How Friendship and Duality Are at the Heart of SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

How Friendship and Duality Are at the Heart of SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

Summary

  • SpongeBob and Patrick are longtime BFFs, but strikingly opposite in their approach to challenges.
  • While SpongeBob is an agile karate king, Patrick can manipulate heavy objects.
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is available now for Xbox Series X|S.

In SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide, available now for Xbox Series X|S, we wanted to place a special focus on the themes of duality. SpongeBob and Patrick are longtime BFFs, but strikingly opposite in their approach to challenges. SpongeBob is the eternal optimist, hardworking and curious, while Patrick is laid back, good natured and carefree. The two are united in their love for live, playing jokes, and annoying Squidward.

It’s a character trope that we see throughout the series through other character relationships like Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy and Plankton and Karen. The series always focuses on interpersonal relationships and finding unity in differences. This was a huge inspiration for us as we approached the antagonists King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman, and we felt like this was a unique opportunity to take this recurring series theme and apply it to a less explored dynamic between two series characters.

When we set out to make Titans of the Tide, we had two strong SpongeBob games to base our learnings on. Battle for Bikini Bottom-Rehydrated remains a cult classic, beloved by the SpongeBob community. Its gameplay is a little slower, but the writing and story development is superb and all three main characters – SpongeBob, Patrick, and Sandy are playable. With Cosmic Shake, we focused on the fidelity of gameplay and wanted to highlight this through focusing on SpongeBob as the main character with Balloon Patrick by his side throughout their adventures. In Titans, we further refined gameplay by re-introducing Patrick as a playable character. You can see the duality theme pop back up again here as SpongeBob and Patrick’s approach to saving Bikini Bottom varies with their skillset.

While SpongeBob is an agile karate king, Patrick’s burly nature helps players to pick up and throw heavy objects, burrow, and use a grapple hook to bring objects closer to him. Switching between the two characters is seamless, which lends itself to epic combinations and unique puzzling. We intentionally kept the basic fighting and traversal abilities mechanically similar (though vastly different in animation style) so that parents and kids alike can play large swathes of the game as their favourite character.

Let’s take a moment to talk about the antagonists: King Neptune is a posh aristocrat whose main concern is his reputation and debonair lifestyle, while the Flying Dutchman is a rowdy pirate who haunts the Seven Seas. Bringing these larger-than-life characters to our audience can be challenging. We worked hard to match the dialogue and character developments throughout the game to those of the series, so that viewers and players have a seamless experience throughout the SpongeBob universe. Once our base for the characters was established, we prototyped the story outline and filled it in with dialogue and story development based on the development of our key features so that the result is a smooth experience that feels like a natural extension to the series.

In creating the story, we started with the premise that Mr. Krabs was having a 50% off discount at the Krusty Krab. Pay half price for, well, half of a Krabby Patty. A legendary marketing move, courtesy of Eugene Krabs. The Flying Dutchman has been waiting in line for hours when King Neptune storms in and jumps the line. The two iconic egos clash and chaos is unleashed upon Bikini Bottom. Half of the population is turned into ghosts, including SpongeBob who’s caught in the crossfire. Luckily Patrick and SpongeBob figure out that they can trade places as the “ghost buddy” by holding their BFF rings together. While King Neptune and the Flying Dutchman battle it out, you follow SpongeBob and Patrick in their journey to reconcile those two old geezers.

We’ll leave the rest for you to explore and we look forward to seeing what your favorite moments are. SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide is available now for Xbox Series X|S.

SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

THQ Nordic GmbH


13

$39.99

How do you stop the two biggest egos of the Seven Seas from fighting? A clash between the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune has unleashed ghostly mayhem all over Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and Patrick will need all their skills, bravery and – dare I say – wit, to return life to what passes for normal in their undersea home. Join Bikini Bottom’s most notorious duo on their ghostliest adventure yet!

Switch seamlessly between SpongeBob and Patrick
Combine SpongeBob and Patrick’s unique platforming skills
Master Patrick’s brand-new skills like grappling and burrowing
Experience a new ghostly story
Fully voiced by the original cast of the show
Visit iconic locations like Neptune’s Palace and Mount Bikini
Battle epic bosses like the Flying Dutchman, King Neptune and Hibernation Sandy

The post How Friendship and Duality Are at the Heart of SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Building a Vibe: The Making of Delta Force’s Newest Map, Monument

Building a Vibe: The Making of Delta Force’s Newest Map, Monument

Delta Force Screenshot

Delta Force has been out on Xbox Series X|S for a little more than three months. Available for free, the game provides three distinctive modes for players of various taste palette: Operations, the game’s accessible, Operator based Extraction Shooter; the Black Hawk Down PvE campaign; and Warfare mode, where players engage in vehicle and/or infantry skirmishes taking place on a growing roster of maps, with its latest addition: Monument. It’s big, with lots of POIs and routes, meaning it’s packed with gameplay opportunities. But this map is more than just a new playground with a new look. It’s delivering a vibe. I spoke with two developers from the team to find out what this map was all about, and why it was so special for the team.

The making of this map took a rebellious turn. Gameplay-first has always been Team Jade’s go-to recipe but with this map, the team decided to flip the script. “I think it really started with a tribute,” said Kai, Level Designer at Team Jade who worked on this map. “We really liked ‘Operation Monument,’ the first mission from Delta Force: Land Warrior. We were discussing what to make next, and someone tossed out: ‘Why don’t we do a pyramid?’ and instantly, everyone just knew—that’s it!”

“This wasn’t just about a simple remake,” he continued. “With modern tech, we finally had the power to actually deliver the desert atmosphere and pyramid experience we’d dreamed of. This was very much a continuation of that classic experience. Getting the opportunity to build content around this really fired us up.”

“We wanted this map to let players truly immerse themselves in the unique atmosphere of the local culture, and this became our top priority for this map,” Wei, the 3D Environment Artist, chimed in. “So, our team actually made the trip out there for hands-on research—to experience the real sand dune terrain and pyramid architecture for ourselves.”

The caveat here, is that the team had already built a prototype of the map, in a bunch of grey boxes as you’d imagine in the engine editor. The team thought the trip would just add some cherries on top, but they were wrong. This trip, as it turned out, changed everything.

“Honestly, picturing something in your head and seeing it with your own eyes are two completely different things,” Wei laughed. The already built “greybox” version of Monument, designed with a traditional gameplay-first, hand-crafted approach, “showed promising results in internal playtests, but when we actually stood among the pyramid complex, we realized the real terrain’s elevation changes and sheer scale far exceeded anything we’d imagined. The desert environment really amplifies the grandeur and mystery. This vibe is something that we must, we have to deliver with this map.”

After the team got back, they effectively redesigned the map, drawing inspiration from the actual terrain. This “authenticity-first” approach, bolstered by photogrammetry scanning done back in the HQ office, created natural combat spaces that felt more organic than anything they could have “hand-designed” from scratch. “It’s like every grain of sand, every brick carries a story,” Wei said.

But getting the look and feel right is only half the job for a map. That’s where level designing shines. “Overall, Monument is a map that combines the diverse combat experiences from… Warfare mode while showcasing distinctive regional culture,” Kai remembered. The battlefield is split into four sectors, each with its own feel, from an abandoned town in Sector A to the dunes of Sector C.

