Ubisoft announced that Just Dance 2019 will be available on October 25th, 2018 in Australia and New Zealand on most gaming platforms, including Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Wii, Xbox One, Xbox 360 and PlayStation 4. Ubisoft also announced that the Just Dance World Cup will return with its 5th Annual competition, this time heading to Brazil for the Grand Finals in early 2019.

Just Dance 2019 brings the party to players with 40 new songs ranging from chart-toppers like “Finesse (Remix)” by Bruno Mars ft. Cardi B and k-pop classic “Bang Bang Bang” by BIGBANG. Plus, keep the party going with one-month access to over 400 more songs through Just Dance^® Unlimited, the dance-on-demand streaming service, included with every copy of Just Dance 2019! New for this year, Just Dance partnered with creative experts from around the world, like French street artist Chanoir and Spanish stop-motion studio Clay Animation to creating stunning universes for the game. More partnerships are to be announced alongside new songs soon.

Just Dance 2019’s new interface algorithm learns players’ dancing preferences and habits and curates pre-made playlists and song suggestions, making the Just Dance experience more intuitive and personalised than ever before. Players can also stay up-to-date on community news and Just Dance Unlimited events all year long with the dynamic new home screen.

Fan-favourite modes  also make their return, such as World Dance Floor (available on all current gen platforms), bringing more online multiplayer challenges to its 120 million players worldwide, the calorie-tracking Sweat Mode, and the Kids Mode, bringing eight new choreographies developed alongside childhood development experts.

Available on PS4 and Xbox One, the Just Dance Controller App makes the game more accessible for current-gen owners with its phone scoring technology that allows players to dance without any additional accessories like cameras, available for free on iOS and Android.

The Just Dance World Cup is also back, with the Grand Finals happening in Brazil in early 2019. Online qualifiers will be live in the Just Dance 2018 edition of the game from July the 20th to August the 26th, 2018 on Nintendo Switch, Wii U, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 and will be followed by national offline qualifiers in select countries. The list of the offline qualifier events and details on the Grand Finals will be unveiled soon HERE . The competition will be fierce once again as dancers compete to get one of the 18 coveted finalist slots in Brazil, and defeat the two-time World Champion, 18-year old Umutcan Tütüncü from Turkey.

More info on further tracks being included to come soon.

Just Dance 19 Tracklist (as Revealed at E3 2018:

• Finesse (Remix) – Bruno Mars Ft. Cardi B
• Bum Bum Tam Tam – MC Fioti, Future, J Balvin, Stefflon Don, Juan Magan
• Bang Bang Bang – BIGBANG
• Mad Love – Sean Paul, David Guetta Ft. Becky G
• Shaky Shaky – Daddy Yankee
• Dame Tu Cosita – El Chombo ft. Cutty Ranks
• OMG – Arash Ft. Snoop Dogg
• Mi Mi Mi – Hit The Electro Beat 
• Mama Mia – Mayra Verónica
• Narco – Blasterjaxx & Timmy Trumpet
• Fire – LLP Ft. Mike Diamondz

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Nintendo opened its activities for the annual E3 2018 video game trade show with a bang – and a smash. Showing world-first footage of Super Smash Brothers: Ultimate.

Nintendo shared details about the latest entry in a series with sales of more than 40 million worldwide. A new game built for Nintendo Switch, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate lets up to eight players square off in action-packed battles that are all about smashing beloved video game characters off the screen. Legendary game worlds and fighters collide in the ultimate showdown at E3 2018.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate will include every single fighter ever featured in the series’ nearly two-decades run, making it one of the biggest crossover events in gaming history. Fans can enjoy returning favourites like Ice Climbers and Pokémon Trainer, as well as newly announced fighters like Ridley from the Metroid series and Inkling from the Splatoon series. The game supports a variety of controller options, including Nintendo GameCube controllers (original or newly designed), Joy-Con, or the Nintendo Switch Pro Controller. With Nintendo Switch, players can throw down whenever and wherever they like in handheld or tabletop mode while enjoying online play.

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate combines many stages and new items with gameplay that makes it easy for players of all skill levels to jump in. All Super Smash Bros. series amiibo figures are compatible with the game, and any fighter’s amiibo figure from other series will also be supported. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is set to launch on the 7th of Decemeber 2018, exclusively for Nintendo Switch. It is being developed by Nintendo, Sora, Ltd., and BANDAI NAMCO Studios, and is directed by Masahiro Sakurai.

Nintendo also announced that Fortnite, the Battle Royale phenomenon from Epic Games, will be available for Nintendo Switch from 7:00am AEST today. Players can download it for free from Nintendo eShop, then test their mettle in thrilling crucibles of combat. The action never stops with Fortnite on Nintendo Switch, where players can build and battle together anytime, anywhere. Team up online with friends in the same room or around the world. Weekly updates and new gameplay modes will keep the action fresh for seasoned Fortnite players and newcomers alike.

