Microsoft recently released its FY25 Q2 earnings report, revealing a mixed bag of results. The company posted a revenue of $69.6 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year. Net income also saw a significant rise, reaching $24.11 billion compared to $21.87 billion in the same quarter last year. The growth was primarily driven by the Intelligent Cloud segment, which saw a 20% increase in revenue to $25.76 billion.
Microsoft Gaming: A Closer Look
Microsoft Gaming, a division established in 2022, has become a major player in the gaming industry. The division oversees the production and sales of Xbox hardware, Xbox Game Studios, and services like Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming. With the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Microsoft Gaming now owns some of the most popular and highest-grossing media franchises, including Call of Duty, Candy Crush, Warcraft, Halo, Minecraft, and The Elder Scrolls.
Key Highlights from Microsoft Gaming’s Performance
Revenue Decline in Xbox Hardware: Despite the overall growth, Xbox hardware revenue saw a steep decline of 29% compared to the previous quarter. This decline is notable as it includes data over the holiday period, typically a strong sales period for gaming hardware.
Growth in Xbox Content and Services: On a positive note, Xbox content and services revenue, which includes Xbox Game Pass, grew by 2% over the quarter. This growth was likely bolstered by popular titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and continued support for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Publishing on Competing Platforms: Microsoft’s strategy of publishing its first-party titles on competing platforms like PlayStation and Nintendo has been a significant factor in the growth of Xbox services. Titles like Doom: The Dark Ages and The Outer Worlds 2 are expected to be released on PlayStation simultaneously.
Integration with Handheld PCs: Microsoft is working on integrating the Xbox and Windows gaming experience on handheld PCs, which may include improved integration of the Windows Store and PC Game Pass.
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella and CFO Amy Hood have expressed optimism about the future of Microsoft Gaming. They expect Xbox content and services revenue growth to be in the low to mid-single digits, driven by first-party content and Xbox Game Pass. The company is also focusing on cost efficiency and innovation in AI infrastructure, which could further boost its gaming division.
Elsewhere for Microsoft
Intelligent Cloud Segment
Revenue: $25.76 billion, up 20% year-over-year.
Azure Growth: Azure and other cloud services revenue grew by 31%, although this was slightly lower than the 33% growth seen in the previous quarter.
AI Investments: Microsoft is heavily investing in AI infrastructure, committing to spend $80 billion this fiscal year. The company’s AI business has surpassed an annual revenue run rate of $13 billion, up 175% year-over-year.
Productivity and Business Processes
Revenue: $29.4 billion, up 14% year-over-year.
Microsoft 365: Continued strong performance, with significant contributions from Microsoft 365 Copilot and other productivity tools.
More Personal Computing
Revenue: $14.7 billion, relatively unchanged from the previous year.
Windows PC Sales: There was a notable increase in Windows PC sales, driven by demand for new hardware and upgrades.
Xbox Services: Despite a decline in Xbox hardware revenue, Xbox content and services revenue grew by 2%, supported by titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
Financial Highlights
Total Revenue: $69.6 billion, a 12% increase year-over-year.
Net Income: $24.11 billion, up from $21.87 billion in the same quarter last year.
Earnings Per Share (EPS): $3.23, beating expectations of $3.11.
Strategic Initiatives
AI Infrastructure: Microsoft is focusing on cost efficiency and innovation in AI infrastructure, including investments in small language models (SLMs) to reduce AI costs.
OpenAI Partnership: Microsoft and OpenAI have a new agreement through 2030, giving Microsoft access to OpenAI’s intellectual property and APIs for use within Copilot.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG)
ESG Commitments: Microsoft continues to invest in sustainability and social responsibility initiatives, aiming to balance operational discipline with environmental and social practices.
Microsoft’s FY25 Q2 earnings report showcases the company’s continued growth and strategic investments in key areas like cloud computing and gaming. While there are challenges, particularly in Xbox hardware revenue, the overall outlook remains positive, especially with the strong performance of Xbox content and services. Microsoft Gaming, with its diverse portfolio and strategic initiatives, is poised to play a crucial role in the company’s future success.
GOG, the renowned digital storefront known for its commitment to DRM-free gaming, has recently unveiled an exciting update to its platform: the Dreamlist. This revamped feature, previously known as the Community Wishlist, is designed to empower gamers to influence which classic games are brought back to life.
