Death Stranding

Kojima Productions’ latest Death Stranding might be light on the combat side of things, but in true Kojima fashion – the game is chock-full of interactive environments. If players get caught by a BT, it causes a voidout which is just a fancy way of saying a big explosion. Of course, when you return back to that location – you will find a crater that’s a souvenir of your past missteps. 

Gears of War 5 was one of the games that was announced by Microsoft at this year’s E3. We’ve already been able to learn quite a few details about the game, including about its world, its protagonist, and more. Now as part of a new special episode for Inside Xbox, we’ve been able to learn some new details about the game.

First of all, we hear about why Kate was chosen to be the protagonist in the game. The developer stated that it felt like a natural progression for Kate to be the protagonist in this game, since even in Gears of War 4, the game was about finding Kate’s mother, and JD was just around to help her. Regarding the game’s world, the developer stated, “For us, it was all about having the biggest, most beautiful world we’ve ever made.” We also learn that the trailer was made with the intention to showcase the distinct environments available in the game. We also learn that the skiff we saw in the trailer will be used freely in the game to get around from one place to another.

It certainly looks like there’s a lot to look forward to in this game. What do you think of it so far? Let us know in the comments.

Halo Infinite

It was probably a given that Microsoft wouldn’t show much about the next Halo. That being said, Halo Infinite, with its Slipspace Engine and taking us back to the familiar Halo world, looks familiar. It’s almost comforting to see something we’ve known for so long. Granted, we have no idea what the actual game is but hey, it’s in development. Now let’s hope they don’t screw it up.

Among the many new games that Microsoft had showcased during their E3 conference, Gears of War 5 was also present, and it looked quite exciting. In an interview with Geoff Keighley, Aaron Greenberg, Head of Marketing at Xbox, discussed some new details about the game.

First off, Geoff Keighley asked whether Kate will be the lead character this time around, and Greenberg gave the following response, “Kate is the lead which is really exciting to have another great story where there is a female hero lead that you can play.” So this seems like we won’t be playing as JD Fenix this time around.

He also stated that the world in this game will be a much “bigger, bolder world.” Additionally, Greenberg also goes on to reveal that the game will feature a different color palette and that there will also be more open world aspects in the game. The latter sounds really interesting as this could result into side missions and perhaps, optional bosses? He also stated that the team is very excited about Kate’s story which fits in well with the history of the Gears of War franchise.

As of now, no information about the release date has been revealed, but we know for sure that it won’t be releasing this year.

The Coalition took the stage during Microsoft’s E3 show to announce the next in the Gears of War saga. Gears 5– which is what this one seems to be called- seems to be a more story focused title, focusing on the personal tribulations of its protagonist Kate.

Gears 5 will be the most ambitious game The Coalition has made, Rod Fergusson confirmed, and it will follow a war for humanity on two fronts- one across what is being called the biggest and most beautiful world in series history, and one within Kate, who carries a pendant that seems to be a Locust symbol, and may be coming under Locust influence without knowing about it.

It looked pretty great, I am not going to lie. As of right now, we have no release date for the game, but it’s good to know that a new, more ambitious game is coming.

Kickstarting E3 2018 in hopefully the biggest way possible, Microsoft will be the first of the console manufacturers to showcase its announcements. The Xbox E3 briefing will take place at 1 PM PDT and you can watch all of the news below via YouTube.

Some of the games we expect to see include the rumoured Halo Infinity and next Gears of War. Forza Horizon 4 seems like a shoe-in, especially since its Playground Games’ turn this year. However, the studio may also be working on the next Fable according to rumours.

Other announcements include new gameplay for Metro Exodus, potential release dates for Below and Ori and the Will of the Wisps, and perhaps a reminder that Nier: Automata is coming to Xbox One later this month. Microsoft has promised 15 world premieres spread across 140 minutes but how significant will these be? You’ll have to tune in and found out but there’s no doubt that the Xbox One needs to step things up significantly this year.

Which games are you looking forward to the most? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

Isn’t it better to judge a company after their press conference is over? In Microsoft’s case, the struggle that its Xbox brand is having to remain relevant isn’t new nor did it begin a few years ago. The resulting struggle has been going on for a while now, taking roots in the Xbox 360 era up till the introduction of Kinect.

"Cut to 2017 and what is Microsoft best known for? Why, cancelling Scalebound and shutting down Lionhead Studios along with Fable Legends."

