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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Microsoft patents idea for in-game PC and Xbox adverts shown during downtime "trigger events"
Microsoft has patented a system for displaying in-game advertisements during downtime on PC and Xbox. The technology aims to show ads during loading screens or end-of-round moments without disrupting gameplay, potentially impacting subscription services like Xbox Game Pass.
Motorhome: Travelling North America 2 Collector’s Edition Review | TheXboxHub
Motorhome: Travelling North America 2 Collector's Edition offers a familiar hidden object experience with a tighter route than its predecessor, featuring stock photo-like scenes and occasional minigames. Despite some uncanniness and a sense of corner-cutting, the game provides a substantial amount of content, estimated at around eight hours, with varied item-finding mechanics and puzzles to keep players engaged.
Hideo Kojima Isn’t Sure if Physint Will Come to PlayStation
Hideo Kojima expressed uncertainty about whether his upcoming espionage title, Physint, will be released on PlayStation platforms following Sony's decision to drop its publishing deal. The game is now being developed with Xbox, which Kojima notes is providing significant technological support. He is still experimenting with game engines and new technologies for the project, which is being developed by a small team.
The MOP Up: Dune Awakening posts its console server list
Dune Awakening has released a list of available Xbox and PlayStation server worlds for players to coordinate with friends before launch. This roundup also includes updates on Valorant's new game mode, PUBG's Jujutsu Kaisen collaboration, Conan Exiles' upgrade to Unreal Engine 5.8.2, and delays for Aliens: Fireteam Elite 2 and MechWarrior 5.
Kojima Productions Issues Statement on Recent Change
Kojima Productions has issued a statement to address online speculation about its relationships with PlayStation and Xbox. The studio denied rumors of project cancellations and poor relationships, confirming that Physint is still in development with Xbox and its partnership with PlayStation remains strong. The company emphasized its healthy financial state and thanked fans for their support.
Monsters are Coming! Review | TheXboxHub
Monsters are Coming! is a hybrid roguelite and tower defense game that blends survival elements with strategic building. While the core gameplay loop of protecting a moving town hall and upgrading buildings offers replayability, the game suffers from generic stage design and uninspired boss battles. Despite its flaws, the art style, presentation, and soundtrack are appreciated, making it a flawed but enjoyable experience.
Hideo Kojima says he was 'shocked' after Sony cut ties with Physint over a Zoom call: 'Nothing could’ve prepared me for their decision to step away from the project'
Hideo Kojima expressed shock and surprise after Sony abruptly canceled their funding for his new game project, Physint, during a Zoom call. After a three-month search, Kojima Productions secured a new publishing deal with Microsoft for Physint, which Kojima plans to develop as a multimedia intellectual property.
Kojima Loves Sony Despite Being Blindsided by Physint Decision
Hideo Kojima stated he still respects Sony despite their decision to pull funding for his upcoming game Physint, though he admits he was blindsided. He clarified that Kojima Productions is in a healthy financial state and that Xbox will determine Physint's release platforms as its new publisher. Kojima also noted that his long-standing relationship with Sony executives has changed.
Dream Cage Review | TheXboxHub
Dream Cage is a horror game centered around sleep terrors and insomnia, where players must find a camera and batteries to document paranormal anomalies in an apartment. While the game features an interesting narrative and strong atmosphere with unsettling entities and environments, its mechanics like constant battery and pill management, along with a lack of initial context, can be frustrating.
Crimson Moon Review | TheXboxHub
Crimson Moon is a roguelike where players control a nephilim battling demons in Gildenarch. The game emphasizes fast-paced action and gameplay over story, with a core loop of dying, earning experience, and upgrading. While the progression can feel slow initially and enemy variety is somewhat limited, the game offers an addictive experience once it gets going, despite some minor technical glitches and a story that feels underdeveloped for its intriguing world.
