User Interface
Ongoing coverage on User Interface.
Latest coverage
Xbox Mode Starts Rolling Out For Windows 11 PCs Today
Microsoft has begun rolling out "Xbox Mode" for Windows 11 PCs, offering a console-inspired interface that prioritizes game libraries and controller navigation. This feature, previously seen on the ASUS ROG Ally X, aims to provide a streamlined gaming experience by aggregating titles from Xbox Game Pass and other PC storefronts. Microsoft plans to continue refining Xbox Mode based on user feedback.
007 First Light's Controller Doesn't Match The Iconic Barrel Design And Wasn't Meant To
The PlayStation 5 controller for 007 First Light features a design inspired by the game's UI and 'Sun' flavor, rather than the iconic James Bond gun barrel logo. Art director Rasmus Poulsen explained that the straight lines reference the sun, tying into the game's title, and the golden finish pays tribute to the series' elegance. The game is set to release on May 27 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a Nintendo Switch version to follow.
007 First Light art director says the limited edition Dualsense controller was inspired by a 'light' theme, not the inside of a gun barrel — 'What we were trying to do with that was reference more how the UI of the game feels'
007 First Light art director Rasmus Poulsen clarified that the limited-edition DualSense controller's design was inspired by the game's UI and 'light and shadow' themes, not directly from a gun barrel. Poulsen stated the straight lines were intended to reference the game's interface and the 'Sun' flavor of the title, rather than a literal interpretation of the iconic James Bond opening sequence.
Microsoft's Xbox mode starts making its way to Windows 11 PCs
Microsoft is rolling out an Xbox mode for Windows 11 PCs, which provides a console-like interface. This feature aims to integrate the Xbox experience more seamlessly into the PC operating system.
Xbox Mode Arrives on Windows 11 PCs with Controller-Focused Full-Screen UI; I Guess That's Cool?
Microsoft has begun rolling out Xbox Mode for Windows 11 PCs, introducing a full-screen, controller-focused user interface. This mode integrates the user's game library, including Xbox Game Pass titles and games from other PC storefronts, into a simplified layout designed for easier navigation with a controller.
Xbox Mode Begins Rolling Out to Players on Windows 11 PCs Today
Microsoft is rolling out a new 'Xbox mode' to Windows 11 PCs, offering a console-inspired, controller-optimized full-screen experience for gaming. This feature aims to make jumping into games easier on desktops, laptops, and handheld PCs, integrating with Xbox Game Pass and other PC storefronts.
April Xbox Update: Customize Your Console, Manually Add Your Favorite Games on PC, and More.
Microsoft has released its April update for Xbox, introducing new customization options for consoles and PC. Console users can now pin more groups to Home, customize colors, and disable Quick Resume on a per-game basis, alongside a new Play History tab. PC users gain the ability to manually add games to their Xbox library and pin favorites to Home, with improved gamepad cursor functionality.
Game Guidance
This article provides a deep dive into the HUD customization options available in Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. It explores various ways players can tailor the in-game interface to their preferences.
That weird 007: First Light PS5 controller design is deliberate, IOI art director explains
IO Interactive art director Rasmus Poulsen explained that the unique design of the limited edition PlayStation 5 controller for 007: First Light is deliberate and not a misinterpretation of the iconic Bond gun barrel sequence. The design references the game's 'light' themes and UI elements, rather than simply replicating the franchise's opening. Poulsen also touched on the studio's decision not to use generative AI in development.
Netflix Introduces Clips, A New Feature For Mobile Users
Netflix has launched a new feature called Clips for its mobile app, introducing a vertical video feed similar to Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. This update aims to help users discover new shows and movies more easily by providing personalized short video previews. The feature is rolling out globally throughout the summer.
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced lets you turn off the HUD as Ubisoft baked all the information you need into its animations, like enemies who lose their hats when their defense is broken
Ubisoft is implementing a feature in Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced that allows players to disable the HUD entirely. The game's animations will convey necessary information, such as enemy defense states, to the player. This rework aims to reduce menu clutter and enhance immersion.
Ubisoft Really Wants You to Know That Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced is Not an RPG, as It Details Combat and HUD Changes
Ubisoft has detailed upcoming changes to Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced, emphasizing that the game will not be transformed into an RPG. The updates will include modifications to the combat system and the heads-up display (HUD).
Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced’s HUD is Fully Customizable (Or You Can Turn It Off Entirely)
Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced will feature a fully customizable HUD, allowing players to toggle various elements on or off for a more immersive experience. Ubisoft confirmed four presets: Default, Simple, Minimal, and Disabled. The game launches on July 9th for Xbox Series X/S, PlayStation 5, and PC.
War Thunder Emerges From The Wreckage With Game-Changing Bug Fixes | HappyGamer
Gaijin Entertainment has released a significant update for War Thunder addressing long-standing bugs that impacted gameplay, including issues with thermal sights and vehicle repair loops. The update also reorganizes the secondary weapons menu for aircraft, categorizing ordnance for easier selection. These fixes aim to improve player experience and restore immersion in the combined arms combat simulator.
Steam update adds battery indicator for wireless gamepads, quick chat, remote downloads management and more
Valve has released a new Steam client update across all platforms, introducing a battery indicator for wireless gamepads in Big Picture Mode, a quick chat feature for easier in-game communication, and remote download management for other systems like the Steam Deck. The update also includes numerous general performance improvements and bug fixes for desktop and macOS clients.
Dead by Daylight Finally Fixes Its Biggest Information Problem | HappyGamer
Behavior Interactive is implementing changes to Dead by Daylight's Match Details, which will reveal the killer's identity and power to survivors after the first chase begins or a survivor loses a health state. This update aims to address a long-standing frustration by providing crucial strategic information without sacrificing the early-game mystery. The change was influenced by player feedback from the Public Test Build, indicating a developer focus on community input and improving game accessibility.
Pantheon shares patch plans for enemy tagging and leashing, item tooltips, and BOE gear
Visionary Realms has outlined upcoming changes for Pantheon: Rise of the Fallen, focusing on enemy tagging, item tooltips, and bind-on-equip gear. The patch, expected in spring, will also include combat and progression updates, with the public test server nearing completion and accessible to Steam players.
Evercold Will Usher In Final Fantasy XIV’s New Era In 2027
Final Fantasy XIV's next expansion, Evercold, is set to release in January 2027, introducing a new ice-ravaged Shard and expanding character customization options. The update will also bring significant changes to the game's design philosophy, including a shift to weekly focus for tasks and adjustments to item level handling. A Nintendo Switch version is planned for August, and the free trial will be expanded to include Shadowbringers.
Morning Mobilization
A bug is causing Gemini for Android Auto to revert to Google Assistant functionality. Separately, Google Wallet is set to receive a significant visual redesign.
Heroic Games Launcher Gets Steam Deck Overhaul With Big Picture Mode
The Heroic Games Launcher has received a significant update for Steam Deck users, introducing a new fullscreen interface that mimics Steam's Big Picture Mode. This overhaul aims to improve usability for handheld and couch gaming, alongside new features like GOG achievements, a deals page, an improved Wine manager, and SteamGridDB integration.
