Author: GizNews

  • Xbox’s next 100 days: Sharma and Booty outline major ‘reset’

    Xbox’s next 100 days: Sharma and Booty outline major ‘reset’

    Key Takeaway

    – Xbox plans layoffs after admitting over-hiring, with a “reset” focused on the next 100 days.
    – The division projects only a 3% profitability margin, despite $20B+ spent on content and acquisitions.
    – Annual revenue has dropped by nearly half a billion dollars, prompting a strategic re-evaluation.
    – Leadership acknowledges overextending studio resources and failing to adequately fund key franchises.
    – Deeper cuts are expected in marketing and other areas as the company makes “hard choices” about investments.

    Microsoft’s Gaming Division Braces for More Job Cuts

    It appears that Microsofts video game branch is getting ready for yet another wave of layoffs, as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma conceded that the division has overextended its employees. This news originates from Bloomberg, which indicates that the business is planning to make a significant announcement about job reductions shortly after Microsofts fiscal year concludes on June 30th. Sharma and Matt Booty are refering to this initiative as the “Next 100 Days: Xbox Reset.”

    Deeper Reductions Expected in Marketing and Other Areas

    Even more substantial cutbacks are forcasted in marketing and various additional departments. The fresh approach comes as Xbox CEO Asha Sharma and chief content officer Matt Booty sent a candid internal note to workers, detailing what they term an “Xbox reset” to be implemented over the next three months. According to the memo which was also made publically available on Xbox Wire, both executives laid out a clear financial picture for the company.

    Financial Performance and Content Spending

    Sharma and Booty observed that Xbox is expected to conclude the year with an estimated profit margin of just 3%. When you exclude the costly acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the corporation has invested more than $20 billion on content, platforms, and hardware businesses in a mere five-year span. Despite this heavy investment, yearly revenue for Xbox has fallen by nearly half a billion dollars, a trend that has raised concerns among company leaders.

    In their communication, they wrote, “We have made mistakes and will continue to make them, but what matters is that we listen, learn, and adjust course where needed. Remember, our fans are rooting for us. Now, we start the next 100 days. It is important to have both optimism and realism as we work to reset the business.”

    Understanding the Overextension

    The duo elaborated further in a blog entry on the official Xbox site. They explained that they had expanded their network of studios when there was a need for a steady flow of content to support various strategies related to subscription services, streaming, and multiple devices. In this process, they have discovered themselves overextended as they tried to implement shifting strategies within a market that now offers more readily accessible content than before. They also acknowledged being stewards of major franchises which have huge potential and strong player interest.

    • Despite holding these valuable intellectual properties, they have not provided sufficient funding to compete and achieve victory.
    • These statements already hint at difficult choices for the organization in the upcoming month of May.
    • They concluded by stating that they are building a stronger Xbox, which requires making tough decisions about development priorities, investment areas, and the future structure of the company.
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  • Citizen Launches 36mm Eco-Drive Gold-Tone Diver Watch

    Citizen Launches 36mm Eco-Drive Gold-Tone Diver Watch

    Key Takeaway

    – First full gold-tone stainless steel bracelet in the compact Promaster Diver line, offering a dressier, more versatile option.
    – 36mm case with Eco-Drive solar movement (no battery changes) and true 200m water resistance.
    – Clean three-hand design with date display and unidirectional rotating dive bezel.
    – Uses mineral crystal instead of sapphire, keeping price low but increasing scratch susceptibility.
    – Priced at £379 on Citizen UK’s website.

    Citizen’s Women’s Promaster Diver Brings Gold to the Range

    Citizen’s women’s Promaster Diver line has been one of the more interesting corners of the affordable dive watch market. It’s a unique category where compact case sizes score high water resistance credentials. They have always made small watches with big water specs, but never before offered a full metal gold bracelet like this. The new EO2029-54A, now listed on Citizen’s UK website at £379, brings a full gold-tone stainless steel bracelet to the lineup for the very first time. This is a big deal for folks who want a small diver that doesn’t look like a toy.

