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Hardware, storefront and ecosystem news for Xbox.
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Absolum's Latest Patch Sees Full Cross-Play Support Join The Fight
The fantasy roguelike Absolum has received a new update that fully implements cross-play multiplayer support across Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. This feature allows players on different platforms to team up and play together. The update comes seven months after the game's initial launch and follows a free content update and news of a physical Switch edition.
Co-op cozy van life sim Outbound has launched into early access
The co-op cozy crafting and exploration game Outbound has launched into early access on PC and Xbox, with PlayStation and Nintendo Switch versions to follow. Players can experience a relaxed van life simulation with up to three friends, exploring wilderness areas to forage and build. The game is currently 10% off until May 25th.
Star Trek Online’s latest patch fixes pistol and boss issues on PC and console after all
Star Trek Online's latest patch, initially planned for a later release on Xbox, has been deployed to both PC and console players. The update addresses issues with the MACO Phase Pistol's alt-fire, a spawning problem with muHwi', and a bug that allowed the Crystalline Entity to be killed before completing its absorption/release phases.
How Accessibility Features Are Changing Modern Gaming
Modern gaming is increasingly incorporating accessibility features like customizable controls, subtitles, and colorblind settings as standard elements, benefiting all players, not just those with disabilities. This shift is improving player experience across PC, console, and mobile platforms, making games more inclusive and engaging. Digital storefronts are also enhancing accessibility, making game discovery and purchase easier for a wider audience.
Elder Scrolls Online teases U50’s Golden Pursuit-esque newbie onboarding path and guild mail system
ZeniMax Online Studios is preparing to launch update 50 for The Elder Scrolls Online on June 8th, introducing a new 'Path to Adventure' system designed to help new players acclimate to the game. This update also includes a new guild mail system and other quality-of-life improvements.
Absolum has just received cross-play support
Publisher Dotemu announced that Absolum has received full cross-play support, allowing players on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox to play together. The update, developed by Guard Crush, was implemented to bring the community together in the multiplayer co-op Beat 'em Up.
Video codecs are a nightmare for game developers, but there's no solution in sight
Video codecs present a significant and persistent challenge for game developers, with no easy solutions in sight. Developers like Sam Barlow and Remy Siu highlight the complexities of compressing and decompressing video for games, especially for multi-platform releases and full-motion video content. Issues range from cutscenes not appearing on certain platforms to the sheer volume of work required to optimize video for different hardware, leading to painful development cycles and limitations on creative possibilities.
Subnautica 2 is the next game to leak before launch – will somebody get the games industry a plumber (not that one!)
Subnautica 2 has reportedly leaked before its official launch, becoming the latest game to suffer a pre-release data breach. This follows similar incidents with Forza Horizon 6, a new Lego Batman game, and Directive 8020. The article discusses the increasing frequency of game leaks and their potential impact on sales, contrasting it with Rockstar's cautious approach to releasing Grand Theft Auto VI on PC.
Slots & Daggers Review | TheXboxHub
Slots & Daggers is a roguelike that blends RPG mechanics with fruit machine elements, where reel spins determine actions like attacks and defense. While initially addictive and rewarding with its progression system, the game suffers from a lack of long-term engagement as the modifier shop is exhausted within approximately seven to eight hours, leading to repetitive and unchallenging gameplay.
Review: Indiana Jones And The Great Circle (Switch 2) - An Authentic Indy Adventure Arrives In Fine Form
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is a first-person action-adventure game that captures the spirit of classic Indy adventures with compelling exploration, melee combat, and puzzles. Developed by MachineGames, the game features a strong narrative led by Troy Baker as Indiana Jones and performs admirably on the Nintendo Switch 2, offering a visually impressive experience despite a 30fps lock.
Stellar Blade studio Shift Up to self-publish sequel
Shift Up, the developer of Stellar Blade, announced plans to self-publish the game's sequel, moving away from Sony's publishing model. This shift aims to allow the studio more control over marketing and direct communication with players. The sequel is expected to release on multiple platforms, potentially including Xbox and Nintendo Switch, with further details anticipated within the year.
