HW2gcHERO Events

Halo Wars 2 Comes to Europe: Thoughts from Creative Assembly

by Alistair Hope, Creative Director of Halo Wars 2 at Creative Assembly Posted on

The team at Creative Assembly is incredibly excited to be bringing Halo Wars 2 for the first time to Europe at gamescom 2016! As game developers, having fans get hands–on with in-progress versions of the game are always awesome moments. We get to hear your feedback from playing the game, helping us to build and tune an even better game experience, together. Fans in Europe will get the first look and first hands-on with our brand new Halo Wars 2 multiplayer map, Rift, on the Strongholds multiplayer mode. At the heart of this exciting new map sits a monolithic Forerunner structure that harnesses the power from the subterranean networks beneath the Ark’s surface. Whilst one half of the... Read more

Video Video Games

Thoughts from the Sea of Thieves PC Design Lead

by Ted Timmins, Sea of Thieves PC Design Lead at Rare Posted on

I’ve been a lifelong Rare fan, so I felt very privileged to recently come aboard (don’t worry, we’re not short on pirate puns!) to work as the PC Design Lead for Sea of Thieves. Being a First Person Adventure game, Sea of Thieves immediately feels right at home on the PC. When you combine this with a fantastical world full of 24/7 player-driven stories, it gives us a great opportunity to take full advantage of what a platform like Xbox Live offers to us as world builders and game developers, and allows us to create an experience catered for the needs of each platform. Sure, I could sit here and recount to you stories like that time I fell from the crow’s nest into the sea and... Read more

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Celebrating Three Years of ID@Xbox

by Chris Charla, Director of ID@Xbox Posted on

Gamescom marks three years since we announced the ID@Xbox program which  enables independent developers to self-publish games on Xbox One, and later Windows 10 with Xbox Live. (Spoiler alert: It’s been a rad three years.) The program started with a simple goal: make sure Xbox players have access to the broadest, most diverse array of games in the world. Independent developers are making some of the most innovative and exciting games out there, so if we make it as easy as possible for developers to ship their games on Xbox, good things are going to happen! We also wanted to give developers a sustainable, rational marketplace so they can make a good living and keep working on their... Read more

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Pick Up a New Xbox One S FIFA 17 Bundle and Play FIFA 17 First on Xbox One

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

Today, in partnership with EA Sports, we’re excited to announce the ultimate way to experience EA Sports FIFA 17, the next installment of the most popular sports franchise in the world, with the Xbox One S FIFA 17 Bundles. Coming to Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Canada and the U.S. beginning September 22 and packed with everything a soccer enthusiast needs to get ready for the season, the Xbox One S FIFA 17 Bundle comes with a full-game download of FIFA 17, three Ultimate Team Loan Legends, one month of EA Access and either a 500GB or 1TB hard drive (1TB version also includes an Ultimate Team Rare Player Pack) to play all the biggest blockbusters in Xbox history, at $299 USD... Read more

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The ID@Xbox Pre-PAX Open House Returns on September 1

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

One of the best things about working on ID@Xbox at Microsoft is the opportunity to interact with game makers and creators on a daily basis. One of the others is being able to share our games with our awesome fans, especially those people who are pumped to check out new and innovative experiences. Over the past couple of years, we have brought those groups together at an awesome event called the ID@Xbox Pre-PAX Open House. It’s been so much fun that we’ve decided to do it again! That’s right, for the third year in a row we’re inviting gamers to visit us on the Microsoft campus and help us kick off PAX West with the latest ID@Xbox games! We’re going to be showcasing more than 50... Read more

Video Video Games

Experience Minecraft in a whole new way with Oculus Rift Today

by Mike McGrath, Minecraft AR/VR Developer Posted on

Welcome to Minecraft again... in VR! Last fall, we announced that we were working with our partners at Oculus to develop Minecraft for VR. Finally, the time has come where we are ready to have everyone experience Minecraft in a whole new way through virtual reality on Oculus Rift. Starting today, as a thank you to our community, we’ll be releasing a free update to Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition Beta which will enable gameplay using Oculus Rift devices. We’d like to welcome you to the game all over again, because it’s a fantastic new experience in VR, even if you’re a Minecraft veteran.  For new and experienced players, we hope the VR experience in Minecraft: Windows 10 Edition... Read more

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Looking Back and Looking Forward at gamescom 2016

