A tribute to 80s and 90s pop culture and the metroidvania genre.
Passion project from a small team of literally senior developers.
Uncover the dangers and mysteries of the Red Planet.
For me, and I believe also for all gamers who find video games an opportunity to experience great adventures, discoveries and challenges, Mars has always been an ongoing source of fascination and mystery. Throughout history, many works of science fiction have placed the planet as the setting for epic adventures in books, films and, of course, video games.
And it’s precisely all of these references, spanning 40 years, since the core of our development team is comprised of 80s kids (I’m almost 50 myself!), that have set the tone, theme and genre for the game Mars 2120, out today.
In Mars 2120 you’ll face an adventure that tries to bring back the nostalgia of the action and science fiction films of the 80s and 90s, as well as a loving homage to the genre known as metroidvania, a mix of RPG elements, platforming and non-linear exploration. And nothing could be more appropriate than encouraging exploration in a game whose main theme is space exploration and the scientific curiosity that drives us as innate explorers towards incredible discoveries about our universe.
Every time you play a game, there is a rich story from the very first sketches to its final form. Mars 2120 was no different. With a very small team and dividing our time between our other projects and games, it took us almost five years to finish the game that we’d love you to experience, explore and feel like, again or for the first time, depending on your age, watching the movies that fascinated us when we were young, or playing the games of the genre that left you in front of the screen for hours trying to find that special item or power up to overcome a challenge that seemed insurmountable at first.
All that time may seem like a lot to you, but for us it also represented a giant step forward. For the first time, we faced a project four times bigger than any other before, as you do in a game that puts you in front of great challenges, while learning and experiencing a new development technology with which we were not completely unfamiliar.
Step into the shoes of Sergeant Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte and traverse scenarios reminiscent of the planet seen in “Total Recall”, feel the fear of facing gigantic enemies like Ellen Ripley did with the queen of the xenomorphs in “Alien”, throw punches like Arnold Schwarzenegger did in his classic action films (Yes! Mars 2120 has hand-to-hand combat!) and feel the abandonment and uncertainty of being lost in space like the character of Willis Davidge (Dennis Quaid) felt in the 1985 movie “Enemy Mine”.
I think you get the message here. We have taken everything that amused us when we were young and brought it back especially for you, in the form of a game. Because we want you to have fun with everything that sparked our desire to make entertainment our job – games! So I’m not exaggerating when I say Mars 2120 is a dream we have been building since we were kids.
The games industry is for everyone, you just have to jump in and make the game you want to play. And that’s exactly what we did and what you can do too! Now it’s time to put on your spacesuit, get your fists ready and go on a great adventure knowing that Mars 2120 is not just a game, it’s also a dream, a piece of our lives that we really want to share with you.
Are you ready to defeat terrifying enemies and discover all the secrets of the first human colony on Mars?
I dare you! And then come back and tell us how it went. Good luck and have a good adventure!
MARS 2120 is an action-adventure game that draws inspiration from iconic Metroidvania titles, with gameplay elements from fighting games. With the use of special abilities tied to elements like ice, fire, and electricity help Sgt. Anna “Thirteen” Charlotte navigate the colony and battle her way through the secrets of Mars.
After a successful landing on PC back in October, AirportSim, the advanced airport ground handling simulator, arrives on Xbox Today. For the past few months, Polish studio MS Games have been hard at work bringing their highly-detailed airport experience to console. With the release of AirportSim on Xbox now on the horizon, Iceberg Interactive’s Ben Kobs sat down with producer Krzysztof Stabryła to talk about their journey so far!
Can you tell us a little bit about the history of AirportSim? How long have you been working on it and how did the development go?
We’ve been working on AirportSim since late 2021. We’re all aviation fans at MS Games, but Mateusz, our CEO, has been a devoted aviation enthusiast since childhood. Not only does he have a pilot’s license, but he has also been creating software for flight simulators since 2008. The idea of developing a ground handling simulator has been floating around in his head for a long time and we felt like that area was generally unexplored in the sim space, so we were eager to get to work on a sim focussing on ground operations.
The development had its ups and downs, but it was a lot of fun. We had the opportunity to meet many wonderful people and collaborate with them to create our game. From actual ground handling companies to vehicle manufacturers, we were lucky to get access to meticulous technical documentation and first-hand insights into the intricacies of airport life, which made the development process a lot easier.
Hustling and bustling
How exciting is it for you to be able to bring your game to a console like Xbox?
We are very excited to introduce AirportSim and the world of ground handling to Xbox. This will help us reach aviation enthusiasts who may not have access to the game otherwise. Bringing our game to a console like Xbox is a thrilling milestone for us, as it allows us to share our passion for aviation with a wider community!
What role does an active community play in the development of the game? How does fan feedback affect you?
During production, we received enormous amounts of support and feedback from our community. We launched a couple of demos for people to try out, and their feedback was invaluable in fine-tuning some features and fixing key issues before launch. The aviation community has always been a huge help in creating projects like this one, and their insights were crucial to our development process.
