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Sea of Thieves shares work on Last Ship Standing, server tech, and file size ensmallening
Sea of Thieves developers shared updates on server technology experiments, including a 'Last Ship Standing' mode that faced performance issues with multiple galleons. Efforts to significantly reduce the game's file size for PC and Xbox users are showing positive results, with goals to halve installs for 4K users. The studio also briefly acknowledged recent changes at Rare Ltd. with Microsoft placing the studio under Activision's control.
End of Abyss Review | TheXboxHub
End of Abyss is a dark and atmospheric sci-fi Metroidvania from Swedish developer Section 9, featuring tense combat and challenging boss battles. While the narrative could offer more depth, the game successfully creates a gloomy and oppressive world with impressive visuals and sound design.
This Week in Switch 2 - Zelda hype, Fortnitemares, Minecraft Live news, and the Xbox Reset continues
This episode of This Week in Switch 2 discusses the ongoing restructuring of Xbox game studios, with concerns raised about the future of Xbox fans. The hosts also touch upon news related to The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Fortnite, Minecraft Live, and mention reviews for Fire Emblem: Fortune's Weave and other games.
Arc Raiders free trial gives you 4 days of access to the "full" extraction shooter, just in time for its…
Embark Studios is offering a four-day free trial for its extraction shooter Arc Raiders from October 8 to October 12, coinciding with the launch of its "Frozen Trail" update. The trial, available on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox, grants full access to the game, including the new Pendola Pass map, new enemies, weapons, and a host of other features like a weapons modification system and customizable player bases.
The Royal Writ Review | TheXboxHub
The Royal Writ is a roguelike deckbuilder that innovates by removing traditional enemies, focusing instead on the player's deck eroding over time. While praised for its clever design and unique approach, the reviewer found it difficult to fully enjoy due to the lack of direct opposition and situational card design, ultimately respecting its originality more than loving its gameplay.
In 5 Years, Will Netflix Still Be In Gaming? Here’s What The CEO Said
Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos expressed optimism about the company's future in gaming, particularly in cloud gaming, which he sees as a gateway from their current mobile offerings. He believes cloud gaming will become more prevalent in a post-console world and offers opportunities for IP extension and brand value. While Netflix has scaled back ambitions for AAA game development, Sarandos indicated the company is open to acquiring studios if they align with business goals, though organic growth is preferred.
The Best Xbox Games Built Around Risk and Reward
This article highlights several Xbox games that excel in offering players compelling risk-and-reward gameplay loops. Titles like No Man's Sky, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Resident Evil Requiem, Keeper, and Elden Ring are discussed for their engaging mechanics and immersive experiences on Xbox consoles and PC.
Why Shorter Games Are Finding a New Audience Among Modern Players
Modern players are increasingly valuing shorter, more focused game experiences over lengthy, open-world titles due to time constraints and the abundance of entertainment options. This shift in player preference is influencing game design, with developers prioritizing concise gameplay loops, clear endings, and manageable commitments. While not replacing larger games, shorter titles offer a distinct value proposition of completion and memorable experiences.
7 Retro Games That Brought Casino Vibes to Classic Gaming
This article explores seven retro video games from the 1980s and 1990s that incorporated casino themes and mechanics. Games like Casino for Atari 2600, Leisure Suit Larry, Dragon Warrior IV, Sonic the Hedgehog 2, Vegas Stakes, Pokémon Red and Blue, and Final Fantasy VII are highlighted for their unique implementations of gambling elements, from blackjack and slot machines to elaborate amusement parks.
Games Inbox: What Amiga games deserve a remake?
Readers discuss which classic Amiga games deserve modern remakes, with titles like Starglider 2, Midwinter, and Cybercon 3 being popular choices. The discussion also touches on the viability of remaking older titles, the current state of the Xbox console, and potential reimagining of Resident Evil games.
The Xbox Cloud Gaming Controller Is Dead, Apparently
Microsoft has reportedly canceled plans for a dedicated Xbox cloud gaming controller, with a spokesperson denying regulatory influence as the reason. This news follows recent changes to the Xbox cloud gaming service, including usage limits and price increases, and the removal of its app from older Samsung TVs. The company also addressed rumors about selling the Xbox division.
Free Play Days – FARCRY 6, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Skull and Bones, The Crew Motorfest
Ubisoft is offering five of its titles for free play on Xbox from October 1st to October 4th. The games available are Far Cry 6, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Skull and Bones, and The Crew Motorfest. Players with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium, or Essential memberships can access these games by navigating to the Free Play Days collection in the Xbox Store.
Gears of War: E-Day Metacritic score places it as The Coalition's best take on the series amid layoffs and reported…
Gears of War: E-Day has achieved a Metacritic score of 88, making it the best-reviewed game in the series since Epic Games' involvement and The Coalition's highest-rated title. Despite critical acclaim for its gameplay, the studio faces internal turmoil with reports of layoffs and withheld bonuses, including the game's story director.
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor kommer till Switch och Playstation 5
Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is launching on PlayStation 5 and Nintendo Switch on October 9th. The game, already available on PC, mobile, and Xbox, is a bullet heaven spin-off of Deep Rock Galactic. An upcoming DLC, Knockout Expansion, will introduce a new Brawler class, a new Sandblasted Corridors environment, and a new mission.
Gears of War: E-Day campaign review - A spectacular first act
Gears of War: E-Day's campaign is a spectacular return to form for the series, particularly in its opening hour which offers a fresh perspective on Emergence Day. While the latter half settles into more familiar Gears territory, the game's visuals, satisfying combat, and emotional storytelling remain strong. The Coalition has delivered an experience that feels like the best the series has ever been, making the campaign highly recommended even for newcomers.
Your pro controller's back buttons could be the answer to Control Resonant's spongy enemies
This article offers solutions for the 'spongy' enemy issue in Control Resonant by leveraging controller back buttons. It suggests mapping attack functions to these buttons on PlayStation 5, Xbox, and PC controllers to reduce repetitive strain and fatigue, while also touching on macro functions for combat combos. The author notes that while spongy enemies are a game design problem, hardware solutions can mitigate player discomfort.
Why Sports Games Are Becoming a New Home for Sports Forecasting
Sports video games like NBA 2K27 and Madden NFL 27 are increasingly being used by fans for sports forecasting, blurring the lines between gameplay and real-world prediction. These games allow players to engage with roster debates, injury reports, and team performance analysis, mirroring the activities of sports betting and fantasy leagues.
Evening Reading - September 30, 2026
This Evening Reading roundup covers various gaming news and updates, including reviews for End of Abyss and Valheim, Fallout 76's upcoming updates, and Persona 5 Royal's crossover into Rocket League and Fortnite. It also notes Grasshopper Manufacture's separation from NetEase Games and mentions a humorous tweet about a hypothetical FromSoftware exclusive for the Nintendo Switch 2.
The Witcher 3 hits its highest-ever Steam concurrent player count following Remastered launch
CD Projekt Red's free remaster of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt has propelled the 11-year-old RPG to its highest-ever concurrent player count on Steam, exceeding 120,000 players. This surge surpasses previous peaks, including its 2015 launch and the popularity driven by Netflix's Witcher series.
TCG Card Shop Simulator Review | TheXboxHub
TCG Card Shop Simulator offers an accurate and enthralling simulation of running a trading card shop, allowing players to manage everything from pricing and customer service to pack ripping and grading. Despite some lingering jank and rough edges from its Early Access period, the game's addictive loop and authentic representation of TCG culture make it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.