“Sector D brings us inside the pyramid itself, with a maze of passages,” he beamed with excitement. This is where the “vibe” and the “gameplay” truly merge. “Besides the orderly corridors built by craftsmen… there are also secret passages carved out by tomb raiders over the centuries. So if a frontal assault gets too tough, try switching things up and taking a different route; you might stumble onto something unexpected. Players want big maps filled with POIs and routes, and this map really just speaks to that.”

I asked Kai what the team was most excited for players to experience. “I can’t spoil too much,” he chuckled a bit, “but there’s this feeling as the battle progresses. You gradually move from the distant town, across the dunes, closer to the pyramid, and finally step inside, with each stage offering a totally different feel… It’s those moments where you breach that final interior, with sand trickling from the crevices and the distinct sound of the Ney flute in the music… that’s the stuff that sticks with me. Like, this is so cool. You don’t usually get to experience this in a shooter.”

“Players may have already seen pyramids in movies or history books,” he finished, “but this is their first chance to really explore one… running freely, driving at full speed, and fighting in its shadow. We hope everyone has a blast playing it.”

Delta Force is now available for free on Xbox Series X|S. Season Ahsarah, featuring the Monument map, is available now. On top of this new map, the game is to introduce a new Engineer Operator, Gizmo and more content to the game. Delta Force will support console only cross-play with this new season, and native mouse and keyboard input, among other console-specific improvements.


Delta Force

TiMi Studio Group


549

Delta Force is back!

The iconic series returns as the definitive free-to-play modern team-based tactical shooter, and featuring three distinct gameplay modes:

– Warfare: battle the enemy across land, sea and air in truly epic 32 v 32 PvP combat, featuring a wide range of vehicles and unique tactical gear.

– Operations: Delta Force meets the next generation extraction shooter as you deploy behind enemy lines with your squad, search for valuables, take on rival players, and extract before it’s too late. Alternatively, our PvE Raid mode offers challenging objective-based missions designed to push your squad to the limit.

– Black Hawk Down: step into the boots of legendary Delta Force operators for this remake of the classic series campaign based on the gripping 2001 movie.

We are committed to NO PAY-TO-WIN and development is driven by community feedback. Fair play is a top priority, and our dedicated G.T.I. security anti-cheat team ensures a fair gameplay experience by proactively targeting and removing cheaters.

And remember…

“No-one gets left behind”


The post Building a Vibe: The Making of Delta Force’s Newest Map, Monument appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Gaming: Time Well Spent 

Gaming: Time Well Spent 

Culture of Play Hero Image

We spend more time than ever scrolling, swiping, and streaming. Most of it passes by in a blur, and habits like doom-scrolling fill the time but leave us feeling empty. But there’s one type of entertainment that feels different – one that gives back, turning moments into meaning – and in a way that our social feeds rarely do. Gaming.  

That’s the story behind The Culture of Play Report, a new look at why play feels different and why so many people say it’s time well spent. To get a truer picture of how players feel about gaming, we partnered with Edelman Data & Intelligence to survey 1,500 adult video game players in the U.S. – representing a broad mix of play styles and perspectives, from core players to casual participants, across diverse demographics and backgrounds (you can read more about the report’s survey below).

The findings reveal three key reasons players keep coming back: meaning, connection, and self-expression. It’s something you’ve known for years, and now the world is catching on: gaming just might be the most fulfilling, socially connected, and powerful form of entertainment today.  

Meaningful Play  

Nearly 68% of players surveyed say gaming is more emotionally fulfilling than their other hobbies, and three in four reported feeling that they’re doing something meaningful when they play. At Xbox, we think that’s for good reason: games don’t just entertain us – they ask something of us. When we build, explore, or compete, we create our own joy. The reward isn’t passive. It’s personal. 

Likes Fade. Play Lasts 

Six in ten players in our study made lifelong friends through gaming, and more than half say their communities have supported them in tough times. In a world of fleeting interactions, gaming helps build something lasting – real connection. Connection so real, in fact, that three in four players we talked to hope to pass their love of play on to the next generation.

Over the past 12 months, 46% of our players on Xbox chose to game together across titles like Call of Duty, Forza Horizon 5 and Fortnite that consistently deliver these shared experiences.  

Play Shaped By You  

Everywhere else online, algorithms decide what we see next. But in games, we decide who we are, what we do, and how we play. That freedom matters. But freedom doesn’t mean going at it alone. Nearly half of players surveyed say they often feel overwhelmed by too many choices in gaming, almost nine in ten find curation useful, and eight in ten say they’re open to smarter ways to discover what to play next.

That’s why we’re exploring new tools like Gaming Copilot to keep discovery simple and make every session feel a little more personal, without taking away the choices that make play yours. 

The Culture Play Built  

Every day, millions of players are building more than just games. The meaning, connection, and self-expression they find through play have reshaped how we tell stories, share ideas, and see ourselves. When people are fulfilled by play, they create, share stories, connect, build worlds, remix trends — and that creativity is now part of our collective culture.

Gaming’s influence shows up everywhere: in the movies we watch, the music we stream, the clothes we wear, and the communities we form. It’s proof that play doesn’t just reflect culture — it helps build it. 

Your Turn

Everyone has a moment that reminds them why they play – a favorite game, a shared win, or a friendship that’s lasted long after the game ended.  For nearly 25 years, Xbox has been about bringing people together through play –and creating moments and experiences that turn players into friends, teammates, and even family.

As we enter our 25th Anniversary year, we’ll celebrate your stories and connections that define the heart of Xbox. These insights will help us keep shaping what comes next, because we believe everyone should have the chance to create those moments – playing the games they love, wherever they are.  

How We Conducted the Culture of Play Report Survey 

Microsoft commissioned Edelman Data & Intelligence to conduct a 20-minute online survey among 1,500 video game players in the United States, between June 25 and July 2, 2025. The panel of survey respondents were carefully selected to closely match U.S. population demographics and the respondents are representative of American men and woman, ages 18 and older.

The audiences analyzed in this report include three distinct segments: Core Players (who spend most of their entertainment time gaming and following gaming news closely), Enthusiastic Players (who spend a quarter to half their entertainment time gaming and casually follow trends), and Casual Players (who primarily play on mobile or tablet and rarely follow gaming news).

The post Gaming: Time Well Spent  appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Go Big with The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition Xbox Controllers

Go Big with The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition Xbox Controllers

SpongeBob controller hero image

Arrrrre you ready?! Dive into a bubble-blowin’ adventure with SpongeBob as he makes his biggest splash ever with ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Xbox controllers – and see the new movie, only in cinemas!

Introducing the all-new Xbox Wireless Controller – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition.

Whether you’re exploring Bikini Bottom or Davy Jones’ locker, ready your gear for any adventure that comes your way. This collection celebrates the latest chapter in SpongeBob’s story, featuring his iconic smile adorning the official The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition top case and side cap design. X marks the spot, so kick off the journey by pressing the Xbox button and go where no Sponge has gone before.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition is available now, for a limited time, at the Microsoft Store. Looking to create your own unique design with endless customization and upgrade options? Both The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 are available now with Xbox Design Lab.