The Dreamlist serves as a community-driven tool where gamers can vote for their favorite games that they want to see available on GOG. It’s not just about nostalgia; it’s about preserving gaming history and making beloved titles accessible to new generations. Each game on the Dreamlist has its own dedicated page, complete with detailed descriptions, screenshots, and trailers. Gamers can also share their personal stories and memories associated with these games, adding a heartfelt touch to their votes.
How Does it Work?
GOG has made it incredibly easy for gamers to participate in the Dreamlist. The interface has been overhauled to provide enhanced browsing and filtering options, making it simple to find and vote for games. The Dreamlist also features a “Staff Picks” section, where GOG highlights games that they believe deserve attention.
This not only helps guide the community but also showcases GOG’s dedication to bringing quality games to its platform.
The Dreamlist has already proven its worth. One notable success story is the revival of Dino Crisis 1 and 2, which were brought back to life thanks to the overwhelming community support on the Dreamlist. These games were remastered to ensure compatibility with modern systems, preserving their original content while enhancing their playability.
Looking ahead, GOG has ambitious plans for the Dreamlist. Games like Freelancer, Resident Evil Code: Veronica X, and the original Final Fantasy VII are among the titles that GOG and its community are eager to see revived. The Dreamlist is not just a wishlist; it’s a powerful tool for gamers to influence the gaming industry and ensure that their favorite titles are not forgotten.
In an industry where many classic games are no longer available, GOG’s Dreamlist is a beacon of hope for game preservation. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer accessible, making the Dreamlist an essential initiative for keeping gaming history alive. By voting on the Dreamlist, gamers are not only expressing their preferences but also contributing to the preservation of gaming culture.
GOG invites all gamers to explore the Dreamlist, cast their votes, and share their memories. Whether it’s a childhood favorite or a game you’ve always wanted to play DRM-free, your vote matters. Together, we can ensure that these classic games find a new home on GOG and continue to be enjoyed by gamers around the world.
And from my part… I made some votes already and I want to highlight this one:
Exciting news for survival horror fans! Capcom’s beloved Dino Crisis series has made a triumphant return to PC via GOG. Both Dino Crisis 1 and Dino Crisis 2 are now available DRM-free, meaning no activation or online connection is required to play. This is a dream come true for fans who have been eagerly waiting for these classics to be revived.
The new versions of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 come with several enhancements to ensure they run smoothly on modern systems. These include:
Increased resolution support, with the first game offering near 4K resolution.
Modern control support, making it easier to play with contemporary controllers.
Improved rendering and sound, providing a more immersive experience.
Fixes for common issues, ensuring a more stable gameplay.
Localization options, allowing players to enjoy the game in their preferred language.
GOG Preservation Program
The release of Dino Crisis 1 and 2 is part of GOG’s Preservation Program, an initiative aimed at keeping older games accessible and playable on modern hardware. This program involves updating and enhancing classic games to ensure they remain compatible with new PC systems. By providing DRM-free versions, GOG ensures that these games can be played without the need for an online connection, addressing a common complaint among gamers.
Game preservation is becoming increasingly important as the industry moves forward. According to GOG, 87% of games released prior to 2010 are no longer available, making initiatives like the Preservation Program crucial for keeping gaming history alive. By bringing back games like Dino Crisis, GOG not only honors the legacy of these titles but also provides new generations of gamers the opportunity to experience them.
Dino Crisis and Dino Crisis 2 will have an introductory price of $9.99 each, but as in the case of Resident Evil first 3 games collection, a bundle that includes both games will be available for $16.99.
Hey, fellow muñaños gamers! I’m thrilled to share some fantastic news—I’m making a comeback to the gaming live streaming world on both Twitch and YouTube! I’m eager to reconnect with all of you after taking some time off due technical issues, offline work taking over before vacation and be as much as possible available to my family during the holidays/Christmas season.
As you may know, I’ve always strived to provide the best TRUE gaming content with no IRL unneeded/unhealthy drama and an engaging community experience. But unfortunately, while I was making progress in my first walkthrough with Resident Evil during last quarter of 2024, OBS stared acting up to the point that troubleshooting while streaming became a reason to feel early burnout and I decided to stop until I could deal with all the technical issues, which later I found out more Twitch to be at the majority of fault.
I am not a OBS detractor, but definitely my introduction to Meld Studio came with a link from Killswitch from RegimentGG and then Meld Studio’s Community manager iSageSen invited me to the BETA no question asked to try things and while things improved TREMENDOUSLY at YouTube side, Twitch for some reason kept acting up.
