In the fast-paced world of FragPunk, players are used to the tactical chaos of Shard Clash. But for the game’s first anniversary, Bad Guitar Studio is Making more attempts. With the launch of Season 4, “Full Spectrum Bash,” The team is dedicated to enhancing the depth and replayability of PvE, introducing a fresh new play mode.

“The Full Spectrum Bash will be the ultimate playground for all FPS players to enjoy,” says Xin, Producer at Bad Guitar Studio. The centerpiece of this update is the Pigment Realm, a mode that moves away from pre-configured decks to embrace the unpredictability of a true roguelike experience.

Enter the Pigment Realm: From Chaos to Creation

The transition into Season 4 isn’t just a mechanical update; it’s a narrative culmination. Following the Toy Frontline incident, Kepler successfully retrieved several toy monsters for study. However, a high-stakes swap occurred: a portion of the monsters destined for the Pathojen Laboratory vanished, only to reappear as a “mysterious package” at Wildstyle’s studio.

“This is where the chaos begins,” Xin explains. “Wildstyle, completely unaware of Kepler’s loss, mistook these monsters for harmless craftwork and used them as inspiration for her art.” The turning point came when she applied her signature paint. Infused with glunite, the paint acted as a catalyst, accidentally activating the monsters.

“We want to provide a gameplay mode that offers rich replay value,” Xin explains. “The Pigment Realm places a greater emphasis on a single-player experience where the core deck is constructed during gameplay rather than outside of matches.” This shift in philosophy is defined by four pillars: enhanced randomness, extended progression through talent trees, a rewarding “grind” with leaderboard rankings, and a richer loot experience.

Designing the Mechanics: The Roguelike Evolution

In the Pigment Realm, the traditional pre-match strategy is being replaced by real-time adaptation. Lancers will no longer use pre-configured card decks from outside the game. Instead, they must rely on an in-game card backpack, where power is earned through combat.

“We wanted the growth to feel organic to the fight,” says Xin. “Every monster you defeat has a chance to drop a card, and that drop rate actually scales with the number of players in your team. It encourages a squad-based momentum where you are constantly picking up and activating new abilities on the fly.”

To deepen this system, the team introduced several layers of strategy:

The Shard Card Crafting System: Players can spend Crystals to draw and select new Shard Cards. Unlike traditional modes, these cards have no usage limits or resource restrictions — if it’s in your hand slot, it’s active.

Card Synthesis: Lancers can combine three cards of the same name and level to create a more powerful version. The system even allows for “direct synthesis” from the ground if a dropped card completes a three of a kind with cards already in your hand.

The Blessing System: After completing a set number of waves, players must choose one of three powerful blessings to further define their build.

Strategic Exploration and Resource Management

The map itself requires resources to unlock gradually. In the Pigment Realm, certain zones are restricted at the start. “Venture forth and explore every uncharted zone to your heart’s content!” Xin encourages. This creates a tactical trade-off: do you spend your Crystals on drawing new Shard Cards, or do you use them to open up the map? Notably, enemies will not spawn in an area until it has been officially unlocked, giving players some control over the flow of the battle.

Persistent Growth: The Out-of-Game Build

While the in-game experience is about immediate survival, the new Perk System ensures that every match contributes to a Lancer’s long-term power. Each character now has a dedicated Character Level that can only be increased by using that specific hero in PvE mode.

“The progression is designed to reward your time and skill,” Xin explains. By leveling up, players earn Talent Points used to develop a permanent out-of-match talent tree. According to the developers, three key factors determine how much experience you gain:

Hero Used: Experience is character-specific to the hero played in that match.

Match Duration: The longer you survive, the more experience you accumulate.

Waves Cleared: In Endless mode, your progress is directly proportional to the character experience earned.

3 brand new maps (Acme Underpass, Art Town, Collège Alpin) will be used for Pigment Realm, and also a new map (Caesarea) for Shard Clash!

Meet Wildstyle 

Background

While the Pigment Realm offers new ways to play, the new Lancer, Wildstyle (Melody Lovelock), offers new ways to win. Despite her prestigious family background, she is a legend in the underground graffiti scene, a fact the Lancer Association keeps a “quiet” secret. Her kit is built around the “Stained” effect:

Mechanics and Skills

Coat of Many Colors: Wildstyle sprays paint on herself or her teammates, granting 15 extra HP. This extra health continuously regenerates for the duration of the skill.

Spray Paint: Wildstyle fires paint from her graffiti gun that splatters on the ground. Enemies who enter the paint zone are slowed, exposed, and take increased damage. This Stained effect persists for a short period after leaving the paint zone, and the zone itself is temporary.

Wonderwall: Wildstyle places a graffiti device on the ground or on a door, creating a paint waterfall that blocks vision in one direction. The paint does not block bullets or projectiles. Enemies passing through it get covered in paint and are Stained. The waterfall disappears if the device is destroyed, or after a set period of time. This skill automatically recharges.