In this day and age, the Xbox One is still a fairly popular console. Granted, it won’t ever reach the PlayStation 4’s sales and may even be struggling to hit half that amount. That was becoming incredibly apparent only a year after both consoles launched. It was painfully obvious that Microsoft was lagging behind. It was incredibly sad to see the company’s botched “always online” functions ultimately drag the Xbox One down, even if they were completely reversed before launch.

However, in 2014, the Xbox One was cooking in some pretty cool ways. Titles like Sunset Overdrive, Titanfall (which would also release for Xbox 360), Project Spark and Forza Horizon 2 were cementing it as this place with great games. Well, except for Halo: The Master Chief Collection that is. 2015 would seem to be even better with franchises like Forza Motorsport, Rare Replay, Gears of War Ultimate Edition, Halo and Tomb Raider (albeit in timed exclusive form) sharing space with new franchises like Ori and the Blind Forest and Rivals of Aether.

Of course, it didn’t take long before Microsoft’s old habits began to creep up. Halo 5: Guardians was a huge disappointment at launch, especially with its campaign, and only cemented 343 Industries as a developer that thought it knew what made the Halo games great, and not the fans. Gears of War 4 would release in 2016 and barely carried the franchise forward in any meaningful way. Forza Horizon 3 was pretty incredible but titles like Quantum Break just didn’t rise above our already average expectations. Dead Rising 4 was just awful and ReCore wasn’t the best new IP by a long shot despite the incredible talent involved.

Cut to 2017 and what is Microsoft best known for? Why, cancelling Scalebound and shutting down Lionhead Studios along with Fable Legends. Were both projects going to be amazing? Well, we don’t really know but this was a console that desperately needed exclusives. With Sony firing on all cylinders with its first and third party exclusives in that quarter, Nintendo at the pinnacle of hype with the Switch release and no major exclusives but Halo Wars 2, Microsoft seemed trapped.

"It’s that Microsoft has failed to really foster new ideas within those franchises (or indeed within new franchises) to really excite anyone in recent memory."

This practice of cancelling projects and relegating studios by the wayside wasn’t exactly new either – Microsoft had done the same to Obsidian Entertainment, with the company on the verge of bankruptcy before Pillars of Eternity was fully funded. Similarly, the numerous hoops that it made developer Darkside jump through before taking them off of the Phantom Dust sequel were similarly damning.

It’s not like the latter part of the year helped either. Cuphead was the one shining light in a land of original IPs but Forza Motorsport 7, despite being excellent, felt like more of the same (but with progression seemingly gated behind loot boxes). Tacoma was all well and good (even though, again, it was a timed exclusive) but Microsoft was laser-focused on PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds, particularly on its exclusivity to the Xbox One. It was marketed as this huge prize that would see console players flock to the Xbox One. In December 2017, not only was PUBG one of the worst optimized games for either Xbox One X or Xbox One but the base PC version is buckling under the lack of improvements, new content and proper optimization. Granted, things have improved but PUBG’s popularity also took a significant hit with Fornite: Battle Royale’s release.

What is Microsoft’s plan come E3 2018, which will pretty much define its strategies going forward? Will there be much change with Matt Booty as head of Microsoft Studios as of January 2018? Rumours indicate that Halo, Gears of War and Forza will form a major part of Microsoft’s plans (with some Fable thrown in for good measure). Looking back on Microsoft in the Xbox 360 days, it’s incredible how the company seemingly doubles down on these franchises when all else seems lost. The spoiler is that these franchises aren’t advancing the Xbox business as much as Microsoft would think.

You could argue that back when the Xbox 360 was winding down, Kinect was popular and for sure, it did some very good business for Microsoft. However, the crux of the issue is that – unlike Nintendo – Microsoft has struggled to really muster up a compelling first party catalog when motion controls started trending downwards. The one constant isn’t that Microsoft keeps going back to its known franchises to cater to their respective fans. It’s that Microsoft has failed to really foster new ideas within those franchises (or indeed within new franchises) to really excite anyone in recent memory.

"The point isn’t that Sony is pro-consumer. It’s the building of successive franchises with a longer goal in mind rather than going back to the well again and again and again for diminishing returns."

Look at Sony, which pushes new franchises like Horizon: Zero Dawn and new ideas in established franchises. Not every new idea is a slam-dunk hit (see The Order: 1886) and not every idea is incredible out of the gate (Evolution Studios’ DriveClub). However, it’s clear that the studio isn’t looking to just compete with the best that first party competitors have to offer. It’s competing with third party developers, pushing higher production values in offbeat concepts and providing a platform with benefits for third party developers on the PS4. Meanwhile, Microsoft continues to minimize its third party dealings.

