Xbox Series S
Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox Series S.
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GOALS 2.0.0 Update Drops 5v5 Ranked, New Game Modes, and Major Gameplay Overhauls
The GOALS 2.0.0 update, described as the biggest since launch, is now live on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. This major update introduces a highly requested 5v5 Ranked mode, a solo tournament called The Trial, significant gameplay overhauls, and improved online features including better matchmaking and connectivity.
Playground Games says Fable's story will last between '15-20 hours' or double that with other open-world content, and the life systems are 'limitless'
Playground Games has revealed that Fable's main story will take approximately 15-20 hours to complete, with an additional 15-20 hours of side content. Associate game director Will Kennedy emphasized that the game's life systems, including interactions with over 1,000 NPCs and property ownership, offer limitless replayability. The game is set to launch on February 23, 2027, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
PlayStation 5 Open-World Adventure Game With an Unlikely Hero Gets Trailer, Release Date
Hela: of Mice & Magic, an open-world adventure game from Knights Peak and Windup Games, has revealed its release date of December 1, 2026, alongside a new trailer. Players will control a mouse assisting a witch in protecting a magical land across various environments. The game will be available on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC, with a special Harmony Edition including a soundtrack and art book.
The Blood of Dawnwalker controller issues tackled in latest hotfix, and Rebel Wolves talks more about a sequel
Rebel Wolves has released a hotfix for The Blood of Dawnwalker addressing controller issues, stability problems, and quest blockers. The developer is also actively seeking a lead writer for a sequel, with studio co-founder Konrad Tomaszkiewicz having previously discussed plans for future adventures.
Doom is coming to Black Ops 7 in new Halloween event as final season revealed ahead of Modern Warfare 4 launch
Activision has revealed the final season for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, featuring a Doom crossover and Halloween-themed content. The update includes a new Doom Slayer operator skin, weapon rewards, and a limited-time event pass. A single new map, Quantum, is added alongside a new version of Homestead called Bloodstead, and the return of the Hordepoint mode.
Invoke studio head says Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons' imp companion can aid as they explore and serves as an 'unreliable guide' to Kaatri's journey, but is still 'his own character'
Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay revealed details about Skev, the imp companion in Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons. Skev will serve as an 'unreliable guide' to the player character Kaatri, offering lore and narrative assistance as they explore Darkon, but he is designed as his own character with personal motivations, including finding his lost master.
Creative Assembly says it wanted to 'authentically simulate' the Warhammer tabletop experience for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 by adding references, lore, and more
Creative Assembly aims to authentically simulate the Warhammer tabletop experience in Total War: Warhammer 40,000 by incorporating lore and references, rather than a direct system recreation. The developers collaborated closely with Games Workshop to capture the essence of the universe for the upcoming strategy game, which is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
'We're trying to go easy on the hand-holding' — Invoke says Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons' HUD and waypoint guidance will be minimal and can even be toggled on and off so as not to 'overwhelm' players and encourage exploration
Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay confirmed that Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons will feature a toggleable HUD and minimal waypoint guidance to encourage player exploration and immersion. This approach aims to reduce "hand-holding" common in other open-world RPGs, allowing players to discover the world of Darkon more freely. The game is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Creative Assembly says Total War: Warhammer 40,000 is designed for both newcomers and hardcore fans and teaches mechanics on a 'step-by-step basis' — 'I view the tutorial for an experienced player as kind of like an appetizer'
Creative Assembly developers Joy Dey and Dave Petry discussed the accessibility of Total War: Warhammer 40,000, emphasizing that its tutorial is designed to onboard both newcomers to the Total War series and fans of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game is slated for release in 2027 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.
If PS6 handheld rumors are real, ex-PlayStation boss suggests Sony skip a home console because it "really struggles to sell 2 different pieces of hardware at the same time"
Former PlayStation boss Shawn Layden suggests Sony struggles to market two hardware platforms simultaneously, citing past difficulties with the PlayStation 3 and PlayStation Portable. He speculates that if Sony releases a PlayStation 6 handheld, they might consolidate their gaming activities around that single platform, potentially skipping a traditional home console.
Survive Together in the Strange Worlds: Once Human (F2P) Is Available Now on XBOX Series X|S With Game Pass!
