It’s only been out for a weekend, but already Star Wars Jedi: Survivor is on sale for $10 off at Amazon. The deal applies to physical copies of the game on Xbox Series X and PS5, and you do have to clip the on-page coupon to get the discount. It’s rare these days to see a discount so early on a game this good (see our 9/10 review). If you pick it up, make sure to clip the on-page coupon, or you’ll end up paying full price.
Get Star Wars Jedi: Survivor for $59.99 at Amazon
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor takes place five years after the events of Fallen Order. It puts you back in the shoes of Cal Kestis as you re-assemble your squad and take on the Imperial threat. Unlike many games of this type, you get to keep the abilities Cal learned in the first game, so you can wall run, zipline, and double-jump to your heart’s content from the very start.
I picked up this game on Xbox Series X, and had a grand old time over the weekend using various lightsaber stances to fight my way out of a dangerous mission on Coruscant. Then I made it to a new planet, where I went off the beaten path and immediately got destroyed by a rancor. Such is live in a galaxy far, far away.
If you’ve had your eye on Jedi: Survivor and you own a current-gen console, I’d say this is definitely worth picking up for the price. Otherwise, like all games from all developers besides Nintendo, I’m sure we’ll see a deeper discount on it in a couple of months.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Twitter @_chrislreed or on Mastodon @chrislreed.
Wild Dogs borrows almost everything from Konami’s classic Contra series, and this is a good thing. Initially glowing in perfect shades of monochromatic green and formed like a beautifully detailed Game Boy title, it’s both visually pleasing and successful in its nostalgic reimaginings.
Playing as mercenary Frank.Williams and his doggy companion Teddy, this run-and-gun pits you against alien hordes through several lengthy missions. It’s stuffed with superb bosses and pacy vehicle pursuits, ranging from missile-rocking helicopters to gun-laden cars and motorcycles. It has Contra III’s dual weapon wielding and switching structure, the ability to fix your aim with the ZR trigger, and a double jump available right off the bat. The weapons range from homing missiles and boomerang lasers to flamethrowers and the all-eclipsing, still wildly lucrative spread gun.
I grew up in Bangkok, Thailand, a bustling, metropolis dotted with Buddhist temples, street food stalls, and corporate skyscrapers; a city where diverse views are appreciated. Growing up, I had the privilege of attending the International School Bangkok, so speaking English was natural for me. I love to play video games with many of my Thai friends, although I remember the disappointment of many who were unable to play the same games with me because of a language barrier. I’ve lived in Pakistan, Japan, Australia, Thailand and currently in Seattle, where Xbox is headquartered. I’m grateful to have had exposure to various cultures, beliefs, and stories. My goal is to take what I’ve learned from each of these experiences to expand gaming and develop local talent with Xbox in Southeast Asia.
I am a Senior Xbox Product Marketing Manager. This career path is my ikigai, a Japanese concept of aligning your lifestyle with what you are good at, what the world needs, what you love to do, and what you can be paid to do. There are days where my work just doesn’t feel like work. My role involves reading gaming news as part of marketing research and understanding trends in the gaming industry, but I’m already listening to podcasts and engaging with news on those topics in my free time because it brings me joy.
I dream of expanding representation in gaming. Stories told from Western perspectives often involve the protagonist leaving home as part of the hero’s journey. Sometimes, it can be discouraged or considered negative if the protagonist, as a young adult, still lives at home. But imagine expanding stories from an Asian perspective: stories where the protagonist can develop as a fully actualized human being while remaining connected with their families, where the home is the save point and after each adventure the hero returns to their family. One such story is Children of Morta, an action co-op rogue-lite RPG where you play as various members of a family who are protecting Mount Morta and defending it from corruption. You venture forth as one family member, return home to save, and then play as another family member. Victory hinges upon the entire family unit.
I’m grateful things are starting to change. Titles like Sea of Thieves have added Thai as a language option and Minecraft Legends is launching with full audio support for 16 languages including Japanese, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. I’m also grateful that character creation options have expanded in recent years. As a child, I had my real self — a person of Thai and Indian descent — and then I had my “video game” self, always modeled after the prevalent white action heroes at the time. Now, I’m able to choose characters whose facial features and skin tones are closer to my own.
As I continue my journey here at Xbox, I hope to have more opportunities to provide greater representation for the culture, media, music, and gaming of Southeast Asia.
