Xbox Game Pass Archives - Xbox Wire

Gears of War Extended Universe Showcased at San Diego Comic-Con

by Jerry Chu, Director of Licensing, The Coalition Posted on July 22, 2019July 22, 2019

This weekend at San Diego Comic-Con, Gears of War fans got a deep look to the game’s lore. It all began with Gears of War: Extended Universe panel which featuring developers behind the games, books, novels, and comics of the much beloved Gears universe. Moderated by The Coalition’s Bonnie Jean Mah, panelists Rod Fergusson (Studio Head, The Coalition), Arthur Gies (Writer, Gears of War: Retrospective), Jason M. Hough (Writer, Gears of War: Ascendance), Chase Marotz (Editor, IDW Publishing), and Steve Saffel (Senior Acquisitions Editor, Titan Publishing) detailed the development of the Gears story through their past and present titles, and discussed the brand new content that’s... Read more

This Week on Xbox: July 19, 2019

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on July 19, 2019July 22, 2019

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox! Basketball Superstar Anthony Davis Unveils the Xbox One X NBA 2K20 Special Edition Bundle Today in Los Angeles, California, in partnership with 2K, basketball superstar and this year’s NBA 2K20 cover athlete Anthony Davis unveiled three new Xbox... Read more: This Week on Xbox: July 19, 2019

Gears 5 Versus Multiplayer Tech Test Available Today

by Dana Sissons, Director of Communications, The Coalition Posted on July 19, 2019July 19, 2019

It’s finally here – The Gears 5 Versus Tech Test goes live today to give players their first taste of Versus multiplayer action. Starting at 10 a.m. PDT today, COG hopefuls can enlist in the Boot Camp training mode and then jump right into Arcade, the new game type designed for over-the-top fun where characters become heroes with their own unique abilities, loadouts and playstyles. Gears veterans will want to check out fan-favorite King of the Hill, the updated competitive game type Escalation and a mini-Tour of Duty, a series of challenges that grant sweet Tech Test exclusive rewards that will carry over into Gears 5. No matter your level of Gears familiarity, Gears 5 offers a... Read more

Xbox is Coming to gamescom 2019

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on July 17, 2019July 22, 2019

Following this year’s incredible E3 and the breathtaking reaction we’ve had from our fans, we’re excited to let you know that Xbox will be coming to gamescom 2019 in Cologne, Germany. We’ll be bringing a great line up of games to the event from developers around the world with almost 200 gameplay stations in our booth, including the first public hands-on of both Minecraft Dungeons, Horde Mode in Gears 5 and fans in Germany can also try Project xCloud for the first time. Here’s a quick overview of what we’ll be getting up to at the show this year: Inside Xbox live from Cologne To kick off the week, we’ll be hosting a special episode of Inside Xbox live from the Gloria... Read more: Xbox is Coming to gamescom 2019

How to Get the Most Out of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on July 17, 2019July 17, 2019

This year has seen a number of big Xbox announcements, from our new approach to PC Gaming to all of the news we shared onstage at E3. For many of us, however, the most exciting news was that we created a brand-new membership plan that would benefit gamers in a huge variety of ways. Called Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, this program combines Xbox Game Pass for Console, Xbox Game Pass for PC, and Xbox Live Gold into one convenient membership for the low monthly price of $14.99. What’s more, new members and existing Xbox Live Gold and Xbox Game Pass for Console members can upgrade now to get their first month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. Additionally, if you’re a current Xbox... Read more

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Metal Gear Solid V: The Phantom Pain, Resident Evil 4, and More

by Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass Posted on July 16, 2019July 17, 2019

Are you ever at a Summer BBQ and your friend asks you what kind of food you want off the grill? It can be seriously overwhelming. You've got hot dogs, burgers, meat skewers, maybe some corn on the cob with extra salt, lime, and cotija cheese to give it that extra flavor zing...it's never an easy choice. Well friend, not to put you in a tough position or anything, but we’ve been working the grill for quite a while and we’ve cooked up a lot of games for you this Summer. Our favorite flavor? Hot new games for our Xbox Game Pass friends. Sure, you can play them all, but the hardest part is choosing what to pick first. Grab a plate, we’ve got a lot to go over. ICYMI, Gears 5 Tech... Read more

Xbox Super Game Sale Means Great Deals on Games, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, and More

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on July 16, 2019July 15, 2019

The Microsoft Store Ultimate Game Sale is now the Xbox Super Game Sale! Starting today, everyone can take advantage of a great deal on Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, score big savings on a range of digital games for both Xbox and Windows 10, as well as save on select Xbox One S consoles, gaming PCs, controllers, headsets, and more. There’s something for every gamer, but you must hurry because the Xbox Super Game Sale ends July 29. Save up to 70% on select Xbox games Things are heating up with more than 700 deals on Xbox digital games and add-ons including new releases and popular games like Rage 2, Forza Horizon 4, Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, Gang Beasts, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and... Read more

This Week on Xbox: July 12, 2019

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on July 12, 2019July 15, 2019

