Tag: Talking Point
Talking Point How Often Do You Buy The Games Leaving Xbox Game Pass?
They're discounted, so why not?
Once a game is marked for removal from Xbox Game Pass, how often do you buy it? The thought crossed my mind whilst I was putting together our recent roundup of November leavers, and it made me curious to hear the Pure Xbox community's thoughts. On November 15th, 1000xRESIST will vanish from all tiers of Xbox Game Pa
Feature 25 Years Later, How Many Of These Original Xbox Launch Titles Have You Played?
From the original North American launch on November 15, 2001
Welcome to the month of Xbox's 25th anniversary! Xbox will be celebrating that milestone officially on November 15th, but before we get there, we thought we'd use the chance to highlight the very first games that ever launched on Xbox. To do that, we're going back to the initial list of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 31 - November 1)
Playing anything spooky for Halloween?
It's officially the spookiest day of the year, but do you know what you're playing this Halloween weekend? October has been a pretty wicked month for gaming. And so, as we play out its final hours, we'd like to know what it is you're having a crack at. This is the space to have a chat with your fellow PXers...
Talking Point Xbox Disc To Digital Has Changed How I Buy Games
I'm buying on Xbox what I'd usually pick up on Steam and other consoles
Since Xbox announced that physical disc-based games could be converted into digital licenses playable on both console and PC, I've been all-in on physical purchases. I've always been an advocate for physical ownership, long before disc to digital, but the ability to buy a...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 24-25)
Starting anything new?
It's the penultimate weekend before things get royally spooky. Makes me wonder if any of you are planning on playing something scary... It's been a relatively quiet week for new releases if we consider what a crazy month October has been, but big names like We Were Here Tomorrow and Final Fantasy Resonance launched just a few...
Talking Point Are You Expecting Any Surprises For Xbox's 25th Anniversary?
It's literally less than a month away
We're now less than a month away from the date of Xbox's 25th anniversary (November 15th), and for the moment, not a whole lot has been revealed about how Xbox will mark the occasion. They've been celebrating all year, of course, but when it comes to the actual date itself, are there any surprise showcases or...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 17-18)
Are you getting a head start on the campaign in Modern Warfare 4?
Once again we've made it to the weekend! You should know the drill by now, but if not, this is the place to share your weekend gaming plans with your fellow Pure Xbox community pals. This week has felt like one of the longest years in recent months. In other words, I'm tired and...
Talking Point Which Games Have Been The Most Impressive On Xbox Series S In Your Opinion?
The little console that could
Ever since the Xbox Series S was first released almost six years ago, people have been speculating that it might "hold back" the industry and ultimately become too difficult to develop for in the late stages of the console generation. However, as we get closer and closer to the arrival of Xbox Project Helix, the Xbox...
Talking Point Gears 6 Or An E-Day Sequel: What Should The Coalition Make Next?
Bustin' to return to Kait's story? Or...
As more and more of you roll credits on Gears of War: E-Day's outstanding 10/10 campaign, the question of what The Coalition should do next is beginning to emerge, and it's a question I can't seem to answer properly. It's been a little over seven years since Gears 5 launched on Xbox One, receiving an Xbox...
Talking Point As Things Stand, What's Your Game Of The Year For 2026?
We've got two months until we begin the voting
Can you believe we've almost arrived at Game of the Year season?! We'll be starting our voting process in just two months' time for the Pure Xbox GOTY 2026, but before we get there, we wanted to get an early idea of what you might be picking - at least as things stand right now. There's an obvious...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 10-11)
BIDDDDDY BLAAAASSSSSSSS!!!
Welcome back to the weekend, everyone! We hope the week has treated you well so far, but now it's time to kick back and play some games. The past few days have been pretty nuts with the likes of Gears of War: E-Day launching into Xbox Game Pass and other general releases of Star Wars: Galactic Racer to crack on with. It's...
Talking Point The Xbox Console Experience Has Had A Phenomenal Year So Far
Team Green has really upped their game
As a humble elder gamer, I've grown alongside each generation of Xbox hardware, from palming the Duke in my tiny baby-boy hands to the golden 360 era and conception of Xbox Live. It's been a long old journey to get to this moment in time: the 25th anniversary of Xbox. Sadly, it's been a devastating year for...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (October 3-4)
Are you playing Gears? Or something else?
