If the John Wick game plays as well as the trailer looked, then it will be something very special.
Beast of Reincarnation, and Crimson Moon both look like they could be very good indeed.
Project Windless was probably the game that looked the most astounding in the showcase. It looked pretty amazing.
However, I don't know what it is about the game, but 007: First Light just looks... off. The melee combat has no meat to it. It looks like he's a Grandma slapping people with a wet fish...
Absolutely, @chesheer! I jumped into the sales with over £100 in my account, and over 60k in points, only to walk away empty handed as there was nothing that I wanted...
As someone that already owns a gaming PC, @Cakefish & @Llamageddon, my biggest concern about the PCBox is whether it will actually offer a console experience. I do not enjoy all the faff that comes with trying to get games running properly on my PC, albeit that it has become better in recent times. And it is for this reason alone that I have not used it except for one game in years. Instead I always use my Xbox console because I love the ease of switching it on, selecting a game, and just playing.
When I first got into PC gaming back in 2014, I spent many a night planning to play a game with a couple of my mates only for one of us (usually me!) to be unable to either connect with one another in game, or simply being unable to get the game to run. Too often I would start a game up and it would begin in such a large resolution that you could not locate the menu settings in order to fix the resolution. It was frankly ridiculous. I do believe that this has got better over more recent years, but it is the reason I avoid playing on my PC, and I dread the idea of returning to those times.
If, like me, you do not understand what you are doing, then gaming on a PC is an absolute nightmare when things go wrong, which they frequently do.
I am hoping for a proper console experience where I can just turn it on and play, as we do now, but I fear there may be a fair few hoops to jump through each time we start the PCBox up, which is not what I want at all...
Hi, @Kaloudz. Good to see you back. It's not the same without you here to torment! 😂
I was thinking much the same yesterday when I read this article; Sony have not made the same commitment as Microsoft to put which platforms a given game is releasing on, meaning that even if a game is coming to the Xbox it will not be immediately apparent.
Anyway, that's enough agreement between the two of us. Let's get back to arguing... 😉
I expect Resident Evil: Requiem to feature. However, what I'd really like to see is some Control: Resonant gameplay.
I also expect to see Starfield: The Complete Edition to be announced for the PS5 and dated to land on the PlayStation in April, together with the latest expansion/update...
I know, @jesse_dylan. I'm sure I miss out on a lot of games I would like, but I like my games to have properly defined imagery rather than being pixelated. I always think games like this look dated because they have graphics from games I used to play in the last century... 😂
I'm not really a fan of side-scrolling games to start with, but throw in an art style that I strongly dislike, and it's almost certainly a no from me. Shame really because the set up sounds interesting...
Thank you, @fatpunkslim. So am I right in thinking then that you do not think Microsoft will continue to produce the Series consoles, nor will they make a secondary cheaper console as a replacement for the Series consoles as a cheaper / weaker alternative to the PCBox...?
I haven't played anything on my Pro yet, @OldGamer999. I'm still finishing a game on my Series X, and will probably then go and play another on it straight after because I pre-ordered it and have yet to play it.
The first game that I play on my Pro will be Resident Evil: Requiem, and I am very much looking forward to it...
I'd be up for that, @Coletrain. So long as it is affordable...! I don't want a £50,000 super computer that will never be beaten just to play games on... 🤣
That's good to know, @fatpunkslim, but do you not think there is still a danger of, particularly first-party titles, targeting specs for the less capable machine, and then just using those same specs for the PCBox? After all, the more variants of the game you have to produce, the longer it will take, and the more it will cost to develop. So what's to stop Microsoft from building a game for the lower spec'd console, and then just using the same for the PC? To be clear, I don't really know how these things work, so it is a genuine question...
As someone that suffers terribly from FOMO, @Coletrain, the idea that there might be a slightly better Xbox than the one I have is the the stuff of nightmares... 🤣
I'd be surprised if Microsoft expect to have more than 10 million lifetime sales of a machine that cost £1000. And the higher the cost of the machine, the more that 10 million will fall off. So at £1200 probably 8 million, £1500 5 million, and so on. Basically, the more it costs, the fewer people will buy it.
I've said time and time again that I think developers will continue to target the PS5 and the Series X for the entirety of the next generation. Both machines are more than capable, and for most of us they are more than sufficient. The question is, with the Series consoles being harder and harder to find even now, will Microsoft want to expand production of them again to be the little brother of the PCBox? You'd think they would, but this is Microsoft we're talking about here.
Not sure I think the S will be capable of lasting the entirety of the next generation, but I guess the Switch 2 may be some kind of safety net for the S because they both have much the same power, and the Switch 2 has probably another 8 or 9 years in it yet, and developers keen to target the Switch have no real excuse not to have the S in mind too. My only hope it that neither the S nor the Switch 2 are allowed to hold back the generation in anyway., Not a lot of point in paying a premium price for a premium console if you are not going to get a premium experience...!
See, I loathe this approach, @Coletrain! First off, I want the machine to be built by Microsoft. I don't want a badge system. One that gets Microsoft's seal of approval. I want it to be actually made by Microsoft.
Secondly, I fear we may end up in the same position next generation, if Microsoft do go down the route of having a less powerful console, as we have this generation, with the S, wherein the less powerful console will either hold back the premium one, or at least be perceived to be doing so, which is just as damaging to the brand.
Lastly, the rumour is that different makers will produce different price point machines, which sound great on paper, until you find that the one you bought is no longer the best one available. In other words, you drop £1000 or more on the PCBox in 2027, only to see an even better iteration built by someone else in 2028, and then an even better one in 2029 and so on. That is a nightmare scenario for me because I will always want the best version available.
