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Xbox is asking players to test advert supported game streaming
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported game streaming channel for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to stream owned games for free with ads before sessions begin. This initiative aims to explore the viability of ad-supported subscriptions and provide more affordable access to games, with ads intended to add value without interrupting gameplay.
Xbox adds advertisements to games in "ad-supported" streaming trial, and it sounds like there's more ads…
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported version of its Xbox game streaming service with Xbox Insiders, which will include advertisements at the start of a session. The company states that the core game experience remains unchanged after the initial ads and that this tier is optional. Microsoft aims to provide more affordable ways to play games through advertising, emphasizing that ads should not interrupt gameplay and should meet quality standards.
Halo Remake Players On Xbox Who Paid More To Play Early Can’t
Players on Xbox and the Xbox PC app who purchased the premium edition of Halo: Campaign Evolved are unable to access the game despite paying extra for early access. Halo Studios is investigating the issue, which appears to be widespread. The game is also noted to be working on PlayStation 5, though it has faced other criticisms regarding gameplay changes and cross-platform co-op requirements.
Xbox is testing free, ad-supported cloud gaming
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported tier for its cloud gaming service on Xbox. This move mirrors a similar strategy employed by Nvidia's GeForce Now, aiming to offer free access to cloud streaming with advertisements.
Free, Ad-Supported Gaming Is Now Available On Xbox In A Test
Microsoft has launched a test for a free, ad-supported version of its cloud gaming service on Xbox, available to select Xbox Insiders. This initiative aims to make gaming more affordable by allowing players to stream games for up to an hour after watching ads, without interrupting gameplay. The program, previously tested internally, is now being rolled out publicly to explore new ways for players to access games without upfront purchase or new hardware, provided they have a stable internet connection.
Beginning Ad-supported Game Streaming Test & Learn
Microsoft is testing an ad-supported game streaming service for Xbox Insiders, allowing them to play owned games for free with ads for one-hour sessions. This initiative aims to lower the cost of access to games and expand audiences across supported devices like Xbox Series X|S and PC. The company emphasizes that ads will not interrupt gameplay and will meet the same quality standards as their content.
Morning Tech Bits
OpenAI is investing $30 billion in a new 3.2 GW data center in Georgia, facing local opposition. The article also briefly mentions Microsoft PowerShell version 7.6.
Free Play Days – For Honor, Bleach Rebirth of Souls, Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version, and More
Xbox is offering several games for free during Free Play Days, including Tides of Tomorrow and Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version for Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, and Essential members. Additionally, For Honor, Bleach Rebirth of Souls, and Killing Floor 3 are available for all Xbox members to play for a limited time.
Halo: Campaign Evolved PS5 review - the multiformat remake you never expected
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved for PlayStation 5, featuring updated graphics and gameplay elements from sequels, alongside new bonus missions. Despite its historical significance, the remake suffers from technical issues like slowdown and inconsistent visuals, and its innovations are now commonplace. The new missions are a highlight, offering a more modern experience, but the overall package feels like a compromise.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Review – Remaster Chief
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful remake of Halo: Combat Evolved, featuring updated visuals with Unreal Engine 5 and incorporating gameplay elements from later entries. While online multiplayer is absent, it includes expanded co-op and new prequel missions written by Troy Denning. The game preserves the original's art direction and captivating story, offering a refined first-person shooter experience with faster movement and additional abilities.
Halo: Campaign Evolved's motion blur is terrible. Just look at it
Halo: Campaign Evolved features particularly poor motion blur, especially on handhelds and lower-end PCs, making gameplay a "nightmare" at frame rates between 30-60 fps. While turning off motion blur is recommended and easily done in the settings, the issue persists even at higher frame rates, significantly impacting visual clarity during fast-paced action. The article also touches on the effectiveness of upscaling technologies like DLSS and FSR for improving performance.
I played the Halo: Campaign Evolved remake and original Halo back-to-back, here's my review
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a modern remake of Halo: Combat Evolved that aims to update the classic shooter with Unreal Engine 5 visuals and gameplay inspired by later Halo titles. While the remake boasts impressive graphics and smoother controls, the reviewer finds that many of its changes, such as the addition of a sprint button and altered vehicle physics, detract from the original's unique design and tension. The package is also criticized for lacking PvP multiplayer and offering a sparse selection of content compared to The Master Chief Collection.
It Feels Wrong For Halo To Feel Better Than Ever On PS5
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a remake of the original Halo: Combat Evolved, is surprisingly enjoyable on PlayStation 5 despite its Xbox origins. Developed in Unreal Engine 5, this reimagining features new missions, redesigned levels, updated gameplay mechanics like sprinting and aiming down sights, and improved narrative connections to later Halo titles. While the new prequel missions introduce underdeveloped characters and the checkpoint system can be finicky, the overall experience enhances the classic story and serves as a new gold standard for playing the first Halo game.
Halo: Campaign Evolved review: The horse you rode in on
Halo: Campaign Evolved is a remake of the original Halo campaign, featuring updated visuals powered by Unreal Engine 5 and some mission alterations. While the graphical overhaul is impressive, it sometimes detracts from the original's atmosphere and can lead to readability issues. The absence of multiplayer, a core part of the Halo experience, is a significant drawback, especially given the game's price point. Despite some improvements and new prequel missions, the remake ultimately feels hollow without its multiplayer component.
Union accuses Bethesda of violating labour laws in Canada following layoffs at Montreal studio
The union OneBGS has filed a legal complaint against Bethesda, accusing the company of violating Canadian labor laws following recent layoffs at its Montreal studio. The union alleges that Bethesda issued termination letters to employees, contradicting previous assurances of continued employment until September and offering the minimum legally required severance without union negotiation. These claims follow broader allegations of unlawful layoffs by Xbox, with unfair labor practice charges filed against Microsoft and its subsidiaries.
After 25 Years, Halo Is Finally On PlayStation
Halo: Campaign Evolved has launched in early access on July 23, marking the first time a Halo game has been available on PlayStation consoles after 25 years of Xbox exclusivity. Developers aim to reconnect the community and reach new audiences by bringing the franchise to PlayStation 5 and other platforms. This move is also seen as a financial strategy for Microsoft, which has seen success with its multiplatform releases.
Elder Scrolls Online’s Microsoft-induced ‘capacity’ issues bring an end to the web version of its cash shop
ZeniMax Online Studios is removing the web version of The Elder Scrolls Online's cash shop to manage team workload, a change attributed to Microsoft's recent layoffs. Players will still be able to purchase crowns and in-game items by logging into the game directly. This decision impacts content creators who relied on the web store for screenshots.
Original Xbox classics land on PC — and Microsoft says this is only the start
Microsoft has launched an initiative to bring original Xbox games to PC, starting with four titles: BLiNX: The Time Sweeper, Conker: Live and Reloaded, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge, and Fuzion Frenzy. These games are available for purchase on Windows PCs and are also included with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. Microsoft states this is the beginning of a broader effort to preserve and release older Xbox games on PC.
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden wants to save games by bringing back double-A - and he has a plan
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes the current blockbuster game development model is unsustainable due to exponentially rising costs. He is developing a plan to revitalize the underserved double-A market, arguing that this tier of games is more economically feasible and can attract new players to the industry.
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden wants to save games by bringing back double-A - and he has a plan
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden believes the escalating costs of blockbuster game development are unsustainable and advocates for the return of the double-A market. He plans to establish a publishing concern focused on funding and supporting these mid-tier games, arguing they can attract new players and offer more creative freedom than current triple-A trends.