Hold onto your SquarePants and play with ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ Limited Edition controllers. Keep an eye out for marine mysteries with the ABXY buttons. Find your way with bright yellow thumbsticks and an orange D-pad. Take on the depths of the deep sea with metallic blue triggers.

Create your own unique design for this Xbox Wireless Controller with Xbox Design Lab – with near-endless customization options to help you play your way. Whether you want to showcase your inner goofy goober, or a vibrant ocean aesthetic, choose from a variety of button styles curated for your movie-themed color scheme. Add more of your style with upgrades like metallic triggers and D-pads, rubberized side and back grips, and even include an engraving for a personalized touch.

The Elite Series 2 version of this design comes with all the features you’ve come to love from our best-in-class controllers, including adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wrap-around rubberized grip, and shorter hair trigger lock for even more precise gameplay. For even greater customization, you can add back paddles for enhanced input control and near-limitless customization with exclusive button mapping options in the Xbox accessories app.

Bring your SpongeBob Movie aesthetic even deeperwith the 3.5mm jack, connect any compatible headset to experience sound that no Sponge has heard before. And just like SpongeBob bounces from one adventure to the next, the controller’s dynamic features ensure you’re always ready for whatever master plan an evil villain throws your way! Jam like a jellyfish and head over to Xbox Design Lab today to design yours.

These controllers are available today, exclusively here.

SpongeBob and his Bikini Bottom friends set sail in their biggest, all-new, can’t-miss cinematic event – ‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’. Desperate to be a big guy, SpongeBob sets out to prove his bravery to Mr. Krabs by following The Flying Dutchman – a mysterious swashbuckling ghost pirate – on a seafaring comedy-adventure that takes him to the deepest depths of the deep sea, where no Sponge has gone before. Only in cinemas!

The post Go Big with The SpongeBob Movie Limited Edition Xbox Controllers appeared first on Xbox Wire.

The Game Awards 2025 – Play Every Xbox Nominated Game Today

The Game Awards 2025 – Play Every Xbox Nominated Game Today

Summary

  • We’re excited to share that a half-dozen Xbox first-party titles (plus one movie) have been nominated for awards across multiple categories – voting is now open on The Game Awards official site.
  • You can play many of the nominees announced today with Xbox Game Pass, including top nominee Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
  • Tune into The Game Awards on December 11 to see if your favorite games from 2025 take home an award.

The Game Awards has officially revealed the full list of nominees for the year, and we’re thrilled to see such a wide range of unique titles being recognized for their contributions to gaming. Even better, many of these nominees can be played today across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Cloud, and with Xbox Game Pass!

This year our first-party studios received nominations for Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, and The Outer Worlds 2. Troy Baker’s pitch-perfect performance as Indiana Jones was recognized with a Best Performance nomination, and ‘A Minecraft Movie’, one of the biggest hits at the box office in 2025, was nominated for Best Adaptation.

We’re also equally excited to see that many of our third-party partners have been nominated across a wide range of categories – many of which can be played with Game Pass. Ball x Pit, Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Rematch are all up for awards this year, and playable across devices as Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Additionally, Game Pass subscribers receive incredible benefits for nominees League of Legends, Valorant, and – starting tomorrowFortnite.

Congratulations to all this year’s amazing nominees – and don’t forget, these nominations join titles on Xbox nominated across the Golden Joysticks, and even the Grammys!

Remember, you can vote for your favorites right now over at TheGameAwards.com. See below for the full list of nominees that you can play today.

First-Party Nominees


Xbox Play Anywhere

Avowed Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios


1288


$69.99

$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best RPG

Xbox Play Anywhere

DOOM: The Dark Ages

Bethesda Softworks


625


$69.99

$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Action/Adventure Game
  • Innovation in Accessibility

Xbox Play Anywhere

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle

Bethesda Softworks


785


$69.99

$55.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Performance: Troy Baker
  • Best Action/Adventure Game

Xbox Play Anywhere

NINJA GAIDEN 4 Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios


438

$69.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Action/Adventure

Xbox Play Anywhere

The Outer Worlds 2

Xbox Game Studios


303

$69.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best RPG

Third-Party Nominees


Xbox Play Anywhere

The Alters

11 bit studios


293


$34.99

$27.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Sim/Strategy

Xbox Play Anywhere

ARC Raiders

Embark Studios


415

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Multiplayer

Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Ubisoft


527

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Innovation in Accessibility

Xbox Play Anywhere

Atomfall

Rebellion


499


$59.99

$47.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Innovation in Accessibility

Baldur’s Gate 3

Larian Studios


992

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Community Support

Xbox Play Anywhere

BALL x PIT

Devolver Digital


242


$14.99

$13.49
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
Free Trial

Nominated for:

  • Best Independent Game

Battlefield™ 6

Electronic Arts


936


$69.99

$62.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Multiplayer
  • Best Action/Adventure

Xbox Play Anywhere

Blue Prince

Raw Fury


247


$29.99

$23.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Independent Game
  • Best Debut Indie Game

Capcom Fighting Collection 2

CAPCOM Co., Ltd.


108

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Fighting Game

Xbox Play Anywhere

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33

Kepler Interactive


972


$49.99

$39.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Game of the Year
  • Best Game Direction
  • Best Performance: Ben Starr
  • Best Performance: Charlie Cox
  • Best Performance: Jennifer English
  • Best Narrative
  • Best Art Direction
  • Best Independent Game
  • Best Debut Indie Game
  • Best RPG
  • Best Score and Music
  • Best Audio Design

despelote

Panic


14

$14.99

Nominated for:

  • Games for Impact
  • Best Debut Indie Game

EA SPORTS FC™ 26 Xbox Series X|S

Electronic Arts


259

Free Trial

Nominated for:

  • Innovation in Accessibility
  • Best Sports/Racing

ELDEN RING NIGHTREIGN

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.


414

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Multiplayer

F1® 25

Electronic Arts


196


$69.99

$62.99
Free Trial

Nominated for:

  • Best Sports/Racing

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves – Special Edition

SNK CORPORATION


97


$59.99

$23.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Fighting Game

FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – Starter Edition

SQUARE ENIX


358

$19.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Ongoing
  • Best Community Support

FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles

SQUARE ENIX


175

$49.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Sim/Strategy

Fortnite

Epic Games Inc.


2000

Xbox One X Enhanced

Nominated for:

  • Best Ongoing
  • Best Community Support

HELLDIVERS™ 2

PlayStation Publishing LLC


813

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Ongoing
  • Best Community Support

Xbox Play Anywhere

Hollow Knight: Silksong

Team Cherry


478


$19.99

$17.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Game of the Year
  • Art Direction
  • Best Independent Game
  • Best Action Adventure
  • Best Score and Music

Xbox Play Anywhere

Jurassic World Evolution 3

Frontier Developments


203

$59.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Sim/Strategy

Kingdom Come: Deliverance II

Deep Silver


545

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Game of the Year
  • Best Narrative
  • Best RPG

LEGO® Party!