    Bracelet Introduction Changes the Look Completely

    That bracelet introduction is quite important, in fact. Previous iterations of the smaller Promaster Diver have typically been paired with rubber or polyurethane straps. All this makes the EO2029-54A the dressier, more versatile option in the range. The fold-over clasp with push buttons is a neat choice for a watch that’s equally at home at the office as it is in the water. You can wear it with a suit or with swim trunks, and it actually looks classy in both case. The gold tone is bright but not tacky, hitting a nice balance between flashy and functional.

    Eco-Drive Movement and Diving Credentials

    Underneath, the fundamentals are consistent with the rest of the Promaster Diver family. The 36 mm gold-tone stainless steel case carries Citizen’s Eco-Drive solar movement — no battery changes required — with 200 metres of water resistance that qualifies it as an actual diver rather than a water-resistant fashion piece. The Eco-Drive movement provides a power reserve of approximately 180 days from a full charge, meaning even a drawer-stored watch will hold time for months. Functions are kept clean: three hands, date display at four o’clock, and a unidirectional rotating dive bezel. The bezel has nice tactile clicks and aligns perfectly, which is essencial for timing dives.

    Crystal Choice and Availability Info

    One spec worth knowing about (especially at this price): Citizen has opted for mineral rather than sapphire crystal, which likely keeps the watch affordable but means it’s more susceptible to surface scratches over time. For a daily wearer this could be a minor annoyance, but the price point makes it a acceptible tradeoff. The EO2029-54A is now available through Citizen UK at £379. You can also check out the Citizen BN0151-09L online for a different look.


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  • Motorola Launches Affordable Moto G87 Smartphone

    Motorola Launches Affordable Moto G87 Smartphone

    Key Takeaway

    – Moto G Max is a rebranded Moto G87, launched in Brazil.
    – Powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6400 with 8GB RAM and 256GB storage (no expansion).
    – 200MP main camera with OIS, 8MP ultrawide, and 32MP front camera.
    – 6.8-inch 120Hz AMOLED display with 5,000-nit peak brightness.
    – 5,200mAh battery with 33W charging, IP68 rating, and Android 16 out of the box.

    New Model Hits Brazil

    Motorola has launched the Moto G Max smartphone in Brazil, which is a rebranded version of the Moto G87 that debuted earlier this year. It retains the core specifications and even dimensions of the Moto G87. We don’t know the logic behind launching the same phone with different names, but Motorola might have its own reason. As for price, the Moto G Max is priced at BRL 2,519.10 (~$488) for the sole 8 GB RAM + 256 GB model.

    Internal Hardware and Software

    Under the hood, the smartphone is powered by the MediaTek Dimensity 6400 chipset paired with 8 GB of RAM and 256 GB of internal storage with no room for storage expansion. Software-wise, it runs Android 16 out of the box. As usual, there’s no word on its software support from the brand.

    Camera and Battery Combo

    For photography, you get a 200 MP primary sensor with an f/1.8 aperture and OIS and an 8 MP ultrawide shooter. For selfies, there’s a 32 MP snapper at the front. A 5,200 mAh battery powers the entire unit and supports 33 W wired charging. Moreover, the G Max sports a 6.8-inch AMOLED display with 2772 x 1272 pixel resolution, a 120 Hz refresh rate, and 5,000-nit peak brightness. Plus, there’s Gorilla Glass 7i protection on top.

    Additional Attributes

    Other features include stereo speakers with Dolby Atmos support, IP66/IP68/IP68 water and dust resistance ratings, MIL-STD-810H certification, and an in-display fingerprint sensor. It measures 7.38 mm (0.29 inch) in thickness and weighs 183 grams (0.40 lbs). The smartphone is now available for purchase via Motorola Brazil’s website.


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  • Garmin Fenix 8 Pro hits all-time low at Amazon

    Garmin Fenix 8 Pro hits all-time low at Amazon

    Key Takeaway

    – Garmin Fenix 8 Pro (47mm, Carbon Gray) is $849 on Amazon, a 29% ($350) discount, its lowest price yet.
    – The watch offers inReach satellite/4G LTE communication without needing a smartphone nearby.
    – Battery life reaches up to 19 days in energy-saving mode or about a week with always-on display.
    – InReach features (e.g., texting via 4G LTE) require a paid monthly subscription.
    – The 51mm model is also on sale for $949.

