Tag: Xbox Series X

  • Take-Two CEO: GTA 6 to Boost Consoles, Sees Big PC Market

    Take-Two CEO: GTA 6 to Boost Consoles, Sees Big PC Market

    Key Takeaways

    1. GTA 6 is set to launch on consoles in 2025, with PC gamers facing a longer wait.
    2. Take-Two’s CEO believes releasing GTA 6 first on consoles will significantly boost console sales.
    3. Past games from Rockstar, like Red Dead Redemption 2 and GTA 5, experienced delayed PC releases.
    4. PC versions can account for 40% of total game sales, but Take-Two is confident in their strategy for GTA 6.
    5. The game is expected to push current console capabilities, allowing Rockstar to optimize performance before focusing on the PC version.


    While owners of the PS5 and Xbox Series X are looking forward to a GTA 6 launch in 2025, PC gamers will have to wait even longer. Recently, IGN inquired with Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick about their strategy of releasing the game first on consoles. Zelnick didn’t clearly explain this approach, but he expressed confidence that GTA 6 would boost console sales significantly.

    Console vs. PC Release Strategy

    Zelnick highlighted that some of Take-Two Interactive’s projects come out at the same time on both PCs and consoles. However, his mention of Civilization 7, which originated on PC, seems like an odd example. For Rockstar Games, Red Dead Redemption 2 was not released on PC until over a year after it launched on the PS4 and Xbox One. In the past, the PC version of GTA 5 also faced a long delay before it was available to players.

    Sales Insights

    During the IGN interview, Zelnick recognized that PC versions of games can make up 40% of total sales. Nonetheless, he is convinced that Take-Two’s strategy with GTA 6 will be successful. He acknowledged that Xbox Series X sales are currently lagging, while Switch sales have hit a plateau. It’s a bold assertion that one game could revive the console market, but the massive anticipation surrounding GTA 6 might just meet that challenge.

    Frustrations of PC Gamers

    PC gamers are understandably upset due to the unclear release date for GTA 6. Some speculate that Take-Two is trying to avoid leaks about the game, which could happen if any code, finished or not, gets out. Other people view this as a smart business tactic, allowing enough time for players to finish the single-player campaign. Afterward, PC gamers could return to enjoy the game with better performance and mods.

    Pushing the Limits

    What is known about GTA 6 suggests that it will stretch the capabilities of current consoles. Rockstar Games can concentrate on enhancing performance for these consoles before turning its attention to the PC version.

    Source:
    Link


     

  • Avowed Game Director Confirms 60 FPS for Xbox Series X

    Avowed Game Director Confirms 60 FPS for Xbox Series X

    Obsidian Entertainment’s forthcoming game, Avowed, takes the finest aspects from both action and open-world RPGs. Positioned in the same universe as Pillars of Eternity, the title employs Unreal Engine 5, which has faced various performance challenges. This raises concerns for both PC and Xbox players regarding how well the intricate environments of Avowed will perform. In a recent interview with MinnMax, Carrie Patel, the game’s director, shared encouraging news for console users. With the release date set for February 18th, Patel confirmed that the Xbox Series X version will have a 60 fps mode.

    Insights from the Interview

    The MinnMax interview with Patel is a must-watch, featuring an impressive 175 questions that were addressed. Since most of the details about Avowed were already public knowledge, Reddit users quickly honed in on the issue of performance. This interview supports prior speculation from someone who had the chance to play the game on Microsoft’s consoles. While players on the Xbox Series S were limited to frames rates of 30 or 40 fps, those on the Series X can choose between 30, 40, or 60 fps. It’s likely that some graphical quality could be compromised to achieve the higher frame rates.

    Surprising Developments

    The announcement of a 60 fps performance mode comes as a surprise, especially since Obsidian had indicated otherwise back in August 2024. The studio had mentioned their focus on lighting and detail rather than emphasizing faster-paced gameplay for Avowed. However, they appeared open to making adjustments to performance prior to the game’s launch.

    Avowed faced a delay in August, which Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer attributed to a crowded Game Pass schedule. Still, this additional time for development might lead to improved performance for the RPG title from Obsidian.