Personally, I'd be happy for Microsoft to make two machines at two price and capability points, so long as Microsoft do not insist on parity between the two machines. However, if they insist on parity, then it almost begs the question of what would be the point in owning the better one of the two? If the less capable one is still better than the Series X, then is the PCBox even worth having if it is going to cost twice as much, or maybe even more than that? However for me, the real nightmare will be when someone brings out a better Xbox than Microsoft's PCBox because I don't want to be spending thousands constantly upgrading in order to have the best possible one...
As someone who does not read all the different social media sites at all, for any subject, @FraserG, I do really appreciate these articles as for me all the rumours slowly build into digestible information. Basically, we are gradually building a picture as the meat is put on the bones.
Is anything set in stone? No, but we do glean just a little more with each of these articles. We get to see consistent rumours that when repeated often enough build into definite possibilities.
So, I for one am happy to keep reading these types of articles as I feel it slowly builds the excitement for what is coming (hopefully next year!)...
I agree with most of what you say, @fatpunkslim. Only thing I would say is that you can buy third-party codes on sites other than the PlayStation Store. Loaded.com has loads of them, for example. That does not only apply to third-party games though, I was actually surprised to see Sony first-party games on there too. No doubt that Xbox does this better in my view though, and the prices are often far better...
Great article, @FraserG, had me reminiscing about the time I played it when it first came out. I still have it on 360 disc, as well as owning 2 and 3.
Reading this has me wanting to play it too, though I think I'm going to wait for the upcoming Fable, because I'm not one for replaying really old games, and who likes ugly people in games anyway... 😂
I think that is potentially part of the reason, @tho_mi, but that also needs to be weighed up against the install base on the PlayStation being around 3 times larger. In other words, there are many more people that could potentially stumble across any given game.
I think the real issue when it comes to the PlayStation Store is the amount of what I assume are AI games that go on there. I've been going through the sales on the PlayStation Store for the past couple of weeks and two things struck me; firstly there are often something like 5-10 more or less identical games that obviously mean it takes longer to bypass all of them, and secondly it seems to me that all the DLC seems to be listed individually on the PS Store, whereas you tend to click on the base game on the Xbox Store and then scroll down to find the DLC, which means there are far fewer games that you have to scroll through.
I've often questioned why when Xbox has a 1000 games on sale, that PlayStation has 5000, and I think it is mostly down to the way the games are displayed on each store. I think both have their pros and cons, but I think Xbox does it slightly better, and they are better at weeding out those pesky AI games...
Good for them! I wonder how much the game cost to make, and what the profit margin actually is (if there is any). I know nothing about these things, but I would have thought that a PR company alone would have cost more than $9k.
Thank you, @RiverGenie & @Titntin. I'll definitely pick this one up next time I see it on sale then. It was on sale recently, and I opted to give it a miss because of some of the reviews, but I was really on the fence about it because it looks like something I would really enjoy.
I love the King Arthur lore; loved the television series Merlin, and Excalibur is one of my favourite films of all time. I'm actually playing a King Arthur game at the moment, though it does not really follow the lore, it is still very entertaining.
Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy the game, and I'll definitely be picking this one up soon...
I'm really interested in Tainted Grail, @Titntin & @RiverGenie, I've seen it's performance criticised, how are you finding it, and where are you playing it...?
Thank you, @Cakefish. Truth is, I always end up levelling myself up quite a bit in most Souls games because I often have to rely on brute force when my skill levels aren't quite up to scratch. I am very much looking forward to playing the game.
The last Souls-like game I played was Lies of P in 2024, and that was superb...
I am on the 51st mission in King Arthur: Knight's Tale, which I am very much enjoying. I only have a couple of side quests, and one main mission left, I believe, so I may actually finish the game tomorrow. Then I will be jumping on Code Vein 2.
Also, today, I am about to jump on a Horde in Gears 5 with my mate, where we will attempt an Inconceivable run as just a duo (with 3 useless bots!).
We attempted a Master run yesterday as a trio, with my youngest son as the third player, but he's not available today. Unfortunately a bit of bad luck ended our two runs firstly on wave 30 and then on the second run on wave 40. We'll knock it out next weekend, I reckon, which will then mean we have Mastered 14 out of the 37 maps as just a trio in a mode meant for a team of 5, which is pretty good going. Both my mate and myself are in the top 100 rankings for our classes in the World, and we dedicate a lot of time to the game. Hopefully E-Day will offer a quality Horde mode too, and I cannot wait to see what they have cooked up there...
Gears of War on Insane, and Halo on Legendary are far from easy, @DaPrince, and that is how they are best played. Solo makes them tougher still, and is how I prefer to play them. Granted, they are much easier on Easy (the clue is in the name), and what have you, but I have to push back on them being easy because that simply is not true. I always recommend that these games are played solo on the hardest difficulties because that way you do learn to get good at them.
As for Tactics, it is indeed a great game, and another one that was very pleasing to manage to beat on Insane. Hopefully we get a sequel to it, though I have a feeling that with Microsoft seeking that 30% profit margin, that they won't greenlight another one, which is a shame...
I don't think so, @Grumblevolcano. I think you'll find that E-Day is the start of a new trilogy. Truth is we may never get to see Gears 6, and if we do, it'll be something like 20 years from now, which kind of renders it pointless...
