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PC Gaming | Xbox app on PC experience updates We just updated the Xbox app on PC with new features, faster performance, and celebrations for upcoming games. There are also improvements to game details page load times so you can get to the install button even faster, in addition to new fonts, button styles, and animations across the app. You’ll also see updates for your Library and Installation queue, including filters for Installed, Owned, and In Game Pass, so that you can quickly find your favorite games. Other updates to the Xbox app on PC include a collapsible Play Later list, while the Installation queue now has a consolidated settings menu to make it even easier to manage your preferred installation drive, automatic updates, and more. The game launch countdown is back so you can track a game’s release to the minute – no more guessing! You can find the countdown on a game’s details page before it releases. Are you ready to jump into Starfield? The Xbox app’s launch screen has a new Starfield-inspired key art to celebrate Bethesda’s first new universe in 25 years.

PlayStation has announced the next line-up of free games for September, and subtly announced a cheeky subscription price hike… This was announced via PlayStation’s official social media channels, which linked back to a blogpost detailing the update. The blog read: “We also wanted to let you know that starting September 6 we will be increasing the price for PlayStation Plus 12-month subscriptions globally across all benefit plans. This price adjustment will enable us to continue bringing high-quality games and value-added benefits to your PlayStation Plus subscription service. “ The new prices are as follows: USD EURO GBP YEN Essential 12-Month Subscription 79.99 71,99 59.99 6,800 Extra 12-Month Subscription 134.99 125,99 99.99 11,700 Premium 12-Month Subscription 159.99 151,99 119.99 13,900 That’s quite the difference in price, and PlayStation didn’t allude to any bonus features coming to the subscription service to compensate for the increase. A discount will remain for those who purchase 12 months of a tier as opposed to those who choose monthly payments. It also said those who are currently subscribed to a 12-month subscription will see no “effect until your next renewal date that occurs on or after November 6.”

Microsoft will close its Xbox 360 digital store next July, though anything purchased will still be accessible. On 29th July 2024, Xbox 360 users will no longer be able to purchase new games, DLC, or other entertainment content from either the console store or the web-based marketplace. In addition, the Microsoft Movies & TV app on the Xbox 360 will no longer function. Of course, the store will continue as normal until that date next July. After that time, any games purchased will still remain playable and deleted purchases can still be re-downloaded. Online multiplayer will also remain accessible for games already purchased (digitally or physically), as long as the publisher supports the servers. Further, users will still be able to play Xbox 360 games on Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S consoles via backward compatibility, and hundreds of games will remain available to purchase on those consoles. "A lot has changed since the Xbox 360 launched in 2005. Technology has evolved, expectations from players have shifted, and we are focused on making Xbox Series X/S the best place to play now and in the future," reads an Xbox blog post about the update. "What has not changed is our commitment to preserving your ability to play the content you have already purchased on your preferred device, which means we are committed to supporting Xbox 360 gameplay for the foreseeable future - and you will still be able to play and re-download previously purchased content and connect with friends." This coming November marks 18 years since the Xbox 360 first launched alongside the likes of Call of Duty 2, Kameo: Elements of Power, Perfect Dark Zero, and Project Gotham Racing 3. The console was later home to games like Gear of War, Mass Effect, BioShock, Halo 3, Fable 2, and plenty more.

This thread is for the general discussion of the Playstation News PlayStation 5 Cloud Game Streaming. Please add to the discussion here.

