Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – the First CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe

In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war, and Owlcat Games is here to let you explore that future in a way that you never have before. The makers of the renowned Pathfinder video game series are excited to proudly present their brand-new title – Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader!

Deservedly holding the title of first CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 setting, the game releases today. For those who don’t fear the untold horrors that lurk in the depths of the warp, let us glimpse into the game’s deep and lore-driven narrative.

Warhammer screenshot

Inheriting the mantle of Rogue Trader, you hold the honour of serving as an intrepid adventurer of Humanity, a monolith of resources and power, pledging to spread the Imperium’s influence across the darkest corners of the Koronus Expanse. Bestowed with ultimate privilege, you are a privateer who explores the regions many ever-changing systems and controls the fate of its inhabitants. By seeking out and reclaiming long-neglected worlds, and developing them as you see fit, you can significantly increase your influence and subdue the sector through reputation and prestige alone.

Artefacts beyond imagination, opportunities, and uncounted wealth dwell within this uncharted expanse, waiting to be claimed by the worthy few. As the yet untested inheritor of the sacred Warrant of Trade, you must assure a new era of dominance and prosperity for your dynasty. But be wary – you are not alone in your pursuit of power and glory. Rival Rogue Traders, as well as the agents of the Inquisition, closely watch your every action.

As a Rogue Trader, you may requisition allies as you please and will have a vast number of companions willing to join your opulent retinue. Yet be sure to choose your confidants wisely – an Adeptus Mechanicus Tech-Priest, an Adepta Sororitas Battle Sister, a renegade unsanctioned Psyker, and even a mysterious xenos are just some examples of the distinctive crew that you may gather at your side. And as you can imagine, not all of them will be eager to work in tandem with one another.

Warhammer screenshot

Far from the oppressive influence of the Imperium, this labyrinthine sector of space has become a shadowy den for all kinds of heretics and enemies of Humanity. Along your travels, you will face the most vile of humanity’s foes.  Will you choose to become His retribution, the righteous instrument of the God-Emperor Himself? Or vanquish your enemies for your own personal gain? Utilize an advanced turn-based combat system to crush your enemies under the heel of your impeccable strategy.

The autonomy granted to Rogue Traders is immense. As the newly established heir of the mighty Von Valancius dynasty, you are free to forge your own path in the Koronus Expanse and define the fate of this ill-omened sector. Will you choose to be a devoted servant of the Emperor or will you succumb to the insidious power of Chaos? Purge corrupted planets with the cleansing flames of holy Exterminatus or leave them to be torn apart by the sacrilegious followers of the Archenemy… The countless masses of the Koronus Expanse await your judgment. By your hand, the scales of destiny will bend or break. Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader is out today on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One!

Warhammer screenshot
Xbox Live

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Owlcat Games

$49.99

A free DLC available to everyone who owns the game. This is a limited time offer which must be claimed before January 31st, 2024. Hurry before it vanishes!

Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games. Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space.

The post Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader – the First CRPG in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe appeared first on Xbox Wire.

King Arthur: A Knight’s Tale Comes to Xbox February 22 – Play Now During the ID@Xbox Demo Fest

February 22, 2024 will mark a new chapter in the King Arthur mythology, when we here at NeocoreGames will be bringing our dark fantasy role-playing tactical game, King Arthur: Knight’s Tale to Xbox Series X|S. We look forward to fans being able to immerse themselves in the mystical realm of Avalon, when the game launches digitally for Xbox Series X|S early next year.

About King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

Described by critics as “the definitive King Arthur game,” King Arthur: Knight’s Tale brings the legendary Arthurian mythology into the modern day – Sprinkling in some dark fantasy tropes to provide an all-new approach to the traditional chivalric tales. 

KA screenshot

The game, which combines turn-based tactical combat with a traditional, character-centric RPG gameplay, originally launched on PC following a successful Kickstarter campaign in 2020 – And has earned a devoted and passionate following in the years that followed.

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale has now been reimagined for Xbox Series X|S, offering players a choice between a 4K Quality Mode or a framerate-boosting Performance Mode, Local PVP as well as Xbox achievements.

We will continue to support the game long after its launch too, with plans for season content, optional skirmishes and more features coming at a later date.

Check out King Arthur – Knight’s Tale at ID@Xbox Demo Fest

From December 5 until December 31, fans will be able to get their hands on the console release of King Arthur: Knight’s Tale, via a demo, exclusively available to Xbox Series X|S players!

KA screenshot

The demo features the first three maps of the game, as well as three skirmish maps from the “The Trials of Sir Tewelyn” skirmish pack.

To get your hands on King Arthur: Knight’s Tale during ID@Xbox Demo Fest, simply head here.

Preorder King Arthur – Knight’s Tale Today

Fans will be able to preorder King Arthur: Knight’s Tale for Xbox Series X|S right now! Simply click here to book your ticket to Avalon via the Camelot’s Fortune pack. 

KA screenshot

In order to assist in the battle against King Arthur’s forces, we’re happy to offer a host of goodies to players who pre-order from today, including:

  • Early Bird’s Ring – a console-exclusive Relic Item that grants a Hero the Slowing Hex skill.
  • 1,000 Gold and 300 Building Resources to help get your construction work off the ground
  • Satchel of Relic Dust – Use this in the Enchanted Tower to buy Relic items.
  • Topaz Case, Box of Sapphires and a Chest of Emeralds – Use these gems in the Forge to upgrade your items
  • Three Large Healing Potions
  • Three Refreshing Potions
  • Scroll of Fire Blast – A powerful, one-use AOE attack spell
  • Scroll of Taunt – Enemies will focus on a target that uses this scroll
  • Scroll of Recuperate – Target gains temporary HP for one turn
  • Sir Mordred cosmetic skin
  • Lady Dindraine cosmetic skin – Exclusive to console players!

