Tag: Talking Point
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
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (June 6-7)
We're still hooked on 007 First Light
Welcome to the weekend! There's lots of good stuff to be enjoying on Xbox over the next couple of days including the likes of FF7 Rebirth and Gothic 1 Remake, along with a bunch of Free Play Days titles highlighted by Marathon. Don't forget that the Xbox Games Showcase is taking place on Sunday as well!...
Talking Point What Level Are You In Forza Horizon 6, And How Many Cars Do You Have?
Let's hear how you're getting on!
Man, I'm enjoying Forza Horizon 6 so much. This is easily my favourite Forza game ever, and at the moment it's in first place for my Xbox Game of the Year. Not gonna lie though, I think GTA 6 will probably end up beating it! Nevertheless, I'm sinking a ton of free time into FH6 right now, and I'm curious to hear...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 30-31)
Anything new on XGP?
Welcome to another weekend! After a warm week here in the UK, we're ready to knuckle down and get some gaming done this weekend, with plenty of new Xbox Game Pass titles to get stuck into over the next few days. Here's what we're playing this weekend: Ben Kerry, Staff Writer: Whilst Forza Horizon 6 will definitely still be in...
Talking Point What Are Your Plans For The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
Watching alone? With friends? In a cinema?! Tell us!
We're just under two weeks away from the Xbox Games Showcase 2026! The biggest event on the calendar promises to bring us countless reveals from first and third-party Xbox games including Fable, Halo: Campaign Evolved, Gears of War: E-Day and much more, and it also marks Asha Sharma's very first...
Talking Point Do You Think We'll See PS6 & Project Helix In Action This Summer?
It's showcase season, where the new consoles at?!
The end of May is nigh, which means summer showcase season is right around the corner. This time of year always brings loads of amazing new game reveals, but 2026 feels a little different, with next-gen consoles on the horizon. So, do you think we'll actually see either PS6 or Project Helix — or...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 23-24)
It's Forza Horizon 6, isn't it?
Welcome to another weekend! It's going to be a warm one here in the UK - perfect for closing the curtains, staying indoors, and I don't know, cruising around open-world Japan? Here's what we're playing this bank holiday weekend: Ben Kerry, Staff Writer: Although I've gotten through a lot of what Forza Horizon 6's...
Talking Point So, Did You Cave And Buy Early Access For Forza Horizon 6?
Taking an early flight to Japan
Today is Saturday, May 16th, which means Forza Horizon 6 is out now in early access and has been for more than a full day at this point. Getting in via early access comes at quite the cost, we must admit, but the team at Playground is offering up some good stuff as part of its Premium Upgrade - including a pair of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 16-17)
Who's jumping into FH6 early access?
Welcome to another weekend! It's a bit of a special one this week because Forza Horizon 6 is out now in early access - we've been waiting for this so that lots of you fine folks can hop in and join us on the streets of Japan! In case we haven't given it away just yet, here's what we're playing this weekend: Ben...
Talking Point What Dream Reveal Would You Like To See At The Xbox Games Showcase 2026?
Is this finally the year of Banjo-Kazooie?
We've just checked the calendar and realised that we're less than a month away from the big Xbox Games Showcase 2026! For those who aren't aware, this typically marks Xbox's most important event of the year, putting a spotlight on tons of upcoming games from both first and third-party developers. Details...
Talking Point One Year Later, What Do You Think Of DOOM: The Dark Ages?
Has your opinion changed since launch?
As we prepare for the release of Forza Horizon 6 later this week / next week, we're also marking the one-year anniversary of yet another major Xbox first-party title in DOOM: The Dark Ages, which first launched on May 13th, 2025. Back then, we described the game as "another absolutely stellar offering from id...
Talking Point 10 Years Ago, Bethesda Released One Of The Best Shooters Ever To Grace Xbox
Time flies when you're on Mars
The DOOM series has been top of the FPS game for most of its life - from the 1993 original to recent releases like Eternal and The Dark Ages. Id Software usually knows just when to mix things up in the right way; surprising and delighting shooter fans for decades now. However, around the early 2010s, the series wobbled...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 9-10)
The dawn before the Forza day
Welcome to another weekend! There may feel like a bit of a lull here as we all await Forza Horizon 6's arrival (it'll be out this time next week in early access!) but no matter, there's still plenty to be playing on Xbox and beyond. Here's what we're playing this weekend: Ben Kerry, Staff Writer: Ahead of Forza's...
Talking Point Amidst PS6 Uncertainty, Do You Think Xbox Has Project Helix All Figured Out?
It's all about price, product and timing
We're seeing some big news coming out of Sony today where the company admits that it has "not yet decided on what time" the PS6 will launch — or indeed what price it will launch at — which is quite interesting six years into the current generation. We'll link to coverage on that from our friends at Push...
Talking Point New Survey Highlights The 'Top Reasons To Play Games On A Console'
Exclusives at #1, but that doesn't tell the full story
Something that's been hitting the headlines a bit over the past couple of days relates to a new survey that's been conducted by the analysis firm Circana, and how it suggests exclusives are the number one reason to own a console. This gained traction due to being shared by The Game Business —...
Talking Point Have You Been Playing The New Don't Nod Title On Xbox Game Pass?
What are your first impressions of it?