Here's some of the highlights from the update New Accessibility Features Use a Second Controller for Assistance. You can now assign a second controller to one account as an assist controller, and use two controllers to operate your PS5 console as if you were using a single controller. This feature introduces a new way for you to enjoy games collaboratively with others or help a friend or child navigate a particularly challenging section of a game. To use an assist controller, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers] > [Use Second Controller for Assistance], and then turn on [Use Assist Controller]. You can use an assist controller when your main controller is a DualSense or DualSense Edge wireless controller, or a PS5-supported third-party controller.** System UI Haptic Feedback. You now have the option to turn on haptic feedback effects while navigating your PS5 with your DualSense controller, DualSense Edge controller, or PS VR2 Sense controller. When enabled, system sound effects for certain events will also be reflected physically through haptics, such as moving focus, reaching the end limit of a scrollable section, checking a box, or when you receive a notification or boot up a game. This optional feature enhances immersion and is particularly useful for players with some level of sight or hearing disability, who appreciate the additional feedback on their inputs. To turn on this feature, go to [Settings] > [Accessibility] > [Controllers], and then turn on [Haptic Feedback During Console Navigation]. Support for compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled audio devices 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be enjoyed by those who own compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices such as soundbars, TVs or home theater systems. Tempest 3D AudioTech specifically renders to the Dolby Atmos audio devices in use – including overhead channels – allowing for even greater levels of immersion in the audioscapes of PS5 games. *** To turn on Dolby Atmos, go to [Settings] > [Sound] > [Audio Output] > [Audio Format (Priority)], and then select [Dolby Atmos]. Social feature enhancements Party UI update. You can now invite a player into a closed party without automatically adding the player into the group or creating a new group. Additionally, players can now send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of only individual players. Share Screen Preview. When someone’s sharing their screen in a party that you can join, you’ll now see a preview image of their Share Screen, even before you enter the party. Join friends’ game sessions easily. You can now easily see which of your friends are in an activity you can join under the [Friends] tab. The Joinable icon will be displayed next to friends who are playing a game you can join. You can join a friend’s game directly by pressing the options button and selecting [Join Game], or by selecting the ”Join” button on their profile card. Game Hub tournaments tile. In the game hub, you can now see how many tournaments you’ve entered and the highest place you’ve achieved, as well as the start time for the next tournament. You can select the tile to see the full tournament list. React to messages with emojis. You can now add reactions to messages with emojis, which makes communicating with friends quicker and easier. Ease-of-use features Search for games in your library. You can now search for games within your game library. Game Help improvements. Game Help cards have been improved.**** In addition to in-progress activities, you can now see available, previously available, upcoming, and completed activities. When a card is selected, its details are now displayed on the right side of the card, making it easier to find objectives and their corresponding hints. Discover new features. Browse useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features in the new Discover Tips section. Go to [Settings] > [Guide & Tips, Health & Safety, and Other Information] > [Guide and Tips], and then select [Discover Tips] to view all the tips. Mute PS5 beep sound. You can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5’s beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode. Go to [Settings] > [System] > [Beep Sound]. To adjust the beep sound volume, select [Volume]. To mute the beep sound, turn on [Mute Beep Sound]. Support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs You can now use an M.2 SSD with a maximum capacity of 8TB (up from the previous 4TB limit) to expand storage space on your PS5 console. Important: M.2 SSDs must meet the requirements outlined on this page. Please read the page linked above carefully before purchasing any M.2 SSDs for use with your PS5. We always appreciate hearing your feedback as we continue our journey to enhance the PS5 user experience. Please let us know what you think in the comments section below! *PS5 beta access will be available to selected participants in the U.S., Canada, Japan, U.K., Germany and France (same countries as our last system software beta). **A DualSense Edge wireless controller cannot be used as an assist controller. Some of the DualSense features, such as motion sensor, haptic feedback and adaptive triggers, will be automatically turned off when the controller is being used as an assist controller. ***Media app providers can update their apps on PS5 to support Dolby Atmos audio, giving users another way to experience immersive audio in movies, TV shows, and more in the future (these app updates are not currently supported in the PS5 beta.) ****A PlayStation Plus subscription is required to use Game Help.

The Steam Sports Fest is officially underway. This event just kicked off and offers tons of sports and sports-adjacent games with sales and demos. The Steam Sports Fest runs from right now through to May 22. This little event encompasses all sorts of sports. You've got your traditional games like basketball, football (both kinds!), baseball, golf, boxing, maybe even some hockey and more. Then you have your less conventional sports titles like table tennis, extreme snowboarding, parkour, and cricket. Yes, even that mysterious sport of cricket is included in the Steam Sports Fest. It seems as though this Steam Sports Fest includes everything remotely sports related except for racing. Racing games had their own Steam Fest. Valve put together a cheeky trailer for the Steam Sports Fest, which you can see right now.