Fictions


97

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Family

LEGO® Voyagers

Annapurna Interactive


48

$24.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Family

League of Legends

Riot Games


6

PC Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Esports

Lost Records: Bloom & Rage

DON’T NOD


211

$39.99

Nominated for:

  • Games for Impact

Marvel Rivals

NetEase Games


1365

Nominated for:

  • Best Ongoing

Monster Hunter Wilds

CAPCOM CO., LTD.


442

$69.99
Free Trial

Nominated for:

  • Best RPG

Mortal Kombat: Legacy Kollection

Atari


198

$49.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Fighting Game

Xbox Play Anywhere

No Man’s Sky

Hello Games


1113


$59.99

$47.99
Xbox One X Enhanced
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Ongoing
  • Best Community Support

Xbox Play Anywhere

REMATCH

Sloclap, Kepler Interactive


295


$29.99

$23.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Sports/Racing

Split Fiction

Electronic Arts


594


$49.99

$44.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Game Direction
  • Best Multiplayer
  • Best Action Adventure
  • Best Family

Xbox Play Anywhere

SILENT HILL f

KONAMI


221

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Performance: Konatsu Kato
  • Best Narrative
  • Best Audio Design

SHINOBI: Art of Vengeance

SEGA


108

$29.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Action/Adventure

Sonic Racing: CrossWorlds

SEGA


205

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Family
  • Best Sports/Racing

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII

2K


282

$69.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Sim/Strategy

Two Point Museum

SEGA


68

$29.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Sim/Strategy

VALORANT

Riot Games


878

Xbox Game Pass

Nominated for:

  • Best Esports

Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage 30th Anniversary Edition

SEGA


48

$49.99

Nominated for:

  • Best Fighting Game

Wanderstop

Annapurna Interactive


27

$24.99

Nominated for:

  • Games for Impact
  • Best Audio Design

The post The Game Awards 2025 – Play Every Xbox Nominated Game Today appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Partner Preview: See the Latest Games From Our Amazing Third Party Partners This Week

Xbox Partner Preview: See the Latest Games From Our Amazing Third Party Partners This Week

We’re excited to reveal that the next Xbox Partner Preview – our broadcast that shines a light on upcoming games from our talented third-party partners – is coming this Thursday, November 20. This show will include news on upcoming games from partners including IO Interactive, Tencent and THQ Nordic, plus some brand-new reveals and Game Pass announcements.

During Xbox Partner Preview, we’ll show you an exciting first look at content coming to 007 First Light, an electrifying extended gameplay trailer for the upcoming dark fantasy epic Tides of Annihilation, and a fresh look at Reanimal, the new horror adventure from the creator of Little Nightmares, among other great games heading to Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, and Xbox Game Pass.

Additionally, all the games featured during Xbox Partner Preview are Xbox Play Anywhere, which means you can enjoy every single one of them across console, PC and supported gaming handhelds with just one copy of the game.

Xbox Partner Preview is all about bringing you news from our partners across the globe; be it release date announcements, fresh new gameplay from upcoming titles, and world premieres of unannounced new games. We’re also excited to reveal that Jennifer English, who portrays Tides of Annihilation protagonist Gwendolyn, is our voiceover artist for the show. And as always, Xbox Wire will post exclusive deep dives and behind-the-scenes stories about select titles shown during the broadcast.

The event will be broadcast digitally on Thursday, November 20, at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK across our Xbox channels on YouTube and Twitch. Find out all the details below:

What time does Xbox Partner Preview begin? Thursday, November 20, at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK.

How do I watch? Xbox Partner Preview will be available through a variety of outlets:

Please note, YouTube.com/Xbox will be in 4K at 60fps, while all other channels will be 1080p / 60fps.

Is the event available in languages other than English?  We will be providing live subtitle support in the following languages:  Simplified Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish and Mexican Spanish. 

Aside from going directly to a regional Xbox channel, you’ll be able to find 30+ languages at YouTube.com/Xbox in the days following the show. Just click the gear icon in the lower righthand corner of the primary stream to choose the language of your choice.

Is the show going to be Accessible to those with low/no hearing or low/no vision? There will be a version of the show with Audio Descriptions (AD) in English on the Xbox YouTube channel, and American Sign Language (ASL) on Xbox’s YouTube channel and the /XboxASL Twitch channel.

I’m not going to be able to watch, where can I find out what was announced? A full show recap will go live immediately following the end of Xbox Partner Preview. As announcements roll out during the broadcast, the Xbox Wire team will be publishing exclusive blog posts about select titles right here on Xbox Wire (including localized versions in Brazilian Portuguese, French, German, LATAM Spanish, and Japanese).

Co-streamer and content creator notes for the Xbox Partner Preview: We at Xbox greatly appreciate any co-stream efforts and aim to ensure you have a smooth experience if you choose to do so. However, due to forces beyond our control, we cannot guarantee that glitches or disruptions by bots and other automated software won’t interfere with your co-stream. For those planning to create post-show breakdowns of Xbox Partner Preview in the form of Video on Demand (VOD) coverage, we recommend you do not use any audio containing copyrighted music to avoid any action by automated bots, and to also consult the terms of service for your service provider.

We can’t wait for you to join us on Thursday for the next Xbox Partner Preview! See you soon.

The post Xbox Partner Preview: See the Latest Games From Our Amazing Third Party Partners This Week appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Spray Paint Simulator Update with More Colors, Better Flow, Smoother

Spray Paint Simulator Update with More Colors, Better Flow, Smoother

Spray Paint Simulator hero

Grab your spray tool, and step back into Spatterville—there’s a new coat of polish on Spray Paint Simulator! This update focuses on player creativity, smoother gameplay, and better performance. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a new painter just learning the ropes, you’ll find this update makes your work smoother, faster, and a lot more colorful.

  • Spray Paint Sim screenshot
  • Spray Paint Sim screenshot

Paint the Bridge Your Way

Just like the three new levels, the bridge level has opened up to your full creative control! You can now paint the bridge in any combination of colors you like. Whether you want a sleek industrial gray, a sunset gradient, or a chaotic rainbow masterpiece, go wild.

Smarter Preparation and Masking

We’ve also reworked how masking and preparation steps are grouped in certain jobs. To make things flow better, we’ve streamlined these areas by combining some masking and prep steps. You’ll now spend less time fiddling with tape and more time spraying. It’s all about getting you into the action faster without losing the satisfaction of doing a professional-grade job.

  • Spray Paint Sim screenshot
  • Spray Paint Sim screenshot

Clearer Tutorials and Better Guidance

New tutorial messages have been added throughout the game to help new players understand key mechanics and progression steps. If you’ve ever wondered why a surface wasn’t taking paint, or how to perfect a tricky angle, the new tooltips and hints should keep you on track.

Nozzle Improvements – No More Getting Stuck

Some players reported trouble completing certain later jobs when using smaller nozzles or fine-detail spray guns. We’ve tweaked how completion zones and spray detection work in those cases, so you won’t get stuck trying to hit every last pixel. The smaller tools should now behave more consistently across all job types, letting you focus on technique instead of wrestling with the last stubborn patch of unpainted surface.

