Xbox Insiders with Game Pass Ultimate – Stream Your Own Game on the Xbox PC app
Anu Reddy, Senior Product Manager, Xbox Platform
Exciting updates for PC players! Starting today, Xbox Insiders in the PC Gaming Preview who are also Game Pass Ultimate members can stream select console games they own beyond the Game Pass catalog on the Xbox PC app in the 28 countries where Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) is supported.
Even better, this feature includes console-only games that previously couldn’t be played using the Xbox PC app. Just head to the Cloud Gaming section in the Xbox PC app, look for the Stream your own game catalog, choose a supported title you own, and start playing instantly. You can see the full list of over 250+ supported games here. You can expect even more games including console-only games and Xbox Play Anywhere titles to be added to the collection over time. You choose how and where to play. We’re just making it easier to get there—with more flexibility, more access, and more games at your fingertips.
How to Get Xbox Insider Support and Share Your Feedback
We want to thank all the Xbox Insiders for the feedback you share with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process. If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We recommend adding to threads with the same topic before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!
If you aren’t part of the Xbox Insider Program yet and want to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. For more information on the Xbox Insider Program, follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider and keep an eye on this blog for all the latest news.
For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.
Coming to Game Pass: Grounded 2 (Game Preview), Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, Farming Simulator 25, and More
Megan Spurr, Senior Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass
Ride around on your bike, your tractor, a bug in the park, or with your friendly neighborhood RoboCop in the next batch of games coming to your download queue. However you’re getting around, we have some games for you!
Available Today
High On Life (Cloud, Console, and PC) Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
High On Life returns to Game Pass today! Humanity is threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It is up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic guns to take down Garmantuous and his gang to save the world!
Coming Soon
RoboCop: Rogue City (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – July 17 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
A new guy is in town, and with him, a wave of crime floods into Old Detroit. With chaos on the streets, it’s up to you to restore order in this explosive first-person adventure. Become the iconic, part man, part machine, RoboCop, and fulfil your prime directives: protect the innocent and uphold the law.
My Friendly Neighborhood (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 17 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Something is amiss with everyone’s favorite Saturday morning puppet show! For years, the colorful cast of The Friendly Neighborhood delighted audiences across the globe with their cooky capers and educational adventures. Play as Gordon, a repairman sent to find the underlying cause of this disturbing dilemma. Fend off puppets and solve puzzles in this survival horror adventure.
Back to the Dawn (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 18 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
A gripping prison escape RPG woven with crime, corruption, and hidden agendas. Step into a maximum-security facility where every inmate has a past—and a plan. You’ll have to fight to survive, investigate, and ultimately break free before the time runs out.
Abiotic Factor (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – July 22 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Abiotic Factor is a survival crafting experience for one to six players set in the depths of an underground research facility. Caught between paranormal containment failure, a military crusade, and chaos from a dozen realms, the world’s greatest minds must survive against the universe’s biggest threats.
Wheel World (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – July 23 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! You are Kat, a young cyclist with one mission: save Wheel World from total collapse. Explore a stunning open world filled with impressive vistas, hidden secrets, and races that will test your skills. Customize your bike with an endless array of parts, from sleek speedsters to off-road beasts — there’s no limit to how you can ride.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – July 24 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a Souls-like action RPG set in the dark final days of the Ming Dynasty. Play as Wuchang, a pirate warrior battling memory loss and a deadly curse, as you master brutal combat, evolve your skills, and uncover the truth behind a world consumed by chaos.
Grounded 2 (Game Preview) (Cloud, PC, and Xbox Series X|S) – July 29 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Available on day one with Game Pass! Shrunk again, but the world is much larger. Survive a sprawling open world alone or in co-op with friends. Craft weapons, forge armor, and build bases while exploring the park on your trusty Buggy mounts. Unravel hidden mysteries and face unexpected threats. But something else is out there — and it hasn’t forgotten you.
Farming Simulator 25 (Cloud, Console, and PC) – August 1 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass, Game Pass Standard
Farming Simulator 25 invites you to join the rewarding farm life. Build a farm along winding rivers and historic grain elevators in North America, surrounded by ponds in Central Europe, or in a lush East Asian landscape filled with rice paddies near a neon-lit port city. Whether you build your legacy single-handedly or cooperatively in multiplayer – it’s your farm, you decide!
In-Game Benefits
Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass members get access to these in-game benefits with your membership. Benefits can vary by game, region, and time.
Fragpunk: Unlock Lancers & Weapon Skins (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 30 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Unlock all current Lancers and Groovy Night Series Weapon Skin Bundle Access, including five extreme tier (with Model VFX, Kill VFX and Skin Animation) weapon skins! Get day-one access to every new Lancer after release, and the Extreme Skin Bundle refreshes every 4 months. Let’s break the rules together!