Absolutely agree, @Elbow. I've long been saying that Reloaded was nothing more than a performance boost.
With regards too 2 and 3, rumours of the existence of all 3 games having been remastered as a Marcus Fenix Trilogy have been doing the rounds for about 2 years now, so it is entirely possible that the games are already good to go, and the only reason that Microsoft broke the collection into 3 releases is because it would be easier to sell each individual game at £40, than to sell the entire collection at £120. Of course, Microsoft would then need to sit on each game for a few months so as not to be accused of having done precisely that.
Basically, you are absolutely right that the two sequels will need much more work, but it may already have been completed, and Microsoft are biding their time when it comes to releasing them...
You make a good point, @Balaam_, and, assuming that GTA 6 is not delayed, I think it more likely that Microsoft will bring the release of FH6 forward, rather than push it back into next year. Honestly, I bet Microsoft are pretty annoyed behind the scenes that they are not able to get the game on the PlayStation the same day as it releases on the Xbox because they know that many PlayStation gamers will play the game via Game Pass rather wait for it to release on the PlayStation. Every month that it is delayed getting on to the PlayStation will see probably thousands of lost sales, so I'm pretty sure Microsoft will want it on PlayStation at the earliest opportunity. And of course there is always the chance that Microsoft will believe that GTA 6 and FH6 could co-exist in the same month because they are entirely different games, and may appeal to completely different gamers, but I think that the less likely option.
It's going to be fascinating to see how Microsoft deal with the release of many of their games this year (and next), and GTA 6 is a giant spanner in the works for every developer out there...
All possible, @superjas. I think that the reason we are getting E-Day, and not Gears 6, is because Microsoft decided to bring the franchise to PlayStation, and thus when development for the game began, it began with all platforms in mind (maybe not the Switch 2, yet, but in time, maybe). So I think Microsoft will be bringing it to PlayStation day one.
Another advantage in them doing that is that there will be some that primarily game on the PlayStation who would play the game on Game Pass rather than wait for it to release on PlayStation, whereas if it was available day one on the PlayStation, they may be more minded to buy it, which is undoubtedly what Microsoft would prefer.
Honestly, I'm pretty confident that it will release day and date everywhere (though I have been known to get things wrong!)... 😂
I entirely agree with you, @betterthings. My caveat would be that I think GTA 6 is likely to be delayed again, and I think that is what Microsoft will be banking on. Worse case scenario (for Microsoft) is that they bring forward the release of FH6 or push the release back to December.
I agree, @betterthings. We are all guinea pigs at the end of the day. Personally I don't use Cloud, but only because I have no need too. It is a fantastic addition for those that want it though, and doubtless it will get better over time, and be of more use to more people in the long run...
I don't know how the Xbox side of things is going to work on the PCBox, @Millionski. I have a decent gaming PC and yet the Xbox app can take ages to open sometimes, so I really hope they don't take that route.
What Microsoft will do in an effort to have people buy their games from the Xbox store, I really do not know. If you only have the PCBox, then Play Anywhere is utterly useless to you. Quick resume is nice, but if you can save £10 or more buying games via Steam, then having a minutes inconvenience whilst you load a save for a game is not the end of the World. The more money you can save when buying your games, the more games you can buy, and I'd take that over Quick Resume any day...
Agree with everything you say, @Millionski. I have long been saying that Game Pass cannot continue to exist in its current guise. I think the release of the PCBox will be a headache for Microsoft when it comes to Game Pass on PC because if people do buy the PCBox, and they have existing Ultimate, people will legitimately want to be able to convert it to PC Game Pass, which is obviously cheaper. I think those of us that have Game Pass stacked will be wanting our subscriptions to be extended when converting to PC Game Pass, but I cannot see Microsoft agreeing to it, which would be unfair because then some would be using PC Game Pass at a cheaper rate than those that moved over to the PCBox who are stuck on Ultimate (hopefully all that makes sense!).
I have said before that I think Microsoft are hoping that by increasing the price of Ultimate, people will either drop off the service completely, or will pick Premium instead, which is probably Microsoft's preference. I don't think Ultimate is sustainable, and I believe Microsoft are trying to basically price people out of the tier in the hope of abandoning the day one first-party titles on the service.
I'd love to know the true income from Game Pass for each tier, and also how the recent 50% increase went down. I'm pretty sure many people left Ultimate to move to a different tier of left the service altogether...
As I wrote in a previous article, my thinking is that the release schedule will be as follows:
May: Forza Horizon 6 - now confirmed, but I did say May before it was confirmed! 😉
July: Halo Combat Remastered
August: Gears Of War: E-day. Day and date on the PlayStation too.
September: Fable
October: Call of Duty
November : GTA 6 if it is not delayed into 2027
November: Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation.
There also exists the small possibility of Gears of War 2: Reloaded, and Fallout 3: Remastered coming in the months when there are no big first-party games incoming. The reason I think GoW2:R may exist is because for about a year we were hearing rumours of the existence of remasters of the entire trilogy, so it makes sense that the second game may already be ready.
I think the fly in the ointment will be the if GTA 6 is delayed because it does create a void in the release schedule, one that Microsoft might have game on standby in order to fill it. So for example, Microsoft might be lining up Clockwork Revolution as a game to slot into November should GTA 6 not release, but equally, they may be content to allow a bit more polish on the game and hold it back until next year should GTA 6 actually come out. Obviously it might be something other than Clockwork Revolution, but I do think Microsoft have enough games brewing that they could fill that vacancy if need be...