  • Spray Paint Sim screenshot

Performance and Memory Optimizations

Behind the scenes, we’ve been sanding down rough edges to make Spray Paint Simulator run even smoother. This update includes further optimizations to performance and memory usage, especially noticeable on longer sessions and larger levels. Expect quicker load times, steadier frame rates, and an overall more responsive feel.

Improved Network Reliability

For those who like to spray with friends, our multiplayer experience just got sturdier. The network layer has been rebuilt to better handle communication hiccups and recover gracefully from temporary issues. Fewer disconnects, faster recoveries, and smoother co-op sessions all around.

A Fresh Coat and a Better Feel

This update is all about refining the experience: more freedom in color choice, less friction in setup, and smoother play from start to finish. We’ve listened closely to player feedback and made targeted changes that should make every job, big or small, feel more satisfying.

We hope you’ll dive back in and see how much smoother it feels to paint, spray, and create. As always, we’re grateful for your feedback and support!

Xbox Play Anywhere

Spray Paint Simulator

Whitethorn Games


225


$14.99

$11.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

COLOR YOUR WORLD

Bring color to the world in Spray Paint Simulator! Restore worn-out surfaces with a fresh coat of paint and watch them come back to life. Use your spray tool with precision, cover every inch, and enjoy the satisfaction of a flawless finish. Step into Spatterville, where you’ll build your own spray-painting business. Meet the locals as you restore, repair, mask, and spray paint everything—from kitchens and local landmarks to a giant robot. Buy new tools and equipment, unlock Free Spray mode, and transform the town.

PREP AND MASK-TERPIECE

You’ve got to earn your stripes before becoming the town’s top spray painter. No worries, though! There’s plenty to keep you busy! Mask surfaces to protect them from overspray, remove and repair objects, and fill damaged areas to create the perfect canvas.

SATISFATION IN EVERY SPRAY

Grab your spray tools and watch worn-out objects spring back to life with fresh, snazzy colors! Feel the thrill of transformation, groove to the soothing rhythm of spraying, and enjoy the sheer joy of rejuvenating each item. It’s all about making things look brand new and having a blast while doing it! Let’s spray, play, and make the old new again!

BUSINESS MADE EASY

Running a spray-painting business has never been more fun! Keep an eye on your consumables like paint, masking paper, and tape, because nobody likes a half-finished job. Upgrade to cooler spray tools with more paint capacity, greater coverage, and bigger batteries. Need a boost? Choose from a variety of step ladders and scaffolding to reach those pesky high spots. Managing your supplies and equipment adds just the right amount of strategy, keeping things fun and light-hearted without getting too complicated.

UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY

After completing jobs for customers, dive into Free Spray mode! Return to your finished projects and let your imagination run wild. Spray the job and the surrounding environment any way you please. With a rainbow of colors at your disposal, the entire town becomes your canvas. Express yourself freely and enjoy hours of creative fun. Make Spatterville your masterpiece, one spray at a time!

The post Spray Paint Simulator Update with More Colors, Better Flow, Smoother appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Building a Trusted Gaming Future: How Security Powers Fair Play

Building a Trusted Gaming Future: How Security Powers Fair Play

Xbox Logo Hero

With the launch of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, it’s a timely reminder of the responsibility we share to uphold the integrity of play. We put together this guide on the latest security features and actions players can take to make sure they’re ready to jump into Call of Duty today.  

We’re focused on creating environments where competition thrives. At the heart of every great game is a simple promise: everyone deserves an equal shot at victory. Cheating breaks that promise, undermining the excitement and integrity of the experience for players and developers alike. Through close collaboration with game developers, anti-cheat technology providers, and players, we’re committed to protecting fair play and ensuring everyone can enjoy a level playing field. 

Why Security Features Matter for Fair Play 

Cheat software isn’t like traditional malware that sneaks in unnoticed; it’s installed and run by players who deliberately disable and circumvent built-in protections to gain an unfair edge. That’s why Microsoft’s security features alone can’t stop cheating if someone turns them off. The real value comes when these protections stay enabled by all – they create a trusted state that developers can count on. Using that state, developers can better safeguard their games and their players, by reliably distinguishing systems that are more likely to have cheaters vs. systems that are configured for trust and security. 

Cheating has grown increasingly sophisticated, moving from simple memory hacks to exploits that try to compromise a system before it even verifies your PC is in a trusted state through the hardware and Windows boot process. While most modern PCs include essential security features for gaming, Windows 11 takes protection a step further with advanced defenses tailored for players and developers. Working closely with hardware providers and anti-cheat providers, we have established a set of standards for hardware and software security, creating a root of trust. These technologies work together to make your PC ready for gaming, making it harder for cheats to take hold: 

  • Trusted Platform Module (TPM) 2.0: Creates a modern, hardware-based secure key storage and root of trust, from which the system and Windows can generate information that can be trusted with cryptographic keys.  
  • Secure Boot: Ensures only trusted software loads during the boot process. So, when it is enabled, developers can have confidence that cheats weren’t inserted into the system early to evade detection by the anti-cheat providers. Plus, it extends the root of trust from the TPM all the way through the hardware initialization process to the time that Windows begins to boot.  
  • Virtualization-based Security (VBS): Provides another layer of protection, strengthening security by creating a secure, isolated environment within your system where it is difficult to run unauthorized code that could interfere with your game or anti-cheat software. Like secure boot, when it is enabled, developers can have greater certainty that cheats are not interfering with fair game play. 
  • Remote Attestation: Provides a well-documented and industry wide approach for remotely validating every important step of both the hardware and Windows boot process by leveraging the TPM and creating cryptographically secure evidence that verifies your PC in a trusted state as it initializes and boots into Windows. 

These same technologies sit at the heart of Xbox console security, a proven and trusted model, and we’re excited to see anti-cheat providers leveraging them on Windows 11 today.  

How You Can Help Game Developers Build Trusted Communities  

We’re working with partners to build the tools and standards that make gaming safer, but players have an important role too. By keeping your firmware and security features up to date, you’re helping developers maintain a trusted environment for everyone. Enabling these protections sends a signal that you value fair play.

That signal matters because developers increasingly rely on these standards when designing multiplayer experiences. When security features stay on, it becomes easier for developers to differentiate genuine gameplay from cheating and keep the community competitive and fun.   

Here’s how you can help ensure your PC is ready for secure, fair play: 

  1. Keep Windows Up to Date: Make sure to regularly install Windows 11 updates. These updates are delivered automatically through Windows Update and provide essential security enhancements to help safeguard your gaming experience. 
  1. Stay Current with Firmware/BIOS Patches: Be proactive about checking for and installing firmware/BIOS updates from your PC manufacturer. Firmware/BIOS patches aren’t always automatic, so reviewing your manufacturer’s support site or tools ensures your device receives the latest protections against emerging threats.  We’ve included some links below for many of the top manufacturers to help get you started. 
  1. Enable TPM 2.0 and Secure Boot: Most modern gaming PCs come with these features enabled by default. If you’ve built your own system or use an older device, check your firmware/BIOS settings and manufacturer’s or Windows’ instructions to activate them. 
  1. Review Security Requirements: Major titles such as Call of Duty and Valorant provide dedicated pages that outline the necessary protections needed for secure and fair gameplay. Check the official website for your favorite game to find its recommended security requirements before you play to ensure your system complies with the latest standards. 
  1. Stay Informed: Follow Microsoft’s official channels for guidance on best practices and the latest news.  Bookmark the Security blog to keep up with our expert coverage on security matters.  Also, follow us on LinkedIn (Microsoft Security) and X (@MSFTSecurity) for the latest news and updates on cybersecurity. We’ll keep you updated so you can focus on playing, not worrying. 