At its E3 booth Nintendo gave attendees their first chance to play Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, two Pokémon games launching for Nintendo Switch on 16^th November. Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! are a new way to experience Pokémon that lets players adventure with their partner Pokémon in the vibrant Kanto region, discover fresh and exciting Pokémon encounters and Trainer battles, as well as share the adventure cooperatively with a friend anytime, anywhere on one Nintendo Switch console. Players can even transfer Kanto region Pokémon into the game from the Pokémon GO app. These games serve as an entry point to the Pokémon series for newcomers, but they also provide fun and engaging experiences for Pokémon fans of all ages. A new controller, called Poké Ball Plus, comes with Mythical Pokémon Mew and is sold separately from the games. Poké Ball Plus includes a pressable analogue stick and button, so players can control the new games entirely with the controller, if they want. Nintendo also announced two bundle versions of the games, in which players can purchase either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! with one Poké Ball Plus.

Additional Upcoming Games Announced

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Expansion Pass owners also will gain access to Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country to be released on 14th September. In this new story mode, players uncover the full history of Jin and the fall of his homeland, Torna, which existed 500 years before the events of Xenoblade Chronicles 2. This new storyline will also be available as a stand-alone packaged version on 21st September 2018.

Super Mario Party: Inspired by classic Mario Party board game play, the beloved series is coming to Nintendo Switch with new mini-games and play styles that make use of the Joy-Con controllers. Super Mario Party includes features like character-exclusive Dice Blocks that add depth to players’ strategy. Up to four players take turns rolling the dice, and individually race across the board searching for Stars. In Toad’s Rec Room Mode, new gameplay links two Nintendo Switch consoles for side-by-side fun. The game launches on 5th October 2018.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses: A new episode of the Fire Emblem series comes to Nintendo Switch for the first time in autumn 2019. The player can manoeuvre the main character freely and interact with other characters to build relationships and gather information at various points within the game. This turn-based tactical RPG will put new strategic twists on battling, with formations of troops supporting individual units on the battlefield. Players will get to know three main characters – Edelgard, Dimitri, and Claude – who play key roles in the story.

DAEMON X MACHINA: A new fast-paced mech action game from Kenichiro Tsukuda is coming to Nintendo Switch in 2019. Players take their fully customisable Arsenal powered suit on a variety of missions to thwart the enemy at all costs. They can choose and equip their Arsenal with a multitude of weapons, obtain more from downed enemies, and swap them on the fly to suit their strategy in the face of ever-changing threats.

Overcooked! 2: The kitchen mayhem returns in this sequel from Team17 and Ghost Town Games that’s brimming with even more recipes, characters, kitchens and co-op madness. Bake, barbecue or broil with up to three other players in wireless local and online play modes. Save the world from clumsy cooking when the frantic food-juggler arrives on 7th August 2018.

Killer Queen Black: Redesigned from the ground up, the acclaimed arcade extravaganza that became a multiplayer phenomenon is coming to Nintendo Switch. Players can hop on a snail, hoard berries or wipe out the enemy’s queen to claim victory for their team in Liquid Bit and Bumblebear Games’ Killer Queen Black, when it launches first on Nintendo Switch later this year.

Hollow Knight: Venture through the beautifully hand-drawn, mysterious landscapes of a vast forgotten kingdom in Team Cherry’s Hollow Knight, an action-adventure filled with gripping combat and haunting secrets. Hollow Knight on Nintendo Switch also includes the new items, areas, characters and bosses from the currently released content packs – all available today.

Octopath Traveler: Players can take another early look at Square Enix’s upcoming fantasy epic when the Octopath Traveler Prologue Demo arrives on 14th June in Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch. Play the demo, then use the save data transfer feature to carry your choices into the main game, once purchased, where players can live the stories of each of the eight travellers and freely explore the world of Orsterra. Octopath Traveler is scheduled to launch on 13th July 2018.

More great games are coming in 2018, including EA Sports FIFA 19 from Electronic Arts, Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate from Capcom, Dragon Ball FighterZ and Dark Souls: Remastered from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus from Bethesda Softworks, and Starlink: Battle for Atlas from Ubisoft, which includes characters and content from Nintendo’s Star Fox franchise that are exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game.

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Ubisoft has announced a new installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.

For the last three years, the team at Ubisoft Quebec has been creating an exciting new chapter for the Assassin’s Creed franchise. In Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, the action takes place in Ancient Greece, a world rich with myths and legend, in fifth century BC during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. Playing as Alexios or Kassandra, a mercenary of Spartan blood sentenced to death by their family, players will embark on an epic journey from a young outcast to a legendary hero and uncover the truth about their mysterious lineage.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an ambitious action role-playing game that places choice at the centre of the experience. An all-new interactive dialogue system empowers players to forge their own path and impact the game’s world, characters and story to shape the future of Greece. Players will customise weapons and gear, master and equip new special abilities, and charge into massive battles between Sparta and Athens, pitting hundreds of soldiers against each other. The return of open-world naval combat allows players to seamlessly explore the open seas, customise their ship and recruit their own crew with unique perks. With the entire country of Greece to discover, from pristine beaches to vibrant cities, from the heights of snowy mountain peaks to the depths of the Aegean Sea, players will encounter Ancient Greece’s famous figures and myths as they live their own odyssey.