Here are a few ways that Team Xbox will be supporting and celebrating Asian and Pacific Islander communities this year:
Give
Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards
Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be featured on console throughout May:
Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC– Advancing Justice – AAJC works through policy advocacy, community education, and litigation to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
AAPI Equity Alliance – AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
Stop AAPI Hate – Stop AAPI Hate advances equity, justice, and power by dismantling systemic racism and building a multiracial movement to end anti-Asian American and Pacific Islander hate.
Xbox gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards points in various ways, such as playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join us today and donate through Xbox.
Discover
Artist Isip Xin Shares Her Xbox Logo Redesign Inspiration
In celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Month, Xbox commissioned artist Isip Xin to design the artwork for this year’s campaign. Below, Isip shares the inspiration behind the design:
“The Asian and Pacific Islander experience is one full of mutual inspiration. Together, we create spaces that show just how massive, diverse, and deeply interconnected our community is. For this moment, I used water forms to show the flow of inspiration between us. Organic nerve and root-like imagery give the image a unified, but not statically structured body. The piece’s balanced energy is full of motion. Varied experiences weave, burst, and bloom together. As an artist and a gamer, I am centered around creating, cultivating, and existing in spaces (virtually, physically, and mentally) that make us feel like we belong. Games are an amazing way to discover narratives you relate to. You can find the environment to thrive, and you can be whatever you want. Living in these places and connecting to who lives there with you makes our shared identity unique, and beautiful. It was fun to explore the coexistence and self-discovery that comes with being an API gamer and share it in this piece.” – Isip Xin, Artist
Microsoft Flight Simulator is thrilled to add to the beauty of the simulator with fascinating new landscapes. Known as both a continent and a geographic region, and straddling the Northern, Southern, Eastern and Western Hemispheres, Oceania is comprised of remote coral islands, long stretches of white sand beaches, towering volcanoes, vast interior sweeps of uninhabited rainforest, and populated cities boasting modern architectural wonders. Antarctica is a dream destination for aviators with adventure, intrigue, and boundless vistas of pristine coastal and inland glaciated terrain.
Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update XIII includes 13 countries (Micronesia, Fiji, Indonesia, Kiribati, The Marshall Islands, Nauru, Palau, Papua New Guinea, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Tonga, Tuvalu, Vanuatu) plus Antarctica and Hawai’i. There are 2 smaller states (The Cook Islands and Niue) and 28 non-sovereign territories (including Guam, Easter Island, The Galápagos Islands) also covered in this update, many with improved resolution that will allow pilots to experience stunning new vistas throughout these regions. The release is based on the latest aerial photographs, satellite imagery, and digital elevation modelling data.
Discover Games Curated by Asian and Pacific Islander Communities at Microsoft
Gaming would not be what it is today without the contributions, perspectives, and influence from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Here at Xbox, we want to honor this richly diverse set of communities by providing engaging gaming experiences that represent a myriad of histories and heritage.
During May and beyond, we are highlighting a variety of game collections that reflect people with a diverse set of backgrounds and lived experiences from East Asian, South Asian, Southeast Asian, and Pacific Islander cultures. These collections showcase Asian, Asian American, and Pacific Islander creators, lead characters, and games inspired by Asian and Pacific Islander cultures. Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the collections of East, South, and Southeast Asian Community Gamesand Pacific Islander and Indigenous Community Games. These collections will exist year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities.
Featured titles within the collections available with Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, and on the Game Pass mobile app include:
Ghostwire: Tokyo (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – From Japanese developer Tango Gameworks, Ghostwire: Tokyo shows players a unique vision of Tokyo inspired by the duality of the real-life city, contrasting deep-rooted historical sites and traditional architecture with modernized buildings and residential areas. Legends come to life as the protagonist, Akito, takes on vengeful spirits and deadly supernatural forces from Japanese mythology and lore in a quest to save his sister and his city. Not only is this game heavily influenced by Japanese society and beliefs, but Japanese audio is the default setting for an immersive experience.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, Rated M) – Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is a dark fantasy version of the Later Han Dynasty where demons plague China’s Three Kingdoms. In this action RPG from Team Ninja, players fight off deadly mythical creatures using a combat system based on Chinese martial arts swordplay and battle styles inspired by the five elements of Chinese Medicine. Aesthetically the game is heavily influenced by Chinese history and legends as well, and the music is made with traditional Chinese instruments.
Coral Island (Game Preview) (Available with PC Game Pass) – Coral Island (Game Preview) is a family-friendly farming simulator inspired by Southeast Asia, including native flora and fauna as well as cultural elements such as ruins and Balinese Hindu temples. The Indonesian development team at Stairway Games wanted to include topics of importance to them, so there are themes of conservation in the way players must maintain the island’s ecosystem, adding a unique take on the genre. Players also have the chance to interact with over 50 characters from all walks of life and a variety of inclusive romance options.
