Tag Archives: microsoft

While Google had intended to drop Chrome support for Windows 7 back in 2021, the company ended up extending the window considerably. Now, Google is planning the final version of its popular web browser for Windows 7 and Windows 8.1. After this last update, future versions will no longer support …

It has been roughly one year since Age of Empires IV launched on PC, bringing the long-running RTS franchise back out of dormancy. However, the game didn't quite live up to the legendary status of Age of Empires II, a fan-favourite in the series. This week for the series' 25th …

Microsoft and Sony have been locked in a back and forth regarding the Xbox manufacturer’s intentions to acquire publisher Activision Blizzard for almost $70 Billion. A secondary effect of this engagement is the fact that many ‘inside baseball’ details are being revealed. One new interesting tidbit claims that Insomniac Games’ …

Microsoft has in recent years been keeping its consoles up to date on a consistent and monthly basis, adding new features, removing old bugs and making the overall experience much better. For the month of October, Xbox owners will be privy to a number of new and convenient quality-of-life improvements. …

For years, Microsoft has offered players the opportunity to play their games using pro-level Xbox controllers, offering all things in the way of control customisability. Now, your Elite Xbox controller can match your personality, as Xbox’s Design Lab now features the Xbox Elite Series 2. Making the announcement on the …

Twice a month, Microsoft announces its latest line-up of games which are set for release on its Game Pass subscription service. The console manufacturer has now detailed the list of games which we can expect to see drop onto the service during the remainder of October. Making the announcement on …

Microsoft is currently battling with regulators to push through its record-setting acquisition of Activision Blizzard in a deal worth roughly $70 billion. Despite the massive piles of cash Microsoft has at its disposal, the company is still shifting things around, with plans for roughly 1,000 layoffs in the coming months.  …

Obsidian Entertainment’s relationship with the Fallout franchise can be traced all the way back to the inception of the very first game. Unfortunately, the studio has not made a Fallout title since the much-loved Fallout: New Vegas back in 2010. That being said, if given the opportunity, Obsidian Entertainment would …

DirectStogage 1.0 was released some months ago, introducing the ability to speed up loading times by accessing assets quicker. However, other interesting features are coming with more recent versions, namely the 1.1 feature update. Microsoft stated that this version will be accessible to developers by the end of 2022, so …

Video game consoles are much more than simple game-playing apparatus, they are multimedia systems offering games, films, shows, internet, and of course music. That being said, those subscribed to Apple’s Music subscription service have been unable to listen to music while gaming – at least on Xbox. Fortunately, this is …

We've seen a number of companies comment on Microsoft's pending acquisition of Activision Blizzard in recent months. The loudest voice in the room has been Sony, but we've also seen quotes from companies like Ubisoft, WB, Riot and others. Recently in an interview, Take-Two CEO, Stauss Zelnick, added his take …

Microsoft was never precise regarding how much money they make from Game Pass. We learned earlier this year that the service has roughly 25 million subscribers. Still, the various subscription models (including trials) make it hard to pinpoint an estimation of how much it generates over a year. Fortunately for …

Xbox Game Pass as a service has benefited a wide range of interested parties, from Microsoft themselves to the players and perhaps most of all, the developers. Such is the case with Torn Banner Studios’ Chivalry 2, which following its inclusion on Game Pass, has seen half a million additional …

One issue which many video game developers have come across at some point is the need to delist their games from digital stores due to expiring licensing agreements. One of the biggest culprits of this are racing games. That being said, despite Forza Horizon 1, 2 and 3 being delisted …

The Forza Horizon series has entertained fans for a decade now with fun and exciting open-worlds to explore and race in. Celebrating the series’ 10th anniversary, Forza Horizon 5 is getting a major update, featuring dozens of new additions. Making the announcement on their blog, Alan Walsh, the communications specialist …

The Brazilian government has been pretty open with its investigation into Microsoft's planned Activision Blizzard acquisition. Many of the documents filed have been made publicly available, including one that detailed how other companies, like Sony, feel about the acquisition. Now, Brazil's investigation is complete, and its regulator board is happy …

Chivalry 2 is a fun and wacky multiplayer hack-and-slash action game in which you battle others online using medieval weaponry. Launching last year to great success, Chivalry 2 is now set to come to Xbox Game Pass across both console and PC – among a line-up of other fun titles. …

Each month, those with an Xbox Live Gold or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription are privy to receiving a number of free games. With Microsoft officially no longer offering OG Xbox and Xbox 360 titles as part of Games with Gold, those who are subscribed can look forward to receiving …

Ever since Microsoft Flight Simulator first launched back in 2020, the game has seen a string of continuous updates with the team at Asobo Studio going over the game with multiple coats of gloss. After updating regions such as the UK, Europe, Australia and more, Microsoft Flight Simulator has now …

While the legalities surrounding Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard continues to be figured out, the console manufacturer has not been keeping its eggs in one singular basket, with Microsoft reportedly looking to the East for potential studio acquisitions. As part of the latest episode of the Giant Bombcast podcast, industry …

Grounded is one of the more interesting titles published by Xbox Game Studios. Developed by Obsidian Entertainment, this ‘Honey I Shrunk the Kids’ styled survival game has spent the past many years in Early Access. Two years on and 10 million players later, Grounded has officially gone 1.0. Alongside a …

Microsoft keeps its game consoles up to date with consistent software patches. The September patch – officially available now – brings with it some long-requested Quality of Life improvements, including a full library revamp. Making the announcement on the Xbox Blog, Jonathan Hildebrandt, the Principal Group Program Manager at Xbox …

For many, a console’s start-up sound can bring with it excitement and emotion as the jingle lets you know that it’s time to game. For some however, the noise is obtrusive and loud and serves no real purpose. For the latter kind, Microsoft has announced that you will be able …

Ever since its initial launch back in 2020, the team at Asobo Studio have continually improved all aspects of Microsoft’s Flight Simulator, with various tech and content updates making for a much more complete and bespoke experience. Content update 10 may be the biggest one yet, adding DLSS, DX12 improvements …

Xbox systems have suffered from some DRM-related issues in the past, with the company’s consoles requiring an online connection in many instances in order to play even single player titles. Fortunately, a new update to the Xbox family of devices has made the system’s DRM much less intrusive. As discovered …

Back in February, PlatinumGames publicly stated that it wants to revive Scalebound and work with Microsoft once again. Microsoft had not responded to this at the time, but now in a Japanese interview, Xbox lead, Phil Spencer, has finally commented on the situation.  The cancellation of Scalebound was a huge …

This week, Deathloop finally launched on Xbox after a full year of PS5 exclusivity. The end to the Sony deal also meant that Deathloop could come to Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft isn't leaving PlayStation players behind though, as Deathloop will also be available to subscribers of Sony's PS+ Extra and …

The past few weeks has seen the heat turned up when it comes to Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard and whether the move is in fact anti-competitive. Amidst all this, head of Xbox Phil Spencer has remained resolute, stating that the console manufacturer will continue to acquire more studios. In …

Recently, Sony announced plans to raise the price of the PS5 in many countries outside of the US. At the time, Microsoft and Nintendo responded by saying there are no plans to raise prices. This week, Xbox’s Phil Spencer addressed the subject again, stating that now is ‘not the right …

In recent weeks, Sony has begun taking the offensive by publicly campaigning against Microsoft's planned acquisition of Activision Blizzard. We've seen Sony lay out its argument against the deal before in regulatory filings, but now, Jim Ryan has been giving juicy quotes to the press, branding Microsoft's post-merger Call of …