Asphalt Legends Unite: Exclusive Monthly Gift Bundle (Cloud, Console, and PC) – July 30 Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass
Unlock the Acura NSX GT3 Evo car, 10 card packs, and 500,000 credits to upgrade your collection and take the lead on the track! This benefit requires Asphalt Legends Unite to use.
Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Super Animal Royale: Summer Perks Bundle – Available now Unlock the Super Animal Royale Summer Xbox Perks Bundle to claim your place at the top of the food chain with style this summer season! –
Apex Legends: Prodigy Supercharge Pack – Available now Join the Apex Games ready for battle with the Prodigy Supercharge Pack. This collection of content will trick out specific weapons and Legends in special gear. This pack includes two character skins (Fuse and Revenant), two weapon skins (Volt SMG and Charge Rifle), and two banners (Fuse and Revenant).
Leaving July 31
The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Jump back in before they go or use your membership discount to save up to 20% on your purchase to keep them in your library.
Gigantic (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Turnip Boy Robs a Bank (Cloud, Console, and PC)
We’re adding more games over time to the Stream Your Own Game collection for Game Pass Ultimate members. Visit Xbox.com/Play to see the list of available cloud playable games to stream on supported devices if you own them.
I’m excited to see you all in the park in Grounded 2, and maybe I’ll even be brave enough to turn off arachnophobia mode (unlikely!). Until next time, we’ll chat with you over at Game Pass, PC Game Pass, or Xbox. Cheers friends!
Irem Collection Vol. 3 brings 3 Upgraded Retro Shoot ’em Ups to Xbox
Jaz Rignall, Social Media Manager, ININ Games
Irem Collection Volume 3 featuring a fantastical trio of upgraded arcade shoot ’em ups is available digitally!
The latest venture between ININ, Tozai Games, and Irem is a collection of classic shooters from the late 80s and early 90s.
The collection includes the 1987 coin-op classic Mr. Heli, a defining title in the cute ’em up genre with multidirectional scrolling. Also featured is 1992’s Mystic Riders, a charming shooter with dodge-rolls and boomerang attacks. Rounding it out is Dragon Breed, a fantasy take on classic titles like R-Type, starring a massive fire-breathing dragon. Once overlooked, these standout shooters are now hailed as hidden gems.
Each has its own unique style and flavor, showcasing just how diverse shooters could be during this Golden Age of arcades. Like all shooters of this era, these games present a considerable challenge. After all, they were designed to steal your cash one quarter at a time and are therefore by no means easy.
So, to support players who didn’t grow up battling through the unforgiving arcades of the 80s and 90s, these games now include a range of added gameplay options. Let’s explore how the designers have refreshed them for today’s generation.
A range of customization options has been included to make playing these classic joystick-and-button arcade games more intuitive and user-friendly on modern consoles. You can fully remap the controls to suit your preferences—assign the fire button to any button on your joypad, making the controls feel natural and responsive for your playstyle. This flexibility ensures that the gameplay feels smooth and approachable, whether you’re a longtime arcade enthusiast or a newbie.
There are several other gameplay adjustments available, too . You can tailor the experience by adjusting the number of lives you begin with. This makes it possible for you try out at challenging sections or extend your play sessions. Difficulty levels can also be adjusted, allowing the games to be made more forgiving or more challenging. There’s even an autofire feature, which can be turned on to help you avoid wearing out your thumb during prolonged battles—especially useful in these fast-paced shoot-’em-ups where constant firing is essential. Altogether, these enhancements help preserve the feel of the original arcade titles while making them more enjoyable for today’s players.
In addition, quick save/load and rewind options make the gameplay a little more accessible. If you’ve never played these games, you will certainly need these options– please believe that!
Expect ambushes around every corner, and boss battles that absolutely take no prisoners!
The designers have gone the extra mile to enhance the visual and competitive experience for modern players. A selection of display filters is included. These upgrade the appearance of the original graphics to better suit your needs. They range from various CRT-style effects that recreate the look of classic arcade monitors to multiple color palettes that can subtly or dramatically alter the game’s aesthetic. Whether you’re after authenticity or a fresh visual twist, there’s a setting to match your taste.
On the competitive side, worldwide leaderboards have been added, giving you the chance to see how your high scores stack up against players from around the globe. Whether you’re aiming for the top spot or just looking to improve your personal best, the leaderboards add a new layer of fun and challenge, encouraging you to hone your skills and keep coming back for more.
Don’t miss these hidden arcade treasures, Irem Collection Volume 3, available on Xbox One, Series X|S! Also, don’t forget that previous collections: Volume 1 and Volume 2 are also digitally available on the same Xbox consoles!
ININ is back with Volume 3 of the IREM Collection, delivering a trio of fantastical shoot ’em ups! This time, it´s magic, machines, and mayhem.
Mr. Heli (Battle Chopper)
Meet Mr. Heli, the quirky, legged chopper with a whole lot of firepower! Debuting in Japanese arcades in 1987, this multidirectional “cute ‘em up” shooter lets you pilot through inventive stages filled with puzzle-like maps, hidden paths, and massive bosses. Mine crystals, earn cash, and upgrade your arsenal to keep those rotor blades spinning!