The Legend of Tianding (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – Based on the legendary Taiwanese folk hero, Liāu Thiam-Ting, play as the vigilante Liao Tianding in this narrative adventure set in real-life historical events. Rob the rich, feed the poor, and fight for justice in the streets of early 20th century Taipei. All done in the style of Traditional Chinese Manga and voiced in Taiwanese Hokkien, this game captures the cultural look and feel of the time in a beautiful way.
Coffee Talk Episode 2: Hibiscus & Butterfly (Available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass) – This charming sequel to Coffee Talk is developed by the independent game studio, Toge Productions, in Indonesia. Players enter a calming atmosphere of a coffee shop, becoming a barista who helps a variety of patrons with their problems while delivering customized beverages that will warm their hearts. Pushing even more boundaries of conversation, this game applies a fantasy spin to modern day life while reflecting on topics of diversity and how things like discrimination and stereotypes impact relationships.
New Asian and Pacific Islander Gamerpics, Profile Theme, Wallpaper, and Avatar Items
In partnership with Asian and Pacific Islander communities at Xbox, we’re introducing a new gamerpic, profile theme, and avatar items! The gamerpic and profile theme will be available on console, the Xbox PC app, and the Xbox mobile app. Get your avatar items here.Content is subject to availability by country.
Tune In
Xbox Plays Celebrates Asian and Pacific Islander Communities
The Xbox Plays team will once again be spotlighting creators from the AAPI community, inviting streamers to take over the channel at Twitch.tv/Xbox – Tune in every Monday to support your favorite streamers or make some new friends as they play!
May 1
SnaxBreak playing Disney Dreamlight Valley (11am PT)
juwia playing Valorant (3pm PT)
May 8
ichibadass playing Redfall (11am PT)
Davion505 playing Smite (3pm PT)
May 15
Meeeowstv playing Dead by Daylight (11am PT)
ParallaxStella playing Redfall (3pm PT)
May 22
StarGirl Racing playing Forza Horizon 5 (11am PT)
DarkEyebrows playing Minecraft (3pm PT)
Microsoft Inclusion is Innovation
Only when we commit to expanding our awareness, understanding, and recognition of each other, can we build a brighter future together. Hear stories from Microsoft employees on how #InclusionIsInnovation by visiting Inclusion is Innovation.
A month ago, we launched our little fishing game Dredge on PS5 and PS4, and we’ve been overwhelmed by the positive response. We’re grateful that you’re enjoying your time fishing in The Marrows… and exploring the dangerous waters beyond.
Today, we’re thrilled to announce that we have more eldritch experiences planned for Dredge throughout the year, including three free updates and a new paid adventure featuring the Ironhaven Corporation, an entity you may have heard mentioned in passing from some of the game’s inhabitants. More on that in the depths below.
One of the features requested by so many of you is extended functionality for the in-game map, and we’re excited to introduce this with our first free update in May. The addition of map markers will allow you to select from different coloured icons representing everything from dangers, shipwrecks, mysteries, and more, enabling more effective navigation between locations than before. Additionally, this update will include some fixes and balance changes.
In our second update, two new modes will introduce very different ways to experience Dredge. The first is Passive Mode, which caters to players who prefer a less intense experience. Monsters that usually attack fishing boats will no longer be aggressive, allowing players to focus on fishing and enjoying the serene surroundings.
This update’s second mode is another much requested feature: Photo mode. But rather than just add the ability with a simple menu option, we’re taking a different approach. When it launches, our photo mode will see the addition of a new in-game character who’ll help players unlock their camera ability and share clues on where to find some of the local marine wildlife as subjects for your photography, some of which will be brand new in this update. The mode will be ‘hooked’ into the PlayStation’s screenshot sharing ability so you can share your captures, whether that be of majestic whales or nightmarish abominations from the deep.
Our third free update will introduce boat customisations such as paint schemes and flags. As you explore the coastlines and bayous of Dredge, you’ll unlock new boat paint schemes and flags to make your fishing vessel really stand out. We’ll have more information on both updates two and three later in the year.
Finally, we will be developing a paid and entirely optional DLC featuring the mysterious Ironhaven Corporation. They’re looking to establish an innovative drilling operation in the area to revitalize the towns and populations, but their ultimate goal is unknown. As you gather materials to construct new buildings and biomatter to fuel the rig, meet new characters, craft new equipment, and catch new fish, you may uncover the truth behind their potentially nefarious operations.