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox! Read the Final Chapter of The Sinking City’s Hero Origin Story Hi everyone! Last week we shared part one of The Sinking City hero origin story and we heard you liked it. If you missed it, you can still read it here. In The Sinking City, you play as... Read more: This Week on Xbox: July 12, 2019

Gears 5 Multiplayer Debuts at This Weekend’s ELEAGUE Gears Summer Invitational

by Rose Gunson, Esports Creative Program Manager, The Coalition Posted on July 12, 2019July 15, 2019

In April 2019, Xbox and Turner Broadcasting announced that ELEAGUE, the premium esports content and live event brand from Turner and IMG, would produce the “ELEAGUE Gears Summer Series,” a six-part linear series and live tournament partnership. Premiering in June 2019, “The Bonds and Betrayals of Brotherhood” has now run four of six total episodes on TBS, introducing the players and stories of Gears Esports and setting the stage for the worldwide premiere of Gears 5 Versus multiplayer. Starting this Saturday, July 13, the best Gears of War players from around the world will battle it out in Gears 5 Escalation at Turner Broadcasting’s elite ELEAGUE studio in Atlanta,... Read more

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The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut Arrives Digitally on August 27 and at Retail on September 6

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on July 11, 2019July 12, 2019

inXile entertainment, the Xbox Game Studio led by Interplay founder and The Bard’s Tale series co-creator Brian Fargo, is proud to announce The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut is hitting Xbox Game Pass on August 27, with retail copies landing in stores on September 6. The Director’s Cut is loaded with new features, fixes, and content, making it the truly definitive edition of The Bard’s Tale IV. Along with an Unreal Engine update that has the game looking, playing, and sounding better than ever, The Bard’s Tale IV: Director’s Cut directly addresses feedback received from the game’s initial launch with thousands of fixes and tweaks included. The Bard's Tale IV:... Read more

Coming to You in Full Color and Cine-Sound: The Cuphead Show!

by Chad Moldenhauer, Co-Director, Studio MDHR Posted on July 10, 2019July 10, 2019

Hi, everyone! Chad Moldenhauer from Studio MDHR coming to you with an announcement so surreal I can honestly say I never thought I’d be making it… Cuphead will be coming to life as an original Netflix series, "The Cuphead Show!" Inspired by the same 1930s animated classics that captured Jared and my imagination growing up, with a modern twist all its own, this show will follow the many misadventures of Cuphead, Mugman, and the other residents of the wondrous Inkwell Isles. We’re beyond thrilled that the show will be in the talented team at Netflix Animation as they reimagine our little animated adventure for an entirely new audience. As you might know, Jared and I grew up on a... Read more

July 2019 Xbox Update Delivers New Features for Xbox Game Pass, and Xbox Skill for Alexa

by Harrison Hoffman, Senior Program Manager, Xbox Posted on July 8, 2019July 12, 2019

Summer is here which means sunshine, cookouts and of course, gaming with friends after a long day outside. Team Xbox has been busy cooking up new features for the July 2019 Xbox Update, which begins rolling out today. This update includes a new way to interact with Xbox Game Pass, additional countries for the Xbox Skill for Alexa, and new Xbox Skill for Alexa voice commands. Here’s a rundown of what’s new: New features for Xbox Game Pass Xbox Game Pass offers a curated library of over 100 high-quality games on PC and console, available to download and play at full fidelity for one low-monthly price. Today, we’re rolling a new way to manage your Xbox Game Pass collection. ... Read more

Free Play Days: Rocket League

by Max Parker, Editorial Manager, Psyonix Posted on July 8, 2019July 8, 2019

Start your engines, prepare your Rocket Boosts, and don't forget to bring your friends. Rocket League, the hit sports/action hybrid and recipient of more than 150 Game of the Year nominations, will be available for free this weekend to Xbox Live Gold members who will have access to the full game during the Free Play Days period. The Free Play Days event begins Wednesday, July 10 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and runs through to Monday, July 15 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. You can find and install the game here. To download on console, click on the Gold member area on the home dashboard on your Xbox One! The game is also currently available for purchase at a discount so you can continue playing while keeping... Read more: Free Play Days: Rocket League

All the Details for Gears of War at San Diego Comic-Con

by Jerry Chu, Director of Licensing, The Coalition Posted on July 8, 2019July 8, 2019

With Gears Pop! and Gears 5 releasing this year, join the developers and minds behind the Gears of War Universe as they discuss the past, present, and future of this storied franchise at San Diego Comic-Con on Thursday, July 18th from 1:00 p.m. PST – 2:00 p.m. PST in Room 5AB. Studio Head Rod Fergusson (The Coalition) along with editor Steve Saffel (Gears of War: Ascendance, Titan Books), author Jason M. Hough (Gears of War: Ascendance, Titan Books), editor Chase Marotz (Gears of War: Hivebusters, IDW Publishing), and author Arthur Gies (Gears of War: Retrospective, Udon Entertainment) share their views on the Gears Franchise. The panelists will discuss their approach to storytelling and... Read more

