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Ubisoft is stirring up some excitement with news about the next Ghost Recon game! Irina-Gabriela Popa, the live producer, has shared that they're aiming for "a fun, fresh experience" while keeping the core elements that fans love. We're talking tactical action, large-scale operations, and credible military storytelling, all centred around the iconic Ghost Unit.

Alongside this announcement, Ubisoft is rolling out a significant update for Ghost Recon Wildlands. This update promises to enhance the gameplay experience, so it's definitely worth checking out if you're still diving into Wildlands.

As a major free update, Last Rites refreshes the gameplay experience of Ghost Recon Wildlands, delivering a new story-driven mission in which the Ghosts must face off against a new antagonist, La Llorona, and her fanatic cult followers, Los Penitentes. They have nothing to lose, and they're wreaking havoc in Bolivia as La Llorona enacts revenge on those who have wronged her. It also marks the return of the challenging hunt for the iconic Predator. Finally, Last Rites brings a host of new community-driven gameplay updates designed to give players more in-game freedom than ever before.



Ubisoft has launched a new Insider Program for Ghost Recon as it asks players to help it test the next game in the series.

The company officially confirmed during its Ghost Recon 25th anniversary presentation that a new Ghost Recon is in development, then announced the launch of the Ghost Recon Insider Program.



"For the past few years, we've been building the next chapter of Ghost Recon," live producer Irina-Gabriela Popa said during the presentation. "I'm really excited to share with you that now we're ready to put it to the test.

"Because we want to deliver a fun, fresh experience that stays true to everything that defines Ghost Recon – tactical action, large-scale operations, credible military storytelling and, of course, the Ghost Unit."

"To do it, we need your help", senior community developer Pierre Vincent added. "You can join our Insider Program, and what it means is you'll get early access to our Closed Tests.

"Your feedback will help us balance, optimise and fine-tune the experience."

The company has also launched a series-wide sale, offering discounts of up to 95% on previous Ghost Recon titles to celebrate the series' 25th anniversary.

As part of this sale, however, players can claim Ghost Recon: Future Solider for free on the Ubisoft Connect store, an offer that will last until August 13.

Ghost Recon Wildlands and Ghost Recon Breakpoint will also be free to play on consoles and PC from today until August 10, but this will only be a limited free play period. The Future Solider offer allows players to keep the game.

"If you're enjoying the free weekend ride and want to see your mission through in Wildlands or Breakpoint, or you want to recon some of the Ghost's past campaigns in Ghost Recon: Future Soldier or the original Ghost Recon, those games are on sale now for up to 95% across all platforms – Xbox, PlayStation, Ubisoft Connect and Steam," Ubisoft senior editorial communications manager Chris Watters said during Ubisoft's Ghost Recon 25th anniversary presentation.

Snippets of news that can be expanded upon in dedicated threads if needed.

The PlayStation App was updated recently. One new feature is that the PlayStation takes any screenshots you take and stores them on your app for download for 14 days.

I thought it might be a good excuse to start sharing people's in-game captures. Obviously, this is open to all platforms and not limited to PlayStation owners.

I'll kick off with Gran Turismo 7 and Elden Ring. Time to start taking better pics.

Steam has just rolled out some fantastic new features that make gifting games, hardware, and gift cards a breeze! Whether you're looking to surprise a friend or simply share your favourite titles, these updates are sure to enhance your experience on the platform.

One of the standout features is the guest checkout option. Previously, this was limited to hardware and gift cards, but now you can purchase games without needing a Steam account. This means if you want to buy a game from a friend's wishlist, you can do so easily. If you're aiming for a surprise, all you need is the recipient's email address. The recipient will receive an email with all the necessary details to log into their account and redeem the gift. Just remember, their account must be in the same country as the purchase, and they need to redeem it within 30 days to avoid automatic refunds.

Another exciting addition is the ability to gift games directly across regions. Steam will handle the calculations for you, so you won't have to figure out how many gift cards you need to cover the price of a game. However, keep in mind that the recipient must be on your friends list for this feature to work.