The game will be released worldwide on October 5th, 2018, on Xbox One, Xbox One X, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC. In addition, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey has been enhanced with additional features for Xbox One X and PS4 Pro.

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Ubisoft has announced to us that Starlink: Battle for Atlas, an all-new action-adventure game developed by Ubisoft Toronto, will be available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox One X.

This open world space saga featuring modular toy technology empowers players to assemble and customise real-world physical starships. Each modular component and pilot attached to the starship appears instantly in-game and players can experiment with different pilot abilities, weapons and ships to unleash devastating combos upon their enemies. The Starlink: Battle for Atlas Retail Starter Pack includes the game, one starship, one pilot, a variety of weapons, the Starlink controller mount and a poster.

The Starlink diverse cast of characters will team up with ace pilot and leader of the Star Fox team, Fox McCloud, and his iconic Arwing ship in free exclusive add-on content for the Nintendo Switch. Players can play through the entire campaign as Fox McCloud and embark on exclusive missions in Atlas featuring other friends from the Star Fox universe from October 16th, 2018.

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Ubisoft has showcased Hunting Grounds, the new PvPvE (player-versus player-versus-environment) content for Skull & Bones, its upcoming online naval game set within the vast Indian Ocean.

Hunting Grounds transports players into a shared PvPvE world where they can sail alone or as part of a pirate gang while looting lucrative trade routes, encountering powerful empires and battling brutal pirate rivals, all while surviving the treacherous ocean itself. Hunting Grounds will be available alongside the Disputed Waters multiplayer mode, which was unveiled last year at E3, and Deadly Encounters. In the Disputed Waters PvP (player-versus-player) mode, players form two teams of five as they fight over riches, sink their opponents and ultimately escape from the clutches of fierce pirate hunters.

Throughout their adventure, players will acquire unique and deadly warships each of which is designed to fit a specific combat role based on unique playstyles. These ships can be outfitted with new weapons and crewmembers giving limitless freedom to gameplay. In addition to mastering their arsenal, players must also learn to read and utilise the wind to navigate the sea and position themselves to deliver crushing blows to enemy ships. Skull & Bones will also feature a rich cosmetics system that will allow players to customise their captain avatars, figurehead, sails, helm, emblems, colours and more to design their ideal pirate ships.

Players looking to prove their mettle against their fellow pirates can register HERE  to join the beta prior to launch.  Registered players will have a chance to play the game prior to release and provide feedback that will help the dev team create the most immersive pirate experience.

Developed by Ubisoft Singapore, Skull & Bones transports players into the Golden Age of Piracy where they will set sail within a massive, open Indian Ocean full of treasures ripe for the taking. Throughout their adventure to become the most notorious pirate of the high seas, players will acquire a variety of warships, each with their own strengths and distinctive weapons, capable of sinking anyone in their way. In order to survive this ruthless environment, players will need to master sailing and naval combat while building powerful alliances no one can take down.

Skull & Bones will be releasing in 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox One X and Windows PC.

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In advance of the E3 2018 at the Kingdom Hearts Orchestra – World Tour in Los Angeles, Square Enix, and Disney announced that the highly anticipated action-RPG,Kingdom Hearts III will release on the 29th of January 2019.

“With the release set for next January, I apologize for having to ask for a little more time than what was previously announced” said Director, Tetsuya Nomura. “The entire development team is pouring their love for the franchise into Kingdom Hearts III and is striving to create a game that all players will enjoy. We are currently at the last stages of development but will work tirelessly until the end to deliver the very best Kingdom Hearts game to date”.

During the Xbox E3 briefing, Square Enix also showcased the enchanted world of Walt Disney Animation Studios’ Frozen.

“I have been so impressed working with the Kingdom Hearts’ team. Their artistic commitment and attention to detail creating the world of our films is truly extraordinary. It’s been a great partnership,” said Roy Conli, Academy Award-winning producer, Walt Disney Animation Studios.

“In Kingdom Hearts III, we are excited that players will have a chance to explore an entirely new adventure set in the world of Frozen,” said Peter Del Vecho, Academy Award-winning producer, Walt Disney Animation Studios. “It has been such a pleasure to work alongside their creative team to painstakingly recreate the look and feel of our world and watch them bring our beloved Frozen characters to life.”

Kingdom Hearts III will be available for the Xbox One, Xbox One X, and PlayStation 4.

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TCL, one of the world’s largest and America’s fastest-growing television brands, is showcasing its new 5- and 6-Series TCL Roku TVs at E3 2018, in Los Angeles. Teaming up with gaming greats including GameSpot, FaZe Clan and Activision, TCL’s latest models will be featured at several major activations throughout the week.

“With the launch of our new 6-Series TVs, TCL is reinforcing its strong reputation for picture quality and responsiveness by bringing gamers and fans a more immersive experience through the powerful performance of this award-winning product,” said Chris Larson, Senior Vice President, TCL. “E3 is the perfect platform for TCL to show our commitment to the gaming industry. Not only are we excited to be here, we’re also thrilled to be able to deliver premium televisions known for ultra-low input lag to this passionate, engaged community.”