    System Requirements for PC

    The system requirements for Avowed on PC aren’t overly demanding. To enjoy a solid experience, players should have at least a Radeon RX 5700 or GeForce GTX 1070. For the recommended setup, an RX 6800 XT or RTX 3080 is required. However, some testers have already noted that the RPG is putting a strain on their systems.

    Source:
    Link


  • GTA 5 Player Count Soars as Fans Anticipate GTA 6 Release Date

    GTA 5 Player Count Soars as Fans Anticipate GTA 6 Release Date

    Since it was unveiled in December 2023, gamers have been eagerly seeking any fresh updates on GTA 6. Despite having an official release window set for fall 2025, specific release dates for GTA 6 are frequently speculated on, only to be dismissed later. This frustration has led fans to turn back to GTA 5, which is currently seeing one of its highest player counts in the last decade.

    Player Count Surge

    As January wraps up, Steam Charts shows that there have been more than 129,000 concurrent players of GTA 5 on average throughout the month. Aside from December 2023, this marks the most successful month for the crime-action adventure game since 2020. The peak player count for January also compares favorably with the best numbers seen during that time. It’s important to note that Steam Charts does not account for player data from Epic Games or console versions of GTA 5.

    The Endurance of GTA 5

    GTA 5 is definitely not the only title to see a spike in popularity before a highly awaited sequel arrives. Nevertheless, the game continues to thrive, thanks in part to its captivating open-world design. The allowance of mods for the single-player campaign also plays a significant role in keeping players hooked. While the original game has stopped receiving new downloadable content, GTA Online still enjoys weekly updates that keep the content fresh.

    Future Prospects and Technical Concerns

    With GTA 5 staying so successful, Rockstar Games doesn’t feel the need to rush out a new installment. Another worry for gamers is how well GTA 6 will perform on Xbox Series X or PS5. The developers have promised that the game will feature large environments with rich textures. Some gamers might stick to GTA 5 if the new consoles struggle with performance, potentially running at a shaky 30 fps. When the game eventually launches for PCs, optimal performance will likely require an expensive graphics card.

    Despite these technical issues, the excitement surrounding GTA 6 isn’t fading. Until the PC release date is announced, GTA 5 will likely continue to be a major draw on Steam.

    Source:
    Link


  • Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Microsoft May Drop Exclusives as Xbox Supports Windows and Game Stores

    Spec sheets aside, the availability of a good number of exclusive games is key in shaping the success of a console generation.

    Even with major acquisitions like ZeniMax Media and Activision Blizzard King (ABK), Microsoft’s Xbox Series X|S hasn’t really outperformed the PlayStation 5 when it comes to exclusive titles. However, both Sony and Microsoft believe that games shouldn’t be limited to their own platforms. Microsoft has started to release several first-party games for the PlayStation, and similarly, Sony has been transferring many of its exclusive games to PC, such as Bloodborne (let’s not forget that).

    A Shift in Strategy

    In the upcoming months and years, Xbox might adopt a completely new approach, possibly positioning the console as less of a focus. According to market research firm DFC Intelligence, the gaming industry could see significant growth in 2025, spurred by the anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 and GTA 6. However, the market might only support one major non-Nintendo console. “There isn’t room for more than two major console systems,” the firm notes. They believe Microsoft has better prospects in software, while Sony can continue to thrive with the PlayStation and its exclusive titles.

    Microsoft appears to be integrating Windows and Xbox more closely than ever. We’ve been hearing about this for a while. The introduction of the UWP framework on Windows 10 aimed to create a unified codebase that would work across console, PC, mobile, and mixed reality.

    Future of Xbox

    Recent news hints that Xbox vNext might essentially be running a form of Windows. This change would enable gamers to access alternative stores such as Epic, GOG, and even Steam, which has been a vision of Xbox chief Phil Spencer for a significant time. Jason Ronald, newly appointed as VP of Next Gen Xbox, along with Roanne Sones from Windows OEM, joining the Xbox leadership team suggests what Windows Central’s Jez Corden calls the “Windowsification of Xbox.”