Mystic Riders
Magic meets mayhem in Mystic Riders, the 1992 fantasy shooter where you ride broomsticks and battle giant sky turtles, flaming demons, and other mythical creatures. Use your broom as a boomerang to block projectiles, dodge-roll past dangerous hazards, and blast through vibrant worlds. Don’t go it alone – team up in local co-op as Mark the wizard or Zeal the witch for an enchanted ride through arcade history.
Dragon Breed
Finally, from brooms to dragons – the 1989 arcade gem Dragon Breed throws you into a biomechanical nightmare! Ride into battle on the mighty dragon Bahamoot who can shield you from danger and scorch everything in your path. Think R-Type meets fantasy apocalypse – with wings.
Features:
– Three high-fantasy and sci-fi horizontal shoot ‘em ups from IREM.
– Included Versions:
– Mr. Heli/Battle Chopper: Arcade (English/Japanese), PC Engine (Japanese)
– Mystic Riders: Arcade (English/Japanese)
– Dragon Breed: Arcade (English/Japanese)
– Optional controller enhancements, including rapid-fire button assignment and customizable control layouts.
– Quick save/load and built-in rewind to keep the action flowing.
– Display filters to recreate that original arcade look and feel.
– Worldwide leaderboards to show off your high-score dominance.
– Local 2-player co-op in Mystic Riders for magical tag-team action.
– Packed with bizarre enemies, massive bosses, and legendary gameplay.
Experience the magic, machines, and mayhem of IREM’s arcade brilliance – all in one explosive collection!
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 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!
The fate of The Forgotten Realms is in your hands! Return to the city of Neverwinter in Dungeons & Dragons Neverwinter Nights 2: Enhanced Edition. A dark force sweeps over Faerûn, ravaging everything in its path as though searching for something — something that you now find in your possession. As the Shard-Bearer, only you can stop the King of Shadows and his army from desecrating the land you call home. Will you save Faerûn, or fall victim to the temptation of absolute power?
Following RoboCop’s decisive victory over Detroit’s gangs, a new chapter unfolds in this standalone extension set after the events of RoboCop: Rogue City. The New Guy in Town has been defeated, but the streets are still riddled with crime. A spark of hope comes from OCP’s latest project: OmniTower – a massive housing complex designed specifically to provide for the needs of the residents of Old Detroit. But when a group of highly trained mercenaries armed with cutting-edge weapons takes control of the building and turns it into their deadly fortress, RoboCop must take action to put a stop to their plans and uphold the law.
A 2D action platformer and a genre-twisting alternate take on the iconic Pac-Man. As Swordsman No. 8, awoken by a floating yellow orb, Puck, on a mysterious planet where relics from past wars remain, you are chosen to become the instrument of its will. To survive you will discover many secrets, start preying on your enemies, and become the apex predator as embrace your true purpose.
A 3D action role-playing game based on the space fantasy comic/anime “Edens Zero” by Hiro Mashima, the creator of “Fairy Tail” and “Rave Master.” It is centered on Shiki Granbell and his friends’ cosmos-spanning adventure.
Tee up the old-school fun! Golden Tee Arcade Classics brings eight legendary arcade classics home — no quarters required. Enjoy Golden Tee 3D Golf, Golden Tee 97, Golden Tee 98, Golden Tee 99, Golden Tee 2K, and Golden Tee Classic exactly as you remember them from your days at the arcade (or, more likely, your local watering hole).
Experience an isometric, narrative-driven stealth game set in the stunning city of Eriksholm. When Hanna’s brother, Herman, disappears and the police begin to pursue him, her search sets off a chain of catastrophic events that will not only alter their lives but also the destiny of the entire city. Join your allies, outsmart relentless enemies, and use your cunning to uncover the truth behind Herman’s disappearance.
Step into a mesmerizing fantasy world where magic thrives, mythical creatures roam, and secrets await behind every corner. Enchanted Crossroads is more than a hidden object game — it’s your gateway to a living, breathing town filled with wonder, mystery, and adventure!
Lead a team of highly-trained SWAT officers through harrowing, high-risk missions against violent, cruel and calculated criminals to stop the city from spiralling into disorder. Equip real-world weapons and gear to tackle missions inspired by current events against Los Sueňos’ ruthless criminal element. Every decision, from squad selection to tactical breach and engagement is the difference between life and death.
In a dark and dystopian cyberpunk future, food is the ultimate symbol of wealth and status. Using a revolutionary invention called Neon Noodles, the Aristocracy indulges in their every culinary whim. Everyone else begs for scraps. With no memory and no name, you are just a cog in this machine. But when a mysterious message unlocks your forgotten past, it thrusts you into a daring, clandestine heist to seize control of Neon Noodles and reclaim your legacy.