    Summer Adventures and Thinkin About Tech

    Some tech enthusiasts might be planing their upcoming summer vacation or at least an adventure or day-trip, which usually means less screen time and more activities outdoors. While leaving behind the laptop and smartphone can do wonders in terms of stress management, having a device on hand in case of an emergency might be a good idea.

    Garmin Watches Are Tough and Smart

    Garmin smartwatches like the Fenix 8 Pro are made for these scenarios as the latest flagship smartwatch from the American wearable maker sports inReach communication via 4G LTE or satellite, even when no smartphone is in Bluetooth range. Users who would like to take advantage of this feature might want to consider the latest offer for the aforementioned Fenix 8 Pro.

    Pricing and Size Options For You

    To be more exact, the 47mm version of the Garmin watch has been discounted to $849 including free shipping. This constitutes a 29% or $350 discount and results in the lowest price yet according to Camelcamelcamel. Only the “Carbon Gray” color variant is part of this offer. For users with bigger wrists, the 51mm model is also on sale for $949.

    Better Check The Review First

    Since the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is still a very expensive gadget, its worth checking out our in-depth review of the Fenix 8 Solar before ordering. Although there are a few differences between these two SKUs, our impressions of the basic features will apply to the Pro SKU thats on sale here.

    Battery Life and Subscription Details

    In any case, buyers can look forward to a robust wearable with a long battery life of up to 19 days in energy saving mode. With the always-on display enabled, the Fenix 8 Pro should still last around a week according to Garmin. Prospective owners should also note that inReach features such as sending text messages via 4G LTE require a paid subscription with a monthly fee, which is a fact that we recently criticized. Nevertheless, the Garmin Fenix 8 Pro is one of the best-equipped outdoor multi-sport smartwatches on the market and might be worth the discounted price for some.

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    • MSI Raider 16 Max HX: Simple Feature We Want on More Laptops

      Key Takeaway

      – First 16-inch model in the Raider family with a brand-new design, not a scaled-down 18-inch version
      – Built-in bottom subpanel for quick access to M.2 SSD and DDR5 SODIMM slots
      – Faster, simpler upgrades without removing the entire bottom panel
      – Avoids breaking warranty stickers or seals during upgrades
      – Reduces risk of accidental damage for less experienced users

      MSI Raider 16 Max Debuts with a Clever Upgrade Panel

      The MSI Raider 16 Max made its debut at CES 2026 as the first 16-inch model in the Raider family. Instead of taking the easy way out, however, the Raider 16 Max is a fresh new design and not simply a smaller version of the larger 18-inch Raider 18 HX. It subsequentley sports several external features not found on its older sibling including one that we find to be especially usefull.

      Innovative Subpanel Design for Quick Upgrades

      The bottom panel of the new Raider 16 Max has a built-in subpanel for quicker access to the two M.2 SSD slots and two DDR5 SODIMM slots. Thus, instead of needing to remove the entire bottom panel just for simple upgrades as on the vast majority of laptops, owners will only need to remove the two screws securing the subpanel on the Raider 16 Max. Not only does this approach save on time, but the lower barrier of entry makes it much less daunting for end users who may not be as familiar or comfortable with upgrades.

      Warranty and Practical Benefits

      Arguably the biggest advantage to the subpanel is that it circumvents the need to break any warranty stickers or warranty seals that often appear on older MSI models. The bottom panel on many laptops can be tricky to open and so any accidental damages are significantly reduced with the subpanel aproach. This is a major quality-of-life improvement for people who like to tinker but also want to keep there warranty intact.

      Limitations of the Subpanel Access

      The subpanel on the Raider 16 Max unfortunatly does not grant direct access to the removable M.2 WLAN module, main Li-Ion battery, or cooling solution, but the entire bottom panel can still be removed with relative ease should the need arise. So while it handles the most common upgrades admirably, you’ll still need to do a full teardown for battery or thermal paste replacement.