How important was it for you to give players a realistic experience in AirportSim? Can you elaborate on how realistic the game is compared to real-life ground handling?
It was important for us to deliver a realistic ground handling experience in AirportSim. We are proud to say that our mechanics are nearly identical to real life! We visited many airports and ground handling firms, and, during production, partnered with Welcome Airport Services, LS Airport Services, Warsaw Chopin Airport, and countless others. These partnerships provided us with enormous support.
Of course, some procedures can vary from country to country, airline to airline, and even city to city. This means there may be some discrepancies as certain tasks might be performed differently than what some players are used to. That’s why we decided to standardize these procedures. We wanted to keep things realistic, but also needed to ensure the game was cohesive and enjoyable for players.
Use the exact sequence of buttons right to get the GPU to work
What challenges have you faced in the design and execution?
Before we partnered with industry experts, one of the biggest challenges we faced was the lack of documentation and clear and detailed photos. Creating and recreating these models took a lot of time and effort and it was tough to start working on accurate models and representations. We dug through thousands of pages of documentation. It was a tedious and time-consuming task, but essential for the level of realism we were aiming for.
Sound recording was another big hurdle. Airports are incredibly loud places! It’s difficult to get clear audio recordings. But our sound designer, Łukasz, did an amazing job navigating this and made sure everything sounds just right in the game.
So, what’s next?
For now it’s focussing on Xbox! The game is out today and we’re stoked to see how it goes. We’re proud of how it turned out, so make sure to check out AirportSim on Xbox and enjoy the fulfilling experience of the duties of a ground crew member at various airports!
Praised for its accuracy by real-life ground handling Crew, AirportSim is an Advanced Airport Ground Handling Simulator with true-to-life visuals and operations, licensed planes vehicles and airports, and live weather conditions using the METAR-system. Enjoy the varied tasks of an airport ground handler alone or with friends, making this an unforgettable experience.
There is always so much to do!
Enjoy many of the accurate in-game tasks developed using documented knowledge and interviews with real-world airport ground handling staff:
– Follow me – Taxiing Aircraft Guidance
– Marshalling
– Securing an aircraft
– Connecting GPU
– Fuelling
– Handling Luggage
– Jetway manoeuvring
– Catering…
– and more
Real life Airports
Four true-to-life airports which we personally captured and carefully recreated, focusing on elements such as ground layouts, plane parking, lines, and gate numbers all matching real life. You can follow real aviation charts to move around!
Gameplay Modes
There are multiple gameplay modes within AirportSim,
– Scenario: Based on stacked flight plans, predefined weather conditions and tasks you’ll need to complete in sequence.
– Challenge: Feel like you can handle any situation at the airport? Test your skills by placing as high as possible on the scoreboard!
– Co-op: Together you can do more, and have more fun – invite your friends to join you on an adventure at one of the busy airports.
– Free Play: No rules here, explore airports at your own speed and do as you please. You can watch the planes come and go or get involved, you decide!
Xbox returns to gamescom with over 50 titles to check out.
The Xbox booth will also include a theater, photo ops, a Gear Store, and more.
For those who can’t attend, check out the Xbox @ gamescom: Live From the Showfloor Broadcast on August 21-23.
Following this year’s jam-packed Xbox Games Showcase, we’re excited to return to gamescom and connect with fans in Cologne, Germany from August 21-25 to show off even more of what Xbox players have in store.
The community is what makes gaming – and gamescom – so special and there will be something for everyone this year, whether you’re on the show floor in Cologne or watching at home via our livestreams. This year the Xbox booth will be overflowing with exciting upcoming titles, one-off experiences and fantastic photo opportunities for games coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass this Holiday and beyond. We’ll also deliver three days of broadcasts live from the show floor, join up with our amazing community for another FanFest, and plenty more. Keep reading for more details on everything we’re up to at gamescom 2024.
Xbox Booth
This year the Xbox booth will feature over 50 gaming titles from Xbox Game Studios, Blizzard, Bethesda, and our amazing third-party partners – spread across more than 240 gaming stations – alongside amazing photo ops and experiences, and specially constructed theaters for exclusive looks at upcoming titles.
Attendees will be able to go hands-on with upcoming Xbox releases, including:
Age of Mythology: Retold
Ara: History Untold
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred
Fallout 76: Milepost Zero
The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road
Towerborne
We will also host exclusive theater presentations of Avowed, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Starfield: Shattered Space.
Joining the Xbox booth for the first time, Blizzard Entertainment will make their return to gamescom with multiple offerings for Diablo and World of Warcraft. Ahead of the launch of the Vessel of Hatred expansion in October, Diablo will bring an exclusive public hands-on gameplay demo of the Spiritborn class to the gamescom show floor, with a Diablo Immortal Helliquary boss tournament taking place as well. World of Warcraft celebrates the launch of The War Within on August 26 with the power of a special immersive experience, giving gamescom attendants the chance to feel the thrill of Skyriding in Azeroth.
