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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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"The future of gaming shouldn't come at the expense of ownership" - Anti-DRM champion GOG restates the fundamentals as PlayStation kills off discs
GOG, a digital storefront known for its DRM-free games, emphasizes the importance of game preservation and player ownership in response to Sony's move away from physical media. GOG's joint-CEO Krzysztof Papliński stated that players should have confidence in long-term access to their purchased games, regardless of platform or business model changes. The company's commitment to DRM-free titles and offline installers ensures lasting control for consumers.
Forza Horizon 6 Festival Playlist Challenges Guide – Series 2 Winter
This guide details the challenges and rewards for Series 2 Winter in Forza Horizon 6's Festival Playlist. Players can earn points by completing various events to unlock cars like the 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 and 2003 Ford F-150 SVT Lightning, with the ultimate rewards being the 1993 Porsche 911 Turbo S Leichtbau and 2018 Lotus Exige Cup 430. The guide also offers car recommendations and tune codes for specific challenges.
Uh-oh, the Steam Machine is having its own Xbox 360 "Red Ring of Death" moment, and Valve's lightbar…
A user reported their new Steam Machine experiencing a GPU failure, indicated by a red lightbar, after only 20 minutes of use, mirroring the "Red Ring of Death" issue that plagued the Xbox 360. Valve's error codes suggest a system-wide GPU failure, though the article speculates it could be a software or firmware issue. The user has opted to send the device back to Valve for support rather than attempting DIY fixes.
"Red line of death" - Steam Machine encounters its first major hardware fault and it's already got a fitting Xbox-inspired nickname
The newly released Steam Machine has encountered its first significant hardware issue, with some units displaying a 'red line of death' indicating a GPU failure shortly after setup. This problem, which occurred for one user after playing No Man's Sky and installing a firmware update, has drawn comparisons to the infamous Red Ring of Death on the Xbox 360. Users are advised to contact Valve support for replacements, though the limited production numbers may make this challenging.
‘GigaBash - Ultraman Zero DLC’ - The latest GigaBash DLC sees two rival Ultras, a warrior and an avatar of vengeance, take their battle from the Land of Light to the kaiju fighting arena of a lifetime!
Passion Republic Games has announced the GigaBash - Ultraman Zero DLC, featuring Ultraman Zero and Ultraman Belial. This new content adds the iconic characters with their unique skills and moves to the kaiju fighting arena. The DLC will be available on July 9, 2026, for PC, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Epic Games Store, Stove, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5.
Evening Consolidation
PlayStation 5 owners are reportedly turning to piracy following speculation that Sony may discontinue physical game releases. Meanwhile, Xbox Insiders can now play the game Pit of Goblin. A release announcement was also made for Back to the Dawn.
Steam Machine Early Adopter Reports Hardware Failure With Blinking Red LED
Early adopters of Valve's Steam Machine are reporting hardware failures, indicated by a blinking red LED. The specific error code suggests a GPU failure, though the exact cause and prevalence are currently unknown. This issue has drawn comparisons to the 'red ring of death' experienced by early Xbox 360 consoles.
It’s Not Too Late To Shop Best Buy’s 4th Of July Sale
Best Buy is holding its annual Fourth of July sale, offering discounts on a wide range of products including video games, gaming PCs, and accessories. Notable deals include titles like Borderlands 4, Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, and Resident Evil Requiem, as well as Alienware gaming desktops and various peripherals from brands like Razer and Asus. The sale provides an opportunity to purchase gaming gear at reduced prices before the holiday ends.
Sony Ends Physical Game Production in 2028 – The Beginning of a Digital-Only Future | Invision Game Community
Sony has confirmed that physical disc production for new PlayStation games will cease by January 2028, marking a significant shift towards a digital-only future. This decision raises concerns about ownership, pricing control, and market competition, as it concentrates sales power within the PlayStation Store and eliminates the second-hand market. While digital distribution offers convenience, critics worry about reduced consumer choice and the long-term preservation of games compared to physical media.