As I said on the other article, @FraserG, Starfield will release on the PS5, and it will likely coincide with the release of the new expansion. It makes sense for Bethesda to try and have a Cyberpunk 2077 rebirth moment, and immediately release it on the PlayStation in April...
Really looking forward to Pragmata, but I won't be playing the demo because I know I shall be pre-ordering it anyway. I don't need a demo to convince me. Very excited for it. Plus this shows that Capcom have confidence in the game, which is very good news...
I had to take a moment reading this '2026/06/02', @Kezelpaso. My thought process was, 'Crikey! You've only got until tomorrow to secure these bonuses!'... 😂
Agreed, @fatpunkslim, and truth be told we don't disagree on everything. I think we just have a different outlook on life. What we do really have in common though, is a passion for all things Xbox. For both of us we hold them in higher regard than the competition...
Turok: Origins looks excellent. Here's hoping that it is fully playable solo, and there are not parts you are locked out from unless playing as a group because I don't like people...! 😂
Pragmata is a game that I shall be pre-ordering closer to its release date. It looks so good, and exactly the type of game I enjoy...
I've been saying for a while that Starfield will make the jump to PlayStation early this year, and I think that it will be shown at the Nintendo showcase, but release on both the Switch 2 and the PS5 on the same day.
Question is, will the new expansion release at the same time?
Thank you for taking the time to explain, @FraserG, I'm sure you have better things to do than converse with old fools like me! 😂
I get what you mean now. I've always thought of Ultimate as being the domain of consoles, albeit I was aware that it also allowed you to play the games on PC too.
Clearly I was a little confused here. My apologies...
I think once a game is in your Epic library you will get to keep it, and crucially, have it available on the PCBox, @BacklogBrad. I honestly cannot see them doing anything else. Regardless, for the minute it takes to add the game to your library each week, I think it a risk worth taking.
Obviously not every game is available to buy through CDKeys (in fact the vast majority are not), but what I do use them for is buying Xbox gift cards because a £50 gift card on CDKeys costs £46, meaning you get a de facto discount on every game that you buy on Xbox when using a gift card. I have literally saved hundreds of pounds this way because I usually add £100 in to my Xbox account each month, whereas in fact that £100 actually cost me £92, and I've been doing this for years. 😉
PlayStation is even better though; a £70 gift card for the UK costs £60, which is frankly ridiculous, whereas Steam is a little more stingy insomuch as a £50 gift card costs £48. It's still a saving of course, and it all adds up and helps...
You make good arguments on both sides, @themightyant, and I have said it a number of times, but watching all of this playout is fascinating.
I think it fair to say that I am a glass half-empty kind of guy, because life has had a habit of surprising me and kicking me in the nuts in the process.
I am heavily invested in Xbox, and have seen so many disappointing turns from Microsoft's management of Xbox in recent times that I have lost pretty much all faith in them (and I do specifically think this is Microsoft's senior management, and not those in charge (sort of!) at Xbox itself.
Seeing Xbox fail in any regard is not what I want, but I just get the feeling that is precisely what we will see (and with that I am specifically referring to their new consoles and Game Pass, though as I said above, I think it will play out over around 3 to 5 years after the release of the PCBox). As a publisher they are going great guns, and I think they will only do better in the future when they get fully used to the new position...
Menace is the only one that looks remotely interesting. Will be interested to see how it transfers over to consoles, bearing in mind that the above video was clearly captured on PC. The game also releases tomorrow on Steam, so it is not possible to read any user reviews as yet...
Comments 4,305
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From February 2026's State Of Play
It is, from what I've read up 'till now, @StylesT. Looked really good too...
Re: Roundup: All The Xbox Reveals From February 2026's State Of Play
Control: Resonant looked very promising.
If the John Wick game plays as well as the trailer looked, then it will be something very special.
Beast of Reincarnation, and Crimson Moon both look like they could be very good indeed.
Project Windless was probably the game that looked the most astounding in the showcase. It looked pretty amazing.
However, I don't know what it is about the game, but 007: First Light just looks... off. The melee combat has no meat to it. It looks like he's a Grandma slapping people with a wet fish...
Re: Deals: Xbox Lunar New Year Sale 2026 Now Live, 900+ Games Discounted
Absolutely, @chesheer! I jumped into the sales with over £100 in my account, and over 60k in points, only to walk away empty handed as there was nothing that I wanted...
Re: Deals: Xbox Lunar New Year Sale 2026 Now Live, 900+ Games Discounted
Cronos: The New Dawn, is a brilliant game that was my Game of the Year for 2025. Don't miss out. It's a steal at this price...
Re: A Supermassive Horror Game Is Coming In Early 2026 As 'Directive 8020' Plots May Release Date
The game looks pretty good. I'd like to see some reviews before deciding whether, or not, to buy it though...
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
As someone that already owns a gaming PC, @Cakefish & @Llamageddon, my biggest concern about the PCBox is whether it will actually offer a console experience. I do not enjoy all the faff that comes with trying to get games running properly on my PC, albeit that it has become better in recent times. And it is for this reason alone that I have not used it except for one game in years. Instead I always use my Xbox console because I love the ease of switching it on, selecting a game, and just playing.
When I first got into PC gaming back in 2014, I spent many a night planning to play a game with a couple of my mates only for one of us (usually me!) to be unable to either connect with one another in game, or simply being unable to get the game to run. Too often I would start a game up and it would begin in such a large resolution that you could not locate the menu settings in order to fix the resolution. It was frankly ridiculous. I do believe that this has got better over more recent years, but it is the reason I avoid playing on my PC, and I dread the idea of returning to those times.