We hope you continue to enjoy your time in Dredge, and we can’t wait to share these new updates and adventures with you. Happy fishing!
Among the many findings in the more than 400-page report released by the UK’s Competitions and Markets Authority blocking the acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft, the agency concludes that the fears put forward by Sony regarding Call of Duty exclusivity are unwarranted. In fact, the UK regulator determines that Xbox would lose “substantial” money if it ever tried to keep Call of Duty all to itself.
While the exact numbers have been redacted to protect the privacy of the third-parties involved (Sony, Xbox, and Activision Blizzard), the report specifically models two theoretical scenarios where Microsoft could attempt to remove Call of Duty from PlayStation platforms, before concluding that “it would not be financially profitable for [Microsoft] to engage in a total foreclosure strategy.”
The conclusion is drawn from, among other things, the “critical diversion ratio,” which is the rate at which PlayStation Call of Duty players would need to switch over to Xbox in order for it to become profitable for Microsoft, and how much those new players are likely to spend on Call of Duty in the five years following a total foreclosure strategy by Microsoft. By analysing the lifetime total value (LTV) of Call of Duty players, the CMA estimates that Microsoft would see a net loss in the billions over those five years.
The CMA’s analysis takes a variety of factors into account, from the potential reputational hit to Microsoft were they to go back on their public statements about Call of Duty exclusivity, to the benefits to Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription, Microsoft’s history of keeping certain exceptionally popular franchises multiplatform (e.g. Minecraft), and more. Ultimately, that told the story to the CMA that any scenario where Microsoft pursued an exclusivity strategy around Call of Duty would result in shortterm and longterm losses that wouldn’t incentivize that kind of move.
Previously Sony has claimed that they “cannot protect against the loss of Call of Duty,” and said that Microsoft making it exclusive or downgrading its performance on their platform would cause irrepreble damage to their company. Meanwhile, Microsoft has continued to assure regulators that they would ship Call of Duty on PlayStation consoles for as long as they exist.
Despite the CMA’s conclusion in regards to Call of Duty, they ultimately decided to block the merger on the mostly unrelated matter of cloud gaming, where they fear Microsoft’s cloud infrastructure and subscription service could result in a monopoly that Sony and Nintendo would be unable to compete with.
PlayStation says that its 10 live service games in development will be in different genres and for different audiences. Furthermore, PlayStation is aware of the fierce competition between live service games and the time investment they take from players.
In an interview with GamesIndustry.biz, PlayStation Studios head Herman Hulst said, “There is a risk that we talk about ‘live service’ in generic terms – as if it is a single genre or even a single business model. PlayStation Studios are making a variety of games that could be referred to as ‘live services’, targeting different genres, different release schedules, and at different scales.”
He continued: “We are also creating games for different audiences, and I take confidence from our track record in creating worlds and stories that PlayStation fans love.”
Hurst explained that each of the studios PlayStation recently acquired is on its own trajectory. Additionally, whether or not an acquisition occurs depends on what the studio needs to grow and succeed. Being part of PlayStation Studios allows access to a global network of other studios, as well as technology and service teams.
“The priority for each studio is to deliver their own project – to make the best game that they can,” said Hurst.
PlayStation acquired Destiny developer Bungie and Jade Raymond’s Haven Studio last year, as well as Firewalk Studios last month. PlayStation is ramping up the development of live service titles with these studios, including one from Naughty Dog set in The Last of Us universe. The game Firewalk is working on will release on both PlayStation and PC.
George Yang is a freelance writer for IGN. He’s been writing about the industry since 2019 and has worked with other publications such as Insider, Kotaku, NPR, and Variety.
When not writing about video games, George is playing video games. What a surprise! You can follow him on Twitter @Yinyangfooey
In 11 very-long days, we’ll finally have our hands on The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, the highly-anticipated sequel to 2017’s Switch launch title, Breath of the Wild. Unfortunately, some people just can’t wait until then, and leaks have started to appear online.
Over the weekend, images of the Tears of the Kingdom special edition were shared online, and since then many have been anticipating leaks to pop up for the game sooner rather than later. And that prophecy has finally come true.
Summer is just around the corner, and Xbox is turning up the heat by teaming up with one of the most iconic nail brands, OPI, to bring a fresh polish to the Xbox controller.
