Tag: Xbox Acquisition

  • GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    GeForce Now Play Button Appears on Select Xbox Store Games

    Sharp-eyed gamers have noticed an intriguing update on the Xbox store. Foreign media outlet Gamerant has identified a “Play with GeForce Now” button appearing for specific games such as “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.”

    Potential Microsoft and Nvidia Collaboration

    This discovery has led to speculation that Microsoft may be planning to integrate cloud gaming services directly into the Xbox ecosystem. GeForce Now, NVIDIA’s cloud gaming platform, might enable Xbox players to access these games without downloading them.

    Earlier this month, ten new titles were added to the GeForce Now library, including “Resident Evil 8: Village” and “Street Fighter 6.” The appearance of the “Play with GeForce Now” button for these games further suggests an official announcement from Microsoft might be forthcoming.

    Future Announcements

    Although the exact timeline is still unknown, it’s anticipated that Microsoft will formally announce Xbox’s support for cloud gaming services in the coming months. It remains uncertain whether this integration will include offering GeForce Now within the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (XGPU) subscription.

  • Play Xbox Game Pass on Smartphone with Boosteroid – Now Available

    Play Xbox Game Pass on Smartphone with Boosteroid – Now Available

    Xbox has collaborated with Boosteroid, a cloud gaming platform, to expand access to Xbox PC games to a wider audience. This joint venture, revealed in the previous year, is now introducing a fresh collection of PC games to Boosteroid’s repertoire, which includes popular titles such as “Deathloop”, the “Dishonored” series, “Gears 5”, “Ghostwire: Tokyo”, and “Pentiment”. This advancement enables gamers to enjoy these games on their smartphones and tablets.

    Easy Access to Xbox PC Games

    To engage in these games on Boosteroid, gamers must possess the game via the Microsoft Store, which can be obtained through a PC Game Pass, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, or a direct purchase. By subscribing to Boosteroid, players can log in, pick their desired Xbox game from the Boosteroid library, and immediately start playing. This feature facilitates gaming across various platforms like PCs, smartphones, and tablets, incorporating functionalities such as cross-play and cross-save compatibility with Xbox consoles and Windows PCs.

    Gaming Flexibility and Convenience

    Boosteroid offers the advantage of playing games on diverse devices without the need for a high-performance PC or extensive storage capacity. By utilizing remote servers to operate the games and stream them to users’ devices, Boosteroid empowers individuals to play demanding games on less sophisticated hardware. To leverage Boosteroid, a stable internet connection and a subscription are essential.

    Xbox’s Vision for Inclusive Gaming

    The collaboration with Boosteroid aligns with Xbox’s overarching mission to democratize gaming and provide a plethora of options for playing games. Xbox is actively partnering with various cloud gaming services globally, including EE, NVIDIA GeForce NOW, Nware, and Ubitus, to enable game streaming from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, and Activision Blizzard.


    Play Xbox Game Pass on Smartphone with Boosteroid - Now Available
    Play Xbox Game Pass on Smartphone with Boosteroid - Now Available
  • Unexpected Anticipation Arises from Xbox’s Tease of Final Fantasy 14

    Unexpected Anticipation Arises from Xbox’s Tease of Final Fantasy 14

    Xbox Fans Disappointed by Mix-Up with Final Fantasy 14 Online Open Beta

    Recently, Xbox fans experienced a roller coaster of emotions due to a mix-up with the highly anticipated game, Final Fantasy 14 Online. Early on a Tuesday morning, an official post on Xbox Wire briefly announced the availability of an open beta for the game on Xbox Series X/S. However, the excitement was short-lived as the post was removed within an hour, leaving fans puzzled and a bit disappointed.

    Xbox Apologizes for Premature Announcement

    Xbox acknowledged the mistake via a Twitter/X post from the Xbox Wire team. They admitted to prematurely sharing the news and assured fans that a correct release date for the open beta would be announced in due course. This incident highlights how easily misinformation can spread in the digital age and the importance of accurate communication from big brands.

    Exciting Details About the Beta Version

    The initial post had shared some exciting details about the beta version, like its support for 4K resolution on Xbox Series X, and the ability for players to transfer their progress to the full game once released. This news was particularly notable since Final Fantasy 14, first launched in 2013, has been a long-standing favorite on other platforms like PS3, Windows, PS4, MacOS, and PS5, but had never been available on Xbox consoles.