The Anniversary: It’s Raining Gold

Beyond the new content, the anniversary event is a “thank you” to the community. Lancers can earn up to 2,500 coins and a free Extreme-tier weapon skin set simply by participating in activities.

Looking ahead, the studio remains committed to its core philosophy. “We will expand with more creative Arcade matches and even bolder experimental content,” Xin concludes. “Through continuous updates, we aim to turn FragPunk into the ultimate playground — where you can experience everything you’ve ever wanted to play.”

FragPunk is available for free on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC, with Xbox Play Anywhere and Cloud Gaming, and included in all tiers of Game Pass.

FragPunk

Bad Guitar Studio

☆☆☆☆☆
335

★★★★★

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Break the Rules with Shard Cards
Dive into the action of FragPunk and break the rules with countless Shard Cards! Wanna give your allies some “motivation”? Shoot at them to increase their speed and fire rate! Need some HP? Just crouch, lay an egg and eat it! With Shard Cards, no rule stands in your way. They can also combine and counter each other, adding an exciting tactical layer to the classic bomb-defuse experience. And every Shard Card is completely and forever free for all players—no paywalls in sight! Jump in and unleash endless possibilities in FragPunk!

Be Any Lancer You Want to Be
Numerous diverse Lancers, each with unique skills, personalities and outrageous dialog and to suit your preference. Blow up your enemies with a rocket launcher, set traps, backstab while invisible, pilot a drone tank and more!

The One and Only Duel!
In FragPunk, you can be your own Lancer and a team player at the same time. The action reaches its peak when the exhilarating Duel phrase starts after a tie! In this intense 1v1 showdown, it’s all about your mastery as players face off in a true test of skills. Jump in and fight! Duel can also be played as an individual mode in the Arcade.

Variety that Fuels Replayability
Find your favorite guns, many of which have special abilities! Are you a sword, sniper or pistol fan? Explore and develop your personal combat style!
Every game lets you slap stickers on the guns. But what about on your name card, or even your Lancer’s head? Sticker-bomb every corner for that extra flair, before you step into the battlefield and showcase your style!

Explore Various Modes
With so many game modes available, the Arcade offers weekly rotations to keep the action fresh and exciting each time you play! Defend humanity, or turn as many humans as possible into zombies in the “Outbreak” mode! Or test your weapon skills in a variety of single-weapon-type modes, from melee battles to sniper duels, to pistol showdowns and rocket skirmishes.

Immersive Maps & Vibrant Visuals!
Maps in FragPunk are designed to immerse players in a vibrant multiverse, offering an array of different environments to explore. Feast your eyes on bold colors, sharp shapes and dynamic lines to provide you with diverse visual experiences while the bullets fly. Prepare to be captivated by the rich aesthetic and thrilling gameplay that await you in FragPunk!

2K is hosting a limited-time Free Play Days event this weekend, giving Xbox Game Pass members the chance to jump into a few of 2K’s greatest hits from February 5 to February 8.

NBA 2K26, PGA Tour 2K25, Risk of Rain 2, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, Lego 2K Drive and TopSpin 2K25 are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday February 5 until Sunday, February 8.

Enjoy Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on both console and PC during Free Play Days.

How To Start Playing

Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Keep The Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

NBA 2K26 Standard Edition

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
590

★★★★★

$69.99

$23.09

Get it now

NBA 2K26
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
NBA 2K26 is joining the Xbox Free Play Days line-up ahead of NBA All-Star Weekend, giving you the chance to suit up with friends and sharpen your skills ahead of the prestigious event, starting February 13. Lace up and play against the world’s best players in Play Now, start in the All-Star Game in MyCareer, and assemble a collection of past and present superstars in MyTeam. Compete for bragging rights and XP to earn thematic cosmetics and other rewards during Season 4 of NBA 2K26.

PGA TOUR 2K25

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
219

★★★★★

$69.99

$27.99

Get it now

PGA Tour 2K25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The competition is fierce at the WM Phoenix Open. Prove you have the guts for Sunday in special in-game tournament Quests and Ranked Tours events. Equip for the win with the latest from Titleist, Barstool, Breezy, and WM Phoenix Open X adidas gear. Plus, climb the ranks faster than ever with Double CHP XP all weekend. Aim for Greatness. Save 60% on PGA Tour 2K25 Standard Edition (Digital) on Xbox until February 19, 2026.

Risk of Rain 2

Gearbox Publishing

☆☆☆☆☆
529

★★★★★

$24.99

$6.24

Get it now

Risk of Rain 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Jump into Risk of Rain 2 and see if you can escape a chaotic alien planet. Fight through hordes of frenzied monsters and enormous bosses. Combine loot in surprising ways. A unique scaling system means both you and your foes increase in power. Play with your friends in 4-player online co-op or on your own.