The Xbox booth will also have playable titles from our third-party partners, including Ubisoft’s Star Wars Outlaws, Studio Wildcard’s ARK 2, Saber Interactive’s Space Marine 2, Rebellion’s Atomfall, and the return ofGSC Game World’s S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl with an all-new demo. And in our Indie Selects area – dedicated to diverse, exciting upcoming titles from independent developers – we’ll host games including Maximum Entertainment’s Squirrel with a Gun, Noodlecake’s Winter Burrow, 11 bit Studios’ Creatures of Ava, and more.
The above is just a small selection of the titles playable on the Xbox booth. For the full list of playable titles visit here. Whatever you’re into, we’ll have something for you.
You’ll be able to find us in Hall 7 of the Koelnmesse, North entrance. See below for the consumer show opening times:
Thursday, August 22 – 10am – 8pm CEST
Friday, August 23 – 10am – 8pm CEST
Saturday, August 24 – 9am – 8 pm CEST
Sunday, August 25 – 9am – 8pm CEST
Beyond the Xbox booth, Overwatch 2 will also have a joint stand with Porsche, highlighting their new collaboration by featuring a life-sized D.Va statue modeled after the new all-electric Macan, along with an invitation for fans to enter a real-life rendition of an iconic Overwatch 2 map.
Game Pass @ Gamescom
This year at gamescom, Game Pass is turning up the fun with an exciting setup reminding players that they can discover their next favorite game across devices. Guests will have an opportunity to explore different sections dedicated to PC, Console, and Cloud as they learn about all the different ways to play their favorite games. In addition to exclusive gamescom 2024 prizes available through claw and gacha machines, guests have the opportunity to play the Big Green Button for a shot at winning exciting prizes like:
Game Pass tokens (PC and/or Ultimate)
NVIDIA GeForce Now cards
WD_BLACK PC and Console Storage
Cloud Gaming devices (e.g., Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and Meta Quest headsets) that can directly stream Xbox games
OMEN monitors
HyperX headsets, microphones, mice and keyboards
Gaming for Everyone
Xbox remains committed to the belief that gaming should be safe, inclusive, and accessible for all. We are ensuring that all areas of the booth are wheelchair accessible, Xbox Adaptive Controllers will be available upon request, and there will be select demo stations with adjustable-height desks and monitors. We also have multiple American Sign Language (ASL) and German Sign Language (DGS) interpreters and Audio Description tours in English and German for guests who are blind or visually disabled.
Additionally, we’ll have sensory aids and a quiet room for everyone who needs them, as well as “Here to Help” staff to assist players of all abilities navigate our booth and game experiences. Please check out the Accessibility “Here to Help” desk at our booth for support.
Other Booth Elements
Gear Shop
Check out the official Gear Shop at the booth to get the latest with gear from Xbox Game Studios, Blizzard, Activision, and Bethesda!
Can´t make it? Don’t worry, find your new favorite gear online in the following stores:
This year the Xbox booth will also include the Community Hub! This more chilled out space within the Xbox Booth will be a perfect place for attendees to stop and hang out during the show, and will also feature special programming and activities from titles and teams across Xbox taking place throughout gamescom. Activities will include cosplay meetups, trivia games, meet-and-greets with game developers and voice actors, and more! Be sure to stop by and see what’s on!
Live from the Showfloor with our Broadcast Teams
If you can’t make the trip to Cologne this year, we’ll bring the show to you with a series of daily streams from the Xbox booth. Join Team Xbox and friends on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for a deeper dive into some of the highly anticipated games at gamescom 2024, with first-look gameplay, developer chats, new trailers and more. The Bethesda team will also have daily content streaming live from the booth over on their Twitch channel: twitch.tv/bethesda_de.
Whether you join us for every stream, or just dip in for the latest on your most anticipated titles, we’re looking forward to connecting with fans across the globe and showing off some of the amazing games coming to Xbox.
Wednesday August 21
Xbox @ gamescom 2024
Start: 6am PDT / 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST
Featuring S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Atomfall, Age of Mythology, plus others
Bethesda MainStream
Start: 5am PDT / 8am EST / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST
Thursday August 22
Xbox @ gamescom 2024
Start: 6am PDT / 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST
Featuring Star Wars Outlaws, World of Warcraft: The War Within,Towerborne plus others
Bethesda MainStream
Start: 5am PDT / 8am EST / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST
Friday August 23
Xbox @ gamescom 2024
Start: 6am PDT / 9am EDT / 2pm BST / 3pm CEST
Featuring Avowed, Ara: History Untold, plus others
Bethesda MainStream
Start: 5am PDT / 8am EST / 1pm BST / 2pm CEST
Keep an eye on Xbox Social channels for the full content schedule in the days leading up to gamescom.