If, like me, you do not understand what you are doing, then gaming on a PC is an absolute nightmare when things go wrong, which they frequently do.
I am hoping for a proper console experience where I can just turn it on and play, as we do now, but I fear there may be a fair few hoops to jump through each time we start the PCBox up, which is not what I want at all...
Re: Sony Is Hosting A Huge State Of Play This Week, Do You Think We'll Get Any Big Xbox Reveals?
Hi, @Kaloudz. Good to see you back. It's not the same without you here to torment! 😂
I was thinking much the same yesterday when I read this article; Sony have not made the same commitment as Microsoft to put which platforms a given game is releasing on, meaning that even if a game is coming to the Xbox it will not be immediately apparent.
Anyway, that's enough agreement between the two of us. Let's get back to arguing... 😉
Re: Sony Is Hosting A Huge State Of Play This Week, Do You Think We'll Get Any Big Xbox Reveals?
I expect Resident Evil: Requiem to feature. However, what I'd really like to see is some Control: Resonant gameplay.
I also expect to see Starfield: The Complete Edition to be announced for the PS5 and dated to land on the PlayStation in April, together with the latest expansion/update...
Re: Replaced's Final Previews Are In, And We Could Be In For A Big Surprise On Xbox Game Pass
I know, @jesse_dylan. I'm sure I miss out on a lot of games I would like, but I like my games to have properly defined imagery rather than being pixelated. I always think games like this look dated because they have graphics from games I used to play in the last century... 😂
Re: Replaced's Final Previews Are In, And We Could Be In For A Big Surprise On Xbox Game Pass
I'm not really a fan of side-scrolling games to start with, but throw in an art style that I strongly dislike, and it's almost certainly a no from me. Shame really because the set up sounds interesting...
Re: Crisol: Theater Of Idols Brings Its 'Gripping' Survival Horror Adventure To Xbox This Week
It looks really good. I love the vibrancy of the colours and art style. Definitely be keeping an eye on this one...
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
Thank you, @fatpunkslim. So am I right in thinking then that you do not think Microsoft will continue to produce the Series consoles, nor will they make a secondary cheaper console as a replacement for the Series consoles as a cheaper / weaker alternative to the PCBox...?
Re: Microsoft Apparently 'Expects' The Xbox Series Era To Last, Despite Next-Gen Plans
I haven't played anything on my Pro yet, @OldGamer999. I'm still finishing a game on my Series X, and will probably then go and play another on it straight after because I pre-ordered it and have yet to play it.
The first game that I play on my Pro will be Resident Evil: Requiem, and I am very much looking forward to it...
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
I'd be up for that, @Coletrain. So long as it is affordable...! I don't want a £50,000 super computer that will never be beaten just to play games on... 🤣
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
That's good to know, @fatpunkslim, but do you not think there is still a danger of, particularly first-party titles, targeting specs for the less capable machine, and then just using those same specs for the PCBox? After all, the more variants of the game you have to produce, the longer it will take, and the more it will cost to develop. So what's to stop Microsoft from building a game for the lower spec'd console, and then just using the same for the PC? To be clear, I don't really know how these things work, so it is a genuine question...
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
As someone that suffers terribly from FOMO, @Coletrain, the idea that there might be a slightly better Xbox than the one I have is the the stuff of nightmares... 🤣
Re: Microsoft Apparently 'Expects' The Xbox Series Era To Last, Despite Next-Gen Plans
I'd be surprised if Microsoft expect to have more than 10 million lifetime sales of a machine that cost £1000. And the higher the cost of the machine, the more that 10 million will fall off. So at £1200 probably 8 million, £1500 5 million, and so on. Basically, the more it costs, the fewer people will buy it.
I've said time and time again that I think developers will continue to target the PS5 and the Series X for the entirety of the next generation. Both machines are more than capable, and for most of us they are more than sufficient. The question is, with the Series consoles being harder and harder to find even now, will Microsoft want to expand production of them again to be the little brother of the PCBox? You'd think they would, but this is Microsoft we're talking about here.
Not sure I think the S will be capable of lasting the entirety of the next generation, but I guess the Switch 2 may be some kind of safety net for the S because they both have much the same power, and the Switch 2 has probably another 8 or 9 years in it yet, and developers keen to target the Switch have no real excuse not to have the S in mind too. My only hope it that neither the S nor the Switch 2 are allowed to hold back the generation in anyway., Not a lot of point in paying a premium price for a premium console if you are not going to get a premium experience...!
Re: Report: Xbox Working With OEMs To Build Next-Gen Options For 'A Range Of Price Points'
See, I loathe this approach, @Coletrain! First off, I want the machine to be built by Microsoft. I don't want a badge system. One that gets Microsoft's seal of approval. I want it to be actually made by Microsoft.
Secondly, I fear we may end up in the same position next generation, if Microsoft do go down the route of having a less powerful console, as we have this generation, with the S, wherein the less powerful console will either hold back the premium one, or at least be perceived to be doing so, which is just as damaging to the brand.
Lastly, the rumour is that different makers will produce different price point machines, which sound great on paper, until you find that the one you bought is no longer the best one available. In other words, you drop £1000 or more on the PCBox in 2027, only to see an even better iteration built by someone else in 2028, and then an even better one in 2029 and so on. That is a nightmare scenario for me because I will always want the best version available.