TCL’s latest 4K HDR TVs will be prominently featured throughout its booth to bring attendees closer to the entertainment for an engaging experience, including gaming stations where fans can play the latest titles and watch live stream broadcasts of the show so fans don’t miss a minute of the action.

TCL will also be Title Sponsor of The E3 After Party at the iconic Yamashiro Restaurant hosted by FaZe Clan and Hollywood Esports on Wednesday, June 13. The VIP invite-only event will attract celebrities, pro gamers, game publishers, teams, tournament organizers and esports industry executives for what is expected to be, for the second year in a row, “the best E3 after party.”

As the lead sponsor, TCL will be notably featured throughout the venue including TVs in a special lounge where guests can meet top FaZe Clan Pro Gamers. FaZe Clan is one of the biggest teams in esports, competing in Counter-Strike: Global Offensive, FIFA and Fortnite Battle Royale tournaments, as well as the Call of Duty World League. Hollywood Esports works with cinema operators, including the TCL Chinese Theatre, to build immersive MX4D esports theaters and repurpose theaters around the country for competitive gaming.

Recently dubbed the official TV of the Call of Duty World League (CWL), the esports league for the world’s top Call of Duty players, TCL will culminate the week by engaging with fans at the CWL Anaheim Open on June 15th to 17th, 2018. The tournament, which will be the final open before the 2018 CWL Championship, will feature over 160 teams from across the world battling it out for a share of the $200,000 prize pool.

Prestige Pass holders will have access to the TCL Lounge, where fans can enjoy daily happy hour, giveaways, as well as an incredible view of the broadcast and tournament action on the latest 4K TCL Roku TVs with Dolby Vision HDR. General event attendees will be able to experience TCL’s premium TVs throughout the venue.

TCL’s 6-Series is the successor to 2017’s award-winning P6-Series praised for its low input lag and impressive gaming performance, adding increased Contrast Control Zones – up from 72 Contrast Control Zones in the P6 to 96 zones for the 55″ model and 120 zones for the 65″ model – along with an innovative bold, brushed metal finish. The new 6-Series offers an exceptional viewing experience by featuring Dolby Vision HDR – the most recognized and powerful high dynamic range eco-system, vibrant wide color powered by TCL’s NBPPhoton (Nano Band Phosphor) technology, a new iPQ Engine for controlled and precise color reproduction, and HDR Pro Gamma for impactful HDR performance in any environment.

Boasting the latest version of the Roku OS and its extensive line-up of streaming channels – more than 5,000 channels and 500,000+ movies and TV episodes – TCL’s 6-Series supports Dolby Vision as well as open HDR. Recently announced, the 6-Series is available in 55″ and 65″ screen sizes. F

Already one of the world’s best-selling consumer electronics brands, TCL is now the fastest-growing TV brand in North America. TCL (The Creative Life) was founded more than 35 years ago and prides itself on delivering high-quality products featuring stylish designs and the latest technology. With extensive manufacturing expertise, a vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art panel factory, TCL offers innovative televisions, including the award-winning TCL Roku TV.

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E3, at the Los Angeles Convention Center, where major, Triple AAA and indie developers showcase their up and coming titles to eager gamers such as ourselves.

It’s a time of excitement in the video gaming industry and even more so when juggernaut studios such as Bethesda dazzle us with visuals of their soon to be released games.

STG has compiled all of the video game trailers from Bethesda’s E3 2018 presentation here.

2018 Bethesda E3 Showcase

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OxGorVTMDIU

DOOM Eternal

 Fallout 76

Prey: Mooncrash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ySVBHI2OeAg

Quake Champions

RAGE 2

Starfield

The Elder Scrolls VI

Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Skyrim: A Very Special Edition

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At the Microsoft E3 2018 Media Briefing today, Capcom, a leading worldwide developer and publisher of video games, announced Devil May Cry 5, the latest title in the iconic 16 million unit selling action series. 

The Devil May Cry series, known for its blend of high-octane stylized action and otherworldly characters, grew to be a global success since its first release in 2001. The main protagonist of the series is Dante, a demon hunter and son of the Legendary Dark Knight and demon Sparda and human Eva. Throughout the Devil May Cry series, the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil plays out through the lens of this supernatural family drama, as the Son of Sparda Dante, seeks vengeance for his brother’s corruption and his mother’s murder.

Now, 10 years since the last iteration, Devil May Cry 4, Director Hideaki Itsuno and the core team have reunited to conclude the long awaited Sons of Sparda saga.

Several years have passed in Devil May Cry 5 and the threat of demonic power, long since forgotten, has returned to menace the world once again. The demonic invasion begins with the seeds of a “demon tree” taking root in Red Grave City. This hellish incursion attracts the attention of the young demon hunter, Nero, an ally of Dante who now finds himself without his demonic arm, the source of much of his power. As Nero heads to Red Grave City in his motorhome named “Devil May Cry” with his partner Nico, he ruminates on how everything started. The loss of his demonic arm, the demonic invasion, and Dante’s unknown whereabouts. Things must be settled once and for all.

Capcom’s proprietary in-house RE Engine ensures that with Devil May Cry 5,the series continues to achieve new heights in fidelity, featuring ground-breaking graphics that utilize photorealistic character designs and stunning lighting and environmental effects. The game features three playable characters, each of which offer a radically different stylish combat play style as they take on the city overrun with demons. Adrenaline-fuelled boss fights play out against destructible environments in the striking streets of Red Grave City.