We look forward to seeing you on the battlefields of Avalon on February 22, 2024!

Xbox Live

King Arthur: Knight’s Tale

NeocoreGames

You are Sir Mordred, the nemesis of King Arthur, the former black knight of the grim tales. You killed King Arthur, but with his dying breath, he struck you down. You both died – and yet, you both live.

The Lady of the Lake, the ruler of the mystical island of Avalon brought you back to end a true nightmare. She wants you to go on a knightly quest. She wants you to finish what you have begun. Kill King Arthur – or whatever he has become after she took his dying vessel to Avalon.

— A Role-playing Tactical Game —
Experience a unique hybrid between turn-based tactical games and traditional, character-centric RPGs! This dark fantasy version of the Arthurian mythology invites you to manage a team of heroes on the dangerous battlefield, while also engaging in moral choices, hero management, and the rebuilding of Camelot.

— The dark fate of the kingdom —
Explore a land of nightmares where vile monsters and magical creatures lurk within castles and forests. The battle between Arthur and Mordred brought death, both of them falling at the hands of each other, and now the consequences unfold. Arthur, resurrected in Avalon, is now an undying mad king, his pain slowly turning this magical place into a nightmare version of Britannia. You are Mordred, brought back to life to find Arthur, and ultimately, kill him to end this accursed condition.

— The Round Table reborn —
Gather your knights and send them on quests involving deep, tactical battles! Assemble a team of heroes, selecting from six classes (Defender, Champion, Marksman, Vanguard, Arcanist, Sage). Level them up, gain unique skill points, equip the best items looted from missions. But beware! Heroes can die, and the treatment of their injuries, curses, diseases take time. Between missions, make sure that Camelot has the right facilities for recovery, and prepare different heroes for different quests.

— A question of loyalty —
Heroes are your main resources – but no mere numbers! They have their own distinct personalities, goals, rivalries (even unique traits, skills and bond benefits). They will observe your decisions closely! Settle disputes, grant favours, select heroes who can work together, send them on missions they are comfortable with. Tread carefully, because their loyalty depends on many factors. They can even leave and turn against you!

— The making of a monarch —
You, as a king, have a personality as well, shaped by your actions and moral choices. The Morality Chart will represent your status between Christianity and Old Faith, between Tyranny and Righteousness. Your choices affect values on this chart, influencing both gameplay and narrative.

— The weight of decisions —
Every small decision matters – not only the moral choices, but actions taken in the turn-based combat as well. The campaign unfolds with a roguelite twist: no reloads, only regrets! The thrill of dealing with the consequences is half the fun, but your decisions also affect the story. Each playthrough can unfold differently, branching in unexpected ways.

— The end is only the beginning —
Play through the campaign (once or see multiple paths), and after that, you unlock the endgame, reserved only for the bravest. Tough new challenges appear on the map with mythic bossfights, random quests, more loot and character progression ultimately leading to the banishing of Balor, the monstrous god-king of the Fomorians.

The post King Arthur: A Knight’s Tale Comes to Xbox February 22 – Play Now During the ID@Xbox Demo Fest appeared first on Xbox Wire.

HAWKED is now available in Preview for Xbox Insiders!

Look alive, Renegades! We’re thrilled to invite Xbox Insiders to experience HAWKED from December 7th until December 11th. Developed and published by MY.GAMES, this brand-new challenger in the extraction shooter genre promises all-out PvPvE action, troves of treasure and customization options, and solid teamplay wrapped in a vibrant, pulpy comic book package.

Play HAWKED to loot 20 exclusive cosmetic rewards via the Renegade Pass #0—yours to keep even in the full version of HAWKED! Master your extraction skills in online crossplay matches before the game launches as a free-to-play title on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One in early 2024. For more details about HAWKED, visit the website at playhawked.com.

About HAWKED

HAWKED is an online extraction shooter where you can embark on the ultimate treasure hunt. Play solo or team up in 2-player or 3-player squads to explore the mysterious island paradise called X-Isle, stuffed with lush plains, dense jungles, gorgeous beaches, and no shortage of ancient ruins to raid.

Your goal is to solve puzzles, retrieve enough Glyphs to unlock Treasuries, and then claim and extract the shimmering Artifacts that lie in wait. But stay frosty—you’re not alone! You’ll have to outfox and outgun hordes of monstrous Disciples and rival Renegades alike in explosive PvPvE battles if you want to make it out alive with your haul.

Switch up your playstyle on the go with new weapons and ammo to stay ahead of the competition. You can also customize your loadout with Gear, Boosters, and extracted Artifacts to enjoy perks for an extra edge.

Think you’re up to the task? Become a Renegade, hop aboard the Riftwake to X-Isle, and prepare for the treasure hunt of a lifetime!

Just a quick note: HAWKED development is still ongoing, and we rely on your feedback from playtests like this to help improve and polish the game. As such, you may encounter technical or gameplay issues that impact your experience.

How to Participate:

  1. Sign in on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One console and launch the Xbox Insider Hub app (install the Xbox Insider Hub from the Store first if necessary).
  2. Navigate to Previews > HAWKED – Beta.
  3. Select Join.
  4. Wait for the registration to complete, and you should be directed to the Store page to install it.

NOTE: Limited space is available and offered first-come first-served.