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing at Xbox Posted on

This week we’re at the largest consumer gaming event in Europe – gamescom 2016 in Köln, Germany. Earlier today, I had the honor of kicking off our presence at the show by speaking with members of the press, key influencers and some of our biggest fans from the Xbox booth ahead of the official show open tomorrow. I shared what’s been a memorable year thus far for Xbox – as well as giving everyone a glimpse into of some of the exciting things to come. A Quick Look Back At E3 in June, we talked about our commitment to let gamers play without boundaries giving more choice in how and where they can play. We showcased Xbox Play Anywhere, a program that lets you buy a digital game... Read more

Video Video Consoles

2D Brawler Super Comboman Coming to Xbox One Soon

by Justin Woodward, Creative Director and Owner at Interabang Entertainment Posted on

We at Interabang are a band of developers and artists working on projects we love. The team is spread across Oakland, San Diego, Chicago, and Montreal, coming together thanks to wi-fi and a shared passion for games. The team, raised on classic side-scrolling and fighting masterpieces, has been hard at work getting an extra crispy, combo-packed 2D action game ready for Xbox One players. The gameplay, art, and humor in Super Comboman all pay homage to the super-rad 2D fighting games of the past and the manga comics we grew up with. In our game, you’ll play as Struggles, a fanny pack-rocking Super Comboman fan looking for work. Head down to the local construction site, where you can... Read more

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Play Madden NFL 17 First on Xbox One with EA Access and Enter to Win Tickets to Super Bowl 51

by Brad Hilderbrand, Senior Publicist at EA Posted on

For football fans, there’s never been a better time than now to try EA Access. With EA Access on Xbox One you can hit the gridiron early in Madden NFL 17 starting August 18 and, for the first time ever, get a shot at two tickets to Super Bowl 51. EA Access membership lets gamers play a growing collection of EA’s best games as much as they want, including Battlefield, Madden NFL, FIFA, Dragon Age and more. Plus, members get an automatic 10% discount on EA digital purchases on Xbox One, and the ability to play new EA games like Madden NFL 17 before they’re released for a limited time. All stats, achievements, and save progress carry over to the full game if they decide to buy. To... Read more

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Halo Wars 2 Beta: Thanks to You, the Game is Changing

by Dan Ayoub, Studio Head of Strategy Games at 343 Industries Posted on

Hey Guys, I first wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who participated in the Halo Wars 2 Multiplayer Beta this past June. As a reminder, this was more a technical preview of where we are in development, or as I like to refer to it, a true development beta.  This not only enabled us to test our backend and tuning, but also to put the game in the hands of players early enough that we could respond to feedback. The Halo Wars team, across 343 Industries and Creative Assembly, felt it important to share with you our key takeaways, and how we will be adapting the game based on your feedback. You took the time to play, so now we are taking the time to respond to things YOU have made... Read more

Video Video Games

Microsoft Acquires Interactive Livestreaming Service Beam

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

Today, in a blog post on Microsoft News Center, it was announced that Microsoft has acquired Beam, an innovative and interactive livestreaming service that gives viewers the ability to watch and play along with their favorite game streamers in real-time. Beam has evolved game streaming from a passive, watch-and-chat experience into one with real-time participation by allowing the viewer to directly influence a streamer’s gameplay and live broadcast. “We at Xbox are excited about this convergence between playing and watching, and want to provide gamers with the freedom and choice to have great multiplayer experiences across all of Beam’s platforms,” wrote Chad Gibson, Partner... Read more

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Gears of War 4 Pre-Order Bonuses Detailed

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

Today we’re excited to announce the Brothers to the End Elite Gear Pack, a new pre-order bonus included in all editions of Gears of War 4. This pack pays homage to some of the most beloved characters from the Gears of War universe, and extends the tradition of offering gold weapons to day one players. New and current Gears of War 4 pre-order customers will receive three unique characters. “Tomorrow Anya” is named after her famous words following the end of the Locust War (“Tomorrow Marcus. We finally have a tomorrow.”) Her appearance is based on her look in the Gears of War 4 television commercial, “Tomorrow,” where she was introduced as the mother of JD Fenix. ... Read more

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Special Edition of Quantum Break for PC Hitting Retail and Steam on September 14

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

Microsoft Studios and Remedy Entertainment are happy to announce that they are bringing their hit action game Quantum Break to even more Windows PC gamers on September 14 with the retail release of Quantum Break: Timeless Collector’s Edition and the digital release of Quantum Break for Steam. Currently available for purchase in the Windows Store and Xbox Store, Quantum Break will be made available to more gamers across a number of operating systems when it hits Steam next month. This digital download will include all of the latest updates, a list of which can be found on the game’s official site. Starting today, both the Quantum Break: Timeless Collector’s Edition and Windows Store... Read more