Manufacturer Instructions 

Additionally, here are a few resources to help: 

What’s Next 

The fight against cheating is always evolving, and so are the tools we use to protect the gaming community. As new games and anti-cheat solutions adopt modern security technologies, you’ll see more titles requiring features like TPM, Secure Boot, and advanced protections such as VBS. 

We’re here to listen to your feedback as we work toward our shared goal of fair play for all.  Together, we can build a gaming ecosystem that’s secure, fair, and fun for everyone. See you in-game! 

The post Building a Trusted Gaming Future: How Security Powers Fair Play appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 17 to 21

Moonlighter 2

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for November 17 to 21

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


SpongeBob SquarePants: Titans of the Tide

THQ Nordic GmbH

$39.99

Spongebob Squarepants: Titans of the Tide – November 18

How do you stop the two biggest egos of the Seven Seas from fighting? A clash between the Flying Dutchman and King Neptune has unleashed ghostly mayhem all over Bikini Bottom. SpongeBob and Patrick will need all their skills, bravery and – dare I say – wit, to return life to what passes for normal in their undersea home. Join Bikini Bottom’s most notorious duo on their ghostliest adventure yet!


Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview)

11 bit studios

Moonlighter 2: The Endless Vault (Game Preview) – November 19
Game Pass

Dive deep into Action-RPG with roguelike elements and a tale about new beginnings. With no coin to your name, you and the other townsfolk find yourselves stranded in the distant village of Tresna. Now, it’s up to you to get back on your feet and turn your humble shop into the beating heart of the village’s wealth. Explore dangerous dungeons, gather relics, sell them, and reinvest in your friends’ establishments. Unlock new weapons, armor, shop decorations, and—more importantly—restore hope that things can one day turn around.

This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game.


Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road

Raw Fury

Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road – November 20
Game Pass

In Monsters are Coming! Rock & Road, gather what resources you can to prepare defenses for an ever-moving city. Are you ready to take on a never-ending army of darkness in a tower-survivor, action-rogue-lite on wheels?


Outlaws + Handful of Missions: Remaster

Lucasfilm, Disney, Atari, Nightdive Studios

$29.99

Outlaw + Handful of Missions: Remaster – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

From the team that brought you Star Wars: Dark Forces Remaster comes the return of the 1997 western FPS classic, Outlaws! Saddle up and ride back into the Wild West with the gunslinging ex-Marshal, James Anderson, and face off against the good, the bad, and the even worse this side of the Mississippi as you work to uncover a twisted plot of greed and corruption. With your trusty six-shooting .45 Revolver, Scoped .44 Rifle, 10-Gauge Shotgun, and good ol’ Sawed-Off 12-Gauge Shotgun, you’ll be packin’ plenty of firepower to take out all manner of outlaw varmints.


Terrifier: The ARTcade Game

SelectaPlay


$19.99

$7.99

Terrifier: The Artcade Game – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Step into a world of pixelated carnage with Terrifier: The Artcade Game, a gory retro fighting beat ’em up packed with intense action, dark humor, and tons of fun! Inspired by the classic beat ’em up games of the 80s and 90s. Become Art The Clown, the sinister and unpredictable villain from the Terrifier series, as you unleash chaos across a variety of locations. Each stage is a movie set where a film about Art is being produced, but you’re here to disrupt the show!


The Berlin Apartment

Blue Backpack, ByteRockers Games

The Berlin Apartment – November 17
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Dilara joins her father Malik, a handyman tasked with refurbishing an old apartment in the city of Berlin, Germany. In the course of their extensive renovation work, Dilara digs deeper and deeper into the history of the apartment. Relics from past times turn out to be silent witnesses and former companions of the apartment’s previous inhabitants. With each new find, Malik tells his daughter the story behind this trace of a past adventure – with its own protagonists, its own genre, and its own atmosphere, yet always set within the same four walls.


Remnants of the Rift

Bromio

Remnants of the Rift – November 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

One day the world’s experiencing a golden age of technology, the next it’s forcibly merged with an alternate dimension. It happens. Now there’s a new reality, a world between worlds: The Bast. Remnants of the Rift is a roguelite tactics game where you can pause, plan, and play. You are Morgan, dimension-diving merc, delving deeper and deeper into The Bast at the request of the factions looking to exploit this new reality.


RoboHero

Xitilon

RoboHero – November 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Classic Sokoban with a twist and a sci-fi theme! A scientific organization sends a robot-expeditor developed on artificial intelligence to the newly discovered exoplanet Xeran, on which, most likely, there are very valuable resources for humanity.


Sektori

Kimmo Factor Oy

Sektori – November 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Sektori is an intense, fast paced twin-stick shooter infused with hard hitting techno music. Choose your upgrades carefully and create powerful builds to take on the relentless enemies and epic bosses on a constantly evolving battlefield. Sektori is a game that requires your complete focus, a game where the high-adrenaline visuals, music, and gameplay come together to transport you into another state of consciousness.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Spikeball Smash

The Munky

Spikeball Smash – November 18
Xbox Play Anywhere

Spikeball Smash brings the party to your room. Tap into the real-life energy of Spikeball solo or with up to four players. Feel the sand between your toes as you serve from the beach or listen to the cheers from the party as you dominate in the quad. Play to win with authentic Spikeball rules.


The Cute Whale (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

The Cute Whale – November 18
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready for an ocean full of puzzles and charm. Guide a lovable whale through 30 handcrafted stages where strategy meets relaxation. Push the turtles onto the buoys and help restore harmony to the sea in this adorable adventure of logic and calm. Explore three peaceful worlds, the Caribbean Sea, Coral Reef and Deep Sea, each filled with cozy pixel art and soothing ocean vibes. Every move brings you closer to mastering the art of gentle thinking, as you plan routes, reposition turtles and find the perfect solution at your own pace.


Demonschool

Ysbryd Games

Demonschool – November 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Demonschool is a new-style tactics RPG where motion equals action. Defeat big weirdos in between the human and demon worlds as Faye and her misfit companions, while navigating university life on a mysterious island.


Secrets of Blackrock Manor – Escape Room

mc2games

Secrets of Blackrock Manor – Escape Room – November 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

After the mysterious deaths of his three children, Augustus Blackrock hid his fortune so no one could claim it. But was that his only secret? What really happened to the Blackrock family? Observe, think, and connect clues to solve the eight escape rooms within the manor. Every object could be a hint. Keep your eyes open!


Slide Stories: Neko and Friends

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

Slide Stories: Neko and Friends – November 19

Sit back, relax, and follow the flow as you complete each puzzle to unlock the next story chapter. Experience it all in a unique mix of anime-inspired art, graphic novel storytelling, and soothing lo-fi music.