Playtest Times:

  • Start: Thursday, December 7th, 16:00 CET (15:00 GMT / 07:00 PT / 10:00 ET)
  • End: Monday, December 11th, 10:00 CET (09:00 GMT / 01:00 PT / 04:00 ET)

How to Provide Feedback:

If you experience any issues while playing HAWKED, 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 HAWKED – Beta subcategory.
  • Fill out the form with the appropriate details to help our investigation.

Other resources:

For more information: follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for release notes, announcements, and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.

The post HAWKED is now available in Preview for Xbox Insiders! appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.231205-1910)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Omega ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details:

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2920.231205-1910
  • Available: 7 p.m. PT – December 6, 2023
  • Mandatory: 7 p.m. PT – December 7, 2023

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

System

  • Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
    • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center by holding the Xbox button > Restart console > Restart.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

How to Get Xbox Insider Support

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.231205-1910) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Have a Nice Death Brings Roguelike Fun and Challenge to Xbox

Sharpen your scythe, Xbox fans, and show the underworld who’s boss. 

We are so excited to see our game, Have A Nice Death, release on Xbox. For the anecdote, everything originated from a little sketch of Death scribbled by the Creative Director, Nicolas Leger, in the corner of a page during an Unruly Heroes meeting (our first game). This sparked a conversation about what it would be like if Death were in charge of the underworld and worked in a traditional office setting. With everything that’s been going on in the world, Death would probably be pretty busy processing paperwork for incoming souls and in desperate need of a vacation. 

 “I thought it had great visual potential: simple proportions, clean silhouette, an obvious and iconic weapon, and this concept of a shapeshifting cloak immediately gave me ideas for movement and combat,” Leger says. “It was just one or two months later that I made the next step with a staged gameplay video during my free time.” 

And this is how it all started. Now, let’s dive deep into what might interest you: The gameplay of Have a Nice Death!  

Have a Nice Death is a fast, action-packed hack and slash roguelike in procedural environments where you play as Death, and must go across unique departments (levels) to defeat the Sorrows (the bosses) until you reach your goal: The final elevator that lets you have a much-needed vacation. Acquiring and choosing the tools in your arsenal for this adventure is of the utmost importance! First, choose the kind of scythe you want at the beginning of each run as they all provide a different move set and gameplay. During your adventure, you will also find other weapons including fireballs, maces, and bows. We have short range, long range, easy-to-use, and hard-to-master weapons, totaling over 70 weapons for you to play and mix to fit your playstyle. 

Have a Nice Death has many unique twists compared to some other roguelikes. The progression system in our game l gives you the opportunity to gain new abilities and upgrades, however, there’s a chance they might also give a boost to your enemies! We call these upgrades “curses” and to gain them, you will have to fight our menagerie of Sorrows & Thanagers (mini bosses)! 

Try to think about the combination of these upgrades together as they are the key to completing the game and you will need to pick them according to the weapons in your arsenal. If you use a multi-hit weapon, we would suggest a green curse that spawns a deadly butterfly per hit you do. Did I say green one? That’s because Have a Nice Death’s curses are split into 3 branches (blue, red, green) on a random skill tree. They are ranked in accordance with the main pillars of Death, Inc.’s business philosophy: Red for Daring, Green for Excellence, and Blue for Innovation. Red curses focus on damage-based buffs, green curses focus on enhancing your ability to use spells, and blue curses focus on utility or defense-based buffs. Curses play an important role on how you want your character build to be like (e.g., have a more weapon-focused or a spell- focused build), so make sure to take curses that fit the build you’d like to have! 

Another twist is the Anima system, the healing system in the game. As you explore Death, Inc., you’ll come across Blue Anima, which does heal you but it only heals your injuries!  So you’ll need to be on the lookout for ways to completely heal Death, such as finding and using Koffee or the very rare Golden Anima. Dodging every attack or killing stuff quickly works, too!  

One of the goals for Have a Nice Death was to have a good mix of improvisation and foresight. We wanted the player to both be surprised by each run in order to give the feeling of what we call the “golden run,” but still be able to have agency and try to influence the run to feel the satisfaction of being overpowered. This occurs by offering the player many choices while switching up gameplay as to not encourage “save-scumming,” for example. 

While Have a Nice Death is roguelike and we know you will die (I mean, “burn out”), you don’t have to be afraid of the difficulty. We have thought about everything. You will always find some gold to spend in your very own lobby with Joe to unlock new weapons or food to consume. He’s even nice enough to offer you a ridiculous discount if you have completed some objectives for him. For those who want an easier or a more challenging playthrough across Death, Inc., there are 15 difficulty levels to choose from, as we know roguelike players enjoy a nice challenge as they hack’n’slash away! 

Have a Nice Death is available on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One now.

Xbox Live

Have a Nice Death

Gearbox Publishing San Francisco Inc.


3


$24.99

$19.99

Welcome to Death, Inc.
Discover and explore the darkly-charming, procedurally-generated departments of Death Inc., where you’ll meet a diverse cast of memorable characters—like your affable pumpkin-headed assistant, Pump Quinn—who are always willing to share the latest office gossip

Reap What You Sow
Sharpen your skills (and scythe) through fast-paced hack n’ slash combat, utilizing over 70 unique weapons and spells you can find and upgrade to create devastating combinations

Death Never Sleeps
Since Death can’t die, use what you’ve learned and earned to overcome the numerous minions and bosses in each department of Death Incorporated… over and over. A performance review after every run guarantees that you’ll unlock interesting items and upgrades that will help you progress on your journey

When Death Gives You Curses
Taking more power for yourself is a controversial move in Death Incorporated’s company culture. For instance, adopting a Curse upgrade for yourself might result in the Labor Inspector granting your subordinates enhanced powers, or worse, raising the cost of koffee and other items that are vital to your work output

The post Have a Nice Death Brings Roguelike Fun and Challenge to Xbox appeared first on Xbox Wire.