Video Video Games

Action-packed Platformer Unit 4 is Coming to Xbox One in Early 2017

by Alberto Belli, Founder and CEO at Gamera Interactive Posted on

I'm thrilled to share with you that our pixelated action platform Unit 4 is on its way to the Xbox One in early 2017. Gamera Interactive is a brand new development studio made by industry veterans and Unit 4 is our first game. We're working hard to create the best gaming experience on console, delivering the ultimate old-school platforming mayhem for you and your friends. An evil army of aliens has stolen a sacred artifact while invading your home planet. Similar reports are coming from other planets of the solar system that it is starting to decay without the vital support of these artifacts. Our heroes will begin an epic and dangerous journey to uncover the truth behind this invasion.... Read more

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How to Watch the Summer Games on Xbox One

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on

The year’s most anticipated sporting event kicks off tonight with the Opening Ceremony of the Summer Games. The 2016 entry in this long-running tradition will take place in and around Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, with athletes from more than 200 countries competing in more than 300 events from August 5-21. It’s going to be an exciting few weeks, so we wanted to make sure Xbox One owners know where they can experience this momentous event. Watch the Olympics Live with the Official NBC Sports App for Xbox One Watch every minute from the Summer Games live and on-demand, with the NBC Sports app, a free download on your Xbox One!  Plus, stream thousands of live sporting events airing... Read more

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Fight to Survive When #killallzombies Invades Xbox One on August 10

by Nick Alfieri, Director at Digerati Distribution Posted on

Create chaos whilst you spectate!  #killallzombies is coming soon to Xbox One. Can you survive the undead Arena? We are terrified and excited to announce a new top-down shooter with game-changing streaming interactions called #killallzombies, arriving on August 10 on Xbox One. In a cruel future, #killallzombies thrusts innocent civilians into a sport of survival in which a ravenous zombie horde 1000 strong is unleashed in the name of pure entertainment! Xbox Live and Twitch spectators can vote upon how many zombies they want to uncage to make staying alive all the more difficult, or trigger perks and pickup drops to help out if they admire your courage and skill. The 3 varied... Read more

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Sign up Today for the Largest Competitive Gaming Event in Forza History

by Brian Ekberg, Community Manager at Turn 10 Studios Posted on

Forza Motorsport has been on the forefront of competitive racing for years and 2016 has proven to be the biggest year yet. The first half of 2016 has been a momentous one for Forza Motorsport 6 and its commitment to competitive online racing and esports. There are currently three million players racing in Forza games every month, competing in events such as June’s Le Mans-timed Michelin 24 Hour Forza Challenge and Audi 24 Hours of Le Forza Contest, where over 700,000 unique viewers tuned in. In addition, recent Forza Motorsport 6 FIA Formula E Race Off competitions garnered over 600,000 unique viewers. In early June, we announced the Forza Racing Championship (#ForzaRC), our all-new... Read more

Video for Happy Dungeons Now Available via Xbox One Game Preview
Games

Happy Dungeons Now Available via Xbox One Game Preview

by Yoshiya Nishii, Producer at Toylogic Posted on

Konnichiwa. A big thank you (in advance) from our entire team here at Toylogic to all of you, our community, for playing and supporting Happy Wars over the last 4 years. We are overjoyed to introduce the newest member of our “Happy” universe - Happy Dungeons. Inheriting the comical and lighthearted look, design and play elements from Happy Wars that we love so much (and hope you do too), we humbly unveil Happy Dungeons to you today as an Xbox One Game Preview title. With Happy Dungeons, up to 4 players can jump right into some action-RPG fun either solo or with friends (online or on-the-couch) to battle, crawl and look for loot. The thrilling sword fights are only part of the fun,... Read more

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Gaming on Windows 10 One Year Later

by Larry Hyrb, Xbox Live Community Manager Posted on

Across Microsoft today we’re celebrating the Windows 10 Anniversary Update, and in turn, commemorating the first birthday for our latest and greatest OS (July 29) – which after just one year already lives on more than 350 million devices. That’s everything from PCs like laptops and desktops, tablets of all sizes, Surface and hybrids, phones, Xbox One consoles, and even HoloLens development kits. It turns out that a lot of those devices are playing games. In fact, more than 19 billion hours of gameplay were logged on Windows 10 in year one and games were the top app download category in the Windows Store. It’s not just the Windows Store that’s seeing a boon from gaming on... Read more

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