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
453

★★★★★

$29.99

$5.99

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Build an empire to stand the test of time for free during Free Play Days! Experience the award-winning strategy game and watch your cities physically expand across the map as you research new cultures and technologies. Play as one of history’s iconic leaders—from Cleopatra to Trajan—and pursue victory through military might, scientific superiority, or cultural dominance. Choose your path to greatness and leave your mark on history.

LEGO® 2K Drive for Xbox One

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
108

★★★★★

$29.99

$11.99

Get it now

Lego 2K Drive
Welcome to Bricklandia, home of a massive open-world Lego driving adventure. Race anywhere, play with anyone, build your dream rides, and defeat a cast of wild racing rivals for the coveted Sky Trophy! In Lego 2K Drive, your awesome transforming vehicle gives you the  freedom to speed seamlessly across riveting racetracks, off-road terrain, and open waters.

TopSpin 2K25 for Xbox Series X|S

2K

☆☆☆☆☆
135

★★★★★

Get it now

TopSpin 2K25
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S
The TopSpin franchise returns with TopSpin 2K25 on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Experience exhilarating gameplay and immersive game modes, resulting in the ultimate tennis simulation. Featuring tennis legends Roger Federer, Serena Williams, and a cast of other playable pros, TopSpin 2K25 offers competitive single-player and multiplayer modes, and all four historic Grand Slam tournaments. Take the court in casual exhibition matches, travel to larger-than-life venues and storied Grand Slam arenas, prove you’re the best MyPlayer in the world on the TopSpin World Tour, and make a name for yourself.

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.

Whether you’re a first-time player or a seasoned Dragon Quester, you’re in for a treat with Dragon Quest VII Reimagined, available today for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title! It builds on the beloved original turn-based RPG with fresh visuals, refined gameplay, and tightened pacing for an unforgettable adventure through past and present. Even if you’ve played the original, there are plenty of new features, so here’s my advice for making the most of your journey!

Mix up your Vocations

Like many other RPGs, playable characters in Dragon Quest VII Reimagined can be assigned to a job class – called “Vocations” in DQ terms. And if you’ve played an RPG before, then you know it’s important to have a balanced party. Having only Warriors may seem beneficial when fighting strong enemies, but you’ll have a tough time keeping your party healed without a Priest.

Fortunately, you’ll have a lot of flexibility to play with different Vocations, thanks to the new Moonlighting feature, which allows your party members to hold two different Vocations at once!  You can even change their Vocations in the middle of a dungeon if you need to fine-tune your strategy. (I recommend keeping one Vocation maxed out while you try a brand new one, so you’ll always have some strong spells and abilities.) Just keep in mind that after maxing out one Vocation, the accompanying skills are removed once you switch to another.

Tip: If you need a little boost in training, look for an item called the “Seed of Proficiency,” which adds a level to your current Vocations.

Set the speed of battle…

Whether you’re looking to breeze through a dungeon or savor every moment, you can adjust the battle speed to your liking.  You can also try the auto-battle feature and sit back while your party works for you. You can also set different auto-battle strategies for each character.

For example, “Show No Mercy” really packs a punch, but it also depletes your magic points quickly, leaving you possibly defenseless in the middle of a quest. “Focus on Healing” ensures your characters don’t die, though you can get caught in a loop if your characters don’t fight back. When in doubt, use “Fight Wisely” for a solid balance.

Tip: Bosses will be harder than normal enemies, so I recommend switching to manual inputs and settling in for some classic, cozy, and challenging turn-based battles.

…and customize your challenge

Instead of only offering pre-set difficulty levels, Dragon Quest VII Reimagined also lets you adjust several settings to make your adventure easier or harder. You can deal more (or less) damage, change the amount of Vocational Proficiency, experience, and gold you earn, or stop enemies from attacking you on the world map.

Tip: If you want to level up your Vocations faster while still enjoying a good challenge, just toggle the setting for proficiency earned to the max!

Beat vicious enemies for accessories

If you notice enemies that are a different color from their regular counterparts, those are vicious enemies. They’ll be harder to beat, but they’ll drop useful accessories if you defeat them.

Tip: If you have the resources to survive the fight, don’t pass up the opportunity to take them down!

Get a closer view during gameplay

The diorama-like graphics of Dragon Quest VII Reimagined especially shine with the normal camera, but it might be positioned a bit farther away than you’re used to.

Tip: If you want to inspect anything closer, there’s always the appropriate toggle in the settings.

Add shortcuts to the directional pad

Some very useful commands can be mapped onto the directional pad so that you don’t have to always go into the menu. At first, you can only assign the “Heal All“ ability to the d-pad, but you’ll unlock more options throughout your journey, like the “Career Sphere”!