I think the issue is more about people who are emotionally susceptible to certain psychological disorders that predispose them to be more violent. Basically, some people have the inability to separate the two, for the regular mentally healthy person I don’t think video games create violence. But I don’t think it’s entirely impossible that certain people could support their violent tendencies with violent video games.

In an official joint statement from the ESA and new event organisers for 2023, ReedPop, E3 “did not garner the sustained interest necessary to execute it in a way that would showcase the size, strength, and impact of our industry.” Kyle Marsden-Kish, Global VP of Gaming for ReedPop, shared that, “This was a difficult decision because of all the effort we and our partners put toward making this event happen, but we had to do what’s right for the industry and what’s right for E3.” “We appreciate and understand that interested companies wouldn’t have playable demos ready and that resourcing challenges made being at E3 this summer an obstacle they couldn’t overcome. For those who did commit to E3 2023, we’re sorry we can’t put on the showcase you deserve and that you’ve come to expect from ReedPop’s event experiences,” they conclude. Unfortunately, over the past few weeks, a series of publishers announced they would not be attending the event. This includes Nintendo, Sony, and Microsoft, with Ubisoft, Sega, and Tencent more recently announcing the companies would not be attending. E3 2023 was set to be the first in-person E3 event in four years. After COVID took its toll globally, the event was cancelled in 2020, with a digital-only event being hosted online in 2021. The 2022 event was also cancelled, with it being announced in July 2022 that E3 would be opening its doors again, for in-person interactions and showcases, in 2023. ReedPop and the ESA has said that it will, “continue to work together on future E3 events.”

The next Xbox Showcase is happening later this month. The event will be called ‘Xbox Developer Direct’ and will focus on and include deep dives into Redfall, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and new content from ZeniMax Online Studios. According to the report, the Xbox Developer Direct will take place on January 25 at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET / 8 pm GMT on Xbox’s Twitch and YouTube channels. It’s not a full-blown E3-scale type of show but will be a more intimate look at some of the upcoming exclusives. Nothing official has been announced yet but an announcement may come later this week. This comes after Aaron Greenburg, VP, Xbox Games Marketing tweeted out “This should be a fun week, excited for the days to progress!” Greenburg talked about Xbox’s plans for 2023 after the criticism of Xbox’s lack of appearance at The Game Awards 2022. Greenburg told fans “we have a lot planned to show and share about an incredibly exciting year ahead for 2023. Appreciate folks are eager to learn and see more. Timing is always key, but don’t worry you will not have to wait too long for what’s next from us.” Redfall was going to release last year alongside Starfield but both were delayed to 2023. Redfall is reportedly coming out in early May. Forza Motorsport is coming this spring. Minecraft Legends is also coming out sometime in 2023. The report says that Starfield will not be featured at the event because a dedicated showing may happen leading up to its release. Starfield is expected to launch within the first half of 2023. The report says that this new event, the Developer Direct is a new initiative from Microsoft and Xbox to offer information on upcoming games more frequently, outside of the major gaming events like E3 and The Game Awards

Google has announced that its game streaming platform will be winding down. Here's the full statement from Phil Harrison's blog post: At least all game and DLC purchases made through the Stadia Store and all hardware purchased in the Google Store will be refunded to customers.

Valve has listed its Steam sale dates for their autumn, winter, and spring sales. Previously, we had Lunar New Year celebrations on Steam which are now being replaced with a spring sale. Without further ado, here are the dates you can expect your wishlist, and plenty of other games, to be much cheaper. The autumn sale will start on Steam on November 22, running for a week until November 29. The winter sale will run from December 22 to January 5. As for the all-new spring sale, this one will start on March 16 and run until March 23. In a blog post regarding the changes to Steam’s four seasonal sales, Valve says that the spring sale is replacing the Lunar New Year sale because “over the years we've received feedback that Lunar New Year was often much too close to the December holiday sale period.” Valve also believes that some publishers will still opt to discount games around the Lunar New Year, but “we suspect customers will be better served by a little bit more time between the big Steam-wide seasonal sales.”