    Interestingly, Ronald is set to appear at the CES 2025 launch for a Lenovo Legion handheld that will run Valve’s Steam OS. This strategy may be a smart move considering the stagnation in console hardware sales. Additionally, Microsoft might consider allowing this new Xbox-Windows OS platform for handheld device makers, who currently have no choice but to utilize the full version of Windows 11.

    Changing Exclusivity

    This essentially means more Xbox experiences on non-Xbox devices. However, this hinges on Microsoft creating a version of Windows without older legacy issues and ensuring that Xbox backward compatibility functions correctly on Windows. This shift implies that Xbox will stop pursuing exclusives, allowing all first-party games to eventually reach competing platforms. Microsoft seems to be transitioning the Xbox brand into a broader gaming ecosystem rather than restricting itself to console hardware only.

    Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s best exclusives in recent memory, but the aforementioned changes indicate that Xbox fans may need to abandon their hopes for exclusivity. According to Corden on X, Xbox is unlikely to have exclusives moving forward, and if there are any, they will likely be timed at best. “If some games are exclusive it’s gonna be incidental at best,” he stated, emphasizing a shift towards multiplatform releases.

    Recently, Microsoft began promoting the “This is an Xbox” concept to market Game Pass. Essentially, any device that runs the Xbox app with Game Pass is considered an Xbox game streaming console. Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella even mentioned that being an Xbox fan involves enjoying Xbox games on “all your devices.”

    Back in February, Microsoft announced that titles like Pentiment, Hi-Fi Rush, Sea of Thieves, and Grounded would also be accessible on the PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. Doom: The Dark Ages will also launch on PS5 alongside Xbox consoles and PC, while Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is expected to arrive on PS5 in Spring 2025.

    Even the highly awaited Fable reboot in 2025 is likely to expand to other platforms after its initial limited-time exclusivity on Xbox. Given Microsoft’s tendency to limit devices that are on the verge of greatness (remember Windows Phone?), fans may justifiably feel concerned about the potential irrelevance of the console itself.

    Nothing is finalized, and plans may shift, but it’s clear that Microsoft is adjusting its strategy in response to evolving trends in the console market in the years to come.

    Source: Link


    Image 1
    Image 1
    Image 1
  • Xbox Early Black Friday Deals: Huge Discounts on Games for PC & Xbox

    Xbox Early Black Friday Deals: Huge Discounts on Games for PC & Xbox

    Microsoft has kicked off its Xbox Black Friday deals almost two weeks ahead of the big shopping event. The range of discounts includes exciting offers on some top games currently on Xbox, whether you prefer classic strategy titles, blockbuster AAA games, or indie gems that have built a loyal fanbase.

    Highlights of the Sale

    The Xbox Black Friday sale features a wide array of games, with many seeing discounts of up to 85%. A significant number of these titles are exclusively available for the Xbox Series S (starting at $299.99 on Amazon) and Series X (beginning at $448 on Amazon) consoles.

    Important Note

    It’s worth noting that Notebookcheck cannot be held liable for any price changes made by retailers. The prices or deals mentioned here were accurate at the time of writing, but they may change over time or have limited availability.

  • Black Myth: Wukong ESRB Rating for Xbox Indicates Launch Soon

    Black Myth: Wukong ESRB Rating for Xbox Indicates Launch Soon

    Black Myth: Wukong has bin given a rating by the ESRB for Xbox, hinting that its launch on that platform is possibly just around the corner. This action RPG, crafted by Game Science, has received a “T” for Teen rating. This is due to the presence of blood and gore, some language, partial nudity, and violence in the game. This update arrives nearly two months after it successfully made its debut on PC and PlayStation 5 in August 2024.

    Delays and Optimizations

    The release for Xbox was delayed earlier because of some technical difficulties. With the ESRB rating now in hand, it appears that the game is approaching the final optimization stages for the console.

    Gameplay and Reception

    Black Myth: Wukong draws its inspiration from Chinese mythology and the well-known tale, Journey to the West. Players take on the role of Sun Wukong, a mighty character with the ability to transform into various creatures, cast spells, and partake in melee fighting. The game has been widely acclaimed for its breathtaking visuals, deep storytelling, and an exciting combat system.