How Raven Software Created Urzikstan, the Definitive Call of Duty: Warzone Map

Call of Duty: Warzone Key Art

How Raven Software Created Urzikstan, the Definitive Call of Duty: Warzone Map

Summary

  • We chat with Raven Software Senior Creative Director Ted Timmins about what players can expect at launch, why this may be the definitive Warzone map, and his favorite drop locations.
  • Urzikstan is shaping up to be one of the most exciting and diverse Warzone maps ever created.
  • Urzikstan launches alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Call of Duty: Warzone Season 01 on December 6, 2023.

Since the launch of Call of Duty: Warzone in 2020, we’ve been treated to several large-scale, free-to-play multiplayer maps that have each continued to deliver a stellar battle royale experience for all Call of Duty players.

We’ve also seen many features help extend the value of Call of Duty: Warzone, like the introduction of modes such as Lock Down and Payload, the squad-based Resurgence, and the treasure hunting Plunder game type, alongside new maps Ashika Island and Vondel to complement the Al Mazrah launch map from last year.

Now with Urzikstan, the first new Call of Duty: Warzone map to launch after the release of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III last month, we caught up with Raven Software Senior Creative Director Ted Timmins to learn more about what players can expect at launch, why he thinks this may be the definitive Call of Duty: Warzone map, and some of his favorite drop locations.

“After four years of Call of Duty: Warzone it goes without saying that we learn so much from every map we make, and what I love about Urzikstan is that you can really feel a little of every map to date within it,” explains Timmins. “Naturally I’m biased, but I do think that this is the definitive Warzone map — because not only does it have that reflective nostalgia, but the density of the map feels new and refreshing that allows for more interesting engagements. And escapes!”

This excitement starts with the sense of discovery that the team wants players to feel when they drop into Urzikstan for the first time, like the new locations to explore, the gameplay to engage with, and perhaps some secrets to find. Two of these new features will be a drivable train as well as the introduction of horizontal ziplines.

“When we start thinking about building a new map like Urzikstan, it naturally starts with how the map and the gameplay combine into one seamless experience,” says Timmins. “As we worked on all the new movement mechanics, we wanted the gameplay to deliver too. So, making the train drivable, including it going in reverse and having a handbrake, and then adding horizontal ziplines to allow players to quickly traverse from rooftop-top-rooftop for the first time, felt like natural additions to the world.”

As the team iterated on the design of the map, something that was discovered during the playtest sessions was that there were no singular hot-drop locations — players were finding all sorts of new and interesting places to stake their claim at the start of their match. But for Timmins, he did find himself focusing on one area that became a favorite.

“If I’m not dropping on the new drivable train, you’ll find me in the Zaravan City area on the south side of the map,” he says. “I love the density, the freedom of movement across rooftops with the horizontal ziplines, and knowing it has good rotation opportunities to other locations. Once players notice that you can also vertically ascend the cranes and then use them as jump-off-points, I think it’s likely to be a popular place that’s for sure!”

If you’ve picked up a theme here, movement has been at the core of what the team was looking to dial in on with this next chapter of Call of Duty: Warzone. Not only has Urzikstan been built with this level of freedom of movement in mind, but it has also crossed over into the game’s unique Perks system.

“We have a wealth of new Perks incoming, like Irradiated which allows for faster movement in the gas (on the map), or Resolute that grants a short burst to movement speed when taking damage,” Timmins says. “We didn’t stop there. Players will now also be able to reload while running, ADS while sliding, increased weapon swap speed, and increased climbing and mantling. All of this adds up to the most fluid Call of Duty: Warzone experience to date.”

Timmins mentioned that when thinking about adding new features, the team often starts with areas that they feel will make each of the Call of Duty: Warzone maps unique. One that they definitively wanted to retain and find a way to improve upon is the fan-favorite and innovative Gulag mode that has made it an iconic part of the Warzone experience.

“We wanted to retain the 1v1 that players love but spice it up by bringing the Public Events system to it,” explains Timmins. “This new system includes events like, Go Again (if you lose, you go back into another Gulag fight), or Locked & Loaded (fight with full armor and fully kitted weapons), Cash Drop (money in Gulag ground loot) or, one of my personal favorites, Night Vision Gulag which will launch midseason with Season 1 Reloaded.”

Contracts have also been an important part of Warzone, bringing that back as well into Urzikstan was a no brainer, including the fan-favorite contract, Big Game Bounty, where the challenge is to eliminate the player with the highest kill count to earn the Advanced UAV. Season 1 Reloaded will also introduce a new Champions Quest – but we’ll have to wait for more details on that later in 2024.

“Vondel and Ashika Island will be present during Season 1. And with the new movement mechanics, weapons, and Operators, it makes them feel refreshed,” explains Timmins. “Where we are most excited is looking to the year ahead, when we will see the return of Fortunes Keep and Rebirth Island! We have a great year ahead of us in terms of maps, and it all starts with Urzikstan!”

Urzikstan is shaping up to be the Call of Duty: Warzone map for everyone. And with returning modes like Battle Royale, Resurgence, and Plunder, and other new modes arriving in Season 1 Reloaded like Covert Exfil and Weapon Case, now’s possibly the best time ever to experience this epic, free-to-play battle royale experience.

