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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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How Important Are Designs and Mechanics in Slots?
This article analyzes the crucial roles of design and mechanics in modern slot games, distinguishing them from traditional forms. Visual design encompasses themes, symbols, colors, and audio, while mechanics dictate gameplay, including reel layouts and bonus features. Both elements are vital for developers to differentiate their titles and create engaging player experiences, with technology driving innovation in the iGaming industry.
The Future of Consoles: What to Expect from the Next Generation of Xbox
Microsoft is developing a next-generation Xbox platform, codenamed Project Helix, which aims to unify the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems. This future console will emphasize cloud gaming, artificial intelligence for enhanced experiences and performance, and maintain backward compatibility. The strategy suggests a shift towards a flexible, multi-device gaming environment rather than a traditional, single-purpose console.
Capcom's doing a Spotlight showcase this week, offering a better look at Dragon's Dogma 2's new Dark Arisen DLC, Onimusha, and more
Capcom will host a Spotlight showcase on Thursday, June 25th, featuring updates on Dragon's Dogma 2: Dark Arisen, Onimusha: Way of the Sword, and Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection. The showcase will also briefly touch upon the success of recent titles like Resident Evil Requiem and Pragmata.
Gaming Tech Gift Ideas for Casual Players | Invision Game Community
This guide focuses on gift ideas for casual gamers, emphasizing accessible and user-friendly accessories over high-spec hardware. Recommendations include comfortable headsets, ergonomic controllers, and gift cards for major platforms like PlayStation Store, Xbox, Steam, and Nintendo eShop. For mobile gamers, phone stands and portable chargers are suggested as practical options.
Steam Deck 2 – Valve Engineer Says “We’re Definitely Getting There”
Valve engineer Pierre-Loup Griffais confirmed that development is underway for a successor to the Steam Deck, with the company aiming for a "generational leap" in hardware. While a specific release date is unconfirmed, rumors suggest a 2028 launch, potentially delayed by component shortages. Valve is also releasing the Steam Machine for $1,049, emphasizing its open Linux-based PC nature.
OD Will Have a System For Players That Are Too Scared to Continue, Says Hideo Kojima
Hideo Kojima discussed his upcoming Xbox-exclusive horror game OD, revealing a system designed for players who might find the game too scary. He also shared that the concept for OD originated during the development of Death Stranding, and many companies rejected the idea as too unconventional. The game is being developed with Unreal Engine and MetaHuman, and is expected to utilize Microsoft's cloud technology.
DualSense Controllers Are Discounted For A Limited Time At Target
Target is offering limited-time discounts on PlayStation 5 DualSense wireless controllers in various color options, with some models marked down significantly from their usual price. Additionally, some Xbox wireless controllers are also available at reduced prices. These sales are part of a broader trend of retailer promotions competing with Amazon's Prime Day event.
Steam Machine Is NOT A Console, Valve Says
Valve has clarified that the Steam Machine is an extension of PC gaming, not a console, emphasizing its open ecosystem. The device will launch on June 30 with a starting price of over $1,000 due to component costs, with higher-end models reaching up to $1,428.
Deer & Boy Review | TheXboxHub
Deer & Boy is a 2.5D platform-adventure game that features a boy and his deer companion solving environmental puzzles. While praised for its gorgeous presentation, animations, and emotional storytelling without dialogue, the game's puzzles and scenarios are noted as being overly familiar and lacking in challenge, drawing comparisons to titles like Limbo and Inside. Despite its charming protagonist and appealing visuals, the review suggests the game is more of a gentle introduction to the genre than a groundbreaking experience.
Xbox Is Working On A Dozen Movies And TV Shows, Including Sea Of Thieves
Xbox is developing over a dozen film and TV adaptations of its game properties, including a live-action movie based on Rare's Sea of Thieves. Matt Booty, Xbox's chief content officer, highlighted the social and cooperative nature of Sea of Thieves as key elements for its adaptation. Other known projects include adaptations for Death Stranding, Gears, Fallout, and Minecraft.