      • Pricing and specifications for the MSI Raider 16 Max vary by configuration, with the base model starting at around $2,499 featuring an Intel Core Ultra 9 processor and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 5080 GPU.
      • Higher end models can reach up to $3,999, offering up to 64GB of DDR5 RAM and a 4TB PCIe Gen 5 SSD, along with a 16-inch 4K Mini-LED display at 240Hz.
      • Dimensions are 14.1 x 10.5 x 0.9 inches and weight starts at 5.5 pounds.

      More information can be found on our full review of the Raider 16 Max.

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      • Citizen Eco-Drive One Ultra-Thin Watch Green Dial

        Key Takeaway

        – Striking emerald green dial with rose gold accents and refined finishing
        – Ultra-thin 3.88mm case, among the slimmest solar-powered watches available
        – Powered by Citizen’s 1.0mm Eco-Drive movement, eliminating battery changes
        – Comfort-focused design with 5 ATM water resistance and contoured case back
        – Limited to 250 pieces worldwide, priced at $3,395

        A First Look at This Emerald Timekeeper

        If you’ve been thinking of splurging on a sophisticated dress watch that really stands out from the crowd, you might want to check out Citizen’s newest Eco-Drive One. Originally unveiled in Japan in late May, the watch has now officially made its way to the US.

        Design That Captures the Eye

        The Citizen Eco-Drive One AR5065-54W is visually arresting. It sports a unique emerald green dial with a brushed texture surrounding its deep black center, complemented by shimmering rose gold hands, markers, and an inner ring. The striking color combination gives the watch a refined yet contemporary personality, while the contrast between the dark center and vibrant green outer section adds depth and visual intrigue.

        Incredibly Slim Solar Technology

        Like other models in the Eco-Drive One collection, the AR5065-54W is defined by its remarkable thinness, measuring just 3.88mm thick—making it one of the slimmest solar-powered watches on the market. On the inside, you’ll findll find Citizen’s ultra-thin Eco-Drive 8826 movement, which itself measures only 1.0mm thick. Powered by light, the movement eliminates the need for regular battery replacements while maintaining an accuracy rating of ±15 seconds per month.

        A Case That Balances Sport and Elegance

        The sporty case design features sharp lines and four prominent screws on the bezel, giving the otherwise elegant dress watch a subtle technical edge. Citizen has also paid close attention to finishing. The stainless steel case and bracelet feature a refined hairline-brushed treatment, while the bezel’s beveled edges receive a mirror-like Zaratsu polish, creating a contrast between matte and glossy surfaces.

        Built for Wrist Comfort

        Comfort was clearly a priority during development. The case back adopts a two-piece construction without a traditional removable case back, which Citizen says helped achieve both the watch’s extreme thinness and its 5 ATM water resistance rating. The rear portion of the case is also shaped to better conform to the wrist.

        Limited Edition Pricing and Availability

        Limited to 250 pieces worldwide, Citizen’s limited-edition Eco-Drive One goes on sale in the US for $3,395. It will be available directly from the company’s online store.

        Comfort was clearly a priority during development. The case back adopts a two-piece construction without a traditional removable case back, which Citizen says helped achieve both the watch’s extreme thinness and its 5 ATM water resistance rating. The rear portion of the case is also shaped to better conform to the wrist.

        Limited to 250 pieces worldwide, Citizen’s limited-edition Eco-Drive One goes on sale in the US for $3,395. It will be available directly from the company’s online store.


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        • Deal: 96% Positive Review Feudal Japan Tactical Game 90% Off Steam

          Deal: 96% Positive Review Feudal Japan Tactical Game 90% Off Steam

          Key Takeaway

          – Tactical stealth gameplay set in feudal Japan with a team of five unique specialists
          – Highly praised on Steam: 96% positive reviews from over 38,000 ratings
          – Strong emphasis on planning and multiple strategies to complete missions
          – Currently 90% off at $3.99 on Steam until June 16, 2026, with a demo available
          – Minor flaws include occasional movement bugs and high difficulty

          Stealth Tactics in Feudal Japan

          Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a tactical stealth game published by Daedalic Entertainment on December 6, 2016. Developed by Mimimi Games, its story plunges you into feudal Japan during the Edo period, when a new shogun came to power and brought peace.