A little fast forward before needing to pause thing because to avoid a total burnout-rage-quit, I decided to wait for Meld Studio’s support on verifying my logs to check what was going on with Twitch and apparently, the acting up was coming from how Twitch network is interacting with my Internet connection and decided to go exclusively on YouTube which I did and I assumed this would be the thing after Christmas vacation, been streaming exclusively at the red platform.
But yes, Meld Studio asked me to give Twitch a chance to actually test some improvement and that’s why I’ve decided to give Twitch another shot, based on their glowing recommendation. Also, they recently rolled out some updates in the last quarter of 2024 along with the January 2025 update, incorporating feedback from yours truly and so much needed improvements in general.
So keep in mind that while Twitch will be a trial run, I’m optimistic about the potential for an enhanced streaming adventure on the purple platform.
🌟 Stream Schedule 🌟
BEFORE ANYTHING about my schedule, I want to clarify a few important points. While I am up for providing consistent and high-quality content, my primary focus remains on maintaining a healthy balance in my life. This means that my family’s needs will always come first, as that is non-negotiable. In addition, my offline work can sometimes extend beyond regular hours, though I will do my best to manage this and avoid overtime as much as possible.
Health is another crucial aspect. If I’m not feeling well, I won’t risk going live just to stick to a schedule. It’s essential for me to be in good health so that I can engage and interact with all of you in the best possible way. Your understanding and support in this regard mean the world to me.
With that being said… I am increasing to 2 more days instead of Monday and Thursdays and will go as follow:
Monday & Wednesday: Dive into our main walkthrough sessions starting at 8 PM GMT-4. These streams will feature in-depth gameplay, immersive storytelling, and lots of fun!
Tuesday: Get the latest scoop with our Gaming News content. This 2-hour stream kicks off at 5:30 PM GMT-4, where we’ll discuss the hottest updates, releases, and trends in the gaming world.
Thursday: Gear up for Multiplayer Nights starting at 8 PM GMT-4. Join me and the community for thrilling multiplayer matches and cooperative gameplay.
Except for Tuesdays, all streams will last a minimum of 2 hours, with a maximum duration of 3 to 3.5 hours. So, there’s plenty of time for epic adventures and interactions!
Now, if there are moments when I’m not able to start streaming punctually, it doesn’t mean that I won’t be going live at all. Please understand that unforeseen situations may arise despite my best efforts to avoid last-minute disruptions from offline life. I will do my best to ensure that any delays do not exceed 30 minutes. If I do need to forego a stream, I will provide updates through my social network channels.
About weekends…
I’m open to doing some collabs if the opportunity arises, but it will NOT be a focus and more importantly, I won’t be actively looking to stream on weekends, as Saturdays and Sundays are convenient for me to have the strong part of life balancing including spending time with my family, catch up on TV/Movies/Anime, and create some on-demand content.
Actually, I’ve tried occasional Saturday morning streams in my early years, but they didn’t yield the desired results. Much respect to those who can actually have great weekends, GG!
🎮 Gaming Lineup 🎮
What’s a return to streaming without an exciting lineup of games? Here’s what you can expect in the short-term:
Resident Evil: We’re finally going to wrap up this iconic game. I don’t like unfinished game despite the long time it took a game that can be finished in less than an hour for speedrunners and perfect players traying to nail high rank in less than 3 hours. Of course I have been having a blast as a Resident Evil/Biohazard fan that I am, but evidently, I need to circle my game backlog and go to a next game after the unfinished walkthrough, so definitely, a will do a New Game+ at a later time during the year.
Anima Flux: Next and in fulfillment of a promise to the developers (which actually motivated me on giving another chance content creation in general), we’ll dive into this intriguing game. I can’t wait to explore its unique mechanics and story further and yes; I will begin a brand-new game from start to finish.
Dynasty Warriors Origins: By the time you are reading this, I am probably done in my first run, but will gladly focus a new game for gaming live streaming purposes.
Indie Games: After Anima Flux and DWO, we’ll shift our focus with a indie game as I am currently evaluating some indie game invitations. There’s a treasure trove of hidden gems out there, and I’m excited to discover them with you.