“Whether they have been with us since launch, are returning to experience Urzikstan, or dropping in for the first time, I would like to thank our players for their support. And of course, a big thanks to the team for whom without them all this excitement wouldn’t be possible. So, until next time, I’ll see you in Urzikstan — please don’t drop on the drivable train as it’s mine, thanks.”

You can jump in and start playing in Urzikstan on December 6, 2023. Call of Duty: Warzone is a free-to-play online multiplayer shooter that doesn’t require Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III to play.


Xbox Live

Call of Duty®: Warzone™

Activision Publishing Inc.


7316

Welcome to Warzone™, the massive free-to-play combat arena which now features the brand-new map, Al Mazrah.

Turn the Heat Up
Join forces with your friends and jump into a sprawling battleground in the metropolitan area and rural outskirts within the Republic of Adal.

Loot For Rewards
Discover supply boxes and complete contracts to build your arsenal and gain a tactical advantage.

Introducing DMZ Mode
Drop into the all-new sandbox objective-based mode to choose your own experience within the warzone and collecting gear to keep in your Call of Duty®: Warzone™ inventory.

Purchase the Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II Vault Edition and get the Red Team 141 Operator Pack, FJX Cinder Weapon Vault*, 10 hours of 2XP, 10 hours of Weapons 2XP, Battle Pass and 50 Tier Skips** – also usable in Warzone™.

An Xbox Live Gold subscription is not required to play the Warzone™ game mode. All other online modes still require Xbox Live Gold.

*Weapon Vault design limited to Weapon Vault contents at launch.

**Battle Pass redemption applies to one season of Modern Warfare® II Battle Pass only.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com.

© 2022-2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, MODERN WARFARE and CALL OF DUTY WARZONE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software (‘Id Technology’). Id Technology © 1999-2023 Id Software, Inc.


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Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III – Cross-Gen Bundle

Activision Publishing Inc.


2001

$69.99

Includes:

– Cross Gen Bundle of Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III
— Includes Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S versions of the game
– Available in Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II and Call of Duty®: Warzone™:
— Soap Operator Pack*
— Zombie Ghost Operator Skin*

ADAPT OR DIE IN A FIGHT AGAINST THE ULTIMATE THREAT

In the direct sequel to the record-breaking Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II, Captain Price and Task Force 141 face off against the ultimate threat. The ultranationalist war criminal Vladimir Makarov is extending his grasp across the world causing Task Force 141 to fight like never before.

IT’S TIME TO SETTLE OLD SCORES AND START NEW ONES

Modern Warfare® III celebrates the 20th anniversary of Call of Duty® with one of the greatest collections of Multiplayer maps ever assembled – both fan favorites and all new ones. All 16 launch maps from the original Modern Warfare® 2 (2009) have been modernized with new modes and gameplay features and will be available at launch to get everyone started, while over 12 all-new core 6v6 maps will fuel post-launch live seasons.

ALL NEW OPEN WORLD ZOMBIES

For the first time, team up with other squads to survive and fight massive hordes of the undead in the largest Call of Duty® Zombies map ever. Modern Warfare® Zombies (MWZ) tells a new Treyarch Zombies story with missions, core Zombies features, and secrets to discover.

*Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® III, Call of Duty®: Modern Warfare® II or Call of Duty®: Warzone™ on Xbox One / Xbox Series X|S required to redeem. Sold / downloaded separately. Must be redeemed by November 10th, 2024.

For more information, please visit www.callofduty.com.

© 2023 Activision Publishing, Inc. ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, and MODERN WARFARE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. This product contains software technology licensed from Id Software (‘Id Technology’). Id Technology © 1999-2023 Id Software, Inc.

The post How Raven Software Created Urzikstan, the Definitive Call of Duty: Warzone Map appeared first on Xbox Wire.

These Are a Few of Our Favorite “Designed for Xbox” Things

These Are a Few of Our Favorite “Designed for Xbox” Things

‘Tis the season once more, and our esteemed Designed for Xbox partners have truly delivered, unveiling a spectacular array of new third-party products into the Xbox ecosystem this year! From the new wireless controller by Turtle Beach to the refreshed revival of gaming classics like the Logitech G Astro A50 X, this holiday season promises an abundance of exciting additions!

We’ve rounded up some of our favorite Designed for Xbox products across many different categories and price points as you’re looking for the perfect show of love for the gamer in your life. Even if that gamer is you! We trust that you’ll find delight in these exceptional Designed for Xbox products, and we encourage you to explore the entire suite of offerings this holiday season.

Wishing you and yours a safe and enjoyable holiday season, from the Designed for Xbox family to yours.

Audio Game on the Next Level


Logitech G Astro A50 X Asset

Logitech G Astro A50 X

Made to play with groundbreaking PlaySync, A50 X gives you the power to connect to Xbox Series X|S, PS5, and PC simultaneously and tap through all 3 systems. Pro-G Graphene audio drivers achieve unprecedented clarity and response, and Lightspeed enables the highest levels of wireless audio performance.

  • Xbox + PS5 + PC at once – Easily tap through all three with PlaySync
  • Pro-G Graphene Drivers – Breakthrough audio precision and clarity
  • Lightspeed Wireless – Pro-grade high-bandwidth audio + mic
  • HDMI 2.1 Ultra HD Passthrough – 24-bit audio, 4K 120 on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S.
  • Broadcast-Quality Mic – 48 kHz wireless fidelity.
  • Dual-Device Mixing – Lightspeed game audio + Bluetooth mobile.
  • Advanced Software Control – Fine tune with G Hub and mobile app.
  • 24 Hour Batter – Long, worry-free gaming sessions.
  • Base Station – Charging dock, LED display and more.

