Category: Xbox

As a biker, it’s hard to put into words the feelings I experience when I mount my bike. What’s even harder is translating that into numbers, into code, and making it possible for anyone to feel those same emotions through their joystick.

And when we talk about bikes, we also have to consider that there is an extra layer of complexity: their physics are more complex to simulate than cars, as motorcycles’ behavior is strictly connected to the interaction with the rider, with his weight and movements, which need to be taken into account.

It was not easy, but with Ride 5 we managed to capture the sensation of being on a bike like never before, and not only visually. This is the result of long work that started with the first Ride, released in 2015; since then, the gameplay physics have constantly evolved, especially when we moved to Unreal Engine, and have become increasingly true to reality. Here’s how we have used this technology to our advantage.

In Ride 5 we have refined and evolved a specific mathematical model called Pacejka to best simulate the tire grip. The correct calculation of their physics these days may seem obvious, but in a game like Ride 5, aiming for maximum realism, you have to calculate how they wear and deform as well. This can depend on a number of factors;  the temperature of the asphalt or the riding style, or even the weather which is dynamic in Ride 5. It can also be affected differently in Endurance races, which can force a return to the pits to change the tires.

In Ride 5 no variable is left to chance, and a correct simulation of the bike dynamics must make them behave realistically, regardless of whether they are new or historic. To achieve this, we changed the suspension system, and reviewed the chain pull simulation, engine braking, and transmission. We then worked on the brake management, which must be powerful but modulable, so that players can really feel in control of their bikes. We also evolved the electronics that now includes TCS, anti-skid, anti-wheelie, ABS, and cornering ABS, as found in the most recent real bikes. Finally, compared to Ride 4, we progressed the calculation of aerodynamic flaps, which are increasingly present on sports bikes.

Driving a 2023 BMW M 1000 RR or a vintage MV Agusta provides differences not only in performance, but in the handling changes, as well as the speed at which one bike leans into a turn compared to the other. Since the skills required by two wheels of the past may not be within everyone’s reach, we decided to allow the activation of electronics even on historic motorcycles. This choice serves as a gameplay aid, which purists can disable to experience the thrill of taming temperamental beasts that require great sensitivity.

There is also an important point to discuss regarding the sound of the engines. In previous games, we obtained it by putting the bikes on a dyno, but this way we also recorded the friction of the tires on the rollers, which created background noise. Now we rent a track, place microphones near the exhaust and the engine of the bikes and record everything, obtaining audio that is also positional, so that with the helmet’s point of view, you hear the exhaust from the side it is located. However, the acquisition of the audio is actually only half the work: it then has to be processed and interpolated to “hook it” to the physics of the game, and obtain results consistent with what players actually do on the track.

At Milestone, we are engineers and riders because we ‘build’ the bikes, bring them to the virtual track, and fine-tune them until we achieve the results we expect. We create digital bikes that provide the same emotions as their real counterparts, and Ride 5 is the tangible result of our passion and dedication. It combines the thrill of riding a real bike with the accessibility of a video game, and we are proud to offer motorcycle enthusiasts a unique and immersive experience, which will bring them as close as possible to the real sensation of riding a bike.

Ride 5 is available to pre-order now on Xbox Series X|S, and launches on August 24.

RIDE 5 – Pre-order

Milestone S.r.l.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$59.99

Pre-order

Preorder RIDE 5 now and get the full game together with Far East Pack, which includes two fantastic bikes:
– Kawasaki Z900 – 2021
– Suzuki TL 1000 R Racing Modified – 1998.

Rev up your engine and get ready to hit the track with RIDE 5. An adrenaline-filled gaming experience that is so authentic it will make you feel like you’re truly racing at break-neck speed.

Find your favorite bikes and check out new ones in the ultimate motorcycle game! Race on over 35 tracks and collect more than 200 motorcycles from world-renowned manufacturers, each element is designed to feel like you’re riding a real bike.

IT’S A LONG ROAD
It’s not just speed that wins races – Endurance mode rewards perseverance and strategy. Time is no longer the issue, ride to your heart’s content with the option of saving, exiting and jumping back in later. Just make sure you keep an eye on fuel and pit-stops – these helplines can quickly become your worst nightmare!

FROM ZERO TO HERO
Start out in your garage, climb the ranks and become the best world racer in the new Career mode.
Race against increasingly skilled Rivals, true obstacles who will stand between you and the finish line. Learn to master different bikes and handle every situation.
It won’t be easy though… The road to victory is laden with challenges and it’s up to you to decide which one you want to take – the harder the challenge, the greater the reward!