Devil May Cry 5 will be releasing on Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Windows PC in Spring 2019.

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Sunday’s Xbox E3 Briefing was the largest in Microsoft Corp.’s history with more than 6,000 people, including more than 1,000 fans, invited to attend in the Microsoft Theater.

Microsoft announced it is doubling its game development studios and showcased a record 52 games on stage including 18 console launch exclusives and 15 world premieres. The diverse lineup included games for every type of player, from exclusives like “Forza Horizon 4,” “Halo Infinite” and “Gears 5,” and independent titles like “Session,” “Below,” “Ashen” and “Tunic” to some of the biggest blockbuster games coming in the next year like “Fallout 76,” “Tom Clancy’s The Division 2,” “Kingdom Hearts 3,” “Devil May Cry 5,” “Battlefield V,” “Metro Exodus” and “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” many enhanced to take advantage of the power of Xbox One X.

“There has never been a more exciting time to be part of the gaming industry, with creators large and small showcasing incredible new games for the more than two billion players around the world,” said Phil Spencer, head of Gaming at Microsoft. “At Microsoft, we are committed to empowering gamers to play the games they want, with the people they want, where they want.”

Microsoft announced it is doubling its game development studios by adding five new creative teams to the Microsoft Studios family. New investments include the formation of a brand-new studio, The Initiative, the acquisition of Playground Games, and letters of intent to acquire Ninja Theory, Undead Labs and Compulsion Games.

Here’s the Studio Details:

• The Initiative. Based in Santa Monica, Calif., The Initiative is a brand-new Microsoft game development studio headed by industry veteran Darrell Gallagher that is working to create groundbreaking new worlds, characters and game experiences.
• Playground Games. Microsoft has acquired U.K.-based Playground Games, a development partner since 2010 that has helped grow the “Forza” franchise to new heights. In addition to its work on this year’s “Forza Horizon 4,” Playground Games will have a team dedicated to bringing their open-world expertise to an entirely new project.
• Ninja Theory. The relationship between Ninja Theory and Microsoft started in 2000 when “Kung Fu Chaos” was in development for the original Xbox and culminated in the release of “Hellblade” on Xbox One earlier this year. Microsoft’s intent to acquire Ninja Theory will help ensure the creative team has the resources and freedom to bring more ambitious games like “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” to fans.
• Undead Labs. Seattle-based Undead Labs is the creator of the popular “State of Decay” franchise, enjoyed by millions of fans worldwide. In the first two weeks since “State of Decay 2” launched, more than two million fans joined the fight to survive and took down more than two billion zombies. By entering into a letter of intent to acquire Undead Labs, Microsoft is signaling its commitment to growing the franchise and taking the zombie survival-fantasy genre to new heights.
• Compulsion Games. As “We Happy Few” nears its full, multiplatform release on Aug. 10, Microsoft has entered into a letter of intent to acquire Montreal-based Compulsion Games. By joining the team at Microsoft Studios, Compulsion will have the resources, platform and freedom to take even bigger creative risks and create even more ambitious worlds with its future projects.

Forza Motorsport 7 announced for Xbox One X

“The original games we create at Microsoft Studios are some of our biggest assets,” said Matt Booty, corporate vice president of Microsoft Studios. “Our growth strategy is to continue to expand the worlds that players love, while developing all-new exclusive games that deepen their engagement with our platform. We are thrilled to welcome five new studios into the Microsoft family. We believe these teams have the collective creative power and operational excellence to deliver the next industry game changers.”

The addition of these creative teams reinforces Microsoft’s vision for gaming, which starts with a deep commitment to original content. The company is developing a portfolio of games on every device, including newly announced Microsoft Studios games. Revealed on stage today were three new Gears of War titles — “Gears 5,” “Gears Tactics,” “Gears Pop!” — along with “Battletoads,” “Forza Horizon 4” and “Halo Infinite,” a Master Chief story and the next major release in the franchise built from the ground up on the new Slipspace engine.

Microsoft announced several new titles joining the Xbox Game Pass catalog this year including “Forza Horizon 4,” “Fallout 4,” “Tom Clancy’s The Division” and “The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited,” as well as several new ID@Xbox games being added on their release date. Microsoft also introduced new innovations to push digital gaming forward, including FastStart, an innovation from Microsoft’s Machine Learning Team, and plans from Microsoft’s Gaming Cloud Team to develop a game streaming service to unlock console-quality gaming on any device.

“We’ve been thrilled to see the positive impact Xbox Game Pass is having on the gaming ecosystem, including increasing the number of titles gamers play nearly 40 percent and increasing gameplay hours by almost 20 percent,” said Mike Nichols, chief marketing officer for Gaming at Microsoft. “With the ultimate freedom to explore and play over 100 great games, Xbox Game Pass delivers our members an incredible value in gaming.”