The live English-language broadcast from Xbox’s gamescom booth will be available inGerman, Arabic, Traditional Chinese, Czech, French, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Brazilian Portuguese, Castilian Spanish, Mexican Spanish and Turkish, along with ASL and English Audio Descriptions. You can catch the Xbox @ gamescom Livestream on regional Xbox channels on YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and elsewhere.
On Wednesday, August 21, Xbox FanFest is returning to host a special community event to kick off gamescom week! We’ll be bringing players together to connect around their shared love of gaming. If you’re planning to attend gamescom or will be in the Cologne area, you can enter for a chance to win tickets to attend.
Login at xbox.com/fanfest and use code FANFEST to unlock the sweepstakes. No Purchase Necessary. Open only to registered Xbox FanFest members. 18+. Ends 08:59 CEST on 5 August 2024. Click here for Official Rules.
Xbox Coverage
Our social media teams will be on the ground bringing you live coverage, updates, news, new videos, and lots of fun stuff too. And make sure to keep an eye on Xbox Wire for coverage of the Opening Night Live show, and articles about many of the games on show.
For all the latest updates on Xbox at gamescom this year, stay tuned to the Xbox channels on X, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube social channels, or the @XboxDACH X, Facebook, Instagram,TikTok, and YouTube social channels for German-language coverage. We’re using #Xboxgamescom as our event hashtag.
A new game mode is unveiled for the console launch.
Read on to learn how you can win a Pro Controller.
Greetings, Agents.
I’m happy to be able to announce to you that mission command has authorized the use of an experimental training programme, to keep you sharp as ever. As you know, the Combat Shells you use in our missions, while disposable, are nevertheless an asset we would prefer you to utilize to the full extent of their potential. To do so, the R&D department has provided us with a cutting-edge, virtual environment that will really push you to achieve mastery over the craft of disrupting the operations of the corpos we aim to dismantle.
Introducing the Chronodeck Mode:
A series of timed challenges, or obstacle courses if you will, the Chronodeck mode is designed to improve your abilities such as fluid movement, precise aim and utilizing the many skills of the various Combat Shells to dominate the battlefield.
Just making it through the obstacle course can be difficult to initiate Agents, so expect to fail every now and then. However, that’s not where the true challenge lies. At the end of each run, your performance will be judged and graded based on how quickly and precisely you completed the run.
Understand now, that there will always be a better score to achieve. Shaving seconds off of each run may just be the difference between a great and a truly outstanding Agent, so make sure you do your best. To further motivate you, your score will be compared against other Agents in Global Leaderboards.
Think you’ve got what it takes to achieve the top scores? Prove it!
Head over to the X account of Crunching Koalas to find and enter the competition. Achieve the highest score among other participants before August 14th and win an Xbox Pro Controller!
Don’t be too intimidated though. Surely, the competition will be fierce, but Deadlink was created with controller players in mind. Rather than relying on aim-down-sights mechanics and long-range precision shooting, the game invites you to get up close and personal with various mobility, short-range and area control skills.
Hone them and you’ll see yourself become the master of the battlefield!
That’s it for now, Agents. I’ll see you on the other side. Make your Agency proud!
Deadlink is a cyberpunk FPS with roguelite elements. You’re the first operative to be recruited to the experimental Deadlink project. Pilot an autonomous combat shell, fighting your way through cramped slums, twisted labs, grimy warehouses, and sleek office buildings on a mission to thwart the schemes of the most powerful corporations in the world. Wield a deadly arsenal, upgrade your skills and tech, devastate destructible environments, and slash corporate profit margins — all at the same time.
You are the Corporate Security Agency’s greatest weapon, and it’s your job to make sure the corporations and their shady deals are anything but secure. With the team at HQ backing you up, you’re tossed headfirst into the fray, where a military operation with plausible deniability can fix things for a fraction of the cost of a hopeless court case.
Every randomized run will be different, but one thing never changes: you will be outnumbered. Get ready to think on your feet as you dash, jump, and use the environment to your advantage. You can’t still, not even for a second.
Equip your shell with powerful weapon loadouts. Try out various combinations as you blaze a path of destruction. Want to snipe your foes from a distance, debilitate them with status effects, or just go in guns blazing? Whatever your playstyle, you can find the right kit for the job.
Your enemies have no shortage of bullets and bodies to throw at you. But you’re no slouch either. Sure, you might lose a combat shell here and there, but your next one will be even tougher. Start each new run with amped-up skills and deadlier firepower!
An intense narrative RPG that weaves supernatural horror with events echoing real-world tensions in Poland’s Białowieża forest.
Take on the role a young werewolf battling inner demons in a dangerous land.
A unique blend of real-world locations, World of Darkness lore, and RPG mechanics.
Immerse yourself in the dark and politically charged world of Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Purgatory, a narrative-driven RPG set in the acclaimed World of Darkness universe. Developed by Different Tales, this game offers a unique blend of visual novel storytelling and tabletop RPG elements, promising an engaging and thought-provoking experience for Xbox players.