Tip:  One unlockable option is “Nose for Treasure” which will help you locate undiscovered treasure to help get that sweet, sweet loot.

Play the Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Demo!

Sometimes the best way to start is to jump right in! The free Dragon Quest VII Reimagined Demo covers the first several hours of the game – perfect for helping you get your sea legs if this is your first Dragon Quest.

Tip: Your save data from the demo will carry over to the full game when you’re ready to set sail — and you’ll also get an exclusive costume for Maribel.

Dragon Quest VII Reimagined is available now on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined Digital Deluxe Edition

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆
40

★★★★★

$74.99

Get it now

Purchase DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined early and receive a costume for your Hero along with other helpful items.

[Early Bird Bonus]
・Trodain Togs (appearance changing costume for your Hero)
・Seed of Proficiency x3

*These items will only be available to customers who purchase the game by 23:59 on 4 March 2026.
*The “”Seed of Proficiency”” is an item that can be obtained by progressing in the game.
*These bonus items can be received from the “”Claim Special Rewards”” menu in-game.

[Purchase Bonus]
・Green Slime Shield
*This bonus item can be received from the “Claim Special Rewards” menu in-game.

Includes the full game, “Additional DLC Sets”, and 48 hours of early access to the full game. Embark on an epic adventure ahead of everybody else!

[Contents]
・DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined base game
・DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined “Additional DLC Sets”
Additional DLC – The Road of Regal Wretches
Additional DLC – Luminary’s Livery
Additional DLC – Jam-Packed Swag Bag
・48 hours of early access
・White Wolf Costume (Appearance changing costume for Ruff)

*After the launch of DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined, the “Additional DLC Sets” and each additional DLC will also be available for individual purchase. Please be careful to avoid making duplicate purchases.
*Some items in the additional DLCs can also be obtained by progressing in the game.
*To play The Road of Regal Wretches, you will need to progress in the game and unlock the battle arena.
*The Road of Regal Wretches can be accessed by talking to the She-Slime at the battle arena reception desk.
*Contents such as the costumes and items can be received from the “Claim Special Rewards” menu in the game.

*The content included in this bundle is also sold separately. Please be careful to avoid making duplicate purchases.

DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined

SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Get it now

Purchase DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined early and receive a costume for your Hero along with other helpful items.

[Early Bird Bonus]
・Trodain Togs (appearance changing costume for your Hero)
・Seed of Proficiency x3

*These items will only be available to customers who purchase the game by 23:59 on 4 March 2026.
*The “”Seed of Proficiency”” is an item that can be obtained by progressing in the game.
*These bonus items can be received from the “”Claim Special Rewards”” menu in-game.

[Purchase Bonus]
・Green Slime Shield
*This bonus item can be received from the “Claim Special Rewards” menu in-game.

“There’s more to the world than this island… And we’re going to prove it!”

Set sail on an adventure spanning past and present in DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined!

As a bright-eyed young fisherman’s son, you’ve lived your entire life on the peaceful island of Estard. Your journey begins with a simple question: is there more to the world than this small island kingdom?

On a quest for answers, you and your childhood friends discover the Shrine of Mysteries and are swept back in time. There, you uncover the shocking truth that entire lands have been sealed away by a malevolent force.

The fate of the world now rests in your hands.

DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined brings a timeless classic to life in a whole new way with charming diorama visuals, updated gameplay mechanics, and a streamlined story,.

For seasoned adventurers, rediscover a tale of plucky companions that is brimming with joy and heartbreak. For fledgling heroes new to the series, this is a great place to begin your DRAGON QUEST journey.

■A Diorama Brought to Life
DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined blends a beautiful diorama art style with Akira Toriyama’s iconic character designs to make every encounter feel vibrant, heartfelt, and full of adventure. From lush forests and bustling towns to ancient ruins and whimsical monsters, every environment is bursting with color and personality.

■Travel through History to Restore the Present
Scattered stone fragments unlock portals to long-lost eras with their own challenges to solve. Restore the islands, solve mysteries, and make allies in the past to breathe life back into the present.

■A Beloved Tale with a Streamlined Narrative
DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined is told through a series of vignettes with an overarching narrative. The main story has also been streamlined to make the journey more accessible to all players.

■Classic Combat, Improved!
The battle system in DRAGON QUEST VII Reimagined has undergone significant changes. Turn the tides of battle with new vocational perks. Each vocation has its own unique ability, from all-out attacks to those that support your allies. Battle speed adjustments and an auto-battle feature are also available. Battles can progress without interruptions between each turn, depending on the tactics selected for the protagonist and allies. While on the field, players can pre-emptively strike monsters and instantly defeat them If the monster is weaker than the party.