Additionally, Steam has expanded its wishlist functionality. You no longer need to be friends with someone to gift them a game from their wishlist. Plus, you can create specific, filtered wishlists to share with family and friends, making it easier for them to know exactly what you want. When someone sends you a gift, your details will be auto-filled in the checkout cart, streamlining the process even further.

Guest checkout
In 2024, we added guest checkout, which lets a family member or friend make a gift purchase without needing to create a Steam account. This feature was limited to digital gift cards and hardware purchases at the time.

Now guest checkout can be used to buy any game on Steam.

You can send a wishlist share link to a friend or family member, and they can purchase gifts directly from that list without needing a Steam account themselves. If a guest wants to send a gift as a surprise, they can send it to any email address instead.

Gift to email
Don't know your nephew's Steam account? No problem, both digital gift cards and games can now be sent directly to email recipients. And don't worry if your nephew's email address is the same one they use for their Steam account. The email will include a link to let them sign in to their account and accept the gift.

Please note that any gift email not accepted within 30 days will be automatically refunded, so they cannot be scheduled for future delivery. The recipient of the gift must also live in the same country as the purchaser.



Cross-region gifting
Buying a gift for a friend in a higher-priced region? In the past, digital gift cards were the gifting solution, but that required you to know the full price of the game in your friend's region.

Now you can gift games directly to your friend. Steam will calculate the cost in your friend's region at checkout. Your friend needs to be on your Steam friends list to send this type of gift.
Direct from wishlist
Sending a friend or family member a link to your wishlist is a great way to help them choose a great gift for your birthday or holiday. We have made several share link improvements, including:

• You can now send a digital gift card or gift a game directly from someone's wishlist
• You no longer need to be friends on Steam to send gifts
• You can create a shared wishlist link that is filtered to specific games
• When a friend or family member clicks on your shared wishlist link, if they choose to gift you a game, the gift recipient in the cart will be pre-populated with your information.
• And remember from above, your friend or family member can checkout as a guest, without needing to create a Steam account

Overall, these new features promise to make gifting on Steam more seamless and enjoyable. It's interesting to see these changes come at a time when discussions about game ownership are becoming more prevalent, but that's a topic for another day!

Hey everyone!

Microsoft has just rolled out Xbox Backward Compatibility for PC, and it's officially available in Early Access starting today! This means that for the first time ever, you can dive into some classic original Xbox games right from your PC or handheld devices.

This initiative aims to bring classic Xbox games back to life, with fan-favourites like Blinx and Conker leading the charge.

Currently, there are four nostalgic titles that you can enjoy:

• BLiNX: The Time Sweeper
• Conker: Live and Reloaded
• Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge
• Fusion Frenzy

This is a fantastic opportunity for those who have fond memories of these games and want to relive the experience, or for new players who are curious about the classics. The backward compatibility feature opens up a treasure trove of gaming history, allowing players to explore titles that defined a generation.

Despite the challenging news of 3,200 job cuts and the closure of four studios, Xbox seems determined to reassure its community that it remains committed to gaming. The internal discussions about the future may seem a bit muddled, but the introduction of backward compatibility is a positive step that many gamers have been eagerly awaiting.

This program not only allows players to revisit beloved titles but also signifies a broader effort by Xbox to adapt and innovate in a rapidly changing gaming landscape. As the company navigates these transitions, the focus on nostalgia and classic gaming experiences could serve as a comforting reminder of what Xbox has always stood for.

The excitement surrounding this announcement highlights the enduring appeal of classic games and the community's desire to see them thrive on modern platforms. It's a great time for gamers to reflect on their favourite titles and look forward to experiencing them anew on PC.

So, whether you're a long-time fan or a newcomer, it's time to dust off those gaming skills and jump back into the action!

Xbox is reportedly rolling out a new feature that allows disc owners to convert their physical games into digital licenses. This is particularly interesting given the recent news about PlayStation ending disc manufacturing by 2028, which has caused quite a stir among gamers.

According to reports, this new feature, codenamed "Positron," is currently being tested with Xbox Insiders. Brad Rossetti, who leads the Insider program, hinted at some exciting updates coming soon, stating that the wait will be worth it.

Jez Corden from Windows Central also confirmed that this feature will allow Xbox Play Anywhere titles to transition from disc to digital on PC, which is great news for those who enjoy gaming across platforms.