Personally, I'd be happy for Microsoft to make two machines at two price and capability points, so long as Microsoft do not insist on parity between the two machines. However, if they insist on parity, then it almost begs the question of what would be the point in owning the better one of the two? If the less capable one is still better than the Series X, then is the PCBox even worth having if it is going to cost twice as much, or maybe even more than that? However for me, the real nightmare will be when someone brings out a better Xbox than Microsoft's PCBox because I don't want to be spending thousands constantly upgrading in order to have the best possible one...
Re: Report: Next Year Is 'Best Case Scenario' For New Xbox Console, Microsoft Still Unsure On Price
As someone who does not read all the different social media sites at all, for any subject, @FraserG, I do really appreciate these articles as for me all the rumours slowly build into digestible information. Basically, we are gradually building a picture as the meat is put on the bones.
Is anything set in stone? No, but we do glean just a little more with each of these articles. We get to see consistent rumours that when repeated often enough build into definite possibilities.
So, I for one am happy to keep reading these types of articles as I feel it slowly builds the excitement for what is coming (hopefully next year!)...
Re: Indie Publisher Spends $0 Marketing Their New Game, Sells Most Copies On Xbox
I agree with most of what you say, @fatpunkslim. Only thing I would say is that you can buy third-party codes on sites other than the PlayStation Store. Loaded.com has loads of them, for example. That does not only apply to third-party games though, I was actually surprised to see Sony first-party games on there too. No doubt that Xbox does this better in my view though, and the prices are often far better...
Re: I'm Playing Fable 1 For The First Time, And Here Are Five Things That Have Surprised Me
Great article, @FraserG, had me reminiscing about the time I played it when it first came out. I still have it on 360 disc, as well as owning 2 and 3.
Reading this has me wanting to play it too, though I think I'm going to wait for the upcoming Fable, because I'm not one for replaying really old games, and who likes ugly people in games anyway... 😂
Re: Indie Publisher Spends $0 Marketing Their New Game, Sells Most Copies On Xbox
I think that is potentially part of the reason, @tho_mi, but that also needs to be weighed up against the install base on the PlayStation being around 3 times larger. In other words, there are many more people that could potentially stumble across any given game.
I think the real issue when it comes to the PlayStation Store is the amount of what I assume are AI games that go on there. I've been going through the sales on the PlayStation Store for the past couple of weeks and two things struck me; firstly there are often something like 5-10 more or less identical games that obviously mean it takes longer to bypass all of them, and secondly it seems to me that all the DLC seems to be listed individually on the PS Store, whereas you tend to click on the base game on the Xbox Store and then scroll down to find the DLC, which means there are far fewer games that you have to scroll through.
I've often questioned why when Xbox has a 1000 games on sale, that PlayStation has 5000, and I think it is mostly down to the way the games are displayed on each store. I think both have their pros and cons, but I think Xbox does it slightly better, and they are better at weeding out those pesky AI games...
Re: Indie Publisher Spends $0 Marketing Their New Game, Sells Most Copies On Xbox
Good for them! I wonder how much the game cost to make, and what the profit margin actually is (if there is any). I know nothing about these things, but I would have thought that a PR company alone would have cost more than $9k.
Anyway, I wish them good luck...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 7-8)
Thank you, @RiverGenie & @Titntin. I'll definitely pick this one up next time I see it on sale then. It was on sale recently, and I opted to give it a miss because of some of the reviews, but I was really on the fence about it because it looks like something I would really enjoy.
I love the King Arthur lore; loved the television series Merlin, and Excalibur is one of my favourite films of all time. I'm actually playing a King Arthur game at the moment, though it does not really follow the lore, it is still very entertaining.
Thanks for the feedback. Enjoy the game, and I'll definitely be picking this one up soon...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 7-8)
I'm really interested in Tainted Grail, @Titntin & @RiverGenie, I've seen it's performance criticised, how are you finding it, and where are you playing it...?
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 7-8)
Thank you, @Cakefish. Truth is, I always end up levelling myself up quite a bit in most Souls games because I often have to rely on brute force when my skill levels aren't quite up to scratch. I am very much looking forward to playing the game.
The last Souls-like game I played was Lies of P in 2024, and that was superb...
Re: Talking Point: What Are You Playing This Weekend? (February 7-8)
I am on the 51st mission in King Arthur: Knight's Tale, which I am very much enjoying. I only have a couple of side quests, and one main mission left, I believe, so I may actually finish the game tomorrow. Then I will be jumping on Code Vein 2.
Also, today, I am about to jump on a Horde in Gears 5 with my mate, where we will attempt an Inconceivable run as just a duo (with 3 useless bots!).
We attempted a Master run yesterday as a trio, with my youngest son as the third player, but he's not available today. Unfortunately a bit of bad luck ended our two runs firstly on wave 30 and then on the second run on wave 40. We'll knock it out next weekend, I reckon, which will then mean we have Mastered 14 out of the 37 maps as just a trio in a mode meant for a team of 5, which is pretty good going. Both my mate and myself are in the top 100 rankings for our classes in the World, and we dedicate a lot of time to the game. Hopefully E-Day will offer a quality Horde mode too, and I cannot wait to see what they have cooked up there...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
Gears of War on Insane, and Halo on Legendary are far from easy, @DaPrince, and that is how they are best played. Solo makes them tougher still, and is how I prefer to play them. Granted, they are much easier on Easy (the clue is in the name), and what have you, but I have to push back on them being easy because that simply is not true. I always recommend that these games are played solo on the hardest difficulties because that way you do learn to get good at them.