Purgatory casts you as Samira, a 23-year-old Afghan Garou whose werewolf heritage thrusts her into a maelstrom of otherworldly danger and all-too-human strife. Your path winds through a tapestry of richly realized locations, each fraught with its own perils. Haunting flashbacks to Afghanistan’s rugged Panjshir Valley give way to the tense reality of the Belarus-Poland borderlands. From there, your quest leads you through Warsaw’s history-steeped streets and into the primordial depths of Białowieża forest. At every turn, Samira must confront nightmarish beings, peel back layers of sinister plots, and wrestle with the beast that lurks within her own heart.
What sets Purgatory apart is its grounding in real-world events and locations. The game explores the ongoing Belarus-Poland border crisis, where refugees have been caught in a political struggle between nations. You’ll visit actual locations such as Warsaw’s Old Town, the Royal Łazienki Park, and the haunting Stare Powązki necropolis. Each of these settings is brought to life through a distinctive art style that combines photography with hand-drawn elements, creating an atmosphere that’s both familiar and eerily otherworldly.
The game’s mechanics build upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Heart of the Forest, while introducing new elements inspired by the World of Darkness Fifth Edition. Players will balance Samira’s rage, health, and willpower, while also managing a new “harano” system that reflects her inner despair. Your choices will impact not just the story, but Samira’s own development, as you navigate through different werewolf forms and build your inventory of supernatural Gifts and crucial items.
Purgatory offers two distinct investigative paths for players to explore. Will you delve into the corruption behind the refugee crisis, uncovering the machinations of a Bane-afflicted politician? Or will you investigate an anti-refugee faction within your own Garou society? Each path promises unique challenges and revelations, with your choices shaping the narrative and leading to multiple possible endings.
The game’s accessibility features ensure that both veterans of the World of Darkness and newcomers can fully engage with its rich lore. Pop-up vocabulary explanations help you understand the unique terms of this universe, while adjustable fonts and customizable text speed ensure a comfortable reading experience for all players.
As you progress through the story, you’ll uncover layers of mystery and face difficult moral choices. Will you help Samira overcome her harano and reaffirm her identity as a Garou, or will she spiral further into despair? The choice is yours, and every decision counts in this savage tale of horror and humanity.
Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Purgatory is available now on Xbox. Step into the shadows of Warsaw, confront the harsh realities of the border crisis and shape your own destiny in this thrilling new addition to the World of Darkness.
Ready to unravel the mysteries lurking in the heart of Europe? Werewolf: The Apocalypse – Purgatory is available now on the Xbox Store. Download it today and embark on a journey that blends supernatural horror with all-too-real human struggles!
Immerse yourself in the gripping world of Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Purgatory, a narrative-driven RPG thriller set in the acclaimed World of Darkness universe. Step into the shoes of Samira, a young werewolf navigating the shadows of Poland and beyond.
Unleash Your Inner Beast
Explore the chilling landscapes of a wintry Białowieża forest, the historic streets of Warsaw, and the memories of Afghanistan. As Samira, you’ll battle monsters, uncover dark conspiracies, and confront your inner turmoil. Each decision you make shapes your destiny, revealing new secrets and leading to multiple endings.
Shape Your Destiny
Choose your path: investigate a supernatural murder or delve into the secrets of a powerful werewolf pack. Your choices impact Samira’s journey, balancing her health, willpower, rage, and skills. Will you guide her towards light or darkness?
Classic RPG Mechanics
Experience a blend of visual novel storytelling and tabletop RPG elements, with mechanics inspired by the legendary World of Darkness Fifth Edition. Manage your inventory, master unique skills, and navigate through harano—a reflection of Samira’s inner despair.
Accessible for All
Whether you’re a veteran of the World of Darkness or a newcomer, Purgatory offers an engaging entry into this rich universe. With pop-up vocabulary explanations, adjustable fonts, and customizable text speed, the game ensures an accessible experience for everyone.
Join Samira in her harrowing quest for truth and survival in Werewolf: The Apocalypse — Purgatory. Will you help her overcome her inner demons and the darkness around her, or will she be consumed by it? The choice is yours!
Reveal Your Own Path with the Sky Cipher Special Edition Controller
Daniel Ruiz, Sr. Marketing Manager, Xbox Accessories
Transparent tech is making a major comeback! We’re introducing an exciting, brand-new controller to the Xbox lineup, the Xbox Wireless Controller – Sky Cipher Special Edition. Inspired by revealing the mysteries inside of the Xbox Wireless Controller, this transparent controller offers a look into the intricate technology that powers your gaming experience. Sky Cipher features a transparent blue design, complemented by metallic features and silver interior parts that shine through from inside, exuding an aura of sophistication and futuristic appeal.
Elevate your experience and style with the Sky Cipher controller. Stay elegantly on target with Sky Blue metallic triggers and a matching D-pad surrounded by a dark blue accent. Refine your game with two-tone thumbsticks featuring Sky Blue bases and dark blue tops. Hold on to the action with rubberized, Sky Blue grips on the back case. Looking closely at the hand grips, you can see the rumble pack vibrate and react to your gameplay.