The Logitech G A50 X Lightspeed Wireless Gaming Headset with PlaySync is available for pre-order today for $379.99. Visit Logitech for more information.


RIG 900 Max HX Asset

Nacon RIG  900 Max HX Dual Wireless Gaming Headset with Dolby Atmos, Bluetooth, and Base for Xbox and PC

Unwrap Ultimate Game Audio this holiday with the RIG 900 Max HX. Licensed for Xbox and compatible with PC, the 900 Max merges Dolby Personalized Audio, dual wireless connectivity with Bluetooth, and a convenient charging base station for the definitive gaming experience.

Powered by high sensitivity 40mm audio drivers with enhanced bass and a precisely tuned acoustic chamber, the 900 Max HX is designed to produce accurate audio without fatigue. Experience the advantage and immersion of ultimate game audio.

The Nacon RIG 900 Max is available now for $249.99 USD exclusively at Best Buy. Visit Nacon for more information.


PDP AirLite Pro Wireless and AirLite Wired Headsets Asset

PDP AirLite Pro Wireless and Wired Headsets

Make light work of your enemies with the PDP AirLite Pro Wireless and AirLite Wired Headsets for Xbox. These headsets offer the deadly combination of all-day comfort and precision gaming with a lightweight design, 50 mm drivers for the Pro version, and powerful audio engineered for immersive gameplay. The AirLite headsets also come in glow-in-the-dark colorways as well as bundled with a PDP wired controller!

The PDP AirLite Pro Wireless and Wired Headsets are available in a variety of options now.

Visit PDP for more information.

Take Control


Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra High-Performance Wireless Controller Asset

Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra High-Performance Wireless Controller

Turtle Beach’s Designed for Xbox Stealth Ultra wireless controller is built for gamers who demand the best. This high-performance wireless controller quickly connects lag-free to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and also connects to supported Smart TVs and Android devices using Bluetooth. Ultra-premium AntiDrift thumbsticks with magnetic hall effect sensors eliminate drift, while tactile microswitches throughout deliver fast and reliable responses and last 5X longer than standard buttons. The 1.5” Connected Command Display lets gamers customize thumbstick performance, mappable buttons, audio, RGB lighting and more, and patented technology lets the controller receive and show social media notifications from mobile phones. Adjustable short and long-pull triggers can be set on-the-fly to suit any game, and adjustable power modes deliver up to 30 hours of use on a single charge. The included hardshell case also allows for charging the controller when stored. The Turtle Beach Stealth Ultra is available for pre-order now for $199.99 USD and will officially launch December 15, 2023. Visit Turtle Beach for more information.


GameSir G7 SE Asset

GameSir G7 SE Controller with Hall Effect sticks

GameSir G7 SE features anti-drift Hall Effect sticks, ensuring rapid response and accuracy. Equipped with secure quick latches to eliminate worries about unintended presses. Immerse your gaming experience further with the option to swap out the paint-friendly faceplate for a personalized touch! The GameSir G7 SE Controller is available now for $49.99 USD. Visit GameSir for more information.


8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox Asset

8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox

This classic 6-button controller is designed for both casual and pro gamers. Ideal for fighting and other classic action games. The M30 Wired controller is compatible with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows 10 and above. The 8BitDo M30 Wired Controller for Xbox is available for pre-order now for $34.99 USD and will launch December 5, 2023. Visit 8BitDo for more information.


Surge Livewire Microwatt Junior Wired Controller for Xbox Asset

Surge Livewire Microwatt Junior Wired Controller for Xbox

Shrink your controller, not your skills! The Surge Livewire Microwatt Junior Wired Controller for Xbox offers full sized functionality in a 20% smaller size compared to a standard Xbox Controller. Designed for younger gamers, the custom grip texture on the handles, triggers, and thumbsticks keeps you on target. The LED light bar and thumbstick underglow highlight your skills and can be adjusted to match your style. Dual rumble motors enhance your experience, and a 3.5mm audio port makes it easy to chat with friends. Equipped with a detachable 10-foot braided cable, the Microwatt is the perfect travel buddy, providing full functionality in a compact size. The Surge Livewire Microwatt Junior Wired Controller for Xbox is available now for $39.99 USD. Visit Surge Gaming for more details.


PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra

PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra

The PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra lets you customize your controller with 4 individual lighting zones and 3 lighting modes for thousands of color combinations. A Built-in IR transmitter allows you to control compatible Lumectra Zone RGB lighting accessories directly from your gamepad.

Performance enhancing features include two mappable Advanced Gaming Buttons for on-the-fly button mapping, 3-way Trigger Locks help you pull off quicker actions and feel the action with the Impulse Triggers’ built-in rumble motors in supported titles. The dual rumble motors provide nuanced feedback replicating everything from distant footsteps to cataclysmic earthquakes. The PowerA Advantage Wired Controller with Lumectra is available now in Black or White for $44.99 USD or bundled with a Black controller and 4 ft. RGB LED Light Strip for $54.99 USD. Visit PowerA for more information.


Razer Kishi V2 for iPhone and Kishi V2 Pro for Android

If the holidays will be taking you away from your console, fear not! Designed in collaboration with Xbox, the officially licensed Razer Kishi V2 Xbox Edition controllers are the newest advancements in the domain of mobile gaming. The Razer Kishi V2 Pro for Android (Xbox Edition) and Kishi V2 for iPhone (Xbox Edition) build upon the legacy of award-winning handheld peripherals, enabling hundreds of AAA Xbox titles to be played on mobile iOS and Android platforms.