As for Tactics, it is indeed a great game, and another one that was very pleasing to manage to beat on Insane. Hopefully we get a sequel to it, though I have a feeling that with Microsoft seeking that 30% profit margin, that they won't greenlight another one, which is a shame...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
I don't think so, @Grumblevolcano. I think you'll find that E-Day is the start of a new trilogy. Truth is we may never get to see Gears 6, and if we do, it'll be something like 20 years from now, which kind of renders it pointless...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
Absolutely agree, @Elbow. I've long been saying that Reloaded was nothing more than a performance boost.
With regards too 2 and 3, rumours of the existence of all 3 games having been remastered as a Marcus Fenix Trilogy have been doing the rounds for about 2 years now, so it is entirely possible that the games are already good to go, and the only reason that Microsoft broke the collection into 3 releases is because it would be easier to sell each individual game at £40, than to sell the entire collection at £120. Of course, Microsoft would then need to sit on each game for a few months so as not to be accused of having done precisely that.
Basically, you are absolutely right that the two sequels will need much more work, but it may already have been completed, and Microsoft are biding their time when it comes to releasing them...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
You make a good point, @Balaam_, and, assuming that GTA 6 is not delayed, I think it more likely that Microsoft will bring the release of FH6 forward, rather than push it back into next year. Honestly, I bet Microsoft are pretty annoyed behind the scenes that they are not able to get the game on the PlayStation the same day as it releases on the Xbox because they know that many PlayStation gamers will play the game via Game Pass rather wait for it to release on the PlayStation. Every month that it is delayed getting on to the PlayStation will see probably thousands of lost sales, so I'm pretty sure Microsoft will want it on PlayStation at the earliest opportunity. And of course there is always the chance that Microsoft will believe that GTA 6 and FH6 could co-exist in the same month because they are entirely different games, and may appeal to completely different gamers, but I think that the less likely option.
It's going to be fascinating to see how Microsoft deal with the release of many of their games this year (and next), and GTA 6 is a giant spanner in the works for every developer out there...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
All possible, @superjas. I think that the reason we are getting E-Day, and not Gears 6, is because Microsoft decided to bring the franchise to PlayStation, and thus when development for the game began, it began with all platforms in mind (maybe not the Switch 2, yet, but in time, maybe). So I think Microsoft will be bringing it to PlayStation day one.
Another advantage in them doing that is that there will be some that primarily game on the PlayStation who would play the game on Game Pass rather than wait for it to release on PlayStation, whereas if it was available day one on the PlayStation, they may be more minded to buy it, which is undoubtedly what Microsoft would prefer.
Honestly, I'm pretty confident that it will release day and date everywhere (though I have been known to get things wrong!)... 😂
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
I entirely agree with you, @betterthings. My caveat would be that I think GTA 6 is likely to be delayed again, and I think that is what Microsoft will be banking on. Worse case scenario (for Microsoft) is that they bring forward the release of FH6 or push the release back to December.
My money is on GTA 6 being delayed... 😉
Re: Xbox Begins Testing New Monthly Quest For Microsoft Rewards Users
I agree, @betterthings. We are all guinea pigs at the end of the day. Personally I don't use Cloud, but only because I have no need too. It is a fantastic addition for those that want it though, and doubtless it will get better over time, and be of more use to more people in the long run...
Re: 'We've Been Talking To Microsoft' - Epic Games Wants Its Store On The Next Xbox Console
I don't know how the Xbox side of things is going to work on the PCBox, @Millionski. I have a decent gaming PC and yet the Xbox app can take ages to open sometimes, so I really hope they don't take that route.
What Microsoft will do in an effort to have people buy their games from the Xbox store, I really do not know. If you only have the PCBox, then Play Anywhere is utterly useless to you. Quick resume is nice, but if you can save £10 or more buying games via Steam, then having a minutes inconvenience whilst you load a save for a game is not the end of the World. The more money you can save when buying your games, the more games you can buy, and I'd take that over Quick Resume any day...
Re: 'We've Been Talking To Microsoft' - Epic Games Wants Its Store On The Next Xbox Console
Agree with everything you say, @Millionski. I have long been saying that Game Pass cannot continue to exist in its current guise. I think the release of the PCBox will be a headache for Microsoft when it comes to Game Pass on PC because if people do buy the PCBox, and they have existing Ultimate, people will legitimately want to be able to convert it to PC Game Pass, which is obviously cheaper. I think those of us that have Game Pass stacked will be wanting our subscriptions to be extended when converting to PC Game Pass, but I cannot see Microsoft agreeing to it, which would be unfair because then some would be using PC Game Pass at a cheaper rate than those that moved over to the PCBox who are stuck on Ultimate (hopefully all that makes sense!).
I have said before that I think Microsoft are hoping that by increasing the price of Ultimate, people will either drop off the service completely, or will pick Premium instead, which is probably Microsoft's preference. I don't think Ultimate is sustainable, and I believe Microsoft are trying to basically price people out of the tier in the hope of abandoning the day one first-party titles on the service.
I'd love to know the true income from Game Pass for each tier, and also how the recent 50% increase went down. I'm pretty sure many people left Ultimate to move to a different tier of left the service altogether...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
As I wrote in a previous article, my thinking is that the release schedule will be as follows:
May: Forza Horizon 6 - now confirmed, but I did say May before it was confirmed! 😉
July: Halo Combat Remastered
August: Gears Of War: E-day. Day and date on the PlayStation too.
September: Fable
October: Call of Duty
November : GTA 6 if it is not delayed into 2027
November: Forza Horizon 6 on PlayStation.