    Anticipation for Release

    With the ESRB rating secured, it is anticipated that the developers will soon reveal the official launch date for the Xbox Series X|S version. Recently, the Xbox Partner Preview took place, so we can look ahead to upcoming events for possible announcements. Who knows—perhaps the company will drop a teaser on its social media channels!


    Image 1
  • Everwild by Rare on Track After Setbacks and Reboot

    Everwild by Rare on Track After Setbacks and Reboot

    Since it was first teased with a brief trailer at XO19 in November 2019, Everwild has drawn the interest of many gamers. Rare, a studio famous for titles such as Donkey Kong Country, GoldenEye 007, Banjo-Kazooie, and Sea of Thieves, has seemingly been working on Everwild since 2014.

    Development Journey

    A decade later, despite a few trailers showcasing stunning visuals and potential gameplay, the actual nature of Everwild remains unclear, and at times, the studio seemed unsure as well. However, it looks like Rare has finally cracked the code, and Everwild is said to be making good progress.

    Positive Updates

    The most recent insights about Everwild come from Jez Corden at Windows Central, who claims that the game’s development is “going well” and that the studio has “nailed the gameplay loop, and we should be seeing that in the future.” This news is significant for fans eager for fresh updates on Rare’s upcoming AAA intellectual property. The previously undefined gameplay loop might have been a major factor in why Everwild was stuck in developmental limbo. The situation was so problematic that the game reportedly underwent a complete reboot in 2021, aiming for a release in 2024.

    Future Expectations

    With 2024 approaching, Xbox has not disclosed any information about Everwild’s release date. Thus, it seems the game is still not in a state to be showcased, and it may take some time before we see the full launch. While it’s known that Everwild is anticipated to be a third-person action-adventure title, specific details about its gameplay remain elusive. Nevertheless, we can infer some elements based on the 2020 trailer.

    The game seems to focus on the player’s relationship with wildlife and flora. For example, the trailer depicts characters rescuing a tree from an insect invasion by using a type of spell. In other scenes, they are seen guiding a large creature to topple a tree. There’s also a moment where a ritual is performed to heal a deer-like animal by calling on a spirit.

    From this, we might speculate that the game could have minimal combat and instead focus on safeguarding nature through rituals and spirit summoning. However, this is purely conjectural, and the final version of Everwild could feature a completely different gameplay approach. No matter how the gameplay evolves, we hope Rare has genuinely “nailed” it as Jez Corden suggests.

    Jez Corden via r/GamingLeaksAndRumors, Polygon, Teaser image: Xbox/Rare, edited.

  • Microsoft Launches White Xbox Series X and New Storage Options

    Microsoft Launches White Xbox Series X and New Storage Options

    Microsoft has officially introduced a white variant of the Xbox Series X, catering to fans who favor a lighter look for their console. This new model eliminates the disc drive, making it an entirely digital experience, but retains the same robust performance as the original Xbox Series X for current Xbox games. While black is elegant, white has a pristine appeal.

    New Offerings

    In addition to the white Xbox Series X, Microsoft has also unveiled a white version of the Xbox Series S. The white Xbox Series X features 1TB of storage and is set to launch later this year, priced at $449.99. This announcement comes alongside the introduction of a special edition 2TB “Galaxy Black” version of the original Xbox Series X, which will be available for $599.99. For gamers on a budget, Microsoft is also releasing a new white version of the Xbox Series S with 1TB of storage, priced at $349.99, compared to the smaller $299 console.

    Design and Rumors

    The new white Xbox Series X matches the “robot white” color scheme of the Xbox Series S. Although leaks suggested that Microsoft may have upgraded the cooling system for this white model, official confirmation will likely have to wait until detailed teardowns are conducted.

    Additionally, the white Xbox Series X appears to confirm the cancellation or delay of a previously rumored refreshed version of the console, codenamed “Brooklin.” Leaked details had described Brooklin as having a more cylindrical design, lacking a disc drive, and being marketed as “adorably all digital.” It was planned for a November release with a price tag of $499 and a new bundled controller featuring Xbox Wireless 2 connectivity.

