Tag: Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

  • Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Surprises at Xbox Showcase 2025

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Surprises at Xbox Showcase 2025

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was revealed at the Xbox Showcase 2025 with a three-minute trailer.
    2. The game is set in 2035, forty years after Black Ops 6, featuring advanced technology and psychological warfare.
    3. It will include a cooperative campaign mode, multiplayer options, and the return of the zombie mode.
    4. The development team aims to create a seamless experience that blends the series’ history with new futuristic elements.
    5. An official release date is not yet announced, but the game will be available on multiple platforms, including Xbox and PlayStation, with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate required for access.

    The Xbox Showcase 2025 happened yesterday, and many games were shown, like High On Life 2 and Grounded 2. However, the biggest surprise came at the end of the event when a three-minute trailer unveiled Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

    A New Era Begins

    This latest title, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, is promoted as “the next evolution of Black Ops.” The storyline for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set forty years after Black Ops 6.

    In the year 2035, the world teeters on the edge of chaos, torn apart by brutal conflicts and the psychological warfare that has been a significant part of the series. With the aid of advanced technology, David Mason and his team must engage in a fierce struggle against foes who exploit fear as their primary weapon.

    Futuristic Features

    The trailer also showcases a troop of robots with advanced features, alongside holograms, motorized machines, and a vibrant neon city. Thus, this new installment will take place in a futuristic setting, including a cooperative campaign mode, multiplayer options, and the much-loved zombie mode returning.

    Matt Cox, the General Manager of Call of Duty, shared more insights about the game: “The Black Ops universe is amazing. The creativity and imagination behind the story, the depth of the characters, and the incredible gameplay in all modes are really exceptional. As a team, we aimed from the very start to create a seamless series experience for our players, considering the uniqueness of the Black Ops sub-franchise.”

    Creative Freedom

    Tyler Bahl added, “Having two consecutive Black Ops games allows our teams to unleash their creativity, and also to integrate the transition from a 90s setting to a new 2035 context into our marketing strategy.”

    Nonetheless, an official release date has not yet been disclosed, and we will need to wait for more information to learn when Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will be ready for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, and PC through Xbox PC, Battle.net, and Steam. If you’re eager to play the game as soon as it drops, you will need an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass.

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  • Backbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming Access

    Backbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming Access

    Key Takeaways

    1. Product Launch: The Backbone One: Xbox Edition was launched on March 27, 2025, priced at $109.99.
    2. Design and Features: The controller features a classic Xbox translucent green design, comfortable grips, accurate thumbsticks, and a special Xbox button for various in-game functions.
    3. Game Access: It includes a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new users, allowing access to popular games via Xbox Cloud Gaming and enabling Xbox Remote Play.
    4. Compatibility: The Backbone App supports Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and other mobile games compatible with controllers, expanding game options across platforms.
    5. Availability: The controller is available for purchase at Backbone.com and Best Buy, with limited stock and global shipping options.

    Backbone, working together with Xbox, has introduced the Backbone One: Xbox Edition. This mobile controller is made to transform smartphones into portable Xbox gaming systems. It was launched on March 27, 2025, and is sold for $109.99. You can only buy it at Backbone.com (which offers global shipping) and at Best Buy. Supplies are limited. This Xbox version costs $10 more than both the standard and PlayStation versions, specifically targeting Xbox fans who desire console-like gaming on the go.

    Features of the Backbone One: Xbox Edition

    This controller sports Xbox’s classic translucent green look, featuring comfortable grips, accurate thumbsticks, and responsive buttons. It has a special Xbox button: pressing it once opens the Xbox guide or library, double-pressing it records gameplay, and holding it down activates other in-game actions.

    The package includes a one-month trial of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new users, allowing access to games like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 via Xbox Cloud Gaming. It also enables Xbox Remote Play, so players can stream directly from their console. Setting it up is easy—just connect the controller, launch the Xbox app, and choose your console.

    Expanded Game Access

    The Backbone App is also compatible with Apple Arcade, Steam Link, and various other mobile games that work with controllers, broadening the selection of games available across different platforms. The Game Pass trial lasts until March 31, 2028, and is only for new subscribers. After the trial period, regular subscription fees will apply unless you decide to cancel. Be aware that regional game and streaming restrictions may limit access.

    Costs and Availability

    The Backbone One: Xbox Edition is available for $109.99, but keep in mind its limited stock.