The Xbox Game Pass catalog continues to expand, with exciting new blockbuster titles available to members starting today, including “Fallout 4,” “The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited” and “Tom Clancy’s The Division.” Microsoft also announced several notable titles launching through the ID@Xbox program that will be coming to Xbox Game Pass this year to coincide with their debut on Xbox One. These include “Warhammer: Vermintide 2,” “Ashen,” “Afterparty” and “Phoenix Point,” as well as blockbusters from some of our biggest first-party franchises such as “Forza Horizon 4,” “Crackdown 3,” “Gears 5” and “Halo: The Master Chief Collection,” which will release later in 2018 and beyond.

With FastStart, you can now jump into your game twice as fast and play after downloading just a fraction of your title. FastStart identifies which files are needed to begin playing and prioritizes the download of those files first, enabling you to quickly jump into full-fidelity gameplay while the remainder of your title downloads in the background. Simply find the FastStart-enabled title you want to play, hit Download and your console will take care of the rest. It’s that simple.

Beginning at 9 a.m. PT on June 11, preorders will begin in select markets for the first-of-its-kind Xbox Adaptive Controller, designed for gamers with limited mobility. Available exclusively through Microsoft Store for $99.99 USD, the newest addition to the Xbox family of controllers and devices is designed to be as adaptable as possible, so gamers can create a setup that works for them in a way that is plug-and-play, extensible and affordable.

And not forgetting Mixer, Microsoft’s live streaming service, is seeing continued growth with viewership doubling in just six months to more than 20 million. The majority of this is growth from viewers on mobile.

Xbox One continues to be the best place to play the biggest blockbuster games with over 220 titles enhanced for Xbox One X, the world’s most powerful console, with new games leveraging the power of the platform from some of the world’s most talented creators like “Fallout 76” from Bethesda Game Studios, “Cyberpunk 2077” from CD Projekt Red, “Tom Clancy’s The Division 2” from Ubisoft Massive and dozens more. Independent game creators also continue to innovate on Xbox One with games like “Session,” “Below,” “Ashen” and “Tunic” coming to Xbox One as console launch exclusives.

Here’s the Games Announced:

• “BATTLEFIELD V” (ELECTRONIC ARTS). Available worldwide Oct. 19, 2018, enter mankind’s greatest conflict with “Battlefield™ V” as the series goes back to its roots in a never-before-seen portrayal of World War 2. Take on all-out multiplayer across the world or witness human drama set against global combat in single player War Stories, including Nordlys — a first look shown in the Xbox E3 briefing — the story of a young Norwegian resistance fighter during the German occupation, you must pay an unthinkable price to save not only yourself, but also your family.
• “BLACK DESERT” (PEARL ABYSS). “Black Desert” is a revolutionary MMORPG that delivers intense, fast-paced combat, profitable life skills and an expansive open world. Slay monsters, abominations and gods, or engage in relaxing life skills like crafting, fishing and cooking. Become your true self in this truly open world MMORPG
• “CRACKDOWN 3” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). “Crackdown 3” brings the boom next February, where players will stop crime as a super-powered Agent in a sandbox of mayhem and destruction. Developed by Microsoft Studios in collaboration with Sumo Digital and Elbow Rocket, “Crackdown 3” delivers cooperative mayhem, signature antics, explosive gameplay and an all-new multiplayer mode,^[ii] Wrecking Zone, where destruction is your ultimate weapon powered by Microsoft Cloud. Available worldwide in February 2019.

• “CUPHEAD: THE DELICIOUS LAST COURSE” (STUDIO MDHR). In “Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course,” Cuphead and Mugman are joined by Ms. Chalice for a DLC add-on adventure on a brand-new island! With new weapons, new charms and Ms. Chalice’s brand new abilities, take on a new cast of multifaceted, screen-filling bosses to assist Chef Saltbaker in Cuphead’s final challenging quest.
• “CYBERPUNK 2077” (CD PROJEKT RED). “Cyberpunk 2077” is a narrative-driven, open world RPG set in the most vibrant and dangerous metropolis of the future — Night City. You play as V, a hired gun on the rise, who just got their first serious contract. In a world of cyber-enhanced street warriors, tech-savvy netrunners and corporate lifehackers, today is your first step to becoming an urban legend.

• “DEVIL MAY CRY 5” (CAPCOM). A brand-new entry in the legendary over-the-top action series comes to Xbox One in spring 2019, complete with its signature blend of high-octane stylized action and otherworldly and original characters the series is known for. Years have passed since the legions of hell have set foot in this world, but now a new demonic invasion has begun, and humanity’s last hope will rest in the hands of three lone demon hunters, each offering a radically different play style. United by fate and a thirst for vengeance, these demon hunters will have to face their demons if they hope to survive. The devil you know returns in the most over the top, technically advanced, utterly insane action experience of this generation.

• “DYING LIGHT 2” (TECHLAND). The bold sequel to the open-world phenomenon, “Dying Light 2” brings to life a unique post-apocalyptic vision of the Modern Dark Ages, where your parkour abilities and brutal combat skills are the only things that let you dive into darkness and emerge alive. Make morally grey decisions, shape the transformation of the City and ultimately decide its fate.