■Moonlight and Level Up Two Vocations at the Same Time!
Customize your playstyle with the new Moonlighting mechanic. Having two vocations assigned at once provides access to the skills, magic spells, and unique perks from both.

*There is also a bundle product that contains this product. Please be careful to avoid making duplicate purchases.

Today, Blizzard’s Overwatch Spotlight announced the start of an exciting new story‑driven era for Overwatch, highlighted by a year-long narrative arc called The Reign of Talon, all‑new UI/UX design, and much more. Be sure to check out the full video for all of the details. As an extra treat, we’re joined by Lead Narrative Designer Miranda Moyer to dive deeper into what this new story‑driven chapter means for Overwatch. 

For the first time in Overwatch’s history, we’re telling a complete story.   

I don’t say that lightly. Over the past decade, Overwatch’s narrative has been about possibility – introductions, hints, and setups. We’ve met heroes, discovered conflicts, and learned just enough to know there was something bigger happening beyond the edges of the screen. But this year, we’re doing something we’ve never done before: telling a story with a clear beginning, middle… and yes, an end.  

That means things move. When something happens in the world of Overwatch now, it doesn’t sit untouched. Objectives are set, and met. You’ll see outcomes unfold across seasons. We’re finally seeing payoff for parts of the Overwatch world that you’ve maybe wondered about for years. This evolving story will be brought to life through a variety of mediums – including Hero Trailers, motion comics, and more – so you can experience each chapter in unique ways. All these pieces will be available on our dedicated narrative viewer, organized in chapters that guide you through the year’s epic narrative.  

At the center of this year’s Overwatch narrative is a global conflict that’s impossible to ignore. Vendetta has seized control of Talon, overthrowing Doomfist and rejecting the clandestine nature in which he operated. Where Talon once skulked in the shadows, Vendetta believes in acting loudly, decisively, and without restraint. Her goal is explicit: she wants the world, and she believes Overwatch is the only force standing in her way. Because of that, we’re not winding up to conflict: we’re starting with it. Talon strikes early, attempting to remove Overwatch from the equation.

What’s fresh about the way we’re telling this story is how deeply our heroes are embedded in it. Every new character plays a direct role in the narrative. Those new faces are also a great vehicle to continue the stories of established ones. We’re touching so many parts of the world of Overwatch, and the more stories we develop, the more opportunities we’ll have to progress the journeys of heroes both new and longstanding.

One of the biggest highlights for Overwatch this year is the introduction of 10 new heroes. In Season 1, which begins February 10, you’ll meet five of them at once: each with their own narrative thread which helps set the tone for what’s to come. 

• Domina operates on the edges of Talon’s chaos, not publicly aligned with Vendetta (for fear of unsavory headlines), but more than willing to profit from the destruction she causes.
• Emre is caught in a far more dangerous position, coerced into cooperation under the threat of catastrophic loss.
• Mizuki finds himself torn between old obligations and the people who have become his family. 
• Anran enters the fight on Overwatch’s side, driven and connected to the story in deeply personal ways.  

• And then there’s Jetpack Cat, a long-running meme turned mobile support. She’s worth keeping an eye on, both for the future of her curious tale (tail?), as well as to make sure she isn’t knocking anything off counters. 

This year’s narrative is about convergence—threads coming together, tensions peaking, and long-running questions colliding in ways that matter. Both established and new heroes will see movement in their stories, evolving amid this conflict. For Overwatch, this is the most ambitious narrative we’ve taken on. Each piece builds on the last, pushing characters and conflicts forward. 

Join us on this new journey, and jump into Season 1 on February 10 and see it unfold for yourself. 

Overwatch®

Blizzard Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆
2000

★★★★★

Get it now

Xbox One X Enhanced

Xbox Game Pass

Overwatch® is an always-on and ever-evolving free-to-play, team-based hero shooter game set in an optimistic future, where every match is the ultimate 5v5 or 6v6 battlefield brawl featuring new heroes and maps, different ways to play, and unique cosmetics! Lead the charge, ambush your enemies, or aid your allies as one of Overwatch®’s 40+ distinct heroes. Team up with friends, take them into battle across 25+ futuristic maps inspired by real-world locations, and master multiple unique game modes.

Overwatch® – Season 20: Vendetta

Give the Gift of Vengeance

Embrace the season in a flurry of festivity with a new DPS Hero, Winter Wonderland modes, holiday event, merry Mythics, and more!

Season 20 carves a cold path with Vendetta, the ruthless new melee DPS villain fueled by ambition and revenge. But it’s not all frosty edges—celebrate the holidays in the return of Winter Wonderland! Make some merry Mischief & Magic on a whimsical new wintery map, with a midway mode twist where the props fight back in Mischief & Magic Wonderland. Earn Winter Tokens through the Winter Wonderland event to unlock festive holiday skins for Tracer, Junkrat, and Torbjörn, then step into Stadium for a fresh map with new Heroes, updates, and prizes. Top it all off with Mythic Divine Desperado Cassidy and Orisa’s Mythic Capsule Cannon packing a cascade of cheer, plus more frosty skins as you jingle all the way through Battle Pass tiers. ‘Tis the season to deck your enemies’ halls, claim your vengeance, and unwrap your rewards!