The free-to-play survival shooter Once Human is now available on Xbox Series X|S and is included with Xbox Game Pass. The game features cross-play and cross-progression, with no pay-to-win mechanics. An upcoming Ocean Expansion is planned for October.
Creative Assembly says its new Warcore engine has allowed it to take Total War: Warhammer 40,000 into space and build 'a bigger play area for all the planets, all the solar systems, the whole galaxy — 'I think that's the biggest thing for campaign'
Creative Assembly has detailed how its new Warcore engine significantly enhances Total War: Warhammer 40,000, enabling a galactic scale for campaign gameplay and improving rendering, animations, and the handling of numerous projectiles. The engine's advancements are crucial for the game's vision, allowing for faster development and higher quality.
'We don't want to create a game where if you know D&D, you're like, Oh, I know everything' — Invoke says Warlock has a lot of 'deep cut' elements from Dungeons & Dragons, but is designed for both new and experienced players to 'live that mystery'
Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay stated that Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons incorporates 'deep-cut' elements from the TTRPG while aiming to maintain a sense of mystery for both new and experienced players. The game, set in the Darkon realm within Ravenloft, is designed to encourage exploration and discovery rather than relying on players' existing D&D knowledge. It is scheduled for a 2027 release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
'We're all keen to keep evolving' — Creative Assembly says Total War: Warhammer 40,000's controller support was developed alongside the game's battle system and doesn't believe the 'myth' that a gamepad can't work with RTS games
Creative Assembly's Dave Petry stated that controller support for Total War: Warhammer 40,000 was developed concurrently with the game's battle system, aiming to dispel the myth that real-time strategy games cannot effectively utilize a gamepad. The team believes they have achieved a functional and evolving implementation, drawing on experience from Halo Wars 2.
'Creative magic use was at the core of what we wanted to do in gameplay, and we landed on warlocks' — Invoke Studios head explains why it chose to highlight the arcane class in Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons
Invoke Studios head Dominic Guay explained that the warlock class was chosen for Warlock: Dungeons & Dragons due to a focus on creative magic use in gameplay and storytelling. He noted the challenge of managing the game's magic system while ensuring player creativity. The game is set to launch in 2027 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Launches at Midnight Local Time Worldwide, per PlayStation Store Listings
Grand Theft Auto 6 will launch at midnight local time worldwide, according to PlayStation Store listings. Players in New Zealand will be the first to access the game, with others in regions like Mexico and the United States having later access. The article suggests this staggered release could lead to spoilers emerging quickly and notes that setting a console's region to New Zealand might allow early access.
The Blood of Dawnwalker has sold 1 million copies in just 3 days
The Blood of Dawnwalker has achieved over one million sales worldwide within its first three days of release, developer Rebel Wolves announced. The studio, formed by former Witcher developers, also confirmed a performance mode for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will be available on day one after fan feedback. Separately, a report indicates Microsoft has capped Xbox Game Pass cloud gaming at 15 hours per month for Ultimate subscribers, reportedly at its break-even point, potentially due to AI workload prioritization on Azure servers.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation’s Physical Edition Requires Mandatory Download on PS5 and Xbox Series X/S
The physical edition of Final Fantasy 7 Revelation for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X/S will require a mandatory internet download, a departure from previous installments. While the Nintendo Switch version will use a game key card, the disc-based versions for current-gen consoles necessitate online connectivity to play, disappointing collectors.
Xbox’s New TCL Partnership Couldn’t Come At A Worse Time
Xbox has announced a new partnership with TCL that will integrate the Xbox app into select TCL TV models, allowing users to play games via cloud streaming with an Xbox Game Pass subscription. This move aims to reach consumers who may not own dedicated consoles, though cloud streaming hours are limited per subscription tier. The announcement comes at a challenging time for Xbox, amidst other major releases and business developments.
Exclusive: Ex-Rockstar dev gives us the inside scoop on what GTA 6’s Extended Look reveals about its protagonists — ‘Jason Duval is a robot — a Terminator'
Former Rockstar Games developer Mike York analyzes the Grand Theft Auto 6 Extended Look, suggesting protagonists Jason Duval and Lucia Caminos will offer a contrasting dynamic. York notes Jason's methodical, Terminator-like demeanor and Lucia's more assertive personality, potentially addressing past criticisms of the series' tone and female representation. He also comments on the game's visuals, character animations, and UI elements, while expressing confidence in its long-term appeal.
