Daily Archives: January 28, 2025

Games, Gaming, Xbox

Baldur’s Gate 3 for Xbox Series S gains Split-Screen Mode

he gaming world is abuzz with excitement as Baldur’s Gate 3 makes its way to the Xbox Series S, now featuring the long-awaited split-screen co-op mode. This release comes along with Patch 8, which introduces cross-play functionality and various other enhancements, significantly enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Baldur’s Gate 3’s split-screen mode transforms the gaming experience, allowing players to engage in dynamic co-op play. Whether it’s battling fierce enemies, solving intricate puzzles, or unraveling complex storylines, sharing the screen with a friend heightens the excitement. This feature doesn’t just boost the gaming experience; it also fosters a spirit of collaboration and strategic planning.

Bringing split-screen mode to the Xbox Series S was no small feat. The mandate for games to maintain feature parity between the high-performing Xbox Series X and the more budget-friendly Series S posed significant challenges for developers. The Series X, with its robust hardware, could handle resource-heavy features like split-screen seamlessly. In contrast, the Series S, with its less powerful specs, required considerable optimization.

Larian Studios, the developers of Baldur’s Gate 3, encountered numerous technical hurdles. Ensuring the game ran smoothly on the Series S involved addressing lower graphical output and maintaining a steady frame rate. Achieving seamless drop-in, drop-out co-op play demanded innovative solutions and significant optimization efforts.

Xbox Series S Split-Screen Co-Op

Wanting to play multiplayer a little closer to home? Patch 8 will also bring split-screen to Xbox Series S consoles! If you’re joining the stress test from an Xbox, you’ll be able to try this out early.

Phil Spencer, the head of Xbox, acknowledged the challenges developers like Larian faced during the game’s development. Despite hurdles, Spencer emphasized the importance of making high-quality games accessible on both platforms, ensuring budget-friendly consoles like the Series S didn’t limit players’ experiences.

While the inclusion of split-screen on the Series S is a significant win, it raises broader questions about the long-term feasibility of maintaining feature parity across different console models. Some industry experts argue that the technical limitations of the Series S might constrain the full potential of future games. As developers continue to balance creating optimized experiences for both consoles without sacrificing quality, this debate is likely to persist.

The addition of split-screen mode on the Xbox Series S in Baldur’s Gate 3 marks a noteworthy achievement for Larian Studios. It highlights their dedication to providing inclusive gaming experiences while showcasing the ongoing challenges in developing for diverse hardware specifications. The successful integration of split-screen co-op on a budget-friendly console like the Series S is a significant step forward, ensuring that all players can enjoy the rich, cooperative experience of Baldur’s Gate 3.

Register For The Patch 8 Stress Test

The stress test is now live, and if you’ve already registered on either PlayStation or PC, access details will be sent to your email inbox. If you’re playing on Xbox, you’ll need to download the Xbox Insider Hub App to become an Xbox Insider and join the playtest from the app.

As the gaming industry evolves, developers will need to find innovative solutions to these challenges, continually delivering exceptional player experiences across all platforms. The story of Baldur’s Gate 3 on the Xbox Series S is a testament to the resilience and creativity of game developers, paving the way for future advancements in the world of gaming.

Games, Gaming, News

About the Warhammer video game based on Age Of Sigmar that never was

Warhammer games have been a cornerstone of the gaming community, captivating players with their richly detailed worlds and intense strategic gameplay. However, not all projects see the light of day. Recently, a much-anticipated Warhammer game based on the Age of Sigmar universe was cancelled.

Here’s a deep dive into this ill-fated project as based on what the gaming studio Thought Pennies, revealed to Eurogamer.

In 2021, Games Workshop partnered with Nexon to create a groundbreaking new Warhammer RPG. This ambitious project promised a player-versus-environment (PvE) social multiplayer experience that would span PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. The game was set in the grim and perilous world of Age of Sigmar, where players would command war hosts of the God-King Sigmar against the relentless forces of the Chaos Gods.