I’m not saying that deals with timed exclusive DLC for FIFA or Call of Duty set my world on fire but they were a few of the aces that Microsoft had. This is, again, to say nothing of Microsoft’s dealings with developers like Platinum Games who it completely shafted. We could talk forever about Microsoft’s failure to really employ the creativity seen in the Japanese game development market. But those chickens came home to roost in 2017 itself when all the big names like Nier: Automata, Persona 5, Nioh and so on stuck with the PlayStation 4 at their respective launches (with Nier: Automata only now being confirmed for Xbox One).

The point isn’t that Sony is pro-consumer. It’s the building of successive franchises with a longer goal in mind rather than going back to the well again and again and again for diminishing returns. Yes, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End remains one of the most successful PS4 titles. Re-imaginings/remakes of old classics like Ratchet and Clank and Shadow of the Colossus have also proven successful. However, it’s the franchises like Horizon: Zero Dawn, Until Dawn, Detroit: Become Human, Bloodborne, Nioh, Nier: Automata, Persona 5, Gravity Rush 2, Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice and so on which it either developed or helped foster (even as some released on other platforms later) that are ultimately building up the console’s brand.

"If Microsoft goes back to the well again with Halo, Gears of War and Forza, it’s shooting itself in the foot a decade later."

On the flip-side, look at the Nintendo Switch. Even if Nintendo does go back to the well with franchises like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, it’s still pushing relatively newer properties like Splatoon 2, Mario + Rabbids: Kingdom Battle, Snipperclips, Fast RMX, and ARMs. It’s providing a platform for games like Xenoblade Chronicles 2, numerous indie titles which couldn’t break out on other platforms, and so on to achieve success. Even when it does recycle old IPs, it does so in unique ways as the open world of Zelda: Breath of the Wild attests. Furthermore, it’s proving a strong platform for indie developers to really taste success.

Of course, foresight is 20/20. Even if franchises on Nintendo’s less successful Wii U platform didn’t exactly set the charts on fire, like Bayonetta 2, Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, it still brings them over to the Switch on short notice at the behest of fans. Furthermore, it uses properties like Bayonetta 2 to help promote upcoming exclusives like Bayonetta 3. It’s almost like Nintendo seems in tune with what the consumer may want and attempts to deliver it to them. What a funny concept, right? That doesn’t dismiss whatever issues people may have with the upcoming online service but again, there are still more incredible games on the Nintendo Switch in its first year then there’s been on the Xbox One in the past two.

At the end of the day, whether it’s Sony, Nintendo or even the various PC-exclusive developers, players around the world are given umpteen reasons to invest their time into these platforms. Those looking to get into a platform won’t just have the future to look forward to – they’ll have a compelling backlog supported by strong names, whether new, old or rising. The Xbox One currently lacks this and if Microsoft goes back to the well again with Halo, Gears of War and Forza, it’s shooting itself in the foot a decade later.

"With Nintendo and Sony doing incredibly well for themselves, Microsoft and the Xbox brand are in danger of not just “third place” but total irrelevance."

The Xbox One doesn’t just need new IPs. It needs IPs that people would fall over themselves to invest time into. State of Decay 2 garnered over one million players in the first two days of release while Sea of Thieves reached over two million its first week. Game Pass user breakdowns aside, both titles have motivated Xbox One users to invest in them. Microsoft is on some kind of right track (even if the above titles were rather average in their critical response) but needs more quality and in larger quantities. It needs its own Bloodborne or Uncharted 4 or Horizon: Zero Dawn. Not in the sense that it needs the exact ideas those games contain but to inspire the same kind of frenzy that those games do.

Microsoft’s E3 2018 presser is on June 10^th. Will we see history repeat itself as the company struggles to relate to a user base that expects more? There are 15 “World Premieres” planned for the show. Will that equate to 140 minutes of just premiering games that will also be coming to other consoles like Battlefield 5? Will it simply cut the prices for the Xbox One, Xbox One X and Xbox One S even further? Announce some free subscriptions? Or will it ignite our excitement like it did in 2014, showcasing a company that doesn’t just want to talk down to its players but offer them exciting things and back up those offers with exciting products?