Welcome back to the weekend, gamers! It's been one hell of a week, let me tell ya', so why don't you kick back with your current videogame conquest and have a proper good sesh?! This week Fraser and I have been recovering from a recent trip to Xbox FanFest in London, and all the big news surrounding the...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 26-27)
Are you trying anything new?
Prepare your butts, people! The weekend is back again which means it's time to park those tooshies and get stuck into some games! This week has been a rocky one for the industry, but there's also been plenty of new exciting titles to explore. Also, it's worth remembering the Free Play Days games this week, and in case...
Talking Point What Do You Think The Future Holds For A Potential Halo 2 Remake?
Has that fight already finished?
As you've probably already seen, there have been some major shakeups in the world of Halo this week, with Xbox announcing that Activision will make the next mainline title in the series and a "small team" at Halo Studios will support the current games on the market. Not only is that terrible news for the employees...
Talking Point So, Are You Getting The Premium Upgrade For Gears Of War: E-Day?
Launch is just around the corner!
Yep, it's almost that time again! Gears of War: E-Day will officially be with us on October 6th, but for those people who don't mind paying a little extra, the Premium, Premium Upgrade and Collector's Editions are launching on October 1st. We're going to focus specifically on the Premium Upgrade version of Gears of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 19-20)
Anything on your must-play list?
We love a weekend because it means we get to spend time with our loved ones. Yes, Games. This week we got a few of September's remaining batch of Xbox Game Pass releases, but it's also worth remembering the Free Play Days games, and be sure to check out all the be
Talking Point What Would Seal The Deal For You With Xbox Project Helix?
Is there a number one request you have for the next-gen console?
Things have gone a little bit quiet on the Xbox Project Helix front in recent months, and we know that Asha Sharma and her team are looking at ways to make the console more "efficient" and "affordable" amidst a
Talking Point How Would You Feel If Xbox Game Pass Actually Dropped Day One Releases?
Do you rely on Xbox Game Pass to play first-party titles?
There was a hefty rumour swirling around yesterday, claiming that Xbox Game Pass could drop new day one releases in early 2027. It's the sort of rumour that's hard to ignore as an Xbox-focused site, even despite the shaky nature of it. It's common knowledge at this point that Microsoft is...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 12-13)
You oni live once
Alright weekend lovers, our time has spun around again and it's time to play some games! As far as weeks go, it's been a pretty tepid one for new releases, but don't forget about the Free Play Days offering, alongside some publisher spotlight sales on the Xbox Store too. So, let's get right into it, here's what we're playing on...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (September 5-6)
Swords, strats, and slap shots
Weekend enjoyers! We are once again at the end of the week and it's time to play some games. It's been a pretty spectacular start to September with two major releases both reviewing extremely well on Xbox, as well as the latest Xbox Deep Discounts Sale and Free Play Days offering to get stuck into. Alrighty, let's...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 29-30)
Who's up for a tactical insertion? Anyone?
Well, that's a wrap on Gamescom for another year, which means it's time to get back to our regular weekend schedule of playin' games! The Modern Warfare 4 Beta is up and running again for it's final weekend, but don't forget this week's Free Play Days and
Talking Point Are You Diving Into The Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta This Weekend?
It's open to everyone now!
As we head into the weekend, we wanted to give you a reminder that the Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Open Beta is now officially free for everyone to check out, following a period of early access for people who had pre-ordered it. There's reason to dive back in if you played in the first weekend too, as various new...
Feature Gamescom Opening Night Live: Date, Start Times & What To Expect
We're getting close now!
Welcome to our Pure Xbox guide for Gamescom 2026 Opening Night Live! As we're now closing in on Geoff Keighley's big August event, we're going to go over the exact date, length and start times for the upcoming livestream - alongside some of what we can expect to see during Gamescom's ONL showcase. We also have some official...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 22-23)
Gearing up for the MW4 Beta?
It's the penultimate weekend before everything goes gaga for Gamescom 2026! Of course, I'm sure plenty of you will be playing a certain Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Beta, but don't forget about the Free Play Days offering and the vast amount of heavily discounted game
Talking Point Would You Buy A New Version Of The Simpsons: Hit & Run For Xbox Series X|S?
