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The new 'backward compatible' Xbox games on PC run on an OG Xbox emulator inside an Xbox 360 emulator, and…
New original Xbox games available on PC through backward compatibility utilize a complex emulation system. These games run on an Xbox 360 emulator, which in turn runs an original Xbox emulator (XeFu). Independent developers have already leveraged these emulators to run other original Xbox and Xbox 360 titles on PC, showcasing the intricate engineering behind Microsoft's backward compatibility efforts and raising discussions about game preservation.
Minecraft Digs Up New System Specs
Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft Java Edition, with the changes taking effect on July 21st. The article notes that the game has been playable on a wide range of systems.
The Sunday Papers
This article discusses various topics including the game Troubleshooter, analyses of science fiction and fantasy in big tech, and a piece on Scottish novelist Lewis Grassic Gibbon. It also touches on gender dysphoria through the games Stellar Blade and Brush Burial: Gutter World, and reflects on the creation of the game Sir, You Are Being Hunted. Additionally, it explores art history through the lens of Rembrandt van Rijn and the use of oil paint, and mentions the Pervert Jam 2026 game jam.
How PlayStation should have handled the news about going all-digital - Reader’s Feature
A reader suggests Sony Interactive Entertainment should have handled its transition to an all-digital PlayStation 5 by 2028 more carefully. The author proposes solutions like offering free digital transfers for physical discs, reducing digital game prices, and creating a dedicated studio for game preservation to appease critics and support physical media.
Videogame villains who sing at you are the best
This article discusses the trend of villains singing in video games, highlighting examples from various titles like Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Hades II, and Baldur's Gate 3. It argues that unexpected musical numbers from antagonists can be more engaging than traditional monologues, making them memorable and impactful.
Game History and Preservation
Microsoft has included a native Xbox 360 emulator with its recent backwards-compatible PC releases. Modders have reportedly managed to run Xbox 360 games on PC with minimal adjustments, highlighting advancements in game preservation and emulation technology.
Xbox releases four original console games on PC thanks to Backwards Compatibility, but they chose the wrong ones
Microsoft has released four original Xbox console games on PC via backwards compatibility, including Fuzion Frenzy, BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Conker: Live & Reloaded. The article criticizes the selection of games and the lack of achievements at launch, suggesting more popular titles like Halo: Combat Evolved or Jade Empire would have been better choices.
Kids don’t like video games and that’s a massive problem - Reader's Feature
A reader expresses concern that children are not developing a healthy relationship with video games, often preferring mobile titles like Roblox and Minecraft over traditional console games. The author argues that parents' lack of engagement and introduction to age-appropriate titles leads children to associate gaming with low-rent, free-to-play experiences, potentially harming the future of the industry. This trend is seen as a contributing factor to publishers' focus on live service games over single-player experiences.
Halo: Campaign Evolved’s Secret Ending Hints at Potential Halo 2 Remake
Players have discovered a secret ending in Halo: Campaign Evolved that hints at a potential remake of Halo 2. This discovery follows rumors of Halo 2 and 3 remakes being in development, contingent on the success of the first game. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to launch on July 28th for Xbox Series X/S, PS5, and PC.
Saudi Arabia's takeover of EA gets approval from European Commission
The European Commission has approved Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund's proposed $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts, stating it will not raise competition concerns within the EU. While this hurdle is cleared, the deal still faces scrutiny from US lawmakers and developers concerned about the takeover's implications.
Xbox tests a new deal: watch ads to stream games you’ve already bought
Microsoft is testing a new feature for Xbox Insiders that allows players to stream owned games for up to one hour after watching advertisements. This optional program is being presented as a way to offer more affordable access to games, despite recent price increases for Xbox consoles. The company states that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will be held to a high quality standard.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Secret Ending Seems To Tease A Halo 2 Remake
The secret ending of Halo: Campaign Evolved appears to tease a potential remake of Halo 2. Leaks have previously suggested that remakes of Halo 2 and 3 are in development by the newly rebranded Halo Studios, which is also reportedly working on a live-service title. Halo: Campaign Evolved is set to release on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC on July 28.
Resident Evil 4 is best-selling modern remake but the top 5 is surprising
Resident Evil 4 is the best-selling modern remake, selling approximately 16.8 million copies. The analysis, based on data from 2020 onwards, reveals a surprising top five including Ark: Survival Ascended and The Last of Us Part I, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth and Silent Hill 2 also performing well. Nintendo's Shigeru Miyamoto defended the prevalence of remakes, viewing them as a way to introduce older titles to new audiences and pave the way for future developments.
Minecraft Java Edition system requirements want 8/16 GB RAM for the first time, but it isn't more demanding now, Microsoft just hadn't updated the specs in a while
Microsoft has updated the system requirements for Minecraft Java Edition, now recommending 16 GB of RAM and an Nvidia GeForce RTX 2060 or equivalent GPU for optimal performance. The company states these changes reflect the current state of the game and are not indicative of increased demand, but rather an update to ensure a smooth player experience and allow for future modernization.
After half a decade of job losses, there is no “business as usual” | Opinion
The article analyzes the persistent game industry layoffs over the past five years, highlighting the destruction of talent and the failure of current business models. It suggests that the industry's reliance on instability and contractor exploitation is unsustainable for both employees and studios, proposing a shift towards more stable, indie-inspired development and prototyping models.
Halo: Campaign Evolved launches to "mixed" Steam reviews thanks to server login issues in a single-player game…
Halo: Campaign Evolved has received mixed reviews on Steam due to server login issues and crashes, despite being a single-player focused remake. Players are frustrated with the need for server connections and the game's buggy launch, though some praise the updated gameplay and classic campaign.
Blizzard fire World Of Warcraft developer over use of forbidden magicks to insta-kill bosses for regular players during dungeon run
Blizzard Entertainment has fired a World of Warcraft developer for using development-only spells to instantly kill bosses during a live Mythic+ dungeon run for non-developer players. The studio confirmed the incident, stating that the employee violated the company's Code of Conduct and that action is also being taken against the player accounts involved. Blizzard emphasized that the misuse of developer tools is against policy and that this incident was isolated to a single individual.
Age of Empires III Definitive Edition Dropping F2P, Reviving The Baltic Powers DLC
Microsoft has announced that the new DLC 'The Baltic Powers' for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition will be released soon. The company is also removing the free-to-play model for the base game, making it a premium purchase.
Morning Safety Dance
LG has agreed to stop sending spam advertisements for McAfee software following pressure from Microsoft. The company will cease the unwanted promotional content after receiving complaints about the practice.
It looks like we're getting a Halo 2 remake next, but is that really a surprise?
The article discusses the likelihood of a Halo 2 remake, citing a secret ending in the current "Campaign Evolved" game that directly teases the sequel. It explores how Halo Studios' approach to game design might better suit remakes of Halo 2 and 3 compared to the original game. The author also touches upon Microsoft's recent job cuts and studio closures within its gaming division, expressing uncertainty about the future of the Halo remake series despite its potential.