This Week on Xbox: July 5, 2019

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on July 5, 2019July 5, 2019

We know you’re busy and might miss out on all the exciting things we’re talking about on Xbox Wire every week. If you’ve got a few minutes, we can help remedy that. We’ve pared down the past week’s news into one easy-to-digest article for all things Xbox! Or, if you’d rather watch than read, you can feast your eyes on our weekly video show above. Be sure to come back every Friday to find out what’s happening This Week on Xbox! Pre-order NBA 2K20 Today on Xbox One The next iteration of the top-rated NBA video game simulation series of the past 18 years returns with NBA 2K20. NBA 2K has evolved into much more than a basketball simulation, redefining what’s possible in... Read more: This Week on Xbox: July 5, 2019

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Tune-in Today to ELEAGUE Gears Summer Series: The Bonds and Betrayals of Brotherhood: Episode 4

by Rose Gunson, Esports Creative Program Manager, The Coalition Posted on July 5, 2019July 5, 2019

Stemming from Xbox’s partnership with ELEAGUE, the six-part docu series focused on the stories and players behind the world of Gears Esports on TBS aired its third episode last week. In Episode 3 of The Bonds & Betrayals of Brotherhood, the series dove into what it takes to be the most successful team in esports history. The episode focused on Gilbert “Xplosive” Rojo’s, the in-game leader of Optic Gaming’s Gears of War team, who has over 17 trophies to his name and a nearly undefeated record of success in the Gears Esports scene. The episode proved the value of strong leadership and consistency, as the rest of the series’ primary professional Gears of War players... Read more

Riverbond Brings Co-op Craziness to Xbox Game Pass

by Vanessa Chia, Co-founder and Art Director, Cococucumber Posted on July 3, 2019July 3, 2019

Ahoy, friends! We’re proud to announce that Riverbond, a voxel shoot-and-slash dungeon crawler is available now on Xbox One and with Xbox Game Pass for Console and Xbox Game Pass for PC. We invite you and your friends to explore the eight hand-crafted worlds in your adventure down the River of Light towards your heroic destiny. Watching Riverbond players at events like at E3, GDC, and PAX is a pleasure to see fans young and old come together as they play. We designed Riverbond with this core experience in mind. And with an arcade-like pacing and drop-in and drop-out couch co-op, everyone is free to join in on the fun! We hope that Riverbond captures your imagination as it did with... Read more

Free Play Days – Grip: Combat Racing

by Neil Broadhead, Communications Manager, Wired Productions Posted on July 3, 2019July 3, 2019

We’ve just launched our Grip Summer of Combat campaign and could think of no better way to celebrate than teaming up with Xbox for a Free Play Days event! The Free Play Days event begins Thursday, July 4 at 12:01 a.m. PDT and runs through to Sunday, July 7 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. You can find and install the game here. To download on console, click on the Gold member area on the home dashboard on your Xbox One! Grip really found its home with Xbox Game Pass, and the development team have been hard at work to continuously optimize the game and deliver free tracks and DLC packs for players. In fact, since hitting Xbox Game Pass we’ve added six new tracks, a new arena, team modes, new... Read more

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Middle-earth: Shadow of War, Dead Rising 4, and More

by Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass Posted on July 3, 2019July 5, 2019

Hey, Xbox Game Pass members! If you didn’t catch them on Twitter, it’s time for our IRL patch notes. Updates include: A major buff for The Sun. There is a new debuff: Sunburn, where overexposure to The Sun will cause damage over time and limited mobility. A new item has been added named Sunscreen that gives you a temporary resistance to Sunburn. The seasonal event Vacation was added, giving players a significant stress resistance when applied. New items have been added in the tailor shops like Swim Trunks and Sleeveless Cloth Armor. Lastly, Grilled Meat is more readily available at vendors. Games Coming to Xbox Game Pass July 4 Middle-earth: Shadow of War (Xbox Game Pass for... Read more

Your First Bite of The Delicious Last Course with an Update from Studio MDHR on Cuphead DLC

by Chad Moldenhauer, Co-Director, Studio MDHR Posted on July 2, 2019July 2, 2019

Hello, old friends and new! First and foremost, we wanted to thank the wonderful Xbox community for the kind words about our recent Free Content Update. From those who had been itching to play as Mugman, to players who were able to visit the Inkwell Isles for the first time in a new language, we’ve received a whole new wave of support for our little animated adventure. We really wouldn’t be able to do what we love without you folks! On that note, we know fans have been hungering for more info about our upcoming Cuphead DLC. While we initially announced a 2019 release date for the Delicious Last Course expansion, our highest priority is making sure this new adventure meets the... Read more

E3 2019: Battletoads Revives Cartoonish Brawling

by Mike Nelson, Xbox Wire Editor Posted on June 28, 2019June 28, 2019

The original Battletoads, developed by Rare, arrived in 1991 to enthrall gamers. Now the three toads — Pimple, Rash, and Zitz — have been revived by Diala Studios and Rare for a new three-player beat ‘em up, available soon with Xbox Game Pass, that looks to bring all the great platforming features fans of the series are looking for. I played two levels on the floor at the Xbox E3 Showcase. One was a section of a side-scrolling beat ‘em up level; the other a revamped version of the original game’s notorious Turbo Tunnel, now presented as a forward-scrolling 3D experience. Here’s what I learned, without any mention of all the bruises sustained. Time to Morph The... Read more