Ubisoft’s digital showcase Ubisoft Forward airs on September 10th and promises tons of new details on current and upcoming titles. A new trailer has been released that confirms updates on games like Skull and Bones and Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Check it out below. A special Assassin’s Creed showcase to reveal the "future of the franchise" is also promised. Assassin’s Creed Mirage, confirmed as the next game in the series after numerous leaks, will be present. It’s reportedly releasing in Spring and brings back the crowd density seen in Assassin’s Creed Unity. The gameplay also allegedly includes various stealth-focused mechanics like throwing knives, hiding spots on rooftops, and slow-mo assassinations. In addition to the main show is a pre-show with updates on new content coming to titles like Brawhalla, For Honor, Anno 1800 and The Crew 2.

Sony has provided some additional information on its PlayStation VR2 headset by detailing the new see-through feature and broadcasting option. According to Sony, with PS VR2 you can see your surroundings while wearing the headset due to the new see-through feature. This feature allows you to check where the Sense controllers are without taking the headset off. This is accomplished thanks to the embedded front cameras. To use the see-through feature, you can press the function button on the headset or use the Card in the Control Center to switch between viewing your surroundings, or viewing content on the headset. The Card in the Control Center also gives quick access to other settings, such as adjusting the play area. There's also a broadcasting feature for PS VR2. It allows you to film yourself while playing when you connect a PS5 HD Camera to the console. You can also set up a customized Play Area using the Sense controllers and the embedded cameras. The cameras allow you to scan the room, while the Sense controllers allow you to expand and customize the play area further. While playing, if you get close to the boundary you've set up, you will be altered by a notification. You can modify your settings any time while PS VR2 is connected, and unless you move to a different play area, your settings will be saved. There's also a VR Mode and Cinematic Mode from which to choose from. In VR Mode, content can be experienced in a 360 view in a virtual environment and displayed in 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with a 90Hz/120Hz frame rate. Cinematic Mode allows you to view the PS5 system and UI and all non-VR game and media content on a virtual cinema screen. Content in Cinematic Mode will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rate. Sony said that PS VR2 game developers would soon be able to access these new features in an upcoming system software release. The company also promised it would share more information soon on PS VR2, including a launch date and additional games coming to the platform.

Sony has announced that PlayStation Plus will soon be getting over 50 free games from Ubisoft in the coming months. Just a few weeks back, the new revision of PS Plus finally kicked in, which means that more games across both PS4 and PS5 are available to those subscribed to the Premium and Extra tiers of the service. And prior to the end of 2020, subscribers to those versions of PS Plus will be getting a massive influx of Ubisoft titles. Outlined in a new post on the PlayStation Blog, Ubisoft detailed that it's planning to add even more games to its Ubisoft + Classics service down the road. Currently, this service is one that is also available to PS Plus Premium and Extra members and it features 27 games in total. By the end of 2022, though, Ubisoft has made clear that over 50 games will be available, although we don't yet know what all of them will be. "Ubisoft+ Classics initially launched with 27 Ubisoft titles, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla, The Division, and For Honor, as well as classic games like Child of Light, Far Cry 3 Blood Dragon, Watch Dogs, and Werewolves Within, with plans to expand the library to include over 50 titles by the end of 2022.," Ubisoft said of its plans to grow this service. In the coming week, Ubisoft confirmed that it would begin expanding Ubisoft+ Classics even further with the addition of some beloved Assassin's Creed titles. On Tuesday, July 19th, PS Plus subscribers will gain access to Assassin's Creed: The Ezio Collection, Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag, Assassin's Creed Unity, and Assassin's Creed Rogue Remastered. In total, this lineup contains seven games (if you include the Freedom Cry DLC for Black Flag), which is quite an impressive way to bolster PS Plus that much more in the near future.