StarLightRiders: HyperJump

Eastasiasoft Limited

StarLight Riders: Hyper Jump – November 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Blast swarms of enemies and charge your warp drives in retro shoot’em up style! Defend Earth in this fast-paced arcade shooter! Take command of the HyperJump ships and blast through swarms of alien invaders. Charge your warp engines by collecting reactors—but beware, the enemy strikes back harder the stronger you become!


The Last Shot Arcades (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You


$9.99

$7.99

The Last Shot Arcades – November 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Arcade machines in the universe of The Last Shot! In this collection, you can drive a bus, fly a fighter jet, shoot a bow and slingshot, tickle some dinosaurs, robots, and zombies, and defend your base from waves of enemies. A wild mix of arcades, strategy, shoot-’em-ups, physics-based games, and awesome music from street performers.


Wiz Quest: Crystal Power (Xbox Series)

Paulo Pinheiro Game Dev

Wiz Quest: Crystal Power – November 19
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Wiz Quest: Crystal Power is a retro-style action survival game where you control a young wizard facing relentless waves of monsters. Defeat enemies, collect magic crystals, and unlock new powers to enhance your attacks. Each run is a new challenge — test your reflexes, master your magic, and see how long you can survive!


Bus World

Ultimate Games S.A.


$19.99

$15.99

Bus World – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Bus World is a game about transporting passengers under various conditions – from regular daily routes to emergency rescue missions during natural and man-made disasters. Play through gripping scenarios or enjoy the freedom of creating your own routes in free mode.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Cat God Ranch

E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd


$12.99

$10.39

Cat God Ranch – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Cat God Ranch is an animal-themed casual strategy roguelite game. Manage hundreds of animals to pay tribute to the Cat God! 8 animal families, 100+ animals, 10+ Cat Gods, 100+ items, and various animal combinations waiting for you to explore!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Football, Tactics & Glory – Treble Deluxe Edition

Markt+Technik Verlag GmbH

Football, Tactics & Glory – Treble Deluxe Edition – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

Tactics meet passion – lead your team to glory! From the modest soccer pitch to the large stadium: You’ll make history in Football, Tactics & Glory – Treble Deluxe Edition. Not only are you a coach, you’re also a strategist, motivator and the architect of your career. Every decision counts, both on and off the pitch, from line-ups and transfers to the next series of moves. This is not only a question of reflexes and button-mashing, but about sophisticated tactics!


Kiosk

Feardemic

Kiosk – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Run the cozy, rain-soaked kiosk and serve the meals to some very “interesting” customers. Keep the orders coming, soak in the eerie atmosphere and try not to think too hard about what happened to the last guy who worked here (He’s… gone. Let’s leave it at that).


Neon Inferno

Retroware

Neon Inferno – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Neon Inferno is a hybrid side-scroller and gallery-shooter where the action takes place in both the foreground and the background. As warring factions battle for control of a dystopian New York City, you enter the fray as an assassin for the Family — a notorious crime syndicate determined to eliminate its rivals and dominate the metropolitan battlefield. Rendered in beautiful pixel art and backed by an evocative soundtrack, Neon Inferno delivers a stylish, modern 2D action experience with cyberpunk flair.


Pad Quad (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

Pad Quad – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready to bounce into action with Pad Quad, a lightning-fast platformer where padel meets pure arcade fun! Control adorable pixel mascots inspired by Quad Sports rackets and race across futuristic arenas packed with enemies, traps, and tricky jumps.


Saborus

QUByte Interactive

Saborus – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Saborus is a thrilling horror adventure in which you guide a brave chicken through a deadly slaughterhouse where everything wants to kill you! You, as the chicken, will solve puzzles and face the relentless pursuit of the Saborus slaughterhouse workers. Make your way through the sinister surroundings of a creepy slaughterhouse, full of suspense and surprises! Can you survive?


Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury

Maximum Entertainment France SAS


$24.99

$19.99

Samurai Academy: Paws of Fury – November 20
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

The village of Kakamucho is under attack by the Shogun’s cat armies! Join Hank, a dog samurai in a world of cats, and his friends as they reveal a sinister plot and save the day, samurai-style. Slash, dash, and laugh through this wacky third-person action adventure.


Solid Void Art Nonograms

Infinite Zone

$8.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

Solid Void – Art Nonograms – November 20

Solid Void combines classic nonogram puzzles with pentomino-like jigsaws. Uncover the art bits hidden in nonograms and finish them in the other puzzle style to see beautiful artwork! Solid Void delivers hours of relaxing but also challenging gameplay. Whether you’re a nonogram veteran or a newbie, the game is well-balanced and you’ll surely enjoy your time spent on solving the puzzles.


Aery – Peace of Mind 4

EpiXR Games

$11.99

Aery – Peace of Mind 4 – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Aery – Peace of Mind 4 is an interactive game experience that is designed to relax your mind and soul. You jump into the role of a little bird, explore beautiful landscapes and collect magical crystals that mark certain landscapes. Because there are no enemies or any other danger in this game you will be able to lean back and enjoy the scenery and the sensation of flying. It is a great game for relaxing and calming down after an exhausting day full of hassle.


A Maze Against Time

Zazenfly Development DOO

A Maze Against Time – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

A Maze Against Time is a dynamic game where you race in one labyrinth after another against a timer that gets smaller every time you win. To top that, if you rack high enough of a highscore the labyrinth gets more complex! Find the exit, accelerate and blow the maze walls up in this puzzler action game!


Burger Master

Gametry LLC

Burger Master – November 21

Step into the fast-paced world of sizzling patties and hungry customers in Burger Master, a deliciously fun cooking game where your goal is simple: become the top burger chef in the city! Test your culinary speed and strategy across 3 unique worlds, each packed with 60 exciting levels. That’s 180 levels of non-stop cooking action where timing and precision are everything.


Castle Heroes

Gametry LLC

Castle Heroes – November 21

Castle Heroes is a game where you need to create a team of heroes that will help protect your castle. You are entering an amazing adventure where you have to use all your skills in order to try and win. It’s a very engaging, fun strategy and action game where proper team management and state-of-the-art gameplay will make the experience more engaging and interesting than ever before.


Chompy Chomp Chomp Party: Ultimate Tournament Edition

Utopian World of Sandwiches

$9.99

Chompy Chomp Chomp Party: Ultimate Tournament Edition – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Get ready for a wild and wacky multiplayer experience with Chompy Chomp Chomp Party: Ultimate Tournament Edition! Whether you’re chomping your way to victory or trying to avoid getting chomped yourself, this fast-paced action party game is pure, chaotic fun for players of all ages. Gather your friends, family, or even foes and dive into a colorful world where strategic munching meets frenetic competition.


Croc’s Dynamite Blast

Sprakelsoft GmbH

$6.99
Free Trial

Croc’s Dynamite Blast – November 21

Croc’s Dynamite Blast is an explosive arcade action game full of strategy, chaos, and fun! Join Croc and his friends in a fun game where dynamite is your best weapon! Choose between Croc, Baby Croc, Roodie or the clever Mole – each with their own charm, all ready to blast their way to victory. Fans of the beloved Croc’s World series will recognize these characters, but this time they’re leaving platforming behind for high-energy battles packed with dynamite, chain reactions, and endless surprises.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Diamond Painting ASMR

QubicGames S.A.