Final Fantasy 7 Revelation DLC includes "Story Expansion Pass," according to Epic Games Store database…
Database listings on the Epic Games Store suggest that Final Fantasy 7 Revelation will receive multiple DLCs, including a 'Story Expansion Pass.' While Square Enix has not officially confirmed these plans, director Naoki Hamaguchi has previously expressed openness to post-launch content if fans desire it. The game is slated for release next year on PC, Xbox, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Expert says GTA 6 pre-orders are a big target for scammers — warns 'scammers don’t need to break into Rockstar or hack the game' to steal your details
Experts are warning that Grand Theft Auto 6 pre-orders are a prime target for scammers, who can exploit player excitement without needing to hack Rockstar Games directly. Scammers are creating fake pre-order websites, offering fraudulent gift cards, and even targeting gamers through social media platforms like Discord to steal personal and account information.
Morning Consolidation
A console launch trailer has been released for Lost Ember: Wolf Pack Edition. Additionally, Xbox has published update preview release notes for the Alpha Skip-Ahead Ring.
Another giant US company is looking to expand into gaming claims report
NBCUniversal, the company behind Universal Pictures and the streaming service Peacock, is reportedly considering expanding into the video game business. This potential move comes as the company is preparing for a spin-off from Comcast. While no specific plans have been revealed, NBCUniversal is assessing various growth opportunities, with gaming being one of them.
PlayStation and Xbox have done the impossible by unifying gamers against them both
Gamers across both PlayStation and Xbox platforms are reportedly unified in their dissatisfaction with current industry practices. The article suggests a widespread discontent among players regarding decisions made by these major console manufacturers.
Nintendo probably won't ditch physical games just because PlayStation is, analyst predicts: "Nintendo is going…
Industry analyst Mat Piscatella predicts Nintendo will not follow Sony's lead in phasing out new physical game releases by 2028. Piscatella stated that Nintendo operates independently and is unlikely to alter its strategy based on competitors' decisions. Despite the industry shift towards digital, Nintendo maintains a strong physical market share, particularly with the Nintendo Switch.
The Console Market Is Cooked
This analysis explores the rising costs of consoles like the PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. It features an interview with an analyst to understand the reasons behind the increased prices and discusses the potentially bleak future of console gaming.
Free Play Days – Call of Duty Black Ops 7, Diablo IV, Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure, and More
Xbox is offering several games for free play this weekend, including Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, Diablo IV, and Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure. Diablo IV and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 are available to all Xbox players, while Ikonei Island requires an Xbox Game Pass membership. Demonschool and The Stone of Madness also feature limited-time trials.
Nintendo Could Inherit The Physical Gaming Crown By Default
Sony and Microsoft are rumored to be moving towards digital-only consoles for their next generations, potentially leaving Nintendo as the sole major manufacturer still supporting physical game releases. Industry analyst Mat Piscatella believes Nintendo will continue its own strategy, unaffected by competitors' shifts. While Nintendo Switch has a strong physical market share, a significant portion of its sales are digital, and some physical releases utilize Game-Key Cards, raising concerns about long-term game preservation.
‘In Trusted Hands’ has you repairing phones and paying the price
In Trusted Hands is a management simulation game where players run a phone repair shop, offering a straightforward gameplay loop of scanning, ordering parts, and repairing devices. While the core mechanics are simple and accessible, the reviewer found the game too easy, lacking sufficient challenge or meaningful consequences for player choices, including options for tax evasion and hacking phones. Despite its solid foundation, the game ultimately felt too straightforward and lacked investment for the reviewer to continue playing.
Remothered Is Getting The Unreal Engine 5 Treatment With Two Full Remasters
Stormind Games has announced that Remothered: Tormented Fathers and Remothered: Broken Porcelain are being remastered in Unreal Engine 5 for modern platforms including PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch. These remasters aim to enhance visuals and fix legacy bugs while preserving the original gameplay and atmosphere of the psychological survival horror titles.