However, it's important to note that this disc-to-digital conversion will only apply to Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S titles. Unfortunately, games from the Xbox 360 or the original Xbox won't be included in this feature. Additionally, there are specific conditions that will determine whether a game can be converted, so not all titles will qualify.

This initiative could be a game-changer for those who are looking to future-proof their game libraries, especially if Xbox decides to move away from physical discs in the future. While the details surrounding Project Helix remain unclear, it's reassuring to see Xbox taking steps to support its community.

It seems that Obsidian Entertainment is making some significant changes in its development plans. According to recent reports, the studio has decided to cancel the Avowed sequel to dedicate its resources to a new Fallout game. This decision comes as part of a broader restructuring within Xbox, which has seen numerous layoffs across various teams.

The news, first reported by Bloomberg, indicates that Josh Sawyer, who previously worked as the lead designer and project director on the beloved Fallout: New Vegas, will be at the helm of this new project. Interestingly, Sawyer was initially working on a different RPG that shared structural similarities with Fallout before this shift in focus.

While this might be disappointing for fans eagerly awaiting Avowed 2, there is a silver lining. A small team at Obsidian will continue to work on Avowed 2 with the hope of reviving the project in the future.

For many fans of the Fallout franchise, this news is likely to be met with excitement. Fallout: New Vegas remains a fan-favourite, and it's been quite some time since we've seen a new mainline single-player Fallout game. The last major release was Fallout 4 in 2015, followed by Fallout 76, which took the series in a different direction as an MMO-style game.

Additionally, the ongoing live-action Fallout TV series on Prime Video has reignited interest in the franchise, further fuelling the desire for a new single-player game. With Bethesda currently focused on developing The Elder Scrolls 6, it seems that a new Fallout game from them could be quite a while away.

While the cancellation of Avowed 2 may be disappointing, the prospect of a new Fallout game from Obsidian is certainly something to look forward to.

Xbox has announced the sale of four major studios, marking a pivotal moment for the company. This decision reflects broader trends in the gaming landscape, as companies reassess their strategies and focus on core competencies.

We've been waiting ages for Xbox to announce what's happening with the layoff situation, and it's now been confirmed that 3,200 roles are being eliminated throughout fiscal year 27, with 1,600 of those taking place today.

In addition, Compulsion Games (We Happy Few, South of Midnight) and Double Fine Productions (Psychonauts 2, Kiln) are transitioning to independent studios, while Ninja Theory (Hellblade) and Undead Labs (State of Decay 3) are being sold off. Arkane Studios (Marvel's Blade) is also reviewing strategic options.

The studios involved in this sale have been instrumental in developing some of the most beloved games in recent years. However, Xbox's decision to divest these assets suggests a strategic pivot, possibly aiming to streamline operations and allocate resources more effectively.

This move raises questions about the future of the franchises associated with these studios and how they will be managed under new ownership.

Microsoft has reassured fans that some of their most anticipated games are safe from cancellation. Amidst swirling rumours about potential cuts in their gaming line-up, many were concerned about the future of titles like Senua and State of Decay 3. However, the company has confirmed that these projects will indeed move forward.

"Compulsion Games and Double Fine Productions will return to management and transition to independent studios with their IP, catalog, and runway for their next games. Ninja Theory and Undead Labs have entered terms to join new ownership with funding to complete and grow Senua and State of Decay 3. In France, Arkane's management is beginning required consultation with its Works Council to review potential strategic options."

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In her statement, Xbox boss Asha Sharma acknowledged the "painful" nature of the news, but also insisted that Xbox isn't in a healthy place, and now needs to "reset our content portfolio", "reset our platform" and "reset how we operate".

She says it's "neither possible nor desirable to own every great independent studio", and that there are also reductions being made across other units, although no announced first-party games are being cancelled in the process.

"We are also making reductions across other units, and in some cases, shifting investment to focus on higher priority projects. These changes vary in size across Activision, Bethesda/ZeniMax, Blizzard, King, Mojang, and XBOX Game Studios. None of our first party publicly announced games or projects are being cancelled as part of these reductions."