Bringing the joy of gaming to everyone means protecting the people who play, and that responsibility has been core to Xbox since the beginning. We know that gaming just might be the most fulfilling, socially connected, and powerful form of entertainment today, and it’s crucial we continue protecting the shared moments and experiences that come from playing games together.

As we mark Xbox’s 25^th anniversary this year, our commitment remains unchanged. In 2022, we made a promise to stay transparent about the work we do to protect our community and moderate content on our platform by regularly publishing our Xbox Transparency Reports. This year, ahead of Safer Internet Day, we’re sharing more than ever about how we’re innovating protections and providing players, parents, and caregivers with a variety of tools and resources so they can feel confident that Xbox continues to be a place for positive play, for the next 25 years and beyond.

Today, we’re highlighting how we’re continuing to shape the industry standard for safe gameplay experiences, our newly published Xbox Transparency Report, an upcoming Minecraft world teaching digital citizenship and safety skills, and our ongoing work to implement Age Verification.

Shaping the Standard for Safer Play

At Xbox, safety starts with understanding how people play. Since launching the Xbox 360 in 2005, which helped set the bar for online gaming, Xbox has shaped how safety, privacy, and security are built into gaming experiences across the video game industry. Over the past two decades, this approach has evolved to meet the needs of players where they play. It is guided by five core pillars shaped by player and parent feedback, the constantly evolving nature of online harms, and the ways safety by default can help create safer, more welcoming communities from the start:

• Age Verification in the UK and beyond: Introduced in the UK and expanding to more regions later this year, age verification on Xbox helps ensure children only have access to age-appropriate content and are limited in how they can interact with others on our platform. Read more about our approach to Age Verification here, and stay tuned for information about Age Verification expanding to more regions later this year.
• Child and Teen Accounts: Specialized accounts on Xbox that consider the different needs of children and teens help ensure age-appropriate access for young players, giving them a tailored and protected experience. To set up a child or teen account, visit: Xbox Child Account
• Tools to Support Digital Parenting: Through tools like the Xbox Family Settings app, detailed settings that give families control over their gaming experiences can be managed directly from a mobile device, with features like Ask A Parent, which prompts children to request approval for activities and empower parents to make real-time decisions. Download the Xbox Family Settings app or learn more about Game Ratings, how to manage online and privacy settings, get familiar with the Minecraft Parents Guide, and more on the Xbox Family Hub.
• Continued AI Innovation Supported by Human Expertise: Constant innovation of automated AI tools combined with human moderators help us detect, review, proactively block and address harmful online behavior more accurately and efficiently than ever. AI quickly and proactively spots potential issues, supported by human reviewers who add context, focus on nuance, and remain central to applying judgment to complex situations.
• Commitment to Transparency: As the first in the video game industry to commit to regular transparency reporting, Xbox continues to ensure our community knows how safety is maintained and issues are handled.

New 2026 Xbox Transparency Report Shows Continued AI Innovation & Reduction in Spam

Our sixth Xbox Transparency Report shares insights into the work we do behind the scenes to protect all players from disruptive behavior and support experiences that are fun, positive, safe, and age appropriate. Key takeaways, which span Xbox safety efforts in 2025, include:

• Responsibly advancing our AI approach to safety. We expanded the scope of our proactive AI moderation solutions to include 11 additional harmful topics that matter to players, allowing us to identify harmful content more effectively so our human moderators can focus on combatting the most nuanced and complex harms.
• An adaptive response to spam. In 2025, our proactive moderation efforts to prevent unsolicited content from ever reaching players resulted in a 90% drop in spam message complaints compared to 2024, and an overall 23% drop in complaints for messages from non-friends.
• Improved Player Reporting for More Frictionless Play. Our constant efforts to improve safety processes reach across all of our teams at Xbox. Developer Turn 10 recently expanded reporting capabilities around user generated content in Forza Horizon 5, allowing players to more efficiently file a report for cheating and unsportsmanlike conduct without ever needing to leave their game. Our teams at Turn 10 and across Xbox are excited to continue exploring improved functionality like this for future projects.  

You can read more about our efforts to protect players in the full Xbox Transparency Report here.

Practicing Safer Online Decisions with Minecraft Education

On Safer Internet Day next week, Minecraft will launch CyberSafe: Bad Connection?, the fifth installment in the CyberSafe series for Minecraft Bedrock and Minecraft Education. This new world will help young players build online safety and digital citizenship skills through scenario-driven gameplay. Players will explore ways to recognize risks and red flags, learn how to report suspicious activity, and build confidence to keep themselves and their community safe. Bad Connection? builds on the legacy of the CyberSafe series, which has reached more than 80 million downloads since 2022, equipping players with the skills, practice, and confidence to navigate online spaces.