This innovative party game, supporting 1-4 players, will take you into an exciting naval battle. Here, you can use various bottle cap modules to create your own unique warship, engage in intense battles with friends, or team up to challenge powerful sea monsters. The unique flexible physics engine makes every ship collision dynamic and fun, offering a refreshing combat experience!
As the weather becomes increasingly extreme, a walrus serving as a lighthouse keeper welcomes travelers looking for a place to rest. The lighthouse helps travelers and wandering caravans to get their bearings in the world. The keeper needs to keep the fire going, for if it were to go out, the place would be cut off from the outside world.
Step into the wonderfully weird world of Clash of Weirdos – Card Carnage, a strategic card and board game packed with chaotic fun and quirky charm! Build your dream deck from a wild cast of adorable, big-eyed weirdos — each with their own hilarious and powerful abilities. Engage in exciting tactical battles using an innovative and fun combat system that keeps every match fresh and thrilling.
Loot and roguelike thrills await. Begin your epic action RPG adventure in this classic loot-based RPG. Mix and match freely to create your ultimate build! Epic Adventure Awaits: Explore 6 distinct worlds and conquer 6 completely different loops. Enjoy over 50 hours of thrilling, loot-filled gameplay!
The Cursed Frog is a single-player puzzle-platformer with an enchanted twist: switch between a brave princess during the day and a cursed frog at night to overcome magical challenges in the heart of Witchwood forest.
Greedland: One Dev’s Love Letter to Classic Arcade Mayhem
VaMP He, solo dev
Summary
Greedland charges onto Xbox Series X|S with a 20% discount.
Details on a solo dev’s journey and inspirations.
Get pro-tips to maximize your experience.
The time has come. After 1,460 days of development (yes, I counted!), my solo passion project Greedland is now live on Xbox Series X|S! I’m VaMP He, and I’ve built this game for players who crave unapologetic, screen-filling carnage. Get it now with 20% off launch discount!
Survival 101: Pro Tips from the Dev
Maximize your alien slaughter efficiency
Embrace the Weapon Synergy
Combine the ” Plasma Disc” with ” Frost Mutation”—frozen mutants shatter like glass. Dozens of deadly combos await.
Movement is Your Lifeline
Dodging > Shooting early onUnlock ” movement upgrades” to outrun swarm mechanics!
Co-Op = Double the Mayhem
Local co-op isn’t just fun—it’s strategic. One player distracts the large mutants while the other blasts its weak spot!
Roots in the Internet Café Era
Like many born in the 80s/90s, I spent my childhood sneaking into local internet cafes with saved pocket money. We’d crowd around PCs playing CS and Red Alert, and there’re also other gems not that popular: my personal obsession was a game we knew then as Alien Shooter. I’d replay its early levels repeatedly, never tiring of its simple joy. Later, I secretly bought a copy of Alien Shooter 2 and be hooded – though I only discovered years later it was actually Crimsonland! That core loop of weird weapons plus endless monster waves plus pure progression joy became my gaming heartbeat. After a decade developing mobile/web games that didn’t fulfill me, I knew it had to to be up to me to recreate that magic.
The Crucible of Creation
Greedland’s journey mirrors classic roguelite design: brutal setbacks met with stubborn resolve. It began in 2021 as a spare-time project after Black Myth: Wukong’s reveal. When streamers unexpectedly spotlighted the demo, it hit over 50,000 wishlists – attracting an investor. I gambled: quit my job, rented an office… only for funding to vanish weeks later.
My wife’s unwavering support pulled me from despair. Juggling code with diaper changes and milk prep for our newborn, I rebuilt the game alone – swapping an impossible RPG dream for lean, Vampire Survivors-inspired action. The 100,000-plus demo players who played for “dozens or hundreds of hours” became my lifeline. After the PC debut, now the game finally comes to Xbox!
Greedland isn’t just a game. It’s proof that dusty arcade magic still lives – and it’s ready to devour your Xbox.
In this game, you’ll face an unimaginable number of alien mutants that appear rapidly from all around your field of vision. You’ll destroy more than 20,000 enemies per game and the endless mode for hardcore gamers who want to challenge themselves. You will use a handy weapon to carve a path of survival on the battlefield. But as the battle progresses you’ll unlock more battlefield weaponry like the plasma disc, orbital cannon, and devastator. Equipped with these devastating heavy weapons, you’ll be transformed into a mobile arsenal on the battlefield! The game offers dozens of different styles of weapons and battlefield support props, you will have more than hundreds of free matching options, so please give full play to your imagination and enjoy the fun of harvesting the battle! Another highlight of this game is that each weapon has its own special firing effect.The air waves from explosions and the dead ray from laser weapons give you varying degrees of satisfaction. Local cooperative mode is available. Embrace the chaos of true online and local cooperative.
Free Play Days – MLB The Show 25, Polterguys: Possession Party, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition and Blasphemous
Kyle Ocean, Marketing Manager, Xbox
Summertime is in full swing, and we have got plenty to keep you cool with Free Play Days! RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition is available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core members to play from Thursday July 10 until Sunday, July 13.