          A Villainous Threat Emerges

          However, a mysterious warlord named Kage-sama is threatening the balance of the kingdom. Faced with this danger, you must lead a team of specialists and complete various missions, such as sabotage and espionage.

          The Squad and Thier Abilities

          There are five characters available, such as Hayato, an agile ninja and the team leader, Mugen, a samurai who can deliver powerful attacks, Aiko, a master of camouflage, Yuki, who can place various traps, and Takuma, a mysterious sniper.

          But be careful, because even though their abilities are powerful, you’ll need to analyze the situation and develop different strategies before each mission. As a result, there are many ways to achieve your objective, whether you’re in a castle, a monastery, or a forest.

          Player Feedback and Flaws

          Since its release in 2016, players have left more than 38,260 reviews on Steam, and 96% of them are positive. This game is highly praised for its gameplay, graphics, and story. However, despite its many strengths, it does have a few flaws. Some players have reported bugs related to character movement, and the difficulty is also high.

          Current Deal and Pricing Details

          Nevertheless, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is currently 90% off on Steam until June 16, 2026. As a result, it’s priced at $3.99 instead of $39.99, according to SteamDB. But if you want to try it first, a demo is also available.

          Disclaimer: Notebookcheck is not responsible for price changes carried out by retailers. The discounted price or deal mentioned in this item was available at the time of writing and may be subject to time restrictions and/or limited unit availability.


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        • Halo Evolved PC vs Xbox: Campaign Performance Review

          Halo Evolved PC vs Xbox: Campaign Performance Review

          Key Takeaway

          – Xbox Series X delivers smoother 60 fps performance than all but the most powerful PCs
          – Mid-range PCs (e.g., RTX 4060) struggle to maintain 60 fps at 1440p due to CPU throttling
          – UE5 drawbacks like temporal noise and flickering persist
          – Handhelds like ROG Ally X and Steam Deck likely face major performance issues
          – Console version keeps ray tracing enabled via DRS at ~1080p, with minimal stuttering

          Xbox Showcases Halo: Campaign Evolved

          The Xbox Games Showcase confirmed a Halo: Campaign Evolved release date on July 28th. Fans are now seeing early performance impressions of the anticipated Combat Evolved remake. In the Digital Foundry preview, the site surprisingly revealed how the Xbox version had an edge over modest PC configs.

          Visuals and Frame Rate Comparrisons

          On both platforms, Digital Foundry noted dramatic improvments over the 2011 Anniversary Edition. Unreal Engine 5 introduces updated lighting effects, like Lumen global illumination, that make outdoor environments feel more natural. Reflections are also convincing as Master Chief traverses a sun-drenched coastline.

          The Halo: Campaign Evolved preview includes two missions, The Silent Cartographer and Assault on the Control Room. Xbox Series X players can expect a 60 fps performance mode, which was the only option available in the demo. The final build should offer a 30 fps quality preset with improved image quality.

          Console Performance and PC Challenges

          Digital Foundry praised the shooter’s performance on the Series X console. Dynamic Resolution Scaling (DRS) settles at around 1080p, but Unreal Engine 5 perks like ray tracing remain enabled. Most importantly, frame rates met the 60 fps target with minimal or no stuttering.

          The Halo: Campaign Evolved demo currently lacks Series S optimization, so the site turned its attention to the PC version. At 4K and max settings, an RTX 5090 configuration kept GPU utilization near 50%. Frame rates easily held at 60 fps with a cap applied.

          Mid-Range Hardware Limitations

          Unfortunately, mid-range and lower-end gaming rigs may encounter some limitations. A machine with an AMD Ryzen 5 5600X, 16GB of DDR4 RAM, and an RTX 4060 produced mixed results at 1440p. DLSS balanced mode wasn’t enough to keep the fps counter at a consistent 60. CPU throttling is the likely culprit, particularly when many enemies are on the screen.