"We don't lock our hardware down" - Valve takes a swing at consoles while explaining why it doesn't subsidise the price of Steam Machine
Valve has announced pricing for its Steam Machine, opting against hardware subsidization to maintain an open ecosystem, unlike console manufacturers such as Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo. Valve believes customers should be able to play any game on any PC and install alternative software on their hardware. Despite high price points, Valve views competing hardware like Microsoft's Project Helix as beneficial for gamers by offering more choices.
Hideo Kojima Says Upcoming Xbox Horror Game OD Has a Special System for People Who Are Too Scared to Keep Playing
Hideo Kojima revealed that his upcoming Xbox horror game, OD, features a unique system designed for players who find the game too frightening to continue. This mechanic aims to accommodate players with lower tolerance for horror elements.
Crimson Desert Patch 1.12.00 Brings Major Housing Expansion | Invision Game Community
Crimson Desert's Patch 1.12.00 introduces significant expansions to player housing, adding new customization features and craftable items. The update also refines combat flow with new chain attacks and improved skills, alongside numerous bug fixes and performance enhancements across PC, PlayStation, and Xbox platforms.
Tears of Metal Hits PC Early Access on July 22
Tears of Metal, a medieval co-op roguelike hack-and-slash game, will launch into Early Access on July 22 for PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store, with Xbox Game Pass also included. Developer Paper Cult announced that an Xbox console version is planned for release before the end of 2026. The Early Access version will feature three acts, three playable heroes, and various upgrade systems, with more content planned for future updates.
HACK-AND-SLASH ROGUELIKE TEARS OF METAL OUT IN EARLY ACCESS ON PC ON JULY 22
Montreal studio Paper Cult announced that their hack-and-slash roguelike Tears of Metal will launch in Early Access on PC via Steam and the Microsoft Store on July 22. The game will also be available as part of Xbox Game Pass for the Microsoft Store, with a full Xbox version planned for release before the end of 2026. The Early Access version will include three Acts, three playable Heroes, and various upgrades and equipment.
The best early Prime Day deals for gamers live: all the biggest PS5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox and PC discounts handpicked
Early Amazon Prime Day deals for gamers are now available, featuring discounts on PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, and PC titles, controllers, and accessories. While the main event starts tonight, competing retailers like Best Buy and Walmart are also offering significant savings. The sale officially runs from June 23 to June 26, requiring a Prime membership for Amazon's exclusive offers.
Forensic - M.E. Protocol Review | TheXboxHub
Forensic - M.E. Protocol is a niche simulation game that puts players in the role of a forensic officer tasked with solving nine distinct crime scenes. The game focuses on methodical evidence gathering and analysis, offering a realistic glimpse into forensic work without significant handholding. It is available on Xbox and PC.
New Crimson Desert update finally solves the case of the missing outdoor furniture
Pearl Abyss has released update 1.12.01 for Crimson Desert, addressing issues such as disappearing outdoor furniture and the inability to climb moving objects. The update is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and Steam, with PC and Mac App Store versions to follow. Despite initial middling reviews, Crimson Desert has achieved over 6 million sales worldwide since its March release.
The Call of Duty: Black Ops PS5 Ports Might Be $40 Each without Any DLC
Activision is reportedly planning to release PlayStation 5 ports of Call of Duty: Black Ops and its sequel in July for $39.99 each, without any DLC. These ports are expected to be basic remasters of the original PlayStation 3 titles, with no apparent technical improvements. While Xbox Series X|S versions are not planned, the Xbox Store lists the backwards compatible versions of these games for the same price, with DLC map packs costing an additional $10 each.
Combine work and play with 12 back to school gadgets that double up perfectly in hybrid setups
This article highlights 12 back-to-school gadgets suitable for hybrid work and play setups, including noise-canceling earbuds compatible with PlayStation 5, Xbox, Switch, and PC, as well as gaming laptops. It also features recommendations for portable chargers, backpacks, and wireless mechanical keyboards, with links to further reviews on gaming earbuds, tablets, and laptops.
