of Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Halo Infinite may have been victims of pressure from the upper management at Microsoft. Another successful Xbox Games Showcase without the two franchises that fuel Xbox goes to show there is even more coming in the future. Whether they come to other platforms does not matter. Microsoft Gaming has a lot of ammo incoming on top of the releases of Avowed, South of Midnight, Doom, Fable, Indiana Jones And The Great Circle, State of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, and a lot more. The total amount of views on YouTube of the Xbox Games Showcase sits at 3.4 million views in less than 24 hours.
Sea of Thieves Season 13 arrives on July 25
Rare made an appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase with Sea of Thieves sharing details on a new update coming in July. The Sea of Thieves Season 13 trailer shows off a dark side to the game, heralding the return of Captain Flameheart and inviting players to become the boss fight. An all-new world event will pit pirates against Flameheart’s mighty flagship in order to seize it, raining fire on their foes with a skeleton crew at their command and reaping the rewards of their dastardly deeds. Sea of Thieves Season 13 will come to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Game Pass, PC, and PlayStation 5 on July 13. It will bring exciting new content to the best pirate adventure game that is available to play today. This is the first time that Rare will let players become a villain in Sea of Thieves. Map Changes Coming To Sea of Thieves The following map changes will come to Sea of Thieves when Season 13 goes live. Reaper’s Bones Dig Sites Several islands will be taken over by the Reaper’s Bones, excavated for mysterious artifacts. NPC skeletons will guard the sites. Can be attacked and looted, or peacefully entered if captaining the Burning Blade.
More Xbox games will come to other platforms says Phil Spencer
Microsoft shocked the industry this year when it decided to bring four former Xbox console exclusive games to PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch. The Xbox Games Showcase concluded on Sunday afternoon and announced new games coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass. During an interview with IGN, the CEO of Microsoft Gaming confirmed there will be more Xbox games coming to other platforms. Here is the exact quote Phil Spencer said to IGN’s Ryan McCaffrey (Thanks TrueAchievements): “You are going to see more of our games on more platforms, and we just see that as a benefit to the franchises that we’re building, and we see that from players, and the players love to be able to play.” It remains to see what games could be coming to the other platforms like PlayStation 5 or Nintendo Switch. One of the titles shown at the Xbox Games Showcase was Doom: The Dark Ages which will launch on PS5 in 2025 along with Xbox, PC, and Game Pass. Recent rumors indicated that 343 Industries are developing a Halo: Combat Evolved Remaster that will also ship on PlayStation 5 which would be a first for the iconic franchise that made Xbox what it is.