    Final Fantasy 14’s Growth and Popularity

    The game, developed by Square Enix, has seen considerable growth and popularity, with four expansions released since its initial launch and a fifth one, Dawntrail, in development, slated for a Summer 2024 release. The game’s storytelling and expansion, particularly the Endwalker expansion, has been critically acclaimed, further fueling the anticipation for its Xbox debut.

    The Impact of the Mix-Up

    This mix-up, though minor, stirred quite a buzz among the gaming community. It serves as a reminder of the eagerness and passion of the gaming community, always on the lookout for the next big thing, and how a small slip can set the community abuzz with excitement.

  • Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    Final 14 Days for Xbox Owners to Experience GTA 5

    GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable Leaving Xbox Game Pass

    It seems like GTA 5 just can’t stay out of the spotlight. First, its source codes were leaked online, and now, we have another unfortunate piece of news. Grand Theft Auto 5 and Persona 3 Portable are being removed from the Xbox Game Pass library. Let’s take a closer look at the details.

    Goodbye to GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable

    The Xbox Game Pass is known for introducing new games regularly, but it also bids farewell to beloved titles. Unfortunately, the latest casualties are GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable. GTA 5 has been a timeless classic for Xbox One series and Xbox Series S/X users since July 2023. However, in just two weeks, console gamers will have to pay to play this game. The price of Grand Theft Auto V for Xbox varies depending on the region and edition, ranging from $19.99 to $59.99.

    Persona 3 Portable, a beloved game among RPG fans, is also no longer available on the Xbox Game Pass. While GTA V had a broader appeal, Persona 3 Portable catered to a more specific audience. But there’s no need to panic just yet. We’ve seen GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass multiple times in the past. Given its immense popularity and the anticipation surrounding GTA 6, it’s highly likely that the game will make a comeback on the Game Pass soon.

    Xbox Game Pass Pricing

    For those interested in subscribing to the Xbox Game Pass, here are the pricing details for the US market as of January 3, 2024:

    • Game Pass Core: $9.99/month or $59.99/year. This tier provides access to over 250+ Game Pass games and online multiplayer in most games.
    • Game Pass Console: $10.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and allows you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your Xbox console.
    • Game Pass PC: $9.99/month. This tier includes all the features of Game Pass Core and enables you to play downloaded Game Pass games on your PC.
    • Game Pass Ultimate: $16.99/month. This tier encompasses all the features of Game Pass Core, Game Pass Console, and Game Pass PC. Additionally, it offers cloud gaming through Xbox Cloud Gaming.

    Conclusion

    As GTA 5 and Persona 3 Portable bid farewell to the Xbox Game Pass, console gamers will have to find other means to enjoy these titles. However, considering the history of GTA being added and removed from the Game Pass, there’s a good chance that the game will return in the future. In the meantime, gamers can explore the vast library of games offered by the Xbox Game Pass and take advantage of the various pricing tiers available.

  • Xbox Acquisition Leads to Activision Blizzard CEO’s Resignation.

    Xbox Acquisition Leads to Activision Blizzard CEO’s Resignation.

    Bobby Kotick to Resign as CEO of Activision Blizzard

    Bobby Kotick, the long-serving CEO of gaming powerhouse Activision Blizzard, is scheduled to step down from his position on December 29. This decision comes in the aftermath of the substantial acquisition of the company by Xbox for a staggering $69 billion, which was completed in October. The official announcement of Kotick’s departure, which was initially hinted at in an internal communication, signals a momentous shift in the gaming industry’s landscape.

    Kotick’s Influence on Activision Blizzard

    Kotick’s time at Activision Blizzard has been remarkably eventful. During his leadership, the company witnessed the rise of beloved gaming series such as "Call of Duty," "World of Warcraft," and "Candy Crush Saga." These franchises not only achieved significant commercial success but also played a vital role in shaping the global gaming culture. His imprint on the industry is indisputable, with countless gamers engaging with these franchises over the years.

    The Unconventional Transition and Strategic Transformation

    Notably, Kotick’s departure does not come with an immediate replacement. This unorthodox decision hints at a strategic transformation within the company, particularly following its integration into the Xbox ecosystem. Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, has openly expressed his admiration for Kotick’s contributions and the enduring legacy he established at Activision Blizzard. Spencer’s recent internal correspondence highlights Kotick’s pivotal role in the gaming realm and the successful completion of the acquisition process.

    A Fresh Course for Activision Blizzard?

    The absence of a direct successor for Kotick might signify a new trajectory for Activision Blizzard under the supervision of Xbox. With the gaming sector becoming increasingly competitive and diverse, the amalgamation of Activision Blizzard into Xbox’s domain could usher in a new chapter of creativity and cooperation in game development and distribution.