Time will tell and for better or worse, time seems to be running out for the house that Xbox built. A long time ago, we would push certain companies to be better simply because more competition was good for everyone. With Nintendo and Sony doing incredibly well for themselves, Microsoft and the Xbox brand are in danger of not just “third place” but total irrelevance.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to GamingBolt as an organization.

Dead Horses

"Similarly, if Fortnite is indeed revealed for the Switch, it wouldn’t be too strange for Microsoft to tout crossplay with the hybrid console, PC and mobiles."

Microsoft is usually one to harp on about something long past the point of it being relevant. Though cross play is still an important issue, it’s nowhere near the controversial subject that Sony wanted to avoid last year. Regardless, look for Microsoft to announce more cross play efforts. Paladins will be heading to the Nintendo Switch via Founder’s Pack on June 12th and supports cross play with the Xbox One. Similarly, if Fortnite is indeed revealed for the Switch, it wouldn’t be too strange for Microsoft to tout crossplay with the hybrid console, PC and mobiles.

Speaking of subjects that are still sort of relevant but not all that important in the grand scheme of things, backwards compatibility has been an amazing feature from Microsoft. It’s effectively opened up its supple Xbox 360 library for a new generation of Xbox One players. Now, OG Xbox backwards compatibility? Not so much, though we could see Microsoft touting even more titles from both coming to Xbox One.

Game Pass will likely have its own shoutout as well as Microsoft notes the number of subscribers and the overall success of the program. Don’t be surprised if reveals and announcement, particularly for Xbox One/Windows 10 exclusives, are celebrated as being available at launch for Game Pass. With all that out of the way, let’s look at some of the potential reveals.

Indie Darlings

"It wouldn’t be surprising if The Will of the Wisps was slated to release sometime in August or September."

Frankly, if Microsoft doesn’t provide a release date in the vicinity of “very soon” for Ori and The Will of the Wisps, I’d be stunned. After announcing the game last year, promising a release date of “never” and then staying silent on the same, it seemed like even Microsoft forgot it existed. Given how successful Ori and The Blind Forest had been – and Microsoft’s distinct lack of exclusives – it wouldn’t be surprising if The Will of the Wisps was slated to release sometime in August or September.

On that note, Capybara Games’ Below, started as an interesting little thing for Xbox One…back in 2013. Since then, we’ve heard more about its delays than anything else. 2018 may finally be the year though as it’s likely announced for September (or even December to avoid the rush). Though Capybara Games will also be releasing the game for Steam, it’s very much a Cuphead-style situation – this is one of the few high profile indie games that Microsoft actually has for its console. Hopefully it at least gets a release date announcement trailer instead of being brushed aside for another year.

Halo Infinity

"If Halo Infinity is indeed Halo 6, 343 Industries will likely show off a teaser and maybe tease a release year."

Rumours have been circulating recently about Halo Infinity. What is Halo Infinity? Search me (and I really think you shouldn’t). The name seems to imply some kind of connection with the UNSC Infinity. Perhaps this is the next mainline Halo? As it stands, we know that 343 Industries has been busy working on something. No more rumours about Halo 3 Anniversary and not a ton regarding upcoming Halo 5: Guardians content. If Halo Infinity is anything, it has to be the next big deal for the studio.

This is an age where even the maestros of smoke and mirrors, Bungie, would outright reveal gameplay for its big expansion rather than tease their fans incessantly but I don’t believe Microsoft will learn the same lessons. If Halo Infinity is indeed Halo 6, 343 Industries will likely show off a teaser and maybe tease a release year. It may even promise more information next year. The correct approach would be to bite the bullet and show gameplay footage. If the developer is that far along into development or not remains the real mystery.

Gears of War 5

"If Microsoft has enough time to make such a strong impression with the next Gears of War, it better be time well spent."

Let’s be real – Gears of War 4 was a good game and a good Gears of War game. It didn’t really advance the franchise forward though. In fact, if anything, it showcased a developer playing things a little close to the chest while purportedly expanding the universe. Gears of War 5 is likely in development – Xbox boss Phil Spencer has noted the efforts of The Coalition in recent updates – but the question is where things go from here. I wouldn’t think that a cinematic trailer reveal happens. However, it wouldn’t be all that strange to see a gameplay reveal akin to Gears of War 4 with some kind of tease.

