Xbox Game Pass is coming to PC
Starting today, PC master racers are invited to participate in an open-beta for Microsoft's own games-on-demand subscription service, starting at $10 per month. There is also a premium version called "Xbox Game Pass Ultimate", which grants access to the service on both PC and Console, as well as an included Xbox Live Gold subscription.
This fits with Microsoft's rumored plans to expand beyond their own console, with the most recent buzz alleging a potential partnership with Nintendo to bring Xbox Game Pass to the Switch. This would be an interesting shift in strategy for an industry known for exclusivity, and would come as a bit of a shock to see them actually put the player first. If this is indeed the first step in Microsoft's plans to corner the game-on-demand market, then it would certainly be one that earns them some good will in the process.
Keanu Reeves
Do you remember CD Project Red's cyberpunk game that's been in development for what feels like (and could have actually been) a decade? It wasn't really on my radar until today, but then the first cinematic trailer revealed that the protagonist teams up with none other than Neo himself to do whatever it is that is happening in Cyberpunk 2077. As a truly remarkable added bonus, Mr. Reeves took the stage after the trailer to talk about it - however the audience didn't really let him get much out in the way of details because they were so busy cheering for his dumb, beautiful face.
We're finally getting a proper Dragon Ball Z RPG
One of my favorite games from the Gameboy Advance era was Dragon Ball Z: Legacy of Goku, which at that point was the only action RPG DBZ game to get a western release. I found it to be exceptionally difficult and I was never able to beat the first boss (I believe it was Raditz if I remember correctly). Personal ineptitude aside, I thoroughly appreciated the concept and have low-key been hoping for a 3D, fully-realized successor. Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot may just be that.
Microsoft's acquisition of Double Fine Studios
Maybe I'm just being cynical, but this news came as a bit of a disappointment to me. While I'm sure Tim Schaffer and company will ultimately benefit from Microsoft's mass wealth of resources, it still feels like the end of an era. Double Fine has always been a shining example for what independent studios can achieve, and showed us that there is a place for smaller, artistically-driven studios amongst the giants.
Gears of War 5
Believe it or not, there was once a time when Epic Games wasn't ubiquitous with Fortnite and Gears of War announcements were met with excitement and anticipation - my how times can change. Fast forward several years and the once celebrated Gears of War franchise is now wholly owned by Microsoft, with first-party studio The Coalition at the helm. It's been a rocky road for Gears since then, with a poorly received sequel and a short-lived remaster being the only entries since Microsoft's acquisition.
Earlier today, we got some details about the next entry in the Gears of War franchise, and it's become abundantly apparent that the series has lost its way. Aside from experiencing a drastic tonal shift, replacing the hopeless grit that permeated throughout the original trilogy with a bro-culture infused layer of Dorito dust. As if I needed any more reason to be distrusting of the Microsoft's vision for the series, there is also going to be some Terminator-themed DLC. Yikes dude.