Bad Connection? will be available for free in the Minecraft Marketplace and Minecraft Education on February 10, along with free, downloadable materials for parents and educators to support critical, ongoing conversations about online safety. We also recently shared more about the Minecraft Safety Council, which brings together industry experts to help guide safer multiplayer experiences for the Minecraft community. Meet the council and learn more here.

Our Ongoing Commitment to Safety Today and for the Next 25 Years

Every gaming community is unique and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to keeping players safe. Whether it’s Call of Duty’s ongoing studies on player trust and positive play, new insights from the tenth annual Global Online Safety Survey publishing on the Microsoft On the Issues blog on February 10, or our recent update to our Online Safety Principles developed with Nintendo and Sony Interactive Entertainment, our teams are constantly working to help players enjoy fun, positive, and inclusive experiences.

Our work in player safety at Xbox is ongoing. For more information on Microsoft privacy, safety, and responsible gaming, explore these resources:

• Microsoft Online Safety Guides
• Microsoft Privacy for Young People
• Digital Safety for Young People

Whether you’re playing on console, PC or handheld devices, Xbox Play Anywhere makes it easier than ever to take your games with you – and right now, it’s the perfect time to dive in.

Heading Out, Kamikaze Lassplanes, Once Upon a Jester, and The Gap each bring something wildly different to the table, from high-speed road trips to theatrical chaos and introspective storytelling. Best of all, they’re all going on sale, letting you experience these standout indie titles wherever you play, for less. Find them in the Indie Selects Anniversary Sale and Deals with Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential through February 9.

Heading Out – A Wild Road Trip Through America’s Highways

Heading Out is a high-speed road trip with a twist – part racing game, part narrative adventure, and entirely about the journey. As you blast across striking comic book–style landscapes, you’ll make choices that shape your story, meet unforgettable characters, and confront the fears chasing you from the rear-view mirror.

Kamikaze Lassplanes – a Hand-Crafted Anime Story-Driven Arcade Shoot-’em-up

Kamikaze Lassplanes blends a vibrant visual novel packed with humor, heart, and larger-than-life personalities with classic shoot ’em up action. Between missions, you’ll spend time with a colorful cast of characters, make story choices, and uncover their motivations through lively dialogue and expressive anime-style art. The result is a game that’s as much about getting to know your squad as it is about lighting up the skies.

Once Upon a Jester – Improv, Friendship, and Chaos Steal the Show

Once Upon a Jester is a joyful, wholesome story about friendship, improv, and putting on the best show you possibly can. As two aspiring performers chase their theatrical dreams, you’ll explore whimsical lands, make delightfully awkward choices, and stumble through comedic situations shaped by your decisions.

The Gap – Delve Deep into your Own Memories to Unravel the Mystery of your Family’s Affliction

The Gap is a narrative-driven adventure that invites you to explore memory, identity, and the spaces between moments that define us. As you move through fragmented recollections and solve environmental puzzles, the story unfolds in unexpected and often intimate ways. Thoughtful, atmospheric, and quietly powerful, it’s a game that lingers long after the screen fades to black.

If any of these titles catch your attention, grab them while they’re still on discount!

Heading Out (-33%)

Kamikaze Lassplanes (-30%)

Once Upon a Jester (-30%)

The Gap (-70%)

All of them have been upgraded with XPA compatibility, so you can enjoy these gems of indie gaming wherever you are!

The Gap

Crunching Koalas

☆☆☆☆☆
11

★★★★★

$19.99

Get it now

The Gap tells a story of one man’s struggle to find a cure for his family’s illness through the exploration of parallel realities which include memories dear to his heart, forcing him to dive deeper into his psyche.

Joshua Hayes is a neuroscientist, whose family is affected by a rare neurological disorder that slowly eats away at one’s capability and mental well-being. The struggle and fight of the family is witnessed through the lens of his highest and lowest moments. While exploring the raw, minimalist spaces, he comes across items that act as gateways to his past.

Moreover, while taking part in an experimental neuroscientific program, led by a biotech giant – Neuraxis, Joshua unknowingly finds himself entangled in a corporate intrigue.

In hopes of unraveling the web of memories, he’ll need to face a distressing question – can he really trust himself?

See why Madden NFL 26 is Built From Sundays. Get unlimited access with EA Play starting February 5, then score a Supercharge Pack in Ultimate Team by March 6.

Members can blitz for days with unlimited access to all the new explosive gameplay and feature updates.