    Official Statements

    Last September, Xbox chief Phil Spencer addressed leaks about the refreshed Xbox Series X design, hinting at possible changes in their hardware roadmap. Spencer stated, “It is hard to see our team’s work shared in this way because so much has changed and there’s so much to be excited about right now, and in the future. We will share the real plans when we are ready.”

    Microsoft’s official announcement dispels these rumors, offering a white Xbox Series X along with storage enhancements for both the standard and special edition models.

  • Microsoft reveals custom Final Fantasy 14 Xbox Series X giveaway

    Microsoft reveals custom Final Fantasy 14 Xbox Series X giveaway

    Microsoft and Square Enix have joined forces to mark the upcoming release of Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X/S with a specially designed console. This unique Xbox Series X console, inspired by the game, is not available for purchase but can be won through an ongoing giveaway hosted by Xbox on Twitter.

    Custom Xbox Series X Console Giveaway

    The lucky winner of the giveaway will not only receive the custom console but also a controller, Final Fantasy 14 Complete Collector’s Edition, and a year of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The giveaway aligns with the final week of the open beta for Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox Series X/S, concluding before the full launch on March 21.

    Features of the Custom Xbox Series X Console

    The distinct design of the custom Xbox Series X console is influenced by the in-game Aetherytes, a signature element for players of Final Fantasy 14. The console itself is adorned with gold accents, crystal embellishments, and the iconic logo of Final Fantasy 14. The accompanying controller features a crystal logo, a golden D-pad, and a meteor icon.

    How to Participate in the Giveaway

    To enter the giveaway, fans need to follow @Xbox and @FF_XIV_EN on Twitter, retweet the designated post with the hashtag #XboxFFXIVSweepstakes, and stand a chance to win this exclusive bundle. The giveaway is open until March 28th, and residents of Canada and Mexico can participate through @XboxCanada and @XboxMexico, respectively.

    It’s a bustling period for Final Fantasy 14 enthusiasts, as the console debut coincides with Patch 6.58 on March 19th and the Dawntrail panel at PAX East.

  • Baldur’s Gate 3 Save Issues on Xbox Series X|S Finally Fixed with Latest Update

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Save Issues on Xbox Series X|S Finally Fixed with Latest Update

    Baldur’s Gate 3 Update Resolves Save Issues on Xbox Series X|S

    A recent technical hiccup on the Xbox Series X|S had caused frustration among Baldur’s Gate 3 players. Game saves were disappearing under certain conditions, leaving gamers disappointed. However, Larian Studios, the developer of the game, has swiftly released an update to address this issue. The glitch, which was reportedly on Microsoft’s end, can now be resolved by manually updating the game.

    Journey Across Gaming Platforms

    Baldur’s Gate 3 has had an eventful journey across different gaming platforms. Initially launched on PC in August, the game made its way to PlayStation in September. Surprisingly, it was released on Xbox in December during The Game Awards. Swen Vincke, the head of Larian Studios, had intended to announce the Xbox release date during his acceptance speech at the awards, but he forgot to do so.

    The release of the Xbox version was a topic of discussion, particularly due to reports of technical limitations on the Xbox Series S, which were causing delays. However, after discussions with Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer, it was decided that Baldur’s Gate 3 would debut on Xbox Series S without split-screen support. This feature might be added in the future.

    Unparalleled Freedom and Control

    Baldur’s Gate 3 has received high praise from critics, with Jake Dekker from GameSpot awarding it a perfect score in his review. Dekker highlighted the game’s exceptional freedom, offering players a vast array of choices and consequences. He also noted that Baldur’s Gate 3 allows players an unprecedented level of control over their gaming narratives.

    A Seamless Gaming Experience

    For Xbox Series X|S players, the latest update not only resolves a critical issue but also demonstrates Larian Studios’ commitment to providing a seamless gaming experience across all platforms. With the assurance of stability and continued support, gamers can now dive back into the rich, choice-driven world of Baldur’s Gate 3.