Unlike the rumoured Halo Infinity, Microsoft could have a stronger plan for Gears of War 5. Announcements for a closed beta multiplayer test, followed by open beta down the line, wouldn’t be weird. Over time, the game can stay in the mind of the hardcore while building up enough steam for an eventual launch (which would likely be in 2019, if not early 2020). However, will that be enough? Will we see Horde being changed for the better and ditching the pay-to-win-esque crates? Will multiplayer actually be involving instead of stuck in the same closed quarters shotgun fests that the series has become infamous for?

If Microsoft has enough time to make such a strong impression with the next Gears of War, it better be time well spent. Regardless, it will show something so keep those fingers crossed.

All The Rest

"The relatively good news is that Crackdown 3 will be at the conference. I’m hoping Microsoft uses this opportunity to stick to its new release date while also dating the open multiplayer beta that never happened."

Forza Horizon 4’s announcement seems like a foregone conclusion. Sure, the real surprising thing would be to upstage The Crew 2 and announce an enormous game with several countries to explore, and a large Horizon Festival meta-game. I don’t think that will happen but it’s cool to think about.

What will likely happen is a teaser for Fable 4. Rumours have been rumbling about the fantasy RPG series making a comeback and Playground Games has been making some uncharacteristically big moves in terms of expansion. Again, time will tell but if Microsoft really wanted to fill the void left by Scalebound (which still hurts, by the way), wouldn’t it make sense to fall back on an RPG series it can fully control?

The relatively good news is that Crackdown 3 will be at the conference. I’m hoping Microsoft uses this opportunity to stick to its new release date while also dating the open multiplayer beta that never happened. One could certainly hope, right?

Third Party Developers

"EA Play can be stuffed with all kinds of neat gameplay information on Bioware’s Anthem but it may not likely be enough. So why not feature some footage at Microsoft’s conference as well?"

Third party announcements are a decidedly tougher nut to crack. My money is on the gameplay trailer for Metro Exodus – or whatever 4A Games is planning/rumoured to be showing – debuting during Microsoft’s presser. Heck, slap an “Xbox One X Enhanced” tag on it if necessary. Given how Life is Strange: Before the Storm was announced at last year’s Microsoft presser, it wouldn’t be all that weird to see Life is Strange 2 announced this year. PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds will probably have some stat padding but if PUBG Corp skips Microsoft’s presser, that’s all the confirmation we need that it’s going to PS4 in the near future.

Electronic Arts is also in a good position. EA Play can be stuffed with all kinds of neat gameplay information on Bioware’s Anthem but it may not likely be enough. So why not feature some footage at Microsoft’s conference as well? After all, that was the pattern last year – and in fact, Microsoft got the better end of the deal since it actually showcased gameplay. We’ll see how this year pans out for them.

Also, if CD Projekt RED’s participation in Microsoft’s E3 2013 presser is any indication – which is a shoddy reason at best but let’s roll with it – then the first official trailer for Cyberpunk 2077 will likely be at this year’s presser. If Sony’s conference is stuffed to the brim and Microsoft needs games to fill its show time, why not get one of the most anticipated third party RPGs on the format? Finally, it seems that Bohemia Interactive is working on an Xbox One exclusive developed with Unreal Engine. Suffice to say we should be seeing it this Sunday.

Microsoft’s E3 2018 presser takes place on June 10th at 1 PM PST. What do you hope to see? Let us know in the comments below.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to GamingBolt as an organization.

With E3 coming up in short order, then, we figured we would look at each of the Big Three alike and attempt to assess their E3 strategies, and what they need to do and what the results of that might be. Microsoft is the hardest to look at in this regard- purely because while Sony and Nintendo have both shown their hands (Sony is focusing on a handful of first party games primarily, while Nintendo will only show games coming out this year), Microsoft is a bigger question mark. We know they have rented an entire theater as their “showfloor space”, and that they are calling this their biggest E3 ever.

We also know that after successfully rallying on the services and hardware front, Microsoft now needs to make a strong showing and come out swinging with the games. The good news is that they have the momentum and a wave of goodwill they are riding going into E3 this year- as long as they hit the right notes, they will capitalize on that effectively, and continue to ride high in the coming months.

NEW IP ANNOUNCEMENTS

We already know that investing in new IP is something Microsoft is looking at seriously on the first party front. While the company has partnered with studios like Insomniac and Armature to deliver some new IP in the last few years, such as Sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break, ReCore, and Ryse: Son of Rome, Microsoft’s own internal in house efforts have continued to focus on Halo, Gears of War, and Forza primarily. Having tentpole franchises to rely on is always great- but Microsoft needs to broaden the palette of its offerings, so that it offers more to its fans than just what they are used to. Thankfully, as mentioned, they are looking into open new studios and investing in new franchises- so hopefully, we get to see some early indications of what kinds of new experiences they are working on delivering at E3 this year.