    Source:
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    Backbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming AccessBackbone One Xbox Edition Launches with Cloud Gaming Access

     

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  • Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

    Key Takeaways

    1. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate offers cloud gaming, allowing subscribers to play Game Pass games on various devices but has restrictions for expensive early-access games like Avowed.
    2. The Avowed Premium Edition provides early access starting February 13th, while the Standard Edition will be available on Game Pass after the official release on February 18th.
    3. Cloud gaming support for Avowed is lacking, limiting play to Xbox and PC during early access, despite Microsoft’s ownership of Obsidian since 2018.
    4. Nvidia’s GeForce Now offers better cloud gaming options, allowing players to explore Avowed on compatible devices, though many tiers are currently unavailable due to payment processor changes.
    5. Initial reception of Avowed has been mixed, with some gameplay aspects criticized, but it will soon reach a larger audience on February 18th.

    One significant advantage of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is its cloud gaming capability. Subscribers have the ability to play Game Pass games on different devices and can also stream their own games. However, they often face restrictions when it comes to accessing expensive early-access games. This applies to Obsidian’s action RPG Avowed, which means that those wanting to play via the cloud will need to explore other options.

    Early Access Details

    The Avowed Premium Edition opens up an early access phase that started on February 13th. This version is available on several platforms, such as the Xbox Store, Steam, and Battle.net. The Standard Edition is included in Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate but will not be available until the official release date of Avowed, which is February 18th. Players can choose to upgrade to the Premium Edition for an additional cost, but they shouldn’t count on being able to stream the game on devices like smart TVs, browsers, or smartphones.

    Compatibility Concerns

    It’s quite odd that cloud gaming support is missing, especially since Microsoft bought Obsidian Entertainment back in 2018. Currently, the game is limited to Xbox and PC, although a release for PS5 in the future is not out of the question. Given the additional expenses involved, it’s frustrating for gamers to be stuck using their PCs or Xbox consoles during the early access time frame.

    Cloud gaming is becoming an attractive method to enjoy highly anticipated games from anywhere as streaming quality and variety get better. Nvidia’s GeForce Now leads in game streaming options, allowing users to utilize powerful gaming setups. Unlike Microsoft’s service, players of Avowed can freely explore Eora on compatible GeForce Now devices. Unfortunately, many tiers of GeForce Now are currently unavailable due to Nvidia’s changes in payment processors.

    Reception and Expectations

    In terms of its initial reception, Avowed hasn’t reached the high standards established by Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity. NBC’s review noted that some gameplay aspects feel superficial, which detracts from the engaging narrative. However, the game is set to face a much wider audience on February 18th, including those who play via Xbox Cloud.

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    Avowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access PlayersAvowed Not Available on Xbox Cloud Gaming for Early Access Players

     

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  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Lets Users Stream Their Own Games Now

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Lets Users Stream Their Own Games Now

    Previously, subscribers to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate could only stream games that were part of the Game Pass collection. However, things have now changed, as Xbox has revealed that these subscribers can stream their personally owned games too, even if they aren’t included in the Game Pass catalog, but there is a small catch.

    Streaming on Multiple Devices

    A recent press release states that Game Pass subscribers in all locations where Xbox Cloud Gaming is functional can stream their owned games on TVs and browsers using devices like smartphones, PCs, and tablets. This feature will also work on other devices that support browsers, such as smart TVs, Meta Quest headsets, and Amazon Fire TV devices. However, users will need to wait until next year for this ability to be available on Xbox consoles and in the Xbox app for Windows.

    Limited Game Availability

    The catch is that currently, only a limited selection of games, specifically fifty, are supported. The list includes popular titles like Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora, Baldur’s Gate 3, Balatro, Cyberpunk 2077, Hades, Hogwarts Legacy, Mortal Kombat 1, NBA 2K25, Star Wars Outlaws, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Undertale, and WWE 2K24. You can find the full list of supported games via the link below.

    Xbox states that users can stream any version of the games they own. Whether you have the standard or complete edition of a game, you should be able to stream it without problems. Additionally, Xbox has expressed its intention to increase the number of supported games in the future.

    How to Start Streaming

    To begin playing, simply sign in to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate as you usually would on your supported device. There should be a new section titled “Stream your own game,” which displays a list of games you own that are currently supported. This list also includes games that are supported but that you do not own yet. Once you purchase a game, you have the option to either stream it or download it onto your Xbox console, like the Xbox Series X Digital Edition, which is available on Amazon for $448.

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  • Download Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Game Pass Now

    Download Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 on Xbox Game Pass Now

    Microsoft Xbox announced today that “Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3” is now downloadable on Xbox Game Pass for Console, PC Game Pass, and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. For gamers in Beijing, the game became accessible at 1 am on July 25th, while players on the Pacific coast could start downloading it at 10:00 PM PST on July 24th.

    A Milestone for Call of Duty on Xbox Game Pass

    This marks a significant shift for the Call of Duty franchise on Xbox platforms. Historically, no title from the series had been part of the Xbox Game Pass library. This inclusion follows Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the publisher behind the Call of Duty games.