          Less capable hardware could raise even more concerns. The ROG Xbox Ally X gaming handheld struggled to stay at 30 fps using TSR upscaling. Digital Foundry suspects that the Combat Evolved remake will fare even worse on the Steam Deck.

          Common Unreal Engine 5 Drawbacks

          The Halo: Campaign Evolved performance preview also exposed common Unreal Engine 5 drawbacks. Temporal noise can manifest through flickering, detracting from overall image quality.

          Even with some shortcomings, the benchmarkers were largely impressed by the shooter. Still, ahead of its release date, the Xbox Series X console produces smoother visuals than all but the most powerful PCs.

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        • Youyeetoo K1: Modular Intel N100 PC with GPIO from $210

          Youyeetoo K1: Modular Intel N100 PC with GPIO from $210

          Key Takeaway

          – Modular design with replaceable compute module and standalone operation
          – Industrial-grade I/O including eDP, MIPI-CSI/DSI, GPIO, UART, I2C, and SPI
          – Flexible storage: eMMC, M.2 NVMe/SATA, and dedicated SATA connector
          – Fanless N100 handles Windows, Linux, and OpenWrt for light desktop/server/router use
          – Higher price than typical N100 PCs, justified by modularity and industrial features

          The budget mini PC market is crowded with near-identical Intel N100 boxes, but the Youyeetoo K1 stands out through its construction rather than its silicon. Instead of a single fixed motherboard, the system splits into two parts: an 82 x 71 mm processor module carrying the quad-core Alder Lake-N chip and up to 16 GB of LPDDR5 memory, and a 134 x 92 mm carrier board it slots into, SO-DIMM-style, much like a stick of RAM. In principle, that means the compute portion can be replaced without discarding the rest of the system.

          Modular Architecture and Standalone Operation

          In principle, the compute portion can be replaced without discarding the rest of the system. Moreover, the core board can even run standalone, with its own USB-C, MIPI display output and 12 V power input for space-constrained installations. This arrangement allows for future upgrades without scrapping the entire machine, wich is a rare feature in this price bracket. The core boards compact dimensions make it suitable for embedding into custom enclosures or DIY projects.

          Carrier Board Connectivity and Expansion Options

          The carrier board is where the K1 earns its keep. Alongside the expected dual Gigabit Ethernet, HDMI, mini HDMI, USB-C and four USB Type-A ports, the full-featured carrier variant adds connectors rarely seen on consumer machines, an eDP output for driving bare laptop-style panels, MIPI-CSI and MIPI-DSI for cameras and displays, plus 27 GPIO pins and UART, I2C and SPI headers for hardware tinkering. Storage is similarly flexible, with eMMC on the compute module itself, an M.2 2280 slot supporting NVMe or SATA SSDs, and a dedicated SATA data and power connector pair. An M.2 E-key slot accepts an optional Wi-Fi 5 or Wi-Fi 6 module with Bluetooth, with 4G LTE also available as an add-on, and the board even integrates NFC for tap-to-configure deployment.

          Operating System Support and Target Use Cases

          The 6 W N100 is no powerhouse, but it runs Windows 10/11, Ubuntu, Debian and OpenWrt comfortably for light desktop work, home servers, routers and kiosk or signage duty, the use cases this fanless platform is aimed at. Value is the main question mark, however. Conventional N100 mini PCs frequently sell for less, so buyers are paying specifically for the modularity, the industrial I/O and the documented open wiki ecosystem. The system runs silently due to its passive cooling, which makes it ideal for noise-sensitive environments.

          Pricing, Availability and Import Considerations

          The Youyeetoo K1 has been shipping since January 2026 and sells from $209.99 for the 8 GB / 128 GB eMMC configuration, with a 16 GB / 256 GB version priced at $260. Buyers ordering from Youyeetoo’s store directly may face import duties or taxes depending on their region. This pricing places it above many simmilar N100 boxes, but the added flexibility and unique modular design justify the premium for specific use cases. The optional Wi-Fi and LTE modules are sold seperately, increasing the total cost for fully equipped units.