From critically acclaimed tactile Razer micro-switches present under the D-pad, face buttons, and shoulder buttons to the familiar functionality of the Xbox controller’s button for Xbox Remote Play and Xbox Cloud Gaming experiences, every aspect speaks of the quality and familiarity that Xbox and Razer enthusiasts have come to expect. All this, while also seamlessly integrating with Xbox Cloud Gaming, Xbox Remote Play, and supported streaming platforms and native games.

The Razer Kishi V2 Xbox Edition controllers are available now exclusively in the US and Canada.

Treat Your Setup


UPspec Gaming xScreen for Xbox Series S

UPspec xScreen is a fully integrated folding screen that seamlessly attaches to the Xbox Series S. This transforms your Xbox Series S into a laptop form factor that can be easily transported and used anywhere there is a power outlet. Available in both white and black, the xScreen perfectly complements the aesthetic of the Xbox Series S to create a portable gaming machine.

  • Unique cable-free attachment system
  • Only the original Xbox power cable is required
  • 11.6” 1080p 60hz IPS screen
  • Integrated stereo speakers and controls
  • Cross-hair overlay
  • HDMI-CEC power off sensor

UPspec xScreen is available now for $249.99 USD via Amazon. Visit UPspec Gaming for more information.


KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Xbox

KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Xbox are made from a proprietary rubber material to deliver more grip, comfort and control to every game you play. The extra-soft thumb grips stay in place during intense gaming and they’re as durable as they are grippy.

  • Upgrade your Xbox controller’s comfort, grip and style
  • No-slip material stays in place during intense gaming
  • Made of extra-soft, ultra-grippy, proprietary material
  • Durable rubber doesn’t tear when stretched
  • Fits all Xbox wireless controllers

The KontrolFreek No-Slip Thumb Grips for Xbox are available now for $12.99 USD. Visit KontrolFreek for more information.


More Room to Play


WD_BLACK C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S Asset

WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S

As game files get larger, the WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox is the fast and easy way to give your Xbox Series X|S a big capacity boost and keep more titles installed. Just plug this officially licensed card directly into the console for similar performance as the Xbox internal storage.

  • Available in 512GB and 1TB capacities
  • Plug and Play
  • Includes 1 month trial for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. (*New customers only)

The WD_Black C50 Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S is available now in 512GB for $79.99 USD and 1TB for $149.99 USD. Visit WD for more information.


Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drives and Game Hub Asset

Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drives and Game Hub

Has Starfield taken over your world and you need everything to show your Constellation pride? Just me? Well, a vast universe awaits you with the Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drives and Game Hub. Officially licensed by Bethesda, these drives and hub feature a design that would make Constellation proud. Outfitted with customizable RGB LED lighting, you can bring the majesty of the stars right into your living room.

  • Light Up the Sky: Engulf your game in atmosphere with customizable RGB LED lighting and a design that feels certified for a Constellation explorer.
  • High Capacity with 2TB, 5TB, or 8TB of space you can back up all your content without sacrificing files.
  • Xbox Compatible: Works with Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One X, Xbox One S, and PC.

The Seagate Starfield Special Edition Game Drives and Game Hub are available to buy now. Visit Seagate for more information.


Stay tuned for an exciting 2024, filled with new and innovative products! See you then!

The post These Are a Few of Our Favorite “Designed for Xbox” Things appeared first on Xbox Wire.

Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.231204-1210)

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview coming to the Omega ring. It’s important we note that some updates made in these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles.

We continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal, so you’re aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

Xbox Insider Release Notes

System Update Details:

  • OS Version: XB_FLT_2311ZN25398.2919.231204-1210
  • Available: 6 p.m. PT – December 5, 2023
  • Mandatory: 6 p.m. PT – December 6, 2023

Note: This update may not occur automatically before it has already become mandatory. You can always find the most current update as soon as it is available by opening the Guide > Profile & system > Settings > System > Updates.

Remember: Newly enrolled users in this ring are not guaranteed to receive all early updates, but they’ll receive the update prior to the GA release. Additionally, a small subset of users may remain on their current GA build once they enroll until the next system update becomes mandatory for the public. Visit the Xbox Insider Program FAQ to learn more.

Fixes Implemented

Thanks to the hard work of Xbox engineers, we are happy to announce the following fixes have been implemented for this build:

System

  • Various stability and performance fixes.

Known Issues

We understand some issues have been listed in previous Xbox Insider Release Notes. These items aren’t being ignored, but it will take Xbox engineers more time to find a solution.

Audio

  • We have received reports of users experiencing intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps. If you have experienced issues, be sure you have the latest firmware updates for your TV and other equipment. If you’re unsure, you may need to contact the manufacturer for assistance.
    • Note: If you continue to experience issues after applying the latest firmware updates, please submit feedback via Report a Problem immediately with the “Reproduce with advanced diagnostics” option, then select the category “Console experiences” and “Console Audio Output Issues”. Be sure to include as much information as possible:
      • When did the issue start?
      • Did you lose audio just in the game/app or system audio as well?
      • Does changing the audio format resolve the issue? If yes, what was the format before and after?
      • Does rebooting resolve the issue?
      • What does your setup include? Equipment, layout, etc.
      • And any additional information you can provide to reproduce the problem.

Networking

  • We are investigating reports of an issue where the console may not connect to their network as expected on boot. If you experience this, be sure to report the issue via Report a Problem as soon as you’re able.
    • Workaround: Wait a minute for the connection to establish. If your console still hasn’t connected, restart your Xbox from the Power Center by holding the Xbox button > Restart console > Restart.