Embark on your gaming journey with confidence, boasting up to 40 hours of battery life (varies with usage and other factors). Enjoy gaming anywhere you want with Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth technology, allowing you to connect seamlessly to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, iOS, and Android devices (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details; use with controller compatible games).
With your Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, you can extend your gaming experience to other compatible devices you enjoy with Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta). Utilize the 3.5mm audio jack to plug in your favorite compatible headset, perfect for listening to your game or chatting with friends. Share clips with your friends with the dedicated share button and use the Xbox Accessories app to remap your controller buttons and create custom controller profiles for your favorite games, giving you endless potential to elevate your play.
Sky Cipher introduces a new packaging design for Xbox controllers that embodies our commitment to reducing product carbon footprint. Single-use plastics have been removed from the packaging and the traditional paper manual has been replaced with a QR code for a digital quick start guide. Additionally, the packaging is now 22% smaller and 21% lighter, further reducing its environmental footprint (previously 177mm x 175.4mm x 72mm and 152.3g).
As I hurtled through the dry, ochre-toned wasteland of Toshara on the back of a rusty speeder, I quickly came to the realisation that Star Wars Outlawscould be the game I’ve always dreamed of. While there are timeless stories revolving around the plight of the Jedi and the Empire – the vast, colourful world of Star Wars always alluded to more beneath the hood and left me with one major question: what are the consequences of interstellar conflict for anyone that wasn’t born with magical powers?
During a recent preview event, I had the opportunity to play through two sections of the game for a full three hours – exploring a portion of its open world, and discovering a darker, more destitute setting where inhabitants must survive however they can. And it looks awesome.
Kay Vess, our protagonist, is a perfect example of a survivor in a war-torn galaxy. Star Wars Outlaws is set between the events of “Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” and “Star Wars: Return of the Jedi”, and so Vader’s rule has rippled into even the most far-flung corners of the Galaxy Far, Far Away. On Toshara, a moon dominated by criminals, Kay is tasked with infiltrating the base of Gorak, a local kingpin. Stealth is key here, and as Kay, I deftly slip past meandering guards with an array of quiet takedowns at my disposal for anyone that spots me. Kay can also unlock additional abilities that’ll help – the Fast Talker ability offers a quick way to quickly yap your way out of a full-blown enemy showdown, for example.
What’s even better, is that Kay’s trusty companion Nix is also a handy tool, and can be commanded to create enemy distractions, attack if needed, or even collect a piece of loot that’s just out of reach. This is a mandatory stealth mission, but in the context of the plot it makes total sense – Kay isn’t here to go blasters blazing (this time), it’s a delicate mission that requires discretion. When things go awry, Kay ends up discovering information that is of use to Gorak, and is given a choice to tell him about it or keep it to herself.
This is where the power of choice and allegiances comes in. While playing, I was introduced to four different crime syndicates: Crimson Dawn, The Hutt Cartel, Ashiga Clan, and The Pyke Syndicate – each with their own designs on how to rule the underworld. Kay can foster good and bad reputations with each of the clans – having a good reputation will grant her privileged access to their districts and benefits. Having a negative reputation will make a syndicate less receptive, and even hostile in some cases.
Assisting one syndicate can affect how a different one feels about you too, so it pays to be cautious in who you align with. Gorak is aligned with the latter, and I chose to be generous with my information about a plot to overthrow him. I loved this element of decision-making; as a player, I’m not just on the rails of a pre-scripted story, but getting input in how the story plays out and how the world reacts to Kay, which feels great.
Once that exchange concluded, I stepped out onto the gritty, neon-soaked streets of Mirogana to explore freely. Here, you’ll find vendors offering new equipment, items, cosmetics for Kay that’ll offer new enhancements, and other goodies. The essence of a world ruled by crime is in full force here, characters around me spoke in hushed tones about objectionable schemes, while Empire guards slyly took bribes from enterprising scoundrels. All of this makes the settings of Star Wars Outlaws feel truly alive, and showcased the seedy underside of galaxy in all its questionable glory.
I was prompted to make several more reputation choices in the next few missions, the first coming at the end of a job for The Hutt Cartel. As Kay, I politely declined the request to double cross the Hutts and hand over my goods to Crimson Dawn, which resulted in a… less polite shootout with the clan’s double-crossing agent. Later, during a mission to upgrade Kay’s blaster, I was given the option to steal a necessary part from the Pyke Syndicate or Crimson Dawn, and, having already chosen to annoy the latter, opted to “liberate” the goods from their district. This variation in how to approach jobs and who to favour again plays magnificently into crafting your own version of the underworld, where allegiances can change in seconds and no one can be trusted.