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        • New 33-Player Co-op Action-RPG Launches on Steam at 33% Off

          New 33-Player Co-op Action-RPG Launches on Steam at 33% Off

          Key Takeaway

          – 33-player co-op raids are compressed into 25-minute sessions with instant matchmaking and no voice coordination required.
          – The three-world structure (Inferno, Purgatorio, Paradiso) naturally reduces player count from 33 to 22 to 11, increasing accountability without requiring fixed teams.
          – Launching on Steam only at 1.0—after building a reliable player base on Game Pass and other platforms—avoided the dead-lobby problem that kills many multiplayer indies.
          – The 1.0 release adds the final Paradiso realm and a hidden ultimate boss, alongside deep character customization and community-driven balance tweaks.
          – Full cross-play across Steam, Epic, Xbox, and Microsoft Store ensures a unified matchmaking pool.

          Unique Multiplayer Concept Finally Hits 1.0

          Thunder Lotus Games’ 33 Immortals is one of the more “actually” unusual multiplayer concepts to come out of indie development in years. The game has now officially launched into its full 1.0 version on Steam. The release dropped on June 10 across Steam, Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X/S, and Microsoft Store, capping a 15-month early access run and bringing the game’s complete three-world structure together for the first time. The price at launch is $9.97, which includes a 33% discount off the standard price.

          How the Game Actually Works

          The premise is quite straightforward on paper and equally bizarre in practice: up to 33 players simultaneously control damned souls rebelling against God’s final judgment. It draws inpsiration from the structure of Dante’s Divine Comedy as they fight through more and more punishing realms. What makes it work — or at least feel unlike anything adjacent to it — is the session design. Runs last roughly 25 minutes, use instant public matchmaking, and require no pre-formed groups, voice coordination, or scheduling. It’s basically raid-scale co-op gameplay compressed into a lunch break. The game uses a cross-play matchmaking pool across all platforms so everyone can play together.

          Smart Player Funnel Design

          The lobby funnel is the smartest structural decision in the game. 33 players enter Inferno together, that number narrows to 22 in Purgatorio, and the newly added Paradiso realm — the final world, held back from early access and shipping at 1.0 — takes just 11 players into the game’s most concentrated, demanding finale. Of course, each shrinking group increases individual accountability without turning the game into your runt-of-the-mill team-based experience. The new Paradiso world adds a complete 11-player endgame that was previously hidden during all of early access.

          1.0 Update and Content

          The 1.0 update also introduces a previously hidden ultimate boss encounter that Thunder Lotus kept under wraps throughout the entire early access period. It is accompanied by deep character customization, weapon and enemy balance tuning, and quality-of-life improvements shaped by over a year of community feedback. The update also includes new weapon options and a more refined progression system that better rewards continued play through each realm.

          Why Steam Was Delayed

          Steam’s absence during early access was a calculated bet, not exactly an oversight. A co-op game requiring 33 simultaneous players per session faces a very obvious structural risk: too small an installed base and sessions will simply never fill. Game Pass inclusion from day one — March 18, 2025 — got the title a reliable player-base while the other organic base grew on Epic and Xbox. Adding Steam only at 1.0, with a mature player pool already in place, likely helped the devs go around the dead-lobby problem that has killed several multiplayer indie launches in the past. The game is available on Game Pass at no additional cost for subscribers.

          Developer Background and Availability

          All platforms share a single cross-play matchmaking pool, so Steam players can directly join the same sessions as Epic and Xbox users. The game is also available through Xbox Game Pass at no additional cost. For context, Thunder Lotus is the Montreal-based studio behind Spiritfarer. It attracted over seven million players worldwide and built 33 Immortals as its first title designed completely around online multiplayer. You can read more about the game here – it’s purchasable for $9.97, thanks to a 33% launch discount. This pricing applies across all platforms and includes a permanent discount for the launch period on Steam and SteamDB.


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