In the long-term for 2025, I am foreseeing continuing my unfinished Black Myth: Wukong, Unicorn Overlord Walkthrough, revisit Destiny 1 and 2 with a new class (I am Hunter since day 1 and haven’t progressed my warlock at D1 and never tried Titan), Palworld, Overdungeon and in retro gaming scene with a probable back-seated The Elder Scrolls Arena and Daggerfall sessions, Fallout 1-2, Warcraft and Diablo GO games and try going as back as to play with some Playstation and Nintendo 64 games (no emulation).
Of course, this is a brainstorming, I can add andor switch games in this preliminary list, but all depends on the circumstances, but hey, I got an “new game” backlog building up since the later days of Playstation 3 so pretty much I got material for the long term.
Importantly, this journey is all about sharing my love for gaming with an amazing community. Your support and enthusiasm have always been my greatest motivators. Let’s make this comeback a memorable one filled with laughter, excitement, and epic gaming moments.
Remember both 🟣 https://twitch.tv/geezusgg & 🔴 https://www.youtube.com/@GeeZusGG
I can’t wait to see you all in the chat and embark on these new adventures together. Let’s get ready to game on! 🚀🎉
Returning with Anima Flux gaming streaming…
I’m excited to share some thrilling news! The developers of Anima Flux, a captivating co-op metroidvania game, have officially invited me to join their Steam Co-op event. This is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the dystopian world of Anima Flux, where two genetically enhanced soldiers fight through swarms of mutants to save humanity’s last stronghold in a desolate space city.
This invitation is truly special as it allows me have a more engagement opoprtunity and of course, the first time yours truly have the ooppportunity on goaing for a official stream event with Steam.
Anima Flux is a highly detailed game world and stunning hand-drawn animated cutscenes, Anima Flux promises to be an unforgettable adventure.
Join me and the Anima Flux community as we embark on this epic journey aboard ARK, humanity’s last bastion against extinction. Let’s fight to ensure the survival of human civilization together!
Some updates for my social networks interactions
Now that I am in the mood of extending this announcement/editorial, I want to address a topic which I find important.
GG to Bandai Namco as #Tekken8 has reached its first round to the sun. 🥋 🎂I guess that I should press hard as part of my gaming streaming content with rising Hwoarang's stats!#Gaming #VideoGames #YouTubeGaming 🕹 🎮
As you can see, I’ve restarted my efforts to post quick news updates across all my social media channels. This approach helps maintain engagement, and while some might view it as counterproductive to my freelance blogging efforts, the reality is different. A decade ago, this strategy might have seemed ill-advised, but today’s fast-paced internet culture favors quick, bite-sized news. This allows me to decide whether a piece of news deserves a full article or just a brief note.
Speaking of social networks, I mentioned a few months ago that I was probably done with X. I tried to be optimistic, hoping that the chaos of an election period might bring some sanity back, even with its erratic owner. Unfortunately, that hope didn’t pan out, and the lack of sanity is my biggest concern.
Therefore, I’m focusing my efforts on building my community on other platforms:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GeeZusGG (While Mark Zuckerberg got looney too, I am confident that he is more adulterated than Elon Musk as long I am not going back to Instagram and not going to use Threads anytime soon.)
I understand that I might not succeed in fully transitioning away from X and might end up staying. Elon Musk took over an established platform, making it hard to build comparable numbers on other networks in a desired short-term. However, I’ll treat Bluesky as my primary social network and Mastodon as a secondary channel.
Side note: I’m curious about exploring Nostr further and am considering it as a third streaming channel through zap.stream. This might remain a “long-term idea” for now that I revisit one day in the future.
At the end of the day, what matters is building and maintaining a strong connection with you my audience that wants plan and simple, VIDEO GAMES!!!
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.
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.
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.
In exciting news for the gaming world, People Can Fly confirmed that they are working with Xbox Game Studios’s The Coalition as co-developers for the highly anticipated shooter game, Gears of War: E-Day. This prequel aims to immerse players in the epic saga of the Gears universe, taking them back to the fateful event of Emergence Day.
For long-time fans, this collaboration should see this delightful reunion, as People Can Fly has a rich history with the Gears of War franchise. Known for their previous work on Gears of War: Judgment, as well as co-developing Gears of War 1-3, they bring a wealth of experience and passion to the project.
The Coalition, which has been the driving force behind the series since Gears of War 4, is excited about this partnership. Mike Crump, Studio Head at The Coalition, expressed his enthusiasm, stating:
We’re pleased to be partnering with the talented folks at People Can Fly who have been a part of our franchise’s legacy for so long.