WIN UNDER ANY CONDITION
It doesn’t matter how good you are, there is always one factor you can’t control: the weather. Clear blue skies can turn into heavy downpours and then back to sunshine, rolling clouds will follow you as you dash through the bends, giving you ever-changing views and landscapes.
You will have to deal with unexpected situations and use your skill to tackle both wet and dry conditions – the improved physics makes for an even more life-like experience!

TEST. LEARN. RIDE.
Not sure which line to follow or when to slam on the brakes? Use the new riding aids and get customized support when needed the most. Learn to better handle the bike and the tricks of the trade to become the best rider you can be.

TAKE CONTROL
You can tell a true motorcycle aficionado not just from the bike but also from their garage – collect your favorite models and customize them to your liking. Share your designs with other players and showcase your style!
Don’t get caught up on cosmetics only. With Race Creator you can build an endless number of scenarios, from single races to complete championships, choose your bikes and tracks, and act as a Race Director to set your own rules.

FEEL THE COMPETITION
Split screen is back! Now you can challenge a friend and win live!
And if you want to show the world what you’re worth, Endurance races will really put you to the test, now even more thrilling thanks to the Crossplay function.

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Okay, let’s get this straight: Do you like tower defense and deck building games? Do you love that “just one more round” feeling that makes time fly by? Do you adore Tron-style graphics and sound design? Then let’s head into battle to protect Cyberspace from mutant viruses!

Tower Defense x Deck Building

Our goal with CyberTD was to create an easy-to-learn, hard-to-master tower defense game with addictive roguelite mechanics. You have one tower to equip with weapons, abilities and upgrades to fend off viruses that seek to corrupt the core of Cyberspace. After each wave of enemies, you can choose one of three upgrades to strengthen your tower.

Your growing deck of upgrades allows for a variety of strategies: Do you want to go all-in on a single weapon, making it invincible to your enemies? Or do you want to rely on the tower’s special abilities and use all sorts of nasty tricks to stop the viruses? With over 150 upgrades, six weapons and five different abilities, it’s up to you to! Build your own custom deck of upgrades to best support your strategy.

You are accompanied by ViKing 2000, a fully voiced, split-personality drone who tries (but often fails) to help you. You’ll discover the story behind its two personalities in a single-player campaign that spans two biomes and dozens of different types of viruses (including powerful bosses that require some extra care).

Split-Screen Multiplayer, High Scores and Weekly Challenges

When you finish the single-player campaign after 12 to 15 hours, you have plenty of opportunities to continue developing your master strategy: You can chase high scores or try the Weekly Challenges, which are extra-tough tasks for experienced players. You can also play with a friend in split-screen or duel mode, where you compete against each other for the high score.

Launching September 28

CyberTD launches soon on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 10 PCs, and is available today for preorder! Be sure to pick it up if you like fast-paced, turn-based action in a sci-fi setting!

CyberTD

Clockwork Origins

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Think you have what it takes to save cyberspace? Mutant viruses have invaded its core and are threatening to destroy it. It’s up to you to take on these waves of viruses and defend the core of cyberspace in a way that prevents any of them from reaching it. But there’s no need to fret – you’ll have countless upgrades and a split-personality killer drone to (more or less) help you out!

Innovative tower defense experience
CyberTD takes the classic tower defense experience and combines it with roguelite elements, creating a captivating mix. With each level-up, you’ll unlock new upgrades and gain access to more options for customizing your defense according to your own unique style.

Easy to learn, tough to master
Though learning the game’s simple mechanics is easy, you’ll need to come up with an [b]elaborate strategy[/b] if you’re looking to reach high-score territory. You’ll be entertained for plenty of time in your hunt for better upgrades and tactics – and you’ll get some questionable support from a retired killer drone with two feisty personalities.

Various game modes
You’ll always find yourself facing new challenges through these different game modes:
– Single Player: Viruses charge at you, wave after wave, with mutations that boost their strength and endurance – but you, too, have access to a growing range of effective defense mechanisms designed to stop them.
– Co-op: Face the waves of enemies as a pair and work together to fight them off for as long as possible.
– Versus: Face the waves of enemies side-by-side and compete to see who’s more successful at fighting them off.
– Weekly Challenges: A different set of special challenges each week for experienced players – tougher rules come into play here!
– Community Clash: Fun and exciting games for streamers (Twitch) where your chat takes control of a second player in co-op or versus mode, or determines how the rest of the game unfolds for you through choices!