• “FALLOUT 76” (BETHESDA GAME STUDIOS). The award-winning creators of “Skyrim” and “Fallout 4” welcome you to “Fallout 76” — a stunning prequel and the largest world ever created in the legendary Fallout universe. Set in the hills of West Virginia, you are one of the first to emerge, into a new and untamed wasteland.

• “FORZA HORIZON 4” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE – WORLD PREMIERE). In “Forza Horizon 4,” seasons change everything. This highly anticipated follow-up to 2016’s breakout hit “Forza Horizon 3” brings players dynamic seasons in a shared open world that change every week. Experience beautiful, historic Britain in spectacular native 4K and HDR, collect over 450 cars, and become a Horizon Superstar. “Forza Horizon 4” will launch worldwide on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Xbox Game Pass on Oct. 2, 2018, as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.
• “GEARS 5” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE – WORLD PREMIERE). As Kait, journey across the biggest, most beautiful Gears world ever created. Play solo or with a friend in local split-screen co-op, or online co-op^[iii] and experience every mode in 4K Ultra HD resolution with stunning HDR at a smooth 60 frames per second. “Gears 5” will be released in 2019 on Xbox One and Windows 10 and will come to Xbox Game Pass on the same date as its global release.
• “GEARS POP!” (IOS AND ANDROID EXCLUSIVE – WORLD PREMIERE). “Gears Pop!” brings together iconic Gears characters in a cute Funko Pop! style. The game is being developed in partnership with Funko (Nasdaq “FNKO”) and inspired by the “Gears of War” vinyl collectible figures. It’s the perfect slice of mobile mayhem, available on iOS and Android in 2019.
• “GEARS TACTICS” (WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE – WORLD PREMIERE). “Gears Tactics” evolves turn-based tactics games combining signature fast-paced brutal action and character-driven storytelling with customizable squads, upgradable weapons, and, of course, massive boss battles. “Gears Tactics” is also the first Gears game to be specifically designed for PC gamers.
• “HALO INFINITE” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE – WORLD PREMIERE). The Master Chief returns in the next chapter of the legendary franchise in “Halo Infinite.” Developed by 343 Industries and created with the studio’s new Slipspace Engine, “Halo Infinite” debuted at the Xbox E3 2018 Briefing with a thrilling engine demo that provides a glimpse into the future of Halo, leading the franchise into new and unexpected directions.

• “JUMP FORCE” (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC). The greatest heroes and villains from the 50-year history of Shueisha’s influential Japanese Weekly Jump manga will battle against each other across iconic locations across Earth in this anime fan’s dream come true! Featuring the world’s most popular and classic manga and anime franchises including DRAGON BALL Z, ONE PIECE, NARUTO, and many others, players will be able to compete in hyper-stylish arena brawls set against familiar backdrops of famous landmarks around the world, including New York City’s Times Square and the Matterhorn.
• “JUST CAUSE 4” (SQUARE ENIX). Rogue agent Rico Rodriguez journeys to Solis, a huge South American world home of conflict, oppression and extreme weather conditions. Strap into your wingsuit, equip your fully customizable grappling hook, and get ready to bring the thunder!
• “KINGDOM HEARTS III” (SQUARE ENIX). “KINGDOM HEARTS III” tells the story of the power of friendship as Sora and his friends embark on a perilous adventure and support each other through difficult times. Set in a vast array of Disney worlds, “KINGDOM HEARTS” follows the journey of Sora, a young boy and unknowing heir to a spectacular power. Sora is joined by Donald and Goofy to stop an evil force known as the Heartless from invading and overtaking the universe. Through the power of positivity and friendship, Sora, Donald and Goofy unite with iconic Disney-Pixar characters old and new to overcome tremendous challenges and persevere against the darkness threatening their worlds.
• “METRO EXODUS” (DEEP SILVER). “Metro Exodus” is an epic, story-driven first person shooter from 4A Games that blends deadly combat and stealth with exploration and survival horror in one of the most immersive game worlds ever created. Explore the Russian wilderness across vast, nonlinear levels and follow a thrilling storyline that spans an entire year through spring, summer and autumn to the depths of nuclear winter. Inspired by the novels of Dmitry Glukhovsky, “Metro Exodus” continues Artyom’s story in the greatest Metro adventure yet.
• “NIER: AUTOMATA” BECOME AS GODS EDITION (SQUARE ENIX). “NieR: Automata” is a revolutionary action RPG set in a post-apocalyptic world overrun by machine lifeforms and abandoned by mankind. As part of an android army created by humans to reclaim the planet, players will fight their way through the mechanical horde using a collective of close-combat weapons and ranged attacks.