Cheaper AMD Radeon RX 9050 GPUs are seemingly inbound, and it's almost better than the RX 9060
Reports suggest AMD is preparing to release the Radeon RX 9050 graphics card, which may feature a higher core count than the RX 9060. This new GPU is rumored to use the Navi 44 GPU with 2,048 Stream Processors and 8GB of GDDR6 VRAM, potentially making it a strong option for small form-factor PCs and rivaling upcoming devices like the Steam Machine.
Games Inbox: What Nintendo Switch 2 games will be announced in June?
Readers speculate on upcoming Nintendo Switch 2 game announcements, potential price increases, and the possibility of a FromSoftware pirate game. Discussions also touch on game review scores, saving for next-generation consoles like the PlayStation 6, and the potential for director's cuts of games like Resident Evil Requiem.
Former Dead Space Producer Says The “Numbers Just Aren’t There” For a New Game in the Series
Former Dead Space producer Chuck Beaver stated that Electronic Arts is unlikely to greenlight a new entry in the series due to insufficient sales numbers, despite the success of the recent remake. Beaver indicated that EA now expects around 7 million units sold for a single-player game to be viable, a benchmark that the Dead Space franchise has not consistently met. While some developers at EA might hope for the IP to be sold, the company currently has no plans for the franchise.
Minecraft Safety Score: Java vs Bedrock Edition (2026) | TAG
This analysis compares the safety features of Minecraft's Java and Bedrock Editions, assigning Bedrock a score of 70/100 and Java 58/100. Bedrock benefits from Microsoft's Xbox ecosystem safety infrastructure, offering robust parental controls and centralized moderation, while Java's safety is highly dependent on individual server operators. Both editions would benefit from greater transparency in moderation data.
Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria’s Quest Brings Classic Disney Animation to PC and Consoles
Secrets of the Burrow: Vixoria's Quest is an upcoming 3D platformer from indie developer FOXBOY Productions, inspired by classic Disney animation. The game features character switching between Vixoria and Sir Foxalot, fluid parkour, and a unique RPM combat system. It is currently targeting a 2027 launch for PC and consoles.
Black Desert picks Heidel Ball attendee names, begins mobile Martial God Tournament
Pearl Abyss is selecting attendees for the Black Desert Heidel Ball event in Southern California, with PC and console fans being notified via email. Meanwhile, Black Desert Mobile has launched its in-game Martial God Tournament, featuring 1v1 and 2v2 competitions and offering various rewards. The mobile version also received an update on its test server, allowing players to try transcendent versions of several classes.
Decline’s Drops gets ports for Xbox and Switch
The solo-developed action platformer Decline's Drops, originally released on PC, has now received ports for Nintendo Switch and Xbox. The game features combat mechanics inspired by platform fighters like Super Smash Bros., with players using various attacks and combos to defeat enemies and bosses across side-scrolling stages. The developer, Moulin aux Bulles Studio, is also working on a new title called Dash'n'Drop, which combines platform fighter precision with roguelite elements.
The next Stellar Blade probably won't be PS5 exclusive, as developer Shift Up reveals intention to self-publish and reach a broader audience
Developer Shift Up has indicated that the next Stellar Blade game may not be a PlayStation 5 exclusive, as the company plans to self-publish and reach a wider audience. While not explicitly stated, the company's report suggests a move towards multi-platform releases, potentially including PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch 2, to maximize sales and leverage the established IP.
Battlefield 6's first truly big map feels like playing a different, much better Battlefield
The remake of Battlefield 4's Railway to Golmud map for Battlefield 2042 significantly improves the on-foot player experience with better cover and more dynamic sightlines. This new map is considered the best in the game, addressing criticisms of Battlefield 2042's restrictive map design and lack of downtime.