Endless possibilities
You have the power to choose what you need to defend against the enemy effectively. Looking to inflict heavy damage or trigger nasty status changes? Eager to level up your weapons or gain powerful abilities? Over 170 different upgrades await you in four different levels of rarity, ready to be unlocked and integrated into your inventory. You can choose one upgrade per enemy wave from a random selection in this pool – so no two games will ever be the same!

Direct link to the developer
Feel free to contact us – we appreciate any and all feedback! Join the community, share your thoughts and requests, or interact with other players.

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Tensions are high at the camp. The settlement has grown substantially, food is running low, and the villagers are unsettled, which is likely the fault of the rotten, pulsating monster sitting in the forest nearby. My fastest fisherman is spending an above-average amount of time at the shrine in the camp’s center, and not enough time bringing back supplies. One of her weaknesses is indeed, catastrophizing events such as this one, but for the first time in my playthrough, she may be justified. I have, after all, just sacrificed her firstborn child to placate the putrid horror.

This is an example of the many grim, horrifyingly practical choices that you’ll face in Gord, an adventure-strategy game that combines city building and simulation to create a unique blend of both. It evokes elements of Frostpunk, The Witcher series, classic RTS games, and more – but rather than ape them, it uses them as ingredients for something new. You’ll take control of The Tribe of the Dawn, a small group of settlers tasked with venturing into forbidden lands to uncover their secrets. To ensure you’ll survive the untold carnage of the forests, you must build up a settlement, and your villagers must all contribute to their own survival. 

Gord presents a compelling world inspired by elements of Slavic folklore, and we just had to learn a little more about how it came together. Fortunately, Stan Just, Game Director on Gord, was around to share insight on its deeper influences, what sets it apart from other survival games, and several other treats that players can look forward to when Gord launches on Xbox Series X|S today. 

Just worked as an art producer on The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, and tells us that the dark fantasy world of Gord is heavily inspired by similar sources, but tells us that the intention was to adapt this low-fantasy version of reality to a strategy game with an isometric view. Slavic mythology is quite complex and hard to draw from, he says, so Gord‘s lore is not a direct recreation of real-life stories. Just tells us: “Various researchers have provided murky versions of those ancient beliefs, so we decided to create our own adaptation of this mythology.” 

This is told via The Chronicle, Gord‘s in-game book of lore. Pages of The Chronicle can be found in the campaign and in custom scenarios, letting you collect vital information about the world, historical events, the gods, demons and notable characters you’ll meet along the way. 

“My favorite part of it is the world’s creation,” Just adds. “It’s intriguing to me how different religions and mythologies explain the beginning of life.” 

Gord’s story plays out over 10 campaign missions that gradually increase in scope. As your party travels further into the unknown, it must rebuild a settlement at the start of each mission. The decision to spread the narrative out in this way rather than have one continuous settlement to expand made for smaller sessions, and it works well for two reasons: you’re travelling to new areas each time, so building a new camp makes narrative sense, and it also gives you a chance to rethink your stronghold’s layout as you learn more about your surroundings and your subject’s needs. 

“From the very beginning, we aimed to deliver an experience that can be divided into sessions which can last for a few hours,” Just says. “That said, you can take your subjects with you [to new settlements] if you want to.”

Outside the safety of the palisades, unspoken dangers lurk in the depths of the forest. Subjects must venture out for supplies to keep the camp ticking over and will face off with over 100 different enemy types, ranging from wolves that can be taken down with a few sword swings, to the aforementioned child-eating horror. The latter is an example of a threat that will hinder your story progress, and you’ll be presented with options. You could choose to risk the lives of everyone in camp to fight and kill the beast or appease its whims with a single sacrifice, so it doesn’t harm anyone else (if you’re open to trusting it, that is).

Each mission is accompanied by lovely cinematics that portray certain elements in greater detail. Just is incredibly proud of the cutscenes that take place in-between missions, and tells us that not many believed that the team could deliver this aspect of the game. 

“We had excellent 3D models, experience doing cutscenes for The Witcher 3, and an extremely ambitious, quality-driven team, so I’m glad we managed to pull it off,” he says. “These are high-quality sequences that really help to keep players engaged in the story throughout the campaign.” 