    Modern Warfare 3, initially released in November 2023, is a well-known installment in the Call of Duty series, featuring both a single-player campaign and a multiplayer mode.

    Future Plans and Upcoming Releases

    While Microsoft has yet to detail long-term plans for the Call of Duty series within the Xbox Game Pass, they have confirmed that “Black Ops 6,” set to debut on October 25th, 2024, will also be available on the subscription service from its launch date.

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  • Microsoft Shifts Market Strategy from Xbox Consoles in EMEA

    Microsoft Shifts Market Strategy from Xbox Consoles in EMEA

    Microsoft‘s approach for the EMEA (Europe, Middle East, and Africa) market seems to be evolving, as reported by The Verge on July 12th. The article suggests that Microsoft might be planning to halt console sales in the region and instead concentrate on promoting its cloud gaming services, Xbox Game Pass subscriptions, and controllers.

    Focus on Cloud Gaming

    Microsoft has been spotlighting cloud gaming for some time now. This strategy is in line with their recent focus on cloud gaming and platform-independent experiences. They have pointed out that players do not necessarily require an Xbox console to enjoy Xbox games, with many new releases also available on PC. The Verge’s report cites sources indicating that Microsoft has decided internally to shift its game promotion and release strategies, potentially reducing the emphasis on the Xbox console itself.

    Strategic Move Towards Subscriptions

    This shift could signify a strategic move towards a subscription-based model. The report highlights Microsoft’s efforts to promote Game Pass subscriptions, which provide access to a library of games at a reduced price, especially for new subscribers. By prioritizing cloud gaming and subscriptions, Microsoft might be aiming to attract a broader audience that might not invest in a dedicated console.

    It’s crucial to note, however, that this information is based on a report, and Microsoft has not officially confirmed any plans to stop Xbox console sales in the EMEA market. Further announcements from Microsoft will be needed to clarify their future strategy for the region.

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  • Xbox Cloud Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV Sticks in July

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV Sticks in July

    Microsoft has teamed up with Amazon to extend Xbox Cloud Gaming to Fire TV Sticks, making it accessible in over 25 countries starting July 2024. This initiative allows Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers to play games directly on specific Fire TV devices.

    The Xbox app will be downloadable on the 2023 Fire TV Stick 4K Max ($59.99) and Fire TV Stick 4K ($49.99). Users must have an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, a compatible Fire TV Stick, a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller, and a stable internet connection.

    Getting Started

    To begin gaming:

    1. Download the Xbox app from the Amazon Appstore on your Fire TV Stick.
    2. Sign in using your Microsoft account.
    3. Connect a Bluetooth-enabled wireless controller (options include the Xbox Wireless Controller, Xbox Adaptive Controller, PlayStation DualSense, or DualShock 4).
    4. Start playing.

    Game Pass Ultimate members gain access to a vast library of games, including titles like “Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II,” “Starfield,” and “Forza Horizon 5.” Fans of Fallout can enjoy “Fallout 76” and “Fallout 4” while also watching the new Fallout TV show on Prime Video. For non-members, games like “Fortnite” are available.

    Cost-Effective Alternative

    This partnership makes gaming more accessible and convenient, especially for those without a console. The Fire TV Stick’s portability means gamers can play anywhere by taking their Fire TV Stick and controller with them.

    This collaboration also offers a budget-friendly option compared to Microsoft’s previously planned standalone Xbox streaming device, which was scrapped due to high costs. The Fire TV Stick delivers a similar experience at a more affordable price, making cloud gaming more accessible.

    Xbox Cloud Gaming Coming to Amazon Fire TV Sticks in July
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  • Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cloud Gaming Now on Amazon Fire TV Sticks

    Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Cloud Gaming Now on Amazon Fire TV Sticks

    Gamers are in for a treat. Microsoft has teamed up with Amazon to extend Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming to Fire TV Sticks across more than 25 countries and regions. This advancement allows you to enjoy a vast selection of games directly on your television without the need for an Xbox console.

    Supported Devices and Pricing

    At present, the service is only available on the latest Fire TV Stick models: the Fire TV Stick 4K Max (2023) and the Fire TV Stick 4K (2023). These devices come with price tags of US$59.99 (approximately RMB 437) and US$49.99 (approximately RMB 364) respectively.

    Extensive Game Library

    Through Xbox Game Pass Ultimate cloud gaming, you gain access to hundreds of games, including well-loved series like Fallout. You can stream the newest releases such as Fallout 76 and Fallout 4, and then watch the live-action Fallout series that debuted on Prime Video in April. Aside from Fallout, the library includes a wide range of critically acclaimed games, including Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga, Starfield, and Forza Horizon 5.

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