This past week, the makers of Life is Strange — Don't Nod Entertainment — released their latest game in the sci-fi adventure Aphelion, and it's gotten off to an okay start on Xbox Game Pass so far. We haven't got around to playing this one for ourselves just yet (it's been pretty busy lately!), but we
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (May 2-3)
May play days
Welcome to your first weekend in May! We're actually starting to see some sun here in the UK which is denting our gaming time somewhat - but no matter, we're sure the grey skies will return shortly, shunning us to our Xbox-filled rooms as a result. Here's what we're getting stuck into this weekend: Ben Kerry, Staff Writer: It's...
Talking Point After Halo: Campaign Evolved, What Do You Want Xbox To Do With The Series?
Infinite sequel? Reboot? Come tell us!
Following our chat yesterday about Forza Horizon 6 and its imminent release, we got thinking about the rest of Xbox's 2026 slate - with rumours pointing towards Halo: Campaign Evolved being the team's next major release for this year. Indeed, we've heard
Talking Point With Forza Horizon 6 Imminent, What Are Your Predictions For Its Final Review Score?
Will the 2026 racer actually be a GOTY contender?
It's getting to that point where, quite frankly, we're desperate for Forza Horizon 6. After playing the team's preview earlier this month, we're incredibly excited to experience the full thing, and launch is just weeks away now with its imminent May 2026 arrival. So, taking a stab in the dark, what...
Talking Point Do You Still Get Excited About Remakes On Xbox In 2026?
Black Flag Resynced is speaking to us...
Each and every year, hundreds of new games are thrown at us on Xbox, and we're almost always down to experience something brand-new in the gaming world. However, in recent years, remakes have seemingly become increasingly common on the platform - especially for some of these massive franchises that now have...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 25-26)
Catching up on some April releases?
Welcome to your final weekend of April 2026! It's been a busy week of activity across Xbox and Game Pass, with the latter even getting a new Microsoft first-party release in recent days. Here's what we're playing this weekend: Ben Kerry, Staff Writer: I was away on my holidays last weekend, so aside from a...
Talking Point What's A 'Good Deal' For An Xbox Series X or S In 2026?
It's getting harder and harder to say!
Here and there, we still come across questions from people who have spotted an Xbox Series X or Xbox Series S, or perhaps even bought one already, and are asking whether they got a "good deal" in the process. Truth be told, that question is becoming harder and harder to answer these days. The current console...
Talking Point What Are Your First Impressions Of Replaced On Xbox Game Pass?
We've had to wait a while, but it's finally here
We've had to be patient for Replaced's arrival on Xbox Game Pass, but the time has finally come - and we want to know what you make of the game so far. On release this week, the press seemed to take to Sad Cat Studios' neon-soaked platformer. When you're sitting around the 80 mark in terms of...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 18-19)
Something new on Game Pass?
Welcome to another weekend! It's been a busy week in Xbox land with some interesting news reports, a whole new showcase debut and plenty of Game Pass drops to boot - so there's plenty to be playing and getting stuck into over the next few days.
Talking Point What Have You Bought In The Xbox Spring Sale 2026?
It ends in just a few hours' time!
It's finally almost time for the Xbox Spring Sale 2026 to come to a close. The big sale with over 2000 discounts has been live since the start of April, but its end date is today (April 15th), with the deals set to expire in the coming hours. We've tried to provide a variety of guides for the Spring Sale over the...
News Xbox Live 1.0 Continues To Live On, Despite Being Officially Shut Down 16 Years Ago
Exactly 16 years to the day, in fact
Today marks an important anniversary in the history of Xbox — it was exactly 16 years ago (on April 15th, 2010) that Microsoft turned off the original Xbox Live 1.0 servers, making original Xbox games impossible to play online. The original announcement for this no longer exists on the Xbox website, but thanks...
Talking Point Are You Happy With The New Updates Coming To Xbox Consoles So Far?
We're getting new features on Series X|S!
We've not had enough time to properly judge how boss Asha Sharma is going to get on in her new role as Head of Xbox, but one thing we're loving so far is the team's renewed focus on console, and that's starting to manifest itself with new updates arriving for Series X|S users. Indeed, for the first time in...
Talking Point What Are You Playing This Weekend? (April 11-12)
Time to open your new bookshop?
Welcome to another weekend! The sun is retreating here in the UK after a warmer start to this week, so that's the perfect time to get back indoors and get some gaming time in. Maybe even start a new business in Tiny Bookshop on Xbox Game Pass? Anyway, here's what we're playing over the next few days: Ben Kerry,...
Talking Point If Someone Was Buying Their First Xbox Today, What Games Would You Recommend?
In other words, what are the essentials for a newbie?
Every now and again, we come across people who are entering the Xbox ecosystem for the first time with a new Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S or even an Xbox One console, and they're often overwhelmed with what to play first. Just look at what Xbox Game Pass offers — we're talking hundreds of...
Talking Point Which Xbox Console Do You Think Has Aged The Best?
The Xbox One must be in with a shout...
Yesterday, we asked you about the consoles you've bought at launch over the years, and whether they were ultimately worth it in your opinion — but today, we want to focus specifically on Xbox consoles and how they've aged. We've obviously all got great memories with each of the Xbox consoles we've owned...
Talking Point How Many Consoles Have You Bought At Launch, And Were They Worth It?
Not just Xbox, but all systems!
It's a quiet Easter Monday with not a whole lot going on right now, so let's have a little discussion! Today, we're asking you how many consoles you've ever bought at launch, and whether you ultimately decided they were worth it. You don't have to limit yourself to just Xbox, but obviously that's what we're most...