Managing your subjects in Gord is also wonderfully in-depth. It goes beyond assigning individuals a specific task and watching them get on with it; each NPC has their own strengths and weaknesses, ranging from aptitude in hunting or fighting to being lazy or scared of forests. They can gain experience in the jobs they do, and hold items that affect their productivity. They can have children, who will eventually grow up and contribute to the settlement themselves. On the other hand, subjects can develop mental and physical afflictions, rendering them less useful to your management efforts, and if something happens to their children (like being sacrificed to a woodland monster), they will bear the consequences of your actions.

Just believes that this focus on each subject as an individual rather than one solid group makes for an experience that is lacking in most other survival-building games.

“Most survival-building games base their challenges on managing the economy, and only a handful add a psychological aspect to the player’s subjects,” he explains. “Even fewer allow you to manage each subject individually, so it was vital for us to allow players to zoom into this microcosm of managing a small community so that they could bond with their subjects and remember their names, traits, weaknesses, as well as take care of their needs if a situation called for it.”

“There are no champions or heroes that can save the day, only regular people you can watch grow from children into adults, then assume a role within their community, and eventually fight for its survival.” 

Get stuck into Gord‘s dark fantasy world and explore your own questionable moral compass when the game launches on Xbox Series X|S today. 

Gord

Team17

☆☆☆☆☆
10

★★★★★

$34.99

Get it now

Gord is a dark-fantasy, adventure-strategy game set in a hostile, forsaken land inspired by Slavic mythology. Besieged by vile creatures, you must build to survive. But to prevail, you must conquer the darkness beyond the gates.

On the orders of the King, you are charged with striking out to make your mark on an untamed world—building and growing settlements in the face of resistance from raiders, monsters and more.

Take command of the Tribe of the Dawn and embrace the ethical complexity of leadership as you shepherd the
community — their safety and sanity are your responsibility. Protect them from hunger, disease and trauma. Nurture
their faith and train them for battle. In return, they will pledge their loyalty and lay down their lives. In a land that lusts
for blood, every family will learn sacrifice. While the gord offers respite, the darkness does not rest.

You must prepare your party, find the courage to explore these forsaken lands, lead the conquest, and carve a path that
will shape the kingdom. Wretched creatures and malevolent deities await you, but powerful incantations and skilled
combatants give you a fighting chance to bring light to the darkness.

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The year 2020 was tough in all meanings – COVID restrictions and business problems. Before we created Boxville, I tried to cope with all this stress by diving into immersive games, but not suspense ones, rather those which give a feeling of safety and coziness. Soon I realized that there are not so many anti-stress games around. Almost all of them brought you some drama, which was more than enough in my life. So I decided to make a game for myself and for those who needed the same. I needed a safe place to rest off all everyday stresses.

But what to start with if you have absolutely no experience in game development and even no connection to this sphere? I started by experimenting with Unity and with gathering a diverse team of unique specialists. Some members of our team came from the “previous life”, other ones were found by coincidence. The only thing which united us all – nobody had previous experience in game development. All processes looked like constant experiments with everything – from engine customization to animation creation and even sound recording. Everything was done as we felt right and not as it is common in the industry.

The first part from the concept creation till the demo release was challenging but fun, till the war came into our lives. War brutally broke in with huge blasts of Russian rockets right near our homes in the early morning on February 24, 2022. A new reality unfolded quickly: empty streets, long queues for food, and harsh curfews. All this was accompanied by constant blasts and gunfire.

Game development paused because our team was disrupted, someone had to move to safer regions, and someone lost their development equipment and regular workplace because of occupation. One month later, when we coped with the first shock, we decided to resume our workflow. Although sometimes it was not easy to motivate yourself to work especially as this work requires positive and creative energy, the process of creating something beautiful and contrasting with our new reality was a healing in itself. Also, one of the biggest supports in these hard times was our small but loyal community – we tried to keep them informed about the game development process and overall situation and they paid us back with their support and care.

Generally speaking, there were a lot of difficulties even without the war. Indie game developers do not have so many funding possibilities everywhere in the world, but in Ukraine, they are even more limited because there is no possibility to start a Kickstarter campaign from Ukraine, so you have to use some intermediaries to launch the campaign. Also, not all platforms are working with Ukrainian studios, and trying to get development equipment is another developer’s pain. As with all great stories, ours has a happy ending – we managed to create and release our game Boxville, despite all difficulties and obstacles and now we are happy to bring it to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on August 16, 2023. I hope Boxville will bring you a cozy and warm atmosphere and take your stress away.