It sounds like it could be happening
For years and years at this point, it's felt like The Simpsons: Hit & Run has been primed for a remake or remaster on modern consoles, but whatever reason it's never happened - although it finally seems more likely than ever. As you may have seen, Simpsons creator Matt Groening hit the headlines over the weekend...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 15-16)
Gears again? Mafia? Or Madden NFL 27?
The weekend is upon us, people! You know the drill, it's time to pick up your favourite Xbox controller and get cracking with your gamin' masterplan. There's a few games out and about this week, such as Madden NFL 27 if you're all about that yardage. Hell Let Loose: Vietnam is in the mix too, alongside indie...
Talking Point Amid Rising Console Prices, What Would You Do If Your Xbox Broke Tomorrow?
Buy another one? Wait for Helix? Go back to an older model?
The industry is in a bit of a mess at the moment when it comes to console prices. We've already heard a lot about about the component crisis that's causing console price tags to continually rise across the board, and it was back in June that Xbox specifically announced a significant...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 8-9)
How about some Beast of Reincarnation?
Welcome to another weekend! This week treated us to the huge release of Beast of Reincarnation on Xbox Game Pass, and don't forget about the Free Play Days offering, not to mention the hundreds of the sales on the Xbox Store too. Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: Well,...
News Gears Of War: E-Day Players Share Their Initial Thoughts On The Multiplayer Beta
Now live in early access
Last night marked the arrival of the Gears of War: E-Day Beta in early access for pre-order customers and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate / PC Game Pass members, so we've started to see a bunch of impressions over the past few hours. We were very intrigued to see how people would react to this one when we went hands-on a few weeks...
Talking Point Xbox's Final Games With Gold Titles Were Announced Three Years Ago
How do you feel about it in 2026?
Can you believe it's been three years since the end of Xbox Games with Gold? Xbox announced back in late July of 2023 that they'd be replacing the Xbox Live Gold service with Xbox Game Pass Core (which eventually ended up becoming Xbox Game Pass Essential), providing access to a selection of XGP titles rather than...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (August 1-2)
Halo: Campaign Evolved on Game Pass?
It's weekend time! We've obviously got some big new Xbox Game Pass titles to check out including Halo: Campaign Evolved and Mistfall Hunter, and don't forget that the Xbox Ultimate Game Sale ends in just a few days. Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I'm actually just...
Talking Point What Was The First Gears Of War Game You Ever Played?
Where you there when Carmine's gun jammed?
As we draw ever closer to the Gears of War: E-Day multiplayer Beta (August 6-10 for players who pre-ordered or subscribe to XGP Ultimate/PC, followed by the Open Beta from August 13-17) we thought now would be the perfect time to ask about your first experience with the series. For many of us who...
Talking Point How Much Has The Xbox Outage Affected You?
Can you play anything yet?
Xbox servers have been down for most of the day (July 27), impacting thousands of players, myself included, and leaving me unable to play most of my games. Sifting through social media platforms for the general reaction whilst keeping an eye on the Xbox Status page for a miracle, continues to paint a bleak picture for a...
Talking Point What Have You Bought In The Xbox Summer Sale 2026?
It ends in just a few days' time!
It's finally almost time for the Xbox Summer Sale 2026 to come to a close. The big sale with over 2000 discounts has been live since the middle of July, but it'll all be over by the end of July 29th. As you've probably seen, we've been putting together a bunch of guides for the Summer Sale over the past week-or-so,...
Talking Point How Much Noise Do Your Xbox Consoles Make After All These Years?
Are they in need of a clean?
Over the past decade-and-a-bit, it feels like Xbox has done a really good job at creating consoles that barely emit any noise whatsoever - the Xbox One, Series X, Series S and even the ROG Xbox Ally have all been commended for it. The onset of time gets us all in the end though, and there's a good chance that at least...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 25-26)
How about some Planet Crafter on XGP?
Welcome to the weekend! As always, we've got loads of Xbox Game Pass titles to check out over the next few days, and let's not forget the early access for Halo: Campaign Evolved - now live if you bought one of the special editions! Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: It's...
Talking Point What Do You Think Of The New 'Poster' Artwork On Xbox?