• EA Sports Madden NFL 26 is available on the Play List on February 5. Play with Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox PC Game Pass or Ultimate with EA Play.
• Members can also score a Supercharge Pack in Ultimate Team, available from Feb 5-Mar 6.
• Keep building your roster all year long with monthly Ultimate Team packs.

Game Pass Ultimate members can get unlimited access today, as well as 10% off EA digital purchases, including Madden Points.

Snag your Supercharge Pack, filled with 6 Elite player items, simply by entering Ultimate Team before March 6. Get a head start on building your roster so you can take on Challenges, H2H games, and more.

Build a lasting legacy and take the reins as a coach in Franchise. Play your way from the Draft to the Super Bowl in Superstar. Craft the roster of your dreams in Ultimate Team. However you want to define football success, Madden NFL 26 is waiting. Start playing today.

What’s New in Madden NFL 26?

Built From Sundays

Madden NFL 26 leverages a new AI-powered machine learning system trained by real play calls and game situations over nearly a decade to deliver more explosive gameplay—with new coach and player-specific traits, authentic playstyles, and adaptive counters that match on-field tendencies and strategies of professional quarterbacks and coaches.

True Gameday Experience

Get hyped for kickoff with stadium enhancements across the league. New run-outs feature real team traditions, with authentic crowd chants, unique stadium themes, and extreme weather that impacts gameplay and strategy.

Dance down the tunnel in Minnesota, or steal the spotlight during the pre-game light show in Baltimore. New presentation elements and custom broadcast packages depend on your matchup and add depth to each game’s unique storyline.

Franchise Updates

Create your coaching legacy by choosing from four exciting new archetypes, or step into the shoes of your favorite pro head coach, each bringing their authentic strategies to Franchise. Customize your Weekly Strategy by selecting new coach abilities every week that offer different tactical advantages and evolve as you level them up. Earn more abilities and fine-tune your game plans each week, tailoring them more precisely to your opponents as you progress. New Play Sheets add a strategic layer to play-calling, a coach Approval Rating system holds you more accountable for your decision-making, new Trainer abilities offer new ways to control Wear & Tear recovery, and new Weekly Recaps hosted by Scott Hanson keep you updated on league news.

Membership for EA Play is included with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscriptions at no extra cost.

Whether you’re scoring an unbelievable hat trick in the EA SPORTS FC franchise, showing no mercy on suburban battlegrounds in theBattlefield series or timing a perfect hit to dominate the gridiron in the Madden NFL franchise, you can feel the thrill with EA for just $5.99 a month. Membership unlocks unlimited access to a collection of top titles, trials of select new games, in-game member rewards and more. Members also save 10% off EA digital purchases—including game downloads, points packs, and DLC.

For more details on all the EA Play member benefits this month, visit: EA Play Member Benefits

Conditions, limitations and exclusions apply. See EA Play Terms for details.

Love is in the air… and so are new gaming possibilities.

Score More With Xbox is celebrating Valentine’s season by helping players discover their next sporting passion with ‘The Perfect Match’. We’re making it effortless to find the sports game that feels like it was made for you, with one easily accessible hub that brings Xbox’s biggest and best digital sports titles together.

Even the most dedicated players fall into comfort zones – we all have our “forever games,” and they’re great – but Xbox’s sporting line-up is broader and more exciting than you might have realized.

So, whether you’re usually loyal to one title or you bounce between genres, this is your chance to speed-date your way through a curated lineup of digital sports games and find the one that just… clicks.

Football fanatic? Hoops-obsessed? Or just want something fast-paced and arcade-friendly? There’s an undiscovered match waiting for you in the collection. Think of it as matchmaking… but for gamers.

The Perfect Match Giveaway

We also have some Valentine’s presents for you.  From February 3-16, creators from the NBA, Madden, and EA Sports FC communities will show off their own speed‑dating journeys, jumping between titles, chasing challenges and triggering giveaways. We’ll also be doing giveaways through our global and regional Xbox channels on X. Make sure to stay tuned for your chance to win.

What You Can Win

During the campaign window, players will have chances to win:

• A matching set of Xbox Perfect Match controllers
• An exclusive set of Perfect Match caps
• Game codes for three of the featured sports titles (EA Sports FC 26, NBA 2K26, Madden 26)

Three creators will be offering Perfect Match giveaways:

• For EA Sports FC: ShaunaGames
• For NBA 2K: YoThatsEJ
• For EA Sports Madden: Tray

On Xbox’s own channels, simply like posts about the Perfect Match campaign, and reply with “#ThePerfectMatchSweepstakes” to enter the sweepstakes –  you’ll also get a bonus entry for reposting. Full terms and conditions here.

Ready to Find Your Perfect Match?

Your next sporting passion might be just one tap away. Head to the collection now and start speed-dating your way through the lineup. Whether you find a lifelong love or a fun new fling, there’s a perfect match waiting for every kind of player.