Development was helmed by the fresh yet talented studio Thought Pennies. Nexon, known for its expertise in live operations and sustaining player engagement, provided a solid foundation for the game’s ongoing development. The collaboration seemed promising, with both parties eager to bring a dynamic and immersive Warhammer experience to life.

The game was envisioned as a narrative-rich RPG where players could customize their characters, forge alliances, and embark on epic quests. Each season, new realms and characters were to be introduced, offering players a steady stream of fresh content and stories. The ultimate goal: to reignite hope and restore order to the despoiled Mortal Realms.

Behind the Scenes

Despite the promising vision, all was not well behind the scenes. In late 2024, Nexon made a strategic decision to shift its focus, leading to the termination of the Age of Sigmar RPG project.

This decision was not taken lightly and resulted in significant layoffs at Thought Pennies. Nexon cited a strategic change as the reason behind this abrupt shift, and although the partnership had initially shown great promise, it ultimately could not withstand the new direction.

The cancellation of the Age of Sigmar RPG left many fans and developers heartbroken2. However, the world of Warhammer remains vibrant and ever-expanding. Games Workshop continues to explore new opportunities to bring their iconic universe to players worldwide.

As one door closes, another opens, and the dedication to Warhammer’s legacy endures.

Warhammer enthusiasts can still find solace in other titles such as Realms of Ruin, a real-time strategy game from Planet Coaster studio Frontier Developments, and Storm Ground, a turn-based strategy roguelike from Focus Entertainment. The age of Warhammer is far from over, and who knows what new adventures await in the Mortal Realms?

The cancelled Warhammer: Age of Sigmar RPG is a testament to the ever-changing and unpredictable nature of game development. While the project may never see the light of day, the passion and creativity that fueled its conception continue to inspire new ventures in the gaming world.

For fans and developers alike, the journey through the Warhammer universe is bound to be full of twists, turns, and endless possibilities.

Games, Gaming, News

WWE 2K25 is official starring Roman Reigns & The Undertaker

The spotlight casts its glow on Roman Reigns, the former undisputed WWE Universal Champion and the Original Tribal Chief, as the cover star of WWE 2K25. Fans can also look forward to special editions featuring The Undertaker in the nostalgic Deadman Edition, and various members of The Bloodline in their own unique edition.

This includes familiar faces such as Jey Uso, Jimmy Uso, and Paul Heyman, promising a visually stunning and immersive representation of WWE’s reigning factions.

WWE 2K25 introduces the Bloodline Showcase, an interactive journey into the storied legacy of the Anoa’i wrestling family. This mode allows players to relive iconic moments and matchups, delving deeper into the history and impact of one of WWE’s most legendary lineages.

The game boasts a roster of over 300 WWE Superstars, Legends, and Hall of Famers. Whether you’re looking to step into the boots of John Cena, Rhea Ripley, or even The Rock, WWE 2K25 provides an extensive array of characters to choose from. The return of old favorites and the addition of new names ensure a dynamic and varied gameplay experience.

Exciting new match types and stipulations are also part of the package:

  • Underground Matches: Channel your inner fight club enthusiast.
  • Bloodline Rules Matches: Unique stipulations and surprises await.
  • Intergender Matchups: Break boundaries and choose your battles without limitations.

Also, WWE 2K25’s new mode The Island presents an open-world playground where ambition meets opportunity. Players can embark on a quest to earn a coveted WWE contract, engaging in quests, unique challenges, and online matches that bring the journey to life. Accompanied by the return of MyRISE, this game mode promises enthralling stories and exhilarating rises to stardom.

Release Dates

Mark your calendars! The highly anticipated Deadman Edition and Bloodline Edition are set for a worldwide release on March 7, 2025. For those opting for the Standard Edition, it will be available on March 14, 2025. These dates set the stage for fans to dive headfirst into new and exhilarating WWE experiences.

This latest installment comes with welcomed enhancements designed to elevate the gaming experience:

  • The much-awaited third-person camera support for online matches provides an immersive view of the action.
  • New brawl environments, including the WWE Archives and the NXT Parking Lot, where you can engage in fierce confrontations.

With these thrilling updates, WWE 2K25 promises an unmatched, action-packed gaming experience for wrestling fans everywhere.