Boxville

Triomatica Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Boxville is 2-in-1: an animated film and a puzzle game.

Boxville is an adventure puzzle game about speechless cans living in the city of boxes and drawing doodles on cardboards to tell the stories.
Boxville is good for playing alone to dive into the atmosphere and challenge your brain with sophisticated logic puzzles and riddles, or playing with a friend or family to share unique audio-visual experiences and solve the puzzles together.

Design
The core idea of the game is that it’s not just a game – but also an animated film that you can watch and play at the same time.
We designed Boxville’s gameplay with the purpose of taking away your anxiety and stress. You can explore and observe the world without rushing and pressure.
The game is full of environmental quests and logical puzzles that we have carefully picked from among hundreds of options.

Story
Boxville is a city of boxes populated with old cans. They live quiet and happy lives with their everyday routines and habits. But one day, unexplained earthquakes disturbed their idyll…
Blue Can (our hero) lost his best friend because of that. He started his search but it is not so easy to move through the city after earthquakes. He has to find a way to move forward, return the friend back home and discover the real reason for all those earthquakes. There are many adventures, new friends and it’s not only friends that are waiting for him on the way.
He has to be curious, inventive, careful, and to help others, to reach his goal.

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The new update, called Björka Madness, showcases the boundless creativity of DCF Studios as we push the limits to create captivating stories and unforgettable experiences for indie game enthusiasts. Slicing and dicing thugs with a massive axe is not only super fun but also firmly rooted within the chronology of the DCF Universe, making it an essential addition to our cannon.

Let’s delve into the captivating world of the DCF Universe together. As a passionate member of our team, I am driven by the pursuit of crafting exceptional game experiences and narrating intriguing stories. This passion has culminated in the vast DCF Universe, where you can immerse yourself in intense combat in Cruz Brothers, engage in gunfights in Tony and Clyde, and now face hordes of enemies in the recently released Bunny Battle Nemesis Demo – a prelude to our upcoming title.

Each of these titles is seamlessly woven into the fabric of the DCF Universe, inviting you to uncover the myriad cross-content references and hidden Easter eggs scattered throughout. However, in this update, we bring the connection to the forefront – General Björka, a lead character from Bunny Battle Nemesis, makes a bold entry into Tony and Clyde.

Without divulging too much, the update takes us on an epic adventure, with General Björka crossing dimensions and traveling through time to face a new challenge – Her thirst for revenge against those who disturbed her beloved home in Bunny Battle Nemesis, drives the thrilling embedded narrative, intersecting with the events of Tony and Clyde’s encounters with the Vedetta’s Mob Family.

This time-traveling, dimension-crossing escapade not only offers an abundance of fun but also aligns perfectly with the chronological sequence of our Xbox title releases, enriching your engagement with the captivating extra content of the DCF Universe.

Are you ready to embark on this unique journey? Hunt down humans with a formidable Bunny General wielding an axe in Tony and Clyde Bjorka Madness – an experience that redefines the game!

Tony and Clyde

DCF Studios

☆☆☆☆☆
29

★★★★★

$9.99

$3.29

Get it now

People sometimes ask me who Tony and Clyde are. And I tell them:
They’re not simple thugs from the streets. But they’re not highly trained criminals or professional robbers, either.
NO WAY! There’s more to them than just that. You see.
Some like a bit of the good life: the big piles of money, the glamour of being reverenced in the streets.
Others are addicted to the adrenaline rush of an ongoing heist, combined with the smell of recently burned gunpowder, followed by the sound of empty shells falling on the ground.
While some simply enjoy watching the world burn, especially when they’re the ones with the empty can of gas in hand.
But Tony and Clyde are different.
Why?
Well, because Tony and Clyde want the whole package!

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Madden NFL fans: start the biggest Madden season early with Madden NFL 24! EA Play members can hop into a 10-hour trial of the game right now – three days before release. With early Madden NFL 24 access, you’ll experience new gameplay depth that delivers more control and realism on Xbox Series X|S through the next evolution of FieldSENSE, and the debut of SAPIEN Technology which makes characters more human and anatomically correct.

EA Play members can perfect their tackling skills by jumping into Madden NFL 24 now and earn member-only rewards, including a special Welcome Pack for Madden Ultimate Team – featuring four Elite Players – as well as recurring Ultimate Packs throughout the season.