Turn up the heat with the Sunkissed Vibes Special Edition controller and make every day a beach day. Get things started by painting your thumbnails with OPI’s Sanding in Stilettos as a picture-perfect complement to the shimmery, pearlescent melon top case. Or level up your look and match the bold, glossy D-pad with a splash of OPI’s Flex on the Beach. More daring gamers can drop all inhibitions and embrace the controller’s pastel back case, bumpers, and thumbsticks by channeling OPI’s Surf Naked blue. And as a finishing touch, revel in the summertime brightness of the Xbox button and triggers inspired by the all work, all play attitude of OPI’s Summer Monday-Fridays.
This Special Edition controller seamlessly integrates with your current Xbox setup and supports play on console, PC, iOS, and Android. It’s a stylish companion for wherever your summer vibes take you, boasting up to 40 hours of battery life and a 3.5mm stereo headset jack. And once you’ve perfectly coordinated your color palette, you can further personalize the controller through customized button mapping with the Xbox Accessories app.
As the #1 nail salon brand worldwide, OPI (a division of WELLA Company) offers unlimited shades and the highest quality products, artistry, and techniques. From the award-winning colors to innovative effects, treatments, and devices, OPI gives you the inspiration so you can put the “I” in OPI. For more information, visit opi.com and follow OPI on Instagram and TikTok @opi.
Join us for the newest Chivalry 2 map The Sacking of Bridgetown, a 64-player Team Objective experience. Defend as the honorable Agathans or spoil the party as the fearless Tenosians.
A decadent celebration by Agathian nobles is rudely interrupted by the terrifying blast of war horns: Tenosia is invading the verdant countryside of Irilla.
In this huge map’s first stage, defenders spawn as Agathian peasants – who must frantically take up arms to defend their Lords’ vineyards against Tenosian attackers. Can you survive long enough for the Agathian Knights to arrive? Probably not, but you’ll return to the fray as a proper warrior after valiantly dying for your kingdom.
After the lush vineyards and farmlands fall to slaughter and flames, it’s time for attackers to raid old Bridgetown itself. Like a Renaissance fair gone deeply, deeply wrong, players will smash up the celebration as they turn the festivities upside down and let the streets run red with wine and, naturally, blood.
Finally, it’s defenestration time. The ultimate objective for the invaders is to toss as many nobles out of windows as possible. Talk about a pane in the butt!
Will Tenosia make it past Bridgetown to continue their assault on the lands of the North? Victory or defeat will reveal what tale you weave in this epic assault on all things decent and proper.
Interested in a quick lore recap? For each game update the tale of Chivalry 2’s saga of war takes another major step forward. Bridgetown is the sixth post-launch Team Objective map added to the game (alongside various maps for other game modes). After successfully blasting through the bulwark in the Breach of Baudwyn map, the Tenosian Empire has begun the second phase of their invasion, advancing inland, which means crossing Bridgetown. The Agathian wine festival they interrupt? A celebration of King Argon’s successful defense of the recent Thayic Stronghold map against the Mason Order. Knowing is half the battle, right?
New weapon – Heavy Cavalry Sword
Deft in your hands but capable of truly ferocious slashes and special attacks, the new Heavy Cavalry Sword is designed to give players unique new methods of expressing themselves in the dance of Chivalry 2 combat.
This one-handed weapon has long reach and slow swings, and can be equipped by the Footman Man-at-Arms and Knight Guardian subclasses.
The Heavy Cavalry Sword enables unique attacks on horseback, with slash attacks that differ from its slashes on foot. Gameplay tip: input a special attack when on horseback to hold the weapon forward and lead your team’s charge to victory!
Various new unlockable skins will be available for the Heavy Cavalry Sword. Armour and Heraldry to match are included in free and paid tiers of the Raiding Party Campaign Pass.
Cross-play parties and more
The Raiding Party update is one of our biggest ever, with the most quality-of-life improvements we’ve added in a single patch so far. Our team has been committed to continuously improving Chivalry 2 since launch, with new content, bug fixes and tweaks to better the experience.
Chivalry 2 already features cross-platform matchmaking and a server browser, but one of the most requested features among the community is the ability to form parties with your friends across different gaming platforms.
We’re excited to release Cross-play Parties Beta alongside this update, allowing players to share Invite Codes to add pals to their friends list, party up and matchmake into servers together. As a Beta there will be some minor issues present that we are already working on resolving in a future update.
So grab your friends, unsheathe your weapons and lead your forces to victory in the Raiding Party update.
Monolith Soft has revealed that it’s increasing all staff salaries for all employees at the company. From April 2023, basic salaries have been increased “in line with rising prices”, the developer has announced on its website.
The raise affects everyone working at the company, including graduates, who will receive a 22% increase in their starting salary to 250,000 yen (around £1,459.75 GBP) — this includes new graduates starting this year, too, which is fantastic news.