Have you activated it yet?
Last week, we highlighted the latest major public update for Xbox consoles and the many new features that it included, with one of them being the ability to display "poster" artwork instead of the square tiles we've been used to. This is only a small change, but it's a sensible one - the new artwork is much more...
Talking Point So, Are You Getting The Premium Upgrade For Halo: Campaign Evolved?
Launch is just a few days away!
We're getting very close to the next Xbox first-party release now! Halo: Campaign Evolved is officially releasing on July 28th, but like Xbox does with all its new launches these days, there's an early access period thrown in the mix. We'll be breaking down Halo's release dates and access times later this weekend,...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 18-19)
How about some PBA on Xbox Game Pass?
Welcome to the weekend! We've had so many Xbox Game Pass additions over the past few days that are worth checking out on Saturday and Sunday, along with some Free Play Days titles and the massive Xbox Ultimate Game Sale! Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend:
Talking Point What Was The First Halo Game You Ever Played?
Were you there back in the Halo 1 days?
We're getting so close to the release of Halo: Campaign Evolved now — July 23rd for Premium buyers and July 28th for everyone else — so we thought we'd take this opportunity to ask you about your initial experiences with the series. Of course, many of us love Halo because it was either the first thing we...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 11-12)
How about some Black Flag Resynced?
Weekend time! As we head into another hot couple of days here in the UK, we're planning to check out a bunch of new Xbox Game Pass titles, a few new Free Play Days additions, and possibly the new releases of Assassin's Creed Black Flag Resynced and
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (July 4-5)
Anything specific in mind?
Welcome to the weekend! As usual, there's plenty to check out on Xbox over the next couple of days, including some Free Play Days additions along with a handful of Xbox Game Pass extras to start the month. Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I'm on a mission to get as many
Talking Point Xbox Fans, How Are You Getting On With Microsoft Rewards In 2026?
How many points have you got right now?
It was around this time last year that we asked Pure Xbox readers how you were getting on with Microsoft Rewards in 2025, so it's time to bring out the annual Talking Point once again, with the service having changed considerably for some of us over the past 12 months! As you may have read elsewhere on Pure...
News As PlayStation Announces The End Of Disc-Based Releases, Will Xbox Follow Suit?
"This is a natural direction"
We've had some bombshell news over in the world of PlayStation today, as Sony has announced that as of January 2028, physical games on that platform will no longer release with a disc. The company says this is a "natural direction" for the way the industry is going, and that the "general preference for digital media...
News GTA 6 Rumour Suggests 60FPS on Xbox Series X, But Digital Foundry Says It's 'Unlikely'
DF doesn't think so
With the release of Grand Theft Auto 6 coming into view, so does a whole host of debate, speculation and expectation. Admittedly, it's a welcome distraction from the more horrid Xbox rumours of late, as conversation turns to whether there's a "route forward" for GTA 6 at 60FPS on Xbox Series
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 27-28)
Any GTA 5 to get in the mood for 6?
Weekend time! We've had a couple of new Xbox Game Pass titles in recent days that are worth checking out, a bunch of Free Play Days additions are also available, and perhaps you might be in a GTA mood after pre-ordering GTA 6 too! Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I
Talking Point How Well Do You Expect GTA 6 To Run On Xbox Series X|S?
It's got to be 30FPS, right?
The past few days have been exciting for fans of the GTA series, as Rockstar Games has officially confirmed that pre-orders for GTA 6 will start next week across Xbox and PS5, with the exact date set as June 25th. We probably still won't know much at that point aside from pricing details (and hopefully a third trailer...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 20-21)
Anything specific in mind?
Welcome to the weekend! As usual, we've got a bunch of new Xbox Game Pass titles that are waiting for you to try, along with a Free Play Days selection, and there are plenty of great new releases to check out along the way! Here's what we're playing on Xbox this weekend: Fraser Gilbert, Editor: I'm still in the World...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 13-14)
Getting into the World Cup spirit?
Welcome to the weekend! There's some great new content to enjoy on Xbox over the next couple of days, including a bunch of recent Xbox Game Pass titles and three Free Play Days additions, and if you happen to be in the World Cup mood like we are, don't forget about the likes of EA Sports FC 26, Football Manage