Diamond Painting AMSR – November 21
Xbox Play Anywhere

Relax as you follow the numbers and paint at your own pace! Dive into unique canvases full of unicorns, hearts, cakes, and other stunning images. Enjoy the satisfying ‘click’ as each diamond snaps into place, bringing vibrant colors to life! Bring a dinosaur back from the past or draw a diamond castle in 3D – whatever you imagine, you can paint it… with diamonds!


Drizzlepath: Picturae

Playstige Interactive

Drizzlepath: Picturae – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Have you ever wandered inside images? Images that blow your soul away? In Drizzlepath: Picturae, you embark on a journey of gorgeous landscapes. While some of these landscapes melt your heart, some will give you the chills. Do not fear though; at the end of the day, you will have a heck of a good time viewing a variety of beauties, listening to haunting music, and a real talent of a voice actor.


Empire Invasion

Gametry LLC

Empire Invasion – November 21

Empire Invasion is the ultimate test of your strategic mastery—a thrilling tower defense game where every decision can mean victory or destruction. Brace yourself to hold the line against relentless waves of enemies determined to breach your defenses. With 40+ handcrafted levels, each offering three escalating difficulty settings, you’ll sharpen your tactics and push your limits in a deeply satisfying progression. Every stage brings fresh challenges, demanding clever planning and quick reactions.


Fantasy Aquarium

Happy Player

$9.99

Fantasy Aquarium – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Raise your favorite fish and build your dream underwater world! It’s your very own aquarium. Buy the fish you love, raise them from tiny fry, and watch them grow and flourish. Create your dream underwater world—calm, colorful, and completely yours.


JDM: Japanese Drift Master

Gaming Factory

JDM: Japanese Drift Master – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Explore the birthplace of drift and dive into Japan’s iconic car culture! JDM: Japanese Drift Master combines realistic, carefully-tuned physics in a simcade experience that’s as smooth on a controller as it is with sim racing hardware. Tackle hundreds of kilometers of open-world roads and uncover story-driven events and quests along the way. Hone your drifting skills, perfect grip races, take on challenges, and feel the thrill of authentic Japanese street racing.


NeonBlast

EntwicklerX – GbR Thomas Claus und Frank Menzel

NeonBlast – November 21

In NeonBlast, the gamepad is used to control a ball that can be recolored via color fields and destroys blocks of the same color. Furthermore, there are sliding stones and skull fields that cost a life. A level is solved when all destructible blocks are destroyed, the faster this happens, the more bonus points you get.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Sailing the Winds

ChiliDog Interactive

$6.99

Sailing the Winds – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere / Smart Delivery

An adventure blending exploration, fishing, and mystery. You play as a seeker helping a friend find their missing father on a pirate-legends archipelago. Discover islands, caves, and shipwrecks hiding artifacts. Even small details may unlock secrets.


Save Room – The Merchant

Ratalaika Games S.L.

Save Room – The Merchant – November 21
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Buy, sell, and acquire crucial items required for combat missions while interacting with the Save Room’s enigmatic weapons dealer. To progress through each level, you must possess specific elite and essential battle gear. In order to obtain the necessary goods, meticulously arrange your arms and treasures within your inventory. Then you’ll need to engage in the process of selling your treasures to the strange merchant. Can you build your war chest?


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From Tony Hawk Dreams to BMX Reality: How Legends BMX Was Made by Riders

From Tony Hawk Dreams to BMX Reality: How Legends BMX Was Made by Riders

Summary

  • Inspired by childhood skatepark memories and classic games.
  • Authentic tricks and community-driven gameplay.
  • Join friends for jumps, grinds, and nostalgia on Xbox.

Ask any member of the Saga Legends Games team what inspired Legends BMX, and childhood afternoons come flooding back: hours spent playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater with friends, then heading outside to try those virtual tricks on real bikes. Those games didn’t just entertain, they sparked a lifelong love of BMX and extreme sports, a passion shared by nearly every developer on the team.​​

We grew up grinding rails in Tony Hawk’s, then trying to copy the moves at the local park, laughs Carlos, gameplay programmer and amateur BMX rider. The team’s mission was clear from the start: bring that same mix of fun, freedom, and creativity to BMX, with controls that reward experimentation and a vibe that welcomes everyone.

The design process turned personal stories into game mechanics. Lead producer David drew inspiration from neighborhood skateparks seen through childhood eyes, blending stylized art with authentic features that riders recognize and appreciate. Developers debated every trick, not just for realism, but for that feeling of triumph when landing something new: We focused on the simple joy of small victories every rider knows, like landing a bunny hop or a first grind,” recalls David.

Many on the team still ride BMX today, and sessions between work inspire new features. They met up on weekends to test animations and recreate their favorite park stunts. Mistakes became moments to laugh and learn. “Our community playtests felt like reliving our early days. The feedback from actual bikers pushed us to keep improving, says David, lead producer.

Legends BMX isn’t just made by coders, it’s made by riders, by gamers who learned about courage and confidence from both controllers and handlebars. The game aims to capture the thrill of landing a new trick and the joy of inviting friends along for the ride just like those beloved classics from childhood.

As Legends BMX launches on Xbox, the developers hope players, whether longtime fans or curious newcomers, will feel that sense of nostalgia, friendship, and possibility with every jump and grind. Enjoy Legends BMX on Xbox starting today!

Legends BMX

Firenut Games


1


$9.99

$7.99

Pure Flow and Adrenaline!
LEGENDS BMX is an energetic and exhilarating game made for extreme sports enthusiasts! Ride your BMX through a variety of parks and scenarios designed to let you pull off incredible tricks.

Simple & Intuitive
Enjoy easy-to-learn mechanics and intuitive controls that provide tons of fun and a wide range of experiences. Reach attainable goals while soaring over ramps and verticals, performing spectacular tricks. Explore multiple parks filled with a variety of ramps, surfaces, and verticals in semi-realistic environments. Achieve greatness and rise to the top of the competitive leaderboard!

Ride & Challenge Yourself
Move freely, performing countless tricks and lines to rack up massive points in diverse parks and scenarios. Attempt the wildest tricks with our one-directional analog system. After your first stunt, your Trick Line begins, recording each additional trick and combo, adding extra points until the rider wipes out or stops. The total score for the trick line is then added to your overall tally.

Competitions & Customization
Execute dozens of tricks, each with variations in Spin, Flips, Manuals, and Grinds. Climb the global rankings with your best scores. Choose from multiple Riders and bikes, each with their unique style and flow.

Cartoon & Realistic
LEGENDS BMX combines a charismatic 3D cartoon style with semi-realistic parks, immersive environments, and striking VFX. A dynamic isometric camera follows the rider seamlessly, enhancing the thrill of riding, flowing, and executing amazing tricks.

Gameplay Feedback
To amplify the experience, LEGENDS BMX features engaging VFX, including bike effects, grind sparks, skids, dust trails, camera effects, small particles, pump trails, and more.

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