From there, I set out to explore the arid deserts of Toshara in my first taste of Star Wars Outlaws‘ open world environments. I zoomed past several points of interest, including desert-beaten structures housing collectables, loot, or random events. Exploring those structures led me to a cache of Empire loot ripe for the taking, while another saw me stand off against a band of pirates raiding a homestead. Just like walking around Mirogana, veering offroad to take care of these tasks makes Toshara feel like a living, dynamic place – and of course, snagging a bit of loot is never a bad thing. Even in this select area, the environments felt stuffed with little things to do and secrets to discover.
Another section of my preview took me to the stars, quite literally, and put me at the helm of Kay’s ship. Engaging in a swift battle against some TIE Fighters felt pretty approachable off the bat, the controls were smooth, similar to those of Starfield, and the ship’s tracking module made short work of pesky enemy ships. After that, I landed on the frigid, icy shores of Kijimi, to look for a safecracker. Kijimi is ruled by The Ashiga Clan, but, just like on Toshara, The Crimson Dawn is looking to dethrone them.
I couldn’t resist a quick roam around Kijimi’s surroundings (and a few bets placed on the virtual Fathier Racing holo table situated in the bar) simply because these environments are absolutely stunning. Total care has gone in to make Toshara and Kimiji feel vibrant and authentic, and I can’t wait to see what other notable Star Wars locations look like.
But enough of looking at the buildings, there are several objectives at hand. Kay needs to win favour with the Ashiga Clan and their Queen, culminating in a mission to steal a mysterious relic. Having already made my way through a stealth mission back on Toshara, I opted for the most chaotic entrance possible, blasting guards and foes into oblivion in fierce firefights, while commanding Nix to attack anyone that proved to be more laserproof than expected. The blaster combat feels extremely satisfying – hits pack a punch, much like grenades, and the option to take out shields with ease or simply stun foes gave a breadth of options in how to clean up what became a pretty outrageous gunfight in the middle of a tranquil setting, which was extremely fun.
The choice that Star Wars Outlaws gives you to craft your own reputation as Kay’s unfolds feels excellent – and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to explore and immerse myself in both new and familiar locations from the Star Wars universe. However, quite uniquely, I’m seeing them from Kay’s nebulous perspective as a well-meaning outcast just doing her best to survive in an underworld brimming with duplicitous characters, and I can’t wait to play more. Thankfully, there’s not much longer to wait either – Star Wars Outlaws launches on Xbox Series X|S on August 30.
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars action-adventure game and explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.
If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
DISCOVER A GALAXY OF OPPORTUNITY
Explore distinct locations with bustling cities and cantinas. Race across sprawling outdoor landscapes on your speeder. Each location brings new adventures, unique challenges, and enticing rewards if you’re willing to take the risk.
EXPERIENCE AN ORIGINAL SCOUNDREL STORY
Live the high-stakes lifestyle of an outlaw. Turn any situation to your advantage with Nix by your side: fight with your blaster, overcome enemies with stealth and gadgets, or find the right moments to distract enemies and gain the upper hand.
EMBARK ON HIGH-STAKES MISSIONS
Take on high-risk, high-reward missions from the galaxy’s crime syndicates. Steal valuable goods, infiltrate secret locations, and outwit enemies as one of the galaxy’s most wanted. Every choice you make influences your ever-changing reputation.
JUMP INTO THE PILOT SEAT
Pilot your ship, the Trailblazer, as you engage in thrilling dogfights with the Empire and other foes. Find the right opportunities to chase, evade, and attack to get the upper hand.
We are delighted to invite Xbox Insiders on Xbox Series X|S consoles to join the Hell Let Loose Update Preview. Team17 is working on new and exciting features for this epic World War II, first person shooter and would love for you to try them out and get your feedback! To participate in the Hell Let Loose Update Preview, you will need to either own Hell Let Loose OR have access to the title via an active Game Pass subscription.
What’s New:
Join the preview today and Xbox Insiders will be able to use the console server browser! This will allow you to select and join any server you want from the Enlist menu. This means that you have more control over what maps you play and who you play with.
About the Game:
Join the chaos of war and be a part of the most iconic battles of the Eastern and Western Fronts, including Carentan, Omaha Beach, Stalingrad, Kursk and more. Hell Let Loose drops you into the action, where you will have to fight across fields, bridges, forests, towns and more war-torn environments! Lumbering tanks will be dominating the battlefield and crucial supply chains fueling the frontlines, you are essential to the colossal, combined arms warfare.
Sign-in on your Xbox Series X|S console and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (or install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary)
Navigate to Previews > Hell Let Loose
Select Join
Wait for the registration to complete and be directed to the Store and install Hell Let Loose
NOTE: To participate in the Hell Let Loose Update Preview, you will need to either own Hell Let Loose OR have access to the title via an active Game Pass subscription.
NOTE: This playtest is only available on Xbox Series X|S consoles.
NOTE: If you already have Hell Let Loose installed, please restart your console after the registration has completed to ensure you get prompted to update to the Hell Let Loose Update Preview version.