MLB The Show 25 and Polterguys: Possession Party are free for all Xbox members to try during Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core membership not required).
Additionally, all Xbox members can try Blasphemous during Free Play Days with a 2-hour timed trial.
How To Start Playing
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, Standard and Core 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 (Xbox Game Pass Membership Required)
RollerCoaster Tycoon 3: Complete Edition Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery Your Park. Your Way. Whatever you want to create, RollerCoaster Tycoon 3 gives you the tools and freedom to build the amusement park of your dreams. Control park finances, shops, services and staff to succeed in dozens of scenarios. Become a true tycoon and embark on your promising new career, or create your ideal park without money woes in sandbox mode. Satisfy your guests’ needs and keep your park running smoothly to succeed. Get RCT 3 for 25% off during Free Play Days or during Ultimate Games Sale (UGS) from 7.17-7.31.
Polterguys: Possession Party Optimized for Xbox Series X|S, Smart Delivery Supernatural multiplayer madness where 8 players use sneaky sabotage to get opponents caught by a raging monster! Play as mischievous ghosts who possesses everyday objects to gain special powers and show off! Battle in spooky maps full of traps and use whacky powerups to sacrifice your friends! Possession Your powers of possession bring inanimate objects to life!
MLB The Show 25 Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Forge your baseball journey in The Show Ignite your passion and build your very own path to greatness—from high school all the way to the Hall of Fame! Along the way, connect with iconic baseball stars in fan-favorite modes – updated with new ways to play. Road to the Show is a single-player, role playing mode where you create your own journey. Build the RTTS ballplayer you want, the way you want in Path to 99 Progression.
Blasphemous Welcome to Cvstodia, a land turned into a nightmarish place of twisted religion by a curse known as the Mircale. As the Penitent One, sole survivor of a brutal massacre, it’s up to you to free the land from this fate. Battle through hordes of monsters and powerful bosses, explore Cvstodia’s hidden depths and break the cycle of eternal damnation in this souls-like Metroidvania.
Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Standard and Core 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.
Accessible Games Initiative Tags Now Available Across All Digital Xbox Experiences
Team Xbox
Summary
Accessible Games Initiative tags are now available across all digital Xbox experiences.
The tags are an industry-wide push to help players identify the accessibility features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.
Read on for an interview with Xbox’s Brannon Zahand and accessibility advocate Steve Saylor to learn more.
Today, just in time for Disability Pride Month, Xbox is proud to announce that the new Accessible Games Initiative tags, designed to provide players with clear and consistent information about the accessibility features in video games, are now available across all digital Xbox experiences including console, PC, mobile, and web storefronts.
Created in collaboration with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA), Electronic Arts, Google, Nintendo of America, Ubisoft and other gaming companies as part of the newly formed Accessible Games Initiative, the Accessible Games Initiative tags help the more than 429 million players with some form of disability identify the accessibility features available in a specific game, before they make a purchase.
This transition to the new Accessible Games Initiative tags is a continuation of the work Xbox started in 2021 by releasing the Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags. Any Xbox Game Accessibility Feature tags that do not have equivalent Accessible Games Initiative tags will remain on our platform. This new combination of tags will make it even easier for players with disabilities to learn about available accessibility features and find their next great game.
We caught up with Brannon Zahand, Senior Technical Program Manager at Xbox, and Steve Saylor, content creator and gaming accessibility advocate, to discuss the work towards greater standardization of accessibility in games, what these tags mean for players today, and why this work is important.
You can also head over to the Microsoft Game Developer Blog to check out an interview with Phil Crabtree, Technical Director & Co-founder of Kaizen Game Works, about his team’s work designing games with accessibility in mind and the importance of the Accessibility Game Initiative tags.
Interview with Brannon Zahand, Senior Technical Program Manager at Xbox, and Steve Saylor, Content Creator and Gaming Accessibility Advocate
Today’s a big day! What does it mean to you, on a personal level, to have the new Accessible Games Initiative tags available across all digital Xbox experiences?
Brannon Zahand: This work has been over half a decade in the making, so finally seeing these new tags in our store experiences is incredibly exciting. And it’s been amazing to see not just the positive community sentiment, but the rapid adoption we’ve had from game developers.
Steve Saylor:I’m very excited! As more and more accessible games are being released, being able to find them via tags that cater to my accessibility needs is fantastic. I’ll be able to find my next favourite game or find that rare gem that I would’ve missed.
Where exactly can players find these new tags, and will the Xbox Game Accessibility Feature Tags still be available?
Zahand: On console, these tags can be found in many places, including the Xbox Store and filters in “My Games & Apps.” They are also available in the Xbox PC app, Xbox Mobile app, as well as on Xbox.com. In total, players will find more than 4,000 tags across all these experiences, which we’re really proud of. As for the original Xbox Game Accessibility Tags, we kept the tags which didn’t have Accessible Games Initiative equivalents as we heard from the community that they still found these very helpful. Those tags are “Accessibility on launch,” “On-demand tutorials,” “Pausable,” “Adjustable input sensitivity,” and “Single stick gameplay.”