The teams aim to combine their strengths to deliver an intense and authentic experience that fans have come to cherish.
While details about the game remain under wraps, fans can expect to witness iconic characters like Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as they navigate the horrors of Emergence Day. With state-of-the-art graphics powered by Unreal Engine 5, Gears of War: E-Day promises to exceed the expectations of both veteran players and newcomers alike.
The collaboration between People Can Fly and The Coalition heralds a thrilling chapter in the Gears of War series. As the development teams work tirelessly to bring this prequel to life, fans eagerly await the day when they can relive the harrowing events of Emergence Day. Stay tuned for more updates and prepare to embark on another unforgettable journey in the world of Gears of War.
Koei Tecmo and Team Ninja have officially announced that their open-world action RPG, Rise of the Ronin, will be coming to PC on March 11th, 2025. Previously exclusive to PS5, this game immerses players in the Bakumatsu era of Japanese history, offering an open-world experience with a focus on combat and story-driven decisions.
The PC release will offer numerous enhancements to take full advantage of the hardware capabilities that many PC gamers have come to enjoy.
Here are some of the standout features:
8K Resolution Support: The game will support stunningly detailed visuals to immerse you in the world of 19th-century Japan.
120 Frames Per Second (FPS): For those with high-refresh-rate monitors, the game promises a buttery-smooth experience.
Ray Tracing Support: Immerse yourself in realistic lighting and shadows that elevate the visual fidelity of the game.
Ultra-wide and Super Ultra-wide Monitor Compatibility: Widen your field of view and take in more of the action with support for larger monitors.
3D Audio Support: Experience the sounds of the Bakumatsu period with immersive 3D audio.
Customizable Controls: The PC version will feature customizable keyboard and mouse controls to suit your gaming style.
Support for Nvidia DLSS, AMD Fidelity FX Super Resolution, and Intel XeSS: These technologies will help improve performance and visual quality even on older PC hardware.
Set during Japan’s rapid modernization and internal conflicts in 1863, you play as a ronin forging your destiny amidst political unrest and war. Your choices significantly impact the storyline, allowing multiple endings.
You can check the PC reveal trailer on Steam and get early purchase bonuses like extra combat styles and a unique katana and armor set.
Those who purchase the PC version of Rise of Ronin before April 2nd, 2025, will receive special bonuses. These include four unique combat styles and an extra katana and armor set3. The combat styles being offered are Aisu Kage-ryu for the katana, Hayabusa-ryu for the katana, Hayabusa-ryu for the naginata, and Nioh-ryu for the katana. The Iga Ninja armor set and katana are additional bonuses for those who jump on this exciting release early3.
Phil Spencer confirmed that more Xbox games will become available on other platforms, including PlayStation in his first major interview for 2025 with Gamertag Radio. He emphasized that they want to make great games accessible to as many people as possible, without putting up barriers.
This move is part of Xbox’s strategy to ensure that their games reach a wider audience.
When asked why gamers should buy an Xbox console, the Microsoft Gaming CEO highlighted the unique capabilities and features of Xbox hardware. He stressed that they want their hardware to stand out based on its merits and not just exclusive games. Phil Spencer wants people to choose Xbox hardware based on its capabilities and the choices they want to make about where they want to play.
The head of Microsoft’s gaming business did share his vision for the future of Xbox, mentioning upcoming titles like Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, South of Midnight, The Outer Worlds 2, and possibly Fable. He also mentioned that Xbox Games Publishing is working on Ninja Gaiden 4, aiming to bring the franchise back to its former glory.
Finally, Spencer reflected on his legacy and the impact he hopes to have on the gaming industry and also, he talked about his passion for gaming and his commitment to innovation and inclusivity in the gaming community. Phil emphasized that he wants to leave a positive mark on the industry and continue to push for new and exciting gaming experiences.
There are insisting rumors that the “silence on Nintendo” at this interview, is because Xbox actually has plans on the brand be involved with Nintendo Switch 2 with surprising launches and Phil Spencer hasn’t been shy on expressing excitement for the Nintendo Switch 2 and his commitment to supporting the console with Xbox games has already gone outside the implicit.
The noise in the rumors mill suggests that we are inbound for an historical Nintendo Switch 2 port of Halo: The Master Chief along with Microsoft Flight Simulator, Starfield, Diablo 4 and Fallout 4.