NOTE: If you wish to revert to the publicly available version of Hell Let Loose, you will need to leave the Hell Let Loose Update Preview via the Xbox Insider Hub. This will prompt an update reversion to occur.
How to Provide Feedback:
If you experience any issues while playing Hell Let Loose, don’t forget to use “Report a problem” so we can investigate:
Hold down the home button on your Xbox controller.
Select Report a problem.
Select the Games category and Hell Let Loose subcategory.
Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.
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.
Valorant’s Xbox Series X|S Open Beta Begins Today – Here’s Why It’s No Simple Port
Valorant enters Open Beta on Xbox… today! It comes ahead of a full console launch that brings some major bonuses for Game Pass members. Having been lucky enough to have had a chance to play it at Riot’s Los Angeles studio, it’s clear that this is no simple port – the team has meticulously retooled this modern classic team shooter for Xbox.
For those unfamiliar, Valorant follows in the genre footsteps of competitive shooters like the legendary PC title Counter-Strike. Unlike that game’s military-themed setting, however, Valorant is set on a futuristic version of Earth, where players pick from a variety of Agents rooted in a specific culture, location and visual style. Beyond their weaponry, each is equipped with a distinct set of tactical skills that can be used for things like gathering intel, reinforcing areas, scouting enemy positions, breaking through defenses, and dominating territories in various ways.
It offers a deft mix of dynamic action and tactical considerations, driven by kinetic gunplay and the creative use of unique player abilities. All of this adds up to a highly skill-based but also highly strategic shooter, which has kept the Valorant community vibrant – and the game ever-evolving – since its PC debut in 2020.
Riot is sparing no effort in bringing the title to Xbox. Primarily, that comes through reproducing the finely-tuned balance that’s made the PC title such a hit – the team went through many iterations of translating the original mouse-and-keyboard controls to gamepad input. Perhaps the landmark new feature in this regard is what’s being called Focus mode.
On PC, Hip-Fire is the primary shooting mode, and Aim-Down-Sights is a secondary, supporting mode; the team experimented with multiple adaptations and gamepad sensitivities to try to accurately reproduce this on console, but never found a combination they were completely happy with. Hip-Fire didn’t feel the same, and the player didn’t have the same range of possibilities; the result was an overall dampened level of player expressiveness.
Enter Focus, a new shooting mode that functions much like Hip-Fire, but with reduced sensitivity. This lets players shoot from the hip whenever they need speed in moving both their camera and aim (think: peeking around corners and dodging) but with the ability to utilize Focus mode whenever they need to pull off a precise, calibrated headshot. Some of the Agent abilities have been adapted for the new input controls, and various tunings across the board have all contributed to the team’s number one priority: capturing the dynamic pacing and mechanically expressive feel of the original.
It’s worth noting that while there will be cross-play across consoles, cross-play will not be available between PC and console player matches; this is primarily due to a focus on maintaining the title’s competitive integrity, given the control changes required to bring the game to console. There will, however, be shared cross-progression across PC and console, meaning that your inventory will carry over—if you unlock skins on PC or on console, they’ll work across the two. Battle Pass, likewise, will maintain progress on both versions.
In terms of content, Valorant on Xbox maintains 1:1 continuity with everything the PC title has accrued since launch: all maps, weapons, modes and characters are included (and, with a Game Pass membership, you unlock every Agent released so far, as well as any new additions on day one). The game has received countless updates and tweaks since its debut, and all of this polish will therefore be available in the day one build on Xbox.
Jumping in on Xbox Series X, Valorant feels immediately familiar and playable with Xbox controller input. In the game’s standard mode (dubbed “Unrated”), two teams compete in a points-based 5v5 format, taking turns attacking and defending positions across six maps. As in Counter-Strike, players can buy guns, armor, and abilities at the start of each round, and careful strategy in this phase is essential for achieving the most effective loadouts possible.
The game’s punchy, colorful visuals feel at home on big living room TV screens, and everything runs at a silky-smooth framerate. Most importantly, the game feels great with the Xbox controller, from running and gunning to scoring a clutch headshot in Focus mode.
As with Counter-Strike, Valorant’s seemingly simple mechanics and structure belie an extremely deep, strategic experience. While it’s an easy game to pick up for anyone with experience playing first-person shooters, there’s a lot beneath the surface: learning all of the 24 current characters’ abilities and eccentricities, the 15 unique maps, and achieving both the muscle memory and strategic exploits required to win entail a level of dedication that has certainly helped give the game its long tail.
Indeed, Valorant’s console release speaks to Riot’s hope that this long tail will keep extending itself. “We’re getting to the starting line as we like to say,” says executive producer Andy Ho. “This is a game that we don’t have an end date in mind for. We want to invest in it on an infinite horizon, so that players feel like their investment into the game is always going to be worth it.”
action-adventure game and explore distinct locations across the galaxy, both iconic and new. Risk it all as scoundrel Kay Vess, seeking freedom and the means to start a new life. Fight, steal, and outwit your way through the galaxy’s crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted.