In addition to Madden NFL 24, here are even more member content and rewards available now in EA Play:

• Battlefield 2042 Lacuna Vehicle Skin – Now to September 1
• Apex Legends Terminal Bliss Weapon Charm – Now to September 11
• Apex Legends Resurrection Supercharge Pack – Now to September 11
• Need for Speed Unbound Lamborghini Countach LPI 800-4 (2021) – Aug 16 to October 9
• PGA TOUR EA Golf Polo Shirts – Now to September 20
• NHL 23 WOC August Bag – Now to August 31
• F1 23 5000 XP Boost – Now to August 31
• FIFA 23 Futties Super Loan Pack – Now to August 21
• FIFA 23 FUT Hero Jay-Jay Okocha Tifo Set – Now to August 31
• FIFA 23 Pro Clubs Women’s Tournament Neck Tattoo – Now to August 31
• FIFA 23 VOLTA Australia Outfit and Coins – Now to August 31
• FIFA 23 FUT Season 8 XP Boost – Now to August 31
• Madden NFL 24 MUT EA Play Welcome Pack – Available now!
• Madden NFL 24 MUT EA Play August Pack – Now to August 31

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Xbox Game Pass PC members receive EA Play at no additional cost with their Game Pass subscription. Members enjoy great player benefits, including in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, trials of select brand-new titles like F1 23 and Super Mega Baseball 4, access to a collection of EA’s best-loved series and top titles, and 10% off purchases of Electronic Arts digital content.

Visit the EA Play page for more details, and to stay up to date on the latest from EA Play, follow EA Play on Facebook, Instagram, or Twitter. Please see EA.com/EA-Play/Terms for terms and conditions.

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We are constantly improving our safety measures and bringing more systems and tools in place that empower players to respectfully interact with one another – because everyone deserves a place to comfortably be themselves online, free from harassment and bullying. One of the most common questions we get from players through feedback, posts, and appeals is how repeated enforcements impact their gameplay, how they escalate, what they escalate to, and how they know when their account is back in good standing. To help address this, we are introducing a new enforcement strike system.  

The new system attaches strikes to every enforcement, ranging in severity based on inappropriate activity. Each player will now have a view of their enforcement history including strikes and the overall impact these have on their player record. This revised system gives players a better understanding of enforcement severity and the cumulative effect of multiple enforcements. Enforcement transparency is about giving players clarity into how their behavior impacts their experience. Our content moderation efforts are not changing as a result of the new enforcement strike system.  

As always, when a player believes they have witnessed a violation of Xbox’s Community Standards, we encourage them to report. All reports are evaluated, there are no automated enforcement actions based solely on the fact that a report was made. No volume of inaccurate reports results in an enforcement. Only reports that have been reviewed by the Xbox Safety Team and determined to be accurate result in an enforcement.  

With the new system, enforcements will also include strikes based on the severity of their actions. The system is similar to demerit strikes used in driver’s license systems in many countries. For example, a player that has received two strikes will be suspended from the platform for one day, whereas a player that receives four strikes will be suspended for seven days. Players have a total of eight strikes and, once reached, will be suspended from Xbox’s social features like messaging, parties and party chat, multiplayer and others for one year from the enforcement date. All strikes received stay on a player’s record for six months. Today, players will all begin with a blank slate, or zero strikes. Any previous enforcements, such as suspensions, must still be completed; new enforcements as of today will result in strikes.  

With these changes, Xbox is evolving enforcement to focus on protecting players. This is why even suspended accounts remain functional for single-player experiences and players do not lose access to purchased content. However, for the most serious violations – including illegal activity – Xbox retains the ability to permanently suspend all functionality of an account including access to purchases. 

In 2022, fewer than 1% of all players received a temporary suspension, and only 1/3 of those received a second. Our data shows us that players typically stop inappropriate behavior after one enforcement, quickly learning what is and is not acceptable based on the Xbox Community Standards and how to better engage on our platform. The strike system is designed to further empower players to engage positively and appropriately on Xbox and with the community. We’ll share data and updates in our bi-annual Transparency Report. 

Below is a visual of what players will see in their enforcement history:  

Like before, players will still have the ability to appeal eligible enforcements. Where applicable, if an enforcement is reversed, the corresponding strike will be removed. For more information, visit the FAQ on Xbox Support.  

Below are some additional safety resources:  

• See your enforcement history 
• Join Xbox Ambassadors and become part of our community working to make gaming fun for everyone  
• Read our Xbox Community Standards 
• Read our latest Xbox Transparency Report  
• Remain informed on How to Report a Player and How to Submit a Case Review 

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