• “ORI AND THE WILL OF THE WISPS” (XBOX ONE AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). The highly anticipated sequel “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” made its worldwide gameplay debut, showcasing Ori’s immersive world, dynamic combat mechanics, gripping enemy encounters and challenging puzzles in this story-driven adventure. “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” releases on Xbox One and Windows 10 in 2019.
• “PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS” (CONSOLE LAUNCH EXCLUSIVE). PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG), the tactical, high-octane battle royale phenomenon, debuted footage from two new maps: Sanhok, a smaller-scale, action-packed map inspired by the islands that dot the Southeast Pacific Ocean, and a snow-covered map currently in development. New footage also debuted of War Mode, a deathmatch-style battle royale gaming experience and the world premiere debut of the Ballistic Shield, a new tool for setting up quick cover for explosive and close-distance attacks. Sanhok and War Mode will debut on Xbox in late summer 2018.
• “SEA OF THIEVES” (XBOX ONE^[iv] AND WINDOWS 10 EXCLUSIVE). “Sea of Thieves,” the shared-world multiplayer game that provides the quintessential pirate experience, returns with additional content that continues to grow and evolve the game. Releasing in July, Cursed Sails will bring a new threat to the seas in the form of terrifying skeleton ships. In September, Forsaken Shores will reveal a perilous new part of the world, filled with dangers that will test the skill and nerve of even the most hardened crews. Each update will be accompanied by a time-limited campaign that introduces content in a fun, engaging and memorable way. “Sea of Thieves” is now available on Xbox One, Windows 10 and Xbox Game Pass as an Xbox Play Anywhere title.

• “SEKIRO™: SHADOWS DIE TWICE” (ACTIVISION). A fantastical, dark and twisted new gameplay experience developed by the renowned team at FromSoftware and published by Activision. Directed by Hidetaka Miyazaki, “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” is a third-person, action-adventure game with RPG elements. The single-player game puts gamers in the protagonist role of a hard-hearted warrior whose mission is to rescue his master, a young lord, and exact revenge on his arch nemesis. “Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice” is scheduled for release in early 2019 for the family of Xbox One devices from Microsoft, including the Xbox One X. Preorders are available now at select retailers for the suggested retail price of $59.99.

• “SESSION” (CREA-TURE STUDIOS). Inspired by the golden era of skateboarding, the early 90s and early 2000, “Session’s” primary goal is to make you experience what skateboarding really is: an incredible sport where there are no other goals other than expressing your creativity and achieving success through hard work, perseverance and bits of madness for no one else other than yourself.
• “SHADOW OF THE TOMB RAIDER” (SQUARE ENIX). Experience Lara Croft’s defining moment as she becomes the Tomb Raider. In “Shadow of the Tomb Raider,” Lara must master a deadly jungle, overcome terrifying tombs, and persevere through her darkest hour. As she races to save the world from a Maya apocalypse, Lara will ultimately be forged into the Tomb Raider she is destined to be.
• “TALES OF VESPERIA: DEFINITIVE EDITION” (BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC). Available this winter, “Tales of Vesperia: Definitive Edition” celebrates the 10th anniversary of this cherished RPG with new fully playable characters, events and other additional content never released outside of Japan. Follow Yuri Lowell, a former Imperial Knight, as he befriends a colorful cast of characters throughout the world of Terca Lumireis and finds himself in the middle of a nefarious plot that threatens the destruction of the entire planet.
• “THE AWESOME ADVENTURES OF CAPTAIN SPIRIT” (SQUARE ENIX). Have you ever dreamt of being a superhero? Meet Chris, a creative and imaginative 10-year-old boy who escapes reality with fantastical adventures as his alter ego, the Awesome Captain Spirit! Return to your childhood and play a touching and heart-warming one-of-a-kind narrative experience from the directors and development team behind the BAFTA award-winning game “Life is Strange.” “The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit” is an original story set in the Life is Strange Universe that contains links to the brand new story an characters of “Life is Strange 2.”
• “TOM CLANCY’S THE DIVISION 2” (UBISOFT). Developed by Ubisoft Massive and the same teams that brought you “Tom Clancy’s The Division^®,” “Tom Clancy’s The Division^® 2” is an online open-world, action-shooter RPG experience set in a collapsing and fractured Washington, D.C. This rich new setting combines a wide variety of beautiful, iconic and realistic environments where the player will experience the series’ trademark for authenticity in world- building, rich RPG systems, and fast-paced action like never before. Play solo or co-op with a team of up to four players to complete a wide range of activities, from the main campaign and adversarial PvP matches to the Dark Zone — where anything can happen.
• “TUNIC” (FINJI). “TUNIC” is an isometric action adventure about a tiny fox in a big world. Embark on an adventuresome questabout set in that place just beyond the farthest you’ve ever been! Explore ancient ruins, fight monsters and uncover mysterious secrets. The world is big and scary — so be brave, little one!
• “WE HAPPY FEW” (COMPULSION GAMES, GEARBOX PUBLISHING). After debuting as an Xbox Game Preview title at the 2016 Xbox E3 Briefing, “We Happy Few” 1.0, which includes an all-new narrative and community-driven improvements, will launch on Xbox One and Xbox One X (with 4K and HDR support) on Aug. 10, 2018. “We Happy Few” is a narrative-driven action adventure game set in a drug-fueled, retrofuturistic 1960s England. Uncover the mystery of Wellington Wells as you play through the interwoven narratives of three moderately terrible citizens trying to escape from a lifetime of cheerful denial. 

Phew… but there’s a wee bit more. Microsoft also announced its Biggest Xbox Sale of the Year where gamers can find discounts on hundreds of games, accessories, Xbox Game Pass and Live Gold subscriptions, plus $50 USD off ANY Xbox One.

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