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There's a lot more to go through in Asha Sharma's full statement, so I highly recommend you give it a read over on Xbox Wire. She concludes it by stating that the "changes are about a bigger future for XBOX, not a smaller one".

I'll leave you with a bit from the conclusion below, and it goes without saying that our thoughts go out to everyone impacted by the job losses and studio transitions that are taking place as a result of today's news.

"These changes are about a bigger future for XBOX, not a smaller one. The next decade of gaming will be larger, more global, and more creative than anything we've seen before. This year, we'll invest as much in XBOX as we ever have, but we'll invest with greater focus, greater discipline, and greater clarity, all in service of making XBOX where the world plays and creates."

"History is full of companies that mistake longevity for inevitability. We will not be one of them."

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Sony has announced that it will stop producing physical discs for PlayStation games starting in January 2028. The company cites "consumer preferences" as the driving force behind this decision to fully embrace digital gaming. However, this announcement has not been met with enthusiasm; instead, it has ignited a wave of backlash across the internet and the gaming community.

Many gamers are expressing their concerns about the implications of this shift. The sentiment is clear: the move to digital-only gaming is seen by many as a step away from consumer choice and a potential gateway to higher prices. Critics are voicing fears that without physical media, players may face dynamic pricing models that could inflate costs over time. The idea of losing the option to buy or sell used games is also a significant point of contention, as it limits the flexibility that physical media offers.

The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly negative, with users describing the decision as "anti-consumer." Gamers are worried about the long-term effects on the industry, including the potential for increased prices and the loss of ownership that comes with digital downloads. The community is rallying around the idea that physical media provides a sense of security and permanence that digital formats cannot replicate.

As discussions continue, it's clear that this announcement has struck a chord with many, raising important questions about the future of gaming and consumer rights in an increasingly digital world.

Control: Ultimate Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dragon Age Inquisition (PC) and more FREE via Amazon Prime Gaming

From November 1st you will be able to claim and keep Control: Ultimate Edition, Rise of the Tomb Raider, Dragon Age Inquisition (PC) and more via Amazon Prime Gaming.

Once claimed, these games will be yours to keep forever - regardless of your Amazon Prime membership status. Offer will expire on November 30th.




Prime Gaming is offering 9 new titles for members starting November 1:

Control Ultimate Edition – Developed by Remedy Entertainment, the main game and previously released expansions, including "The Foundation" and "Awe" are available in one great value package.

Rise of the Tomb Raider – Embark on an adventure into Siberia as Lara Croft in search for the legendary city of Kitezh while battling the paramilitary organization Trinity, which intends to uncover the city's promise of immortality.

Dragon Age Inquisition – Players can become the hero as they are tasked with making important decisions that shape the future of Thedas. With constant wars and demonic invasions, champions must band together to lead the land of strife to victory… or fall.

Rogue Heroes – Team up with friends to combat procedural dungeons and explore the expansive overworld full of secrets to take down the Titans and save the once peaceful land of Tasos in this 1-4 player classic adventure game with modern rogue-lite elements.

Liberated – Ignite the revolution as players lock, load, and get ready for a new kind of action adventure! Uncover a cyberpunk conspiracy against human rights in the rain-soaked city inside a paperback comic.

Puzzle Agent 2 – In this sequel to the award-winning Puzzle Agent, Agent Nelson Tethers just solved the biggest case of his career. Worried that the case will languish forever unsolved, Tethers ventures back to the eerie town of Scoggins, MN to solve the mystery of "the Hidden People" once and for all.

Demon Hunter 2: New Chapter – In the sequel to Demon Hunter: Chronicles from Beyond, Dawn challenges players to face puzzles and mini games which reveal secrets that threaten to shake the core of her very existence.

BAFL – Brakes Are For Losers – Challenge friends, pick a funky car and outrun competitors with fierce driving skills and dirty tricks in the game that emanates pure arcade fun.

Secret Files: Sam Peters – Discover the truth about the Asanbosam, a mysterious creature that lurks behind the trees in Bosumtwi, a mysterious crater lake in Africa. Join journalist Sam Peters as she searches for answers behind the legends of the Ashanti people in Ghana.