Brainrot Kart Review | TheXboxHub
Brainrot Kart is a kart racer that attempts to blend Mario Kart-style gameplay with internet memes, but fails due to a lack of polish and conflicting design elements. The game suffers from acceleration bugs, intrusive meme overlays that obscure gameplay, ineffective weapons, and uninspired track design. The AI is also extremely poor, and multiplayer functionality is non-existent despite being advertised.
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata never wanted tons of Mario and Zelda sequels because that's "not the kind…
Late Nintendo president Satoru Iwata believed that focusing solely on sequels would make the company appear conservative and unwilling to take risks. He emphasized the importance of both serving the fanbase with classic experiences and introducing new gameplay styles to attract broader audiences. This philosophy is seen as a driving force behind Nintendo's successful platforms like the Wii and DS, and continues to influence modern titles like Super Mario Odyssey and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild.
Över 1 miljon väntar på svenska HELA
Windup Games' upcoming title, HELA: Of Mice & Magic, is set to release on December 1st and has garnered significant attention with over one million wishlists. The game emphasizes cooperative play, exploration, and a narrative inspired by Swedish nature, drawing parallels to the studio's previous work on Unravel. The developers are focusing on creating an immersive experience with a strong visual identity and emotional storytelling, aiming to appeal to a broad audience including Game Pass subscribers.
The disc is dying, but the box isn’t – what will a "physical game" actually mean in 2030?
The definition of a "physical game" is evolving as digital sales grow and disc production declines. While Sony plans to end disc production for PlayStation in 2028, experts suggest the physical box may persist, potentially containing download codes or acting as a collector's item. The value of physical ownership will increasingly depend on rights like lending and resale, rather than the presence of a disc.
15 video game franchises that need to end - Reader's Feature
A reader argues that numerous long-running video game franchises have overstayed their welcome and should be retired to encourage innovation. Titles like Assassin's Creed, Call of Duty, Halo, and The Last of Us are cited as examples of games that have become repetitive and are primarily cash grabs, with the author suggesting developers should focus on new intellectual properties instead.
Grand Theft Auto 6 Mode Won't Launch Until 2027
Twitch CEO Dan Clancy stated that the multiplayer component for Grand Theft Auto 6 is expected to launch in 2027, a year after the single-player release. This staggered release strategy mirrors Grand Theft Auto 5 and aims to maximize media attention and player engagement for both the base game and its online counterpart.
Character Development and Storytelling in Kernel Hearts, Out Now on XBOX
Kernel Hearts, an action RPG developed by Ephemera Games and published by Whitethorn Games, is now available on Xbox. The game blends Japanese and Argentinian cultures in a post-apocalyptic setting, combining epic storytelling with roguelike elements for bite-sized play sessions. It features a squad of four magical girls with distinct personalities and combat styles, and supports both single-player and co-op multiplayer.
Five Years of Solo Development – Interview with Fountains Creator John Pywell
John Pywell, the solo developer behind the Metroidvania action-RPG Fountains, discusses the five-year development journey of his game, which is now launching on Xbox. Pywell shares his inspirations, including Dark Souls and Hollow Knight, his programming process using the Godot engine, and the challenges of creating pixel art. The interview also highlights the contributions of composer Travis Moberg and the unexpected international success of Fountains.
You can play EA Sports FC 27 today if you own an Xbox
Players who own an Xbox can access EA Sports FC 27 early by changing their console's region to New Zealand, where the game's early access period has already begun. This method allows players to bypass the official September 25 release date. The early access is available for the more expensive editions of the game, while standard editions will unlock on September 25.
I Played WoW: Forever On A Controller, And That’s Big News
Blizzard Entertainment has announced that World of Warcraft: Forever will feature full controller support at launch, a significant development for the MMORPG series. While in alpha during a BlizzCon demo, the controller implementation worked surprisingly well, offering intuitive controls for combat and interaction, though inventory management remains cumbersome. This move could pave the way for potential console versions and improves accessibility on PC.