Why are these new tags being introduced, when Xbox already had its own tagging system?
Zahand: Obviously, we love our Xbox Game Accessibility Tags. Developers and consumers alike both told us they gained a lot of value from them. But, at Xbox, we really view accessibility through the lens of collaboration, not competition. We realized we can do more good for our community and the developers that support them if we can align with other industry leaders to create a consistent language for developers to share information about what accessibility features their games have, regardless of platform or storefront. It reduces the amount of effort developers have to make to try to support different tagging systems, and makes it easier for the community by reducing the number of tagging systems they have to learn.
As a founding member of the Accessible Games Initiative, what was it like to work with not only the ESA, but other industry partners, on these tags?
Zahand: It was such an amazing experience. There are so many passionate accessibility experts and advocates in our industry now, and having the opportunity to tackle such a transformative initiative with them was so rewarding. My sincere thanks go out to each and every one of them for all the effort they poured into making the Accessible Games Initiative a reality.
The Accessible Games Initiative marks a significant step in the standardization of accessibility in video games. Why is this important?
Zahand: For years, people spoke about accessibility using similar terms but with very different meanings and expectations. For example, a long time back, I remember seeing a game that advertised itself as having subtitles. I was excited to try it out until I realized the subtitles were white text… and a decent chunk of the game was played in a snowy environment. There were points where it was impossible to read the text. Now, I was fortunate that I didn’t need the subtitles; for me, they were a “nice to have.” But I can imagine that those who rely on subtitles, like players in from the d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing community, were likely frustrated by this. With these new tags, individuals buying a game tagged with “Large & Clear Subtitles” can be certain that the subtitles will have an adjustable background ensuring they’ll be able to read text regardless of the game environment in the background. And if you think about it, this makes it easier for game developers as well. It gives them a clear place to start when they think about what types of accessibility features they may want to implement and the “minimum bars” that make those features useful and enjoyable.
Saylor: It’s important because right now accessibility information about a game is rare. We get some info here and there, but we often won’t know if a game is accessible until we buy it and play it ourselves. With these tags it’s a great step forward for the industry to at least have a baseline of information so we can make our purchasing decisions wisely.
What do you hope these tags signal to the rest of the industry?
Zahand: I hope these tags are a reminder to developers, publishers, and consumers alike that accessibility is a win-win. Accessible games are good for everyone. For gamers, they give those who need these features an opportunity to take part, and those who simply enjoy customizing their gaming experience more options to do so. For developers, it allows their art to be enjoyed by more people. And since the use of these tags and implementation of these features isn’t mandatory, it gives them the freedom to do what they think is best for their game and players.
Saylor: I hope it’s a signal to the industry that accessibility is not a daunting thing. Yes, it can be a lot of work. But, instead of being a mysterious thing, developers can look at the tags and say, “Oh that’s how you do it? That can totally be done.” It’s not the whole picture but it at least sets a standard going forward.
If I am a game developer hearing about these tags for the first time, how can I get involved?
Zahand: For Xbox developers, I’d recommend checking out our developer documentation on both the Accessible Games Initiative tags and Xbox Accessibility Feature Tags at https://aka.ms/afts. And for those developing on other platforms, a great place to get started is the Accessible Games Initiative website at https://www.accessiblegames.com.
Finally, are there any games that have surprised and delighted you with their accessibility options, and how are those represented in the new AGI tags?
Zahand: It’s amazing to see how many titles have adopted these tags since they became available. I was really happy to see that Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, South of Midnight, and Doom: The Dark Ages all implemented some great accessibility features, including features covered by both the Accessible Games Initiative tags and Xbox Accessibility Feature tags.
Saylor: A game that surprised me the most this year was Atomfall. Not only is it a great game to play on Game Pass, but it has a large amount of accessibility that made it so much fun to play. It has multiple tags already that include Clear and Large Text, Large and Clear Subtitles, Playable with Keyboard, or Touch controls, and more. I definitely recommend giving it a try!
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4is available today in early access for those who pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 launches for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox PC, Battle.net, Steam, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and PlayStation 4 on July 11 – and it’ll arrive day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 supports Smart Delivery, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Xbox Play Anywhere on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox PC.
To help get your feet planted, we’ve put together a few general tips for you to consider when embarking on your skateboarding journey in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4.
Like many of you, the Tony Hawk games hold a special place in our gaming hearts, with many hours spent trying to master the intricacies of video game skateboarding – and then going outside to try even a fraction of these at our local parks (with limited to no success).
Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 is a revamped version of two classic games, but now with a returning roster of iconic skaters including eight new faces plus secret skaters like Andy Anderson and Bam Margera, new parks, and a rocking soundtrack that includes some returning favorites and a slew of new artists to enjoy. Whether you want to play as an iconic skateboarder like Tony Hawk or Rodney Mullen, build your own persona with an in-depth Create-A-Skater feature, or craft your dream skatepark in Create-A-Park, THPS 3 + 4 has a ton of features to keep you shredding for a long time.
It can take some time to get a handle on any THPS game, especially if it’s your first foray into the series. To help get your feet planted, I’ve put together a few general tips for you to consider when embarking on your skateboarding journey.
Start on the Street
Landing tricks is one of the keys to these games, letting you pull off moves like Impossible Flips, 50-50 Grinds, 360 Melons, and more. Learning how to string a variety of them together can help boost your Special meter. But if you’re just starting out, work on pulling off street tricks like ollies and kickflips first to get your timing right, then move onto grinding rails, benches, curbs and more.
Later, you can try stringing flip tricks in the middle of your grinds, which can start to add a multiplier to your score — the wider variety of tricks you weave into your grinds, the stronger your multiplier can become. Eventually you’ll get a pretty good idea of how these all fit together, allowing you to transition these skills to ramps and more, but I recommend you start on the street and go from there.
Focus on Goals
Checking off Goals on each of the levels is how you advance in THPS 3 + 4, and some are easier to accomplish than others. The best part is that you don’t have to complete all of them to unlock additional Parks. I’ve found that, as you’re starting out, it’s usually the most fun to try and check off as many of the “collect-a-thon” Goals first, like collecting all the letters of S-K-A-T-E.
In doing so, you start to get more familiar with the layout of these levels. For example, in Foundry, you’ll see that the order in which you can collect the letters is a well-designed run for you to skate through. Keep that route in mind when you want to start mixing up flip tricks and grinds the next time through. Later, you can come back to these Parks and work on checking off all the Goals – once you do you’ll gain access to even more challenging Pro Goals.
Don’t Forget to Bail
As your skills get more refined, you’ll start to tackle half-pipes, one of the most exciting parts of the game – and one of the hardest to master. It will take some time to get your 360 Melons just right, or when to try and pull off a flip trick while airborne. Eventually you may start to integrate these half-pipes into your multiplier score, but you may find yourself misjudging the landing. If it looks like your face is about to eat a pile of dirt, press RT to pull out of your maneuver to not only save some teeth, but retain your Special meter from wiping out.
Finding Pockets
The more you explore and skate around each of these Parks, the more you’ll discover some nice pockets where you can build your Special meter and run up the score – helping you check off the more advanced Goals like High Score, Pro Score, and potentially Sick Score. I like to find a nice run of rails to grind up where I can mix in some 50-50s into Impossible Flips, boosting my multiplier.
For example, one of my favorites is behind the ticket office on College, which has a long, curved hallway with two parallel rails leading to a half-pipe on each side. Stringing these grinds together and mixing in some Rail Crosses quickly boosts the score multiplayer. And if I’m feeling adventurous at the end, pulling off some tricks on the half-pipe can yield an even bigger score. Every level has something fun like this to discover, like a pool to carve up or a well-placed vert ramp to play around with. You just need to get out there and find it.
Invest Hangtime, Air, and Speed
THPS 3 + 4 has an awesome Create-A-Skater feature with a bunch of clothing and style options – I was stoked to see that I could equip a pair of New Balance Andrew Reynolds on my virtual self. As you progress through the game, you can uncover Stat Points hidden throughout each of the Parks that you can later allocate to any skater to customize them even further.
I’ve found that putting points into Hangtime, Air, and Speed is my path to success – each one is foundational to just about every facet of THPS 3+4. Whether you’re trying to land a jump between rails, clear some benches, or need just a little more air to pull off a 720, consider putting your points in here first before investing in other areas.
I hope this onboarding has helped you with getting started in Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. I would also recommend newcomers and vets check out the excellent tutorial (narrated by Tony), which does a great job of introducing you to the game and many of its mechanics.
If you pre-ordered the Digital Deluxe Edition, you can start playing Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 today with early access for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Xbox PC, which includes gnarly content like the Doom Slayer as a playable skater; Game Pass members can pick up the Deluxe Edition Upgrade to start playing early as well. The standard edition of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 will launch July 11, and is available day one with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
– Access to the Foundry Demo – Available now*
– Wireframe Tony Shader
Get hyped for the legendary franchise to return with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Everything you loved is back, but revamped with more skaters, new parks, gnarlier tricks, eardrum shattering music, plus a whole lot more.
Includes:
– Cross-Gen Bundle of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
— Includes Xbox One, Xbox X|S and PC (Microsoft Store) versions of the game
– Reunite the crew with cross-platform online Multiplayer** for up to 8 skaters in new and returning game modes.
– Drop in to new parks or tear it up across the timeless parks from both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, authentically remade in jaw dropping 4K*** resolution with streamlined goals and the epic 2-minute format.