Make sure to use Report a problem to keep us informed of your issue. We may not be able to respond to everyone, but the data we’ll gather is crucial to finding a resolution.

What Happens to Your Feedback

How to Get Xbox Insider Support

If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please reach out to the community subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help with your concerns.

When posting to the subreddit, please look through most recent posts to see if your issue has already been posted or addressed. We always recommend adding to threads with the same issue before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can! Don’t forget to use “Report a problem” before posting—the information shared in both places helps us understand your issue better.

Thank you to every Xbox Insider in the subreddit today. We love that it has become such a friendly and community-driven hub of conversation and support.

For more information regarding the Xbox Insider Program follow us on Twitter. Keep an eye on future Xbox Insider Release Notes for more information regarding your Xbox Update Preview ring!

The post Xbox Insider Release Notes – Omega (2311.231204-1210) appeared first on Xbox Wire.

ID@Xbox Game Demo Winterfest Showcases 30+ Games

Seasons Greetings from Xbox! We are proud to bring you 33 incredible demos to play on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Just like last year’s Winter Game Demo event, you can download and play these in the comfort of your own home between December 5 – 31.

We encourage you to check them out with friends and families during this holiday season starting today and within the coming weeks as demos become available. These demos are an early look at gameplay and may not represent the full game at their release, including the availability in each country as developers continue to update and refine their title ahead of launch. So, don’t forget you can help provide early feedback to the devs!

We’re also excited to share the 10 newly announced games below are coming to Xbox!

502’s Arcade (502 Studios)

502’s Arcade (502 Studios) Asset

502’s Arcade is an anthology of arcade games. Each game is a remix of genres with mechanics that you’ve always loved with modern twists that will make them an enjoyable challenge for all kinds of players.


Captain Bones (World of Poly)

Captain Bones (World of Poly) Asset

Captain Bones is an exhilarating action-adventure game that immerses you in an expansive pirate world. Your survival skills will guide you through epic ship battles and thrilling treasure hunts alongside your loyal crew. Navigate handcrafted pirate islands, harness resources to create weapons and vehicles, and embark on daring explorations. At its core, the game follows the journey of Captain Bones from a simple crew member to a legendary captain.


Champion Shift (SRG Studios)

Champion Shift (SRG Studios) Asset

Champion Shift is a fast-paced, action roguelike where you play as a mythical champion fighting against the evil Dominion. Unlock mythical upgrades throughout your game session, shift form into a vehicle to power through masses of enemies and defeat epic bosses to progress through your run.


Dinosaur Fossil Hunter (Pyramid Games S.A.)

Dinosaur Fossil Hunter (Pyramid Games S.A.) Asset

Become a real paleontologist, explore various environments and search for dinosaur fossils. Dig for and study the remnants of these majestic creatures to learn about their evolution. Build your own museum and experience an immersive background story. Drive off-road vehicles, explore dig sites, use excavation tools, search through deformable terrain. Prepare fossils.


Donut Dodo (pixle.games)

Donut Dodo (pixle.games) Asset

If a long-lost arcade game from 1983 resurfaced today, it would be Donut Dodo. A classic platforming frenzy from the golden era that’s tough as nails and challenging for the whole family! Will you top the high score table today?


New Star GP (Five Aces Publishing/New Star Games)

New Star GP (Five Aces Publishing/New Star Games) Asset

New Star GP is a retro arcade racer that puts you in the driving seat at iconic racing circuits from the 1980s to the present day. Lead your team through all the drama of race strategies, pitting, tyre blowouts and more to take glory and win the World Championship!


Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion (Starstruck Games)

Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion (Starstruck Games) Screenshot

Roguematch: The Extraplanar Invasion is a challenging mystery dungeon combined with match 3 mechanics that will intrigue both turn-based roguelike and puzzle fans alike. Travel through a castle full of traps and monsters, strategically using your turns to move, attack, cast spells, and match mana to defeat enemies!


Slopecrashers (byteparrot)

Slopecrashers (byteparrot) Asset

Slopecrashers is an arcade snowboard combat racer in which a wild crew of animals band together on a world spanning tour to become the best snowboarders. Unfortunately, somebody is trying to ruin their plans! Grab your friends and barrel down the slopes together while battling it out in high-speed races with over-the-top power-ups!


The Land Beneath Us (PID Games/FairPlay Studios)

The Land Beneath Us (PID Games/FairPlay Studios) Asset

The Land Beneath Us is a turn-based rogue-lite action dungeon crawler. Use powerful skill combos and stylish weaponry to battle your way through the Underworld known as Annwn. Defeat the Seven Lords and rescue The Creator and her vital Soul-Tech.


Vagrus – The Riven Realms (Lost Pilgrims Studio)

Vagrus – The Riven Realms (Lost Pilgrims Studio) Asset

Embark on a perilous journey across a realm forsaken by the gods and devastated by an arcane cataclysm. Accompanied by a hardy crew, you must trade, fight, and explore your way to success as the leader of a traveling company in Vagrus, an award-winning turn-based post-apocalyptic fantasy RPG.


Along with these unique titles, there’s a diverse list of games that will be available to try! Below are the games, and their developers, participating in the ID@Xbox Game Demo Winterfest:

Head over to your Xbox and chill out with these exciting demos on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! And yes, we’d love to hear what you think. Connect with us on Twitter, Instagram, Discord, Twitch, and YouTube. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire to learn more about what Team Xbox has planned and of course, have an incredibly fun winter season of gaming!

The post ID@Xbox Game Demo Winterfest Showcases 30+ Games appeared first on Xbox Wire.