There also exists the small possibility of Gears of War 2: Reloaded, and Fallout 3: Remastered coming in the months when there are no big first-party games incoming. The reason I think GoW2:R may exist is because for about a year we were hearing rumours of the existence of remasters of the entire trilogy, so it makes sense that the second game may already be ready.
I think the fly in the ointment will be the if GTA 6 is delayed because it does create a void in the release schedule, one that Microsoft might have game on standby in order to fill it. So for example, Microsoft might be lining up Clockwork Revolution as a game to slot into November should GTA 6 not release, but equally, they may be content to allow a bit more polish on the game and hold it back until next year should GTA 6 actually come out. Obviously it might be something other than Clockwork Revolution, but I do think Microsoft have enough games brewing that they could fill that vacancy if need be...
Re: Xbox Release Windows Teased For Halo, Gears, Kiln & New Starfield Content In 2026
As I said on the other article, @FraserG, Starfield will release on the PS5, and it will likely coincide with the release of the new expansion. It makes sense for Bethesda to try and have a Cyberpunk 2077 rebirth moment, and immediately release it on the PlayStation in April...
Re: Two Upcoming Capcom Titles Get Free Demos On The Xbox Store
Really looking forward to Pragmata, but I won't be playing the demo because I know I shall be pre-ordering it anyway. I don't need a demo to convince me. Very excited for it. Plus this shows that Capcom have confidence in the game, which is very good news...
Re: Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth Hits Xbox Series X|S This June, Pre-Order Discount Now Available
I had to take a moment reading this '2026/06/02', @Kezelpaso. My thought process was, 'Crikey! You've only got until tomorrow to secure these bonuses!'... 😂
Re: Multiple Games Announced For Xbox Following February 2026's Nintendo Direct
Agreed, @fatpunkslim, and truth be told we don't disagree on everything. I think we just have a different outlook on life. What we do really have in common though, is a passion for all things Xbox. For both of us we hold them in higher regard than the competition...
Re: Multiple Games Announced For Xbox Following February 2026's Nintendo Direct
Turok: Origins looks excellent. Here's hoping that it is fully playable solo, and there are not parts you are locked out from unless playing as a group because I don't like people...! 😂
Pragmata is a game that I shall be pre-ordering closer to its release date. It looks so good, and exactly the type of game I enjoy...
Re: Three Xbox Games Dated For Nintendo Switch 2, Starfield Also Rumoured For PS5 In April
I've been saying for a while that Starfield will make the jump to PlayStation early this year, and I think that it will be shown at the Nintendo showcase, but release on both the Switch 2 and the PS5 on the same day.
Question is, will the new expansion release at the same time?
Any knowledge on that last part, @FraserG..?
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 5)
Thank you for taking the time to explain, @FraserG, I'm sure you have better things to do than converse with old fools like me! 😂
I get what you mean now. I've always thought of Ultimate as being the domain of consoles, albeit I was aware that it also allowed you to play the games on PC too.
Clearly I was a little confused here. My apologies...
Re: 'We've Been Talking To Microsoft' - Epic Games Wants Its Store On The Next Xbox Console
I think once a game is in your Epic library you will get to keep it, and crucially, have it available on the PCBox, @BacklogBrad. I honestly cannot see them doing anything else. Regardless, for the minute it takes to add the game to your library each week, I think it a risk worth taking.
Obviously not every game is available to buy through CDKeys (in fact the vast majority are not), but what I do use them for is buying Xbox gift cards because a £50 gift card on CDKeys costs £46, meaning you get a de facto discount on every game that you buy on Xbox when using a gift card. I have literally saved hundreds of pounds this way because I usually add £100 in to my Xbox account each month, whereas in fact that £100 actually cost me £92, and I've been doing this for years. 😉
PlayStation is even better though; a £70 gift card for the UK costs £60, which is frankly ridiculous, whereas Steam is a little more stingy insomuch as a £50 gift card costs £48. It's still a saving of course, and it all adds up and helps...
Re: 'We've Been Talking To Microsoft' - Epic Games Wants Its Store On The Next Xbox Console
You make good arguments on both sides, @themightyant, and I have said it a number of times, but watching all of this playout is fascinating.
I think it fair to say that I am a glass half-empty kind of guy, because life has had a habit of surprising me and kicking me in the nuts in the process.
I am heavily invested in Xbox, and have seen so many disappointing turns from Microsoft's management of Xbox in recent times that I have lost pretty much all faith in them (and I do specifically think this is Microsoft's senior management, and not those in charge (sort of!) at Xbox itself.
Seeing Xbox fail in any regard is not what I want, but I just get the feeling that is precisely what we will see (and with that I am specifically referring to their new consoles and Game Pass, though as I said above, I think it will play out over around 3 to 5 years after the release of the PCBox). As a publisher they are going great guns, and I think they will only do better in the future when they get fully used to the new position...
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 5)
Oh! I thought Game Pass on PC is called PC Game Pass, @FraserG. Is that incorrect...?
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 5)
Wait, what, @FraserG!?! It says Menace is on Ultimate above...
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 5)
Pleasing to see the 'NONE OF THE ABOVE' option being available, so thank you, @Kezelpaso & @FraserG.
Re: Three Games Are Available Today With Xbox Game Pass (February 5)
Menace is the only one that looks remotely interesting. Will be interested to see how it transfers over to consoles, bearing in mind that the above video was clearly captured on PC. The game also releases tomorrow on Steam, so it is not possible to read any user reviews as yet...