– Hit ‘em with some drip in the expanded Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes, including the ability to create custom goals to share with friends for the first time ever.
– Shred harder than ever with more challenging goals and an enhanced New Game+ mode.
– Whether you’re a total casual or a grungy pro, the same smooth handling and simple-to-learn controls from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 will have you shredding like a Pro.
Alert the neighborhood watch and grab your skate buddies because the shred’s not dead. It’s back and better than ever.
*Foundry Demo availability and launch date(s) subject to change. Internet connection required. This pre-purchase will grant you access to that demo. See www.tonyhawkthegame.com for details.
**Activision account and internet required for online Multiplayer and other features. A Game Pass subscription may be required for Multiplayer and other features (sold separately). Activision may modify or discontinue online services in the future, which may impact the continued availability of online gameplay. Online services may be discontinued to to factors including number of players.
***The Xbox Series X version of the game will run native 4K at 60FPS in Fidelity Mode. The Xbox Series S version will render at 1440P and upscale to 4K. 4K output requires a 4K compatible device or display.
For more information, please see www.tonyhawkthegame.com.
– Access to the Foundry Demo – Available now*
– Wireframe Tony Shader
Get hyped for the legendary franchise to return with Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4. Everything you loved is back, but revamped with more skaters, new parks, gnarlier tricks, eardrum shattering music, plus a whole lot more.
Includes:
– Cross-Gen Bundle of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4
— Includes Xbox One, Xbox X|S and PC (Microsoft Store) versions of the game
– Reunite the crew with cross-platform online Multiplayer** for up to 8 skaters in new and returning game modes.
– Drop in to new parks or tear it up across the timeless parks from both Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 & Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 4, authentically remade in jaw dropping 4K*** resolution with streamlined goals and the epic 2-minute format.
– Hit ‘em with some drip in the expanded Create-A-Skater and Create-A-Park modes, including the ability to create custom goals to share with friends for the first time ever.
– Shred harder than ever with more challenging goals and an enhanced New Game+ mode.
– Whether you’re a total casual or a grungy pro, the same smooth handling and simple-to-learn controls from Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1 + 2 will have you shredding like a Pro.
Alert the neighborhood watch and grab your skate buddies because the shred’s not dead. It’s back and better than ever.
*Foundry Demo availability and launch date(s) subject to change. Internet connection required. This pre-purchase will grant you access to that demo. See www.tonyhawkthegame.com for details.
**Activision account and internet required for online Multiplayer and other features. A Game Pass subscription may be required for Multiplayer and other features (sold separately). Activision may modify or discontinue online services in the future, which may impact the continued availability of online gameplay. Online services may be discontinued to to factors including number of players.
***The Xbox Series X version of the game will run native 4K at 60FPS in Fidelity Mode. The Xbox Series S version will render at 1440P and upscale to 4K. 4K output requires a 4K compatible device or display.
For more information, please see www.tonyhawkthegame.com.
Charge into EA Sports College Football 26 with EA Play Now
Charlie FortescueDirector, Global Corporate Communications, EA
Summary
EA Sports College Football 26 is available to try for 10 hours with the EA Play trial.
Members can save 10% off EA digital purchases including the full version of the game and College Football Points.
Score recurring rewards like monthly College Football Loyalist Ultimate Team Packs.
From July 7, Game Pass Ultimate members have the playbook in their hands with EA Play. EA Sports College Football 26 is hitting the field, letting them step into the game early for up to 10 hours and build your legacy.
As a member, you can also save 10% off EA digital purchases including the full version of the game and College Football Points. Plus, envision your lineup your way with a monthly College Football Loyalist Ultimate Team Pack. If you decide to buy, your progress carries over to the full game and you can get back to leading your program to glory.
Whether you’re building a powerhouse in Dynasty, carving your path from high school recruit to the Heisman, or assembling your dream team in College Football Ultimate Team, this is your moment to define college football history.
What’s New in College Football 26?
The Playbook Is In Your Hands
Take command of 136 FBS schools with 300+ authentic coaches and 2,700 new plays at your disposal. Experience true college football strategy with enhanced mechanics and dynamic substitutions. This is the most authentic and tactical college football experience yet.
Game Day, Every Day
Feel the roar of 100,000 fans during Penn State’s White Out or the pulse of crimson lights in Tuscaloosa. With stadium-specific traditions, fight songs that shake the screen, and dynamic commentary that reacts to your season, every game delivers authentic Saturday energy.
Live the life of a student-athlete from high school recruit to Heisman legend in Road to Glory. Build your highlight tape to earn an offer from your dream school. Rise in class rankings and secure scholarships before other recruits. Every decision counts, on and off the field, as you earn Coach Trust and carve your path to the NFL Draft.
Forge Your Legacy
Live your legacy through two dynamic paths to greatness. Build an unstoppable squad through deep recruiting and coaching in Dynasty, or rise from recruit to Heisman legend in Road to Glory. Every decision etches your legacy into the sport.
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.
25 Standard Edition