"While the company has partnered with studios like Insomniac and Armature to deliver some new IP in the last few years, such as Sunset Overdrive, Quantum Break, ReCore, and Ryse: Son of Rome, Microsoft’s own internal in house efforts have continued to focus on Halo, Gears of War, and Forza primarily. Having tentpole franchises to rely on is always great- but Microsoft needs to broaden the palette of its offerings, so that it offers more to its fans than just what they are used to."

BUT ALSO NEW HALO/GEARS/FORZA ANNOUNCEMENTS

I am never going to ask Microsoft to outright abandon Halo, Gears of War, and Forza, however- those are Microsoft’s flagship franchises that have won them millions of fans, and they are popular for a reason. That reason being that they are pretty damn great. And they are all due for new entries soon now. We already know a Forza Horizon 4 is due out this year, and I am sure that it will get a reveal at E3, but Microsoft could also stand to show us teasers for Halo 6 and Gears of War 5– I say teasers because I am aware that they have already said that neither game is coming out soon, and that’s okay. But it’s been years since the last games in either franchise came out, and just showing fans an exciting sneak peak at what lies in the future of both those series is going to get a lot of people excited, I think.

THAT NEW FABLE GAME

Okay, so this is something that has apparently been rumored for a while. Microsoft, wanting a piece of the pie that so far has been hogged by Nintendo and Sony with The Legend of Zelda and Horizon respectively, want in on the action with their own open world action adventure game. And apparently, they are repurposing the beloved Fable franchise to that end- having handed it over to none other than PlayGround Games for this go around. This all sounds absolutely awesome- I just hope we get to see a little sneak peak of it. Again, I understand we’re a ways away from this game coming out- but, again, a little teaser is going to get fans all energized and excited- Xbox could use its fans being energized and positive about the brand right now.

REMOVE THAT PAYWALL FOR F2P GAMES

Microsoft has done an amazing job of making several pro-customer moves in the last few months and years- from backwards compatibility to expanding the scope of Games with Gold, to offering refunds and gifting, to their efforts focused on accessibility, to cross platform play, and cross platform purchases, and beyond, the company hardly resembles the corporation that drive to force an always online system with restrictive DRM and an always on camera on to customers five years ago. But one relic from the era of a less consumer friendly Microsoft still remains- Microsoft locking online play for free to play games behind a paywall. Where on PSN, you can play, say, Fortnite even without PS Plus, on Xbox, you need to have a subscription to Xbox Live, or you can’t play. It’s a bit bizarre- what’s the point of a free to play game if you have to, well, pay for it? Microsoft has done an excellent job of making Xbox Live attractive by addition, rather than by gating essential features behind it- this paywall for F2P games is one of the last relics from when they did not do that. Hopefully, this is one of the things they announce they are reversing at E3 this year.

"Where on PSN, you can play, say, Fortnite even without PS Plus, on Xbox, you need to have a subscription to Xbox Live, or you can’t play. It’s a bit bizarre- what’s the point of a free to play game if you have to, well, pay for it?"

CONTINUE THE AWESOME FOCUS ON SERVICES

I am one of the people who argues that the focus for a game console and game company should always be on games first- and, indeed, I have spent most of this article talking about games Microsoft could show off. But one thing that I think they deserve mad credit on is their sheer good work on the services front. From backwards compatibility, digital continuity, cross platform play, cross platform purchases via Play Anywhere, refunds, gifting, and more, Microsoft has done some amazing work here- and I don’t want them to stop. I want them to keep continuing doing this good work. Keep bringing more backward compatible games. Expand the scope of Play Anywhere. Make gifting and refunds easier. Bring more features and services that we don’t even realize we want to us. Microsoft is doing some great work here, work that will pay off for them in the coming years- I just hope they keep at it.

Note: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of, and should not be attributed to GamingBolt as an organization.

Shadows Die Twice

Teased last year during The Game Awards, Shadows Die Twice immediately drew attention for being a From Software game. Given its macabre showing, we all assumed the obvious – Bloodborne 2. And while that’s a rumour that pops up every now and then, including before last year’s E3, one would assume that this is a brand new IP. Either way, rumours indicate that it will have a “big showing” at a presser, though which one is still a mystery.