Windows 11 Will Launch For Free To Compatible PCs Starting October 5

As time has gone on, Microsoft has shifted its gaming focus from just Xbox home consoles to more subscription-based services with its crown jewel being Xbox Game Pass. With that shift, it also means that they've largely been more open with alternative platforms, especially with bringing their first party titles to PC. Now, a new development has come for the PC side of things with Windows 11.

Windows 11 was announced earlier this year. While gaming isn't the sole focus, obviously, it was boasted as the 'best ever' Windows OS for gaming. The OS will include things similar aspects of the current Xbox systems (the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S), such as DirectX12 Ultimate, DirectStorage and Auto HDR for improved gaming experiences. It will, of course, also have full access to Xbox Game Pass PC via the Microsoft Store, which is said to also get a redesign. You can read more comprehensive details, such as the non-gaming related upgrades, via the official blog through here.

Windows 11 will launch as a free upgrade to all compatible PCs starting on October 5th.

Rise Of The Tomb Raider Xbox Exclusivity Said To Be Have Been Worth $100 Million

For now, it seems Square is going to let Lara Croft have a bit of a rest after a reboot trilogy with some hints that something will happen in the future to unify the past and present of the series. Overall, the reboot titles (Tomb Raider, Rise of the Tomb Raider, and Shadow of the Tomb Raider) were well-received even if older fans had a lot of issues with them. However, you may remember that the second game in that trilogy took an odd detour as it was exclusive for roughly one year to Xbox platforms despite the first game being multiplatform and the series as a whole being strongly associated with the PlayStation brand. It also seems we could now know how much that cost.

According to a resume posted on LinkIn, former Director of Live Product Management at Eidos-Montréal and Business Development Director at Square Enix Fabien Rossini, posted that they had helped negotiate the deal that was worth $100 million. As you can see here, that text has since been edited out of their profile, but thanks to Twitter user Timur222, we can see where it was said below.

This isn't an official statement, obviously, and most likely there will never be one since terms of these types of deals are generally kept secret in the industry unless there is a lawsuit involved, and Rossini editing out the line could be an indication that maybe what was said was an embellishment. However, if the deal in question included things like marketing and any development costs, it probably isn't unbelievable.

Rise of the Tomb Raider launched originally in 2015 for Xbox One and Xbox 360, then PC a few months later, and the PS4 almost a year later. It is also available as part of the Definitive Survivor Collection that collects all three reboot titles.

Hitman 3 – Season of Gluttony Roadmap Trailer Details Upcoming Content

Hitman 3 recently wrapped up its fourth season of post-launch content, Season of Lust, and Season of Gluttony has now kicked off, adding new cosmetics and items, Elusive Targets, and more. IO Interactive has released a roadmap trailer detailing the new stuff coming to Hitman 3 in its fifth season.

New items include a new suit, a new shotgun, a new bubble gum pack. Two Elusive Targets, known as The Procurers, will be available in Dartmoor from September 3 to September 23. Another Elusive Target will be The Food Critic in Bangkok from September 7 to September 27. This one will also unlock the casual suit with gloves outfit.

Speaking of Bangkok, that's the new free location in rotation for this season, and will be live from September 9 to September 19. Finally, there will also be new featured contracts. Check out the trailer below more details.

Hitman 3 is available on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia, and as a cloud-exclusive release on Nintendo Switch.

Ghostrunner Update Adds Wave Mode, Assist Mode, and New Cosmetics

Ghostrunner's seen some pretty solid post-launch support, getting new content even earlier this year. Now, it's received another update that adds plenty of interesting stuff.

The big new addition is the Wave Mode, which is a rogue-lite experience that will see you playing against 20 waves of enemies, each harder than the last, with procedural generation of enemies and environments. If you do it, you get an exclusive new sword.

There's also a new Assist Mode, which will give players the option to toggle on some boosts, such as having an extra life, shorter ability cooldowns, and slower enemies. Finally, there's also the Neon Pack DLC, which adds new cosmetic items to the game, including katanas and gloves.

Ghostrunner is available on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC. It will be launching for PS5 and Xbox Series X/S on September 28.

Earlier this year, the Ghostrunner IP was acquired by the first game's co-publisher (now full publisher) 505 Games. A sequel is currently in development.

Diablo 2: Resurrected Trailer Showcases the Sorceress

Following its showcase of the Barbarian class, Blizzard Entertainment's Diablo 2: Resurrected has received a new trailer focusing on the Sorceress. As one commands the elements, the Sorceress is your go-to choice for causing wide-spread magical damage. Check out her gameplay below.

The Sorceress's skills are divided into three categories – Ice, Lightning and Fire. She can cast Frozen Armor for a defense bonus and to freeze any attackers or cast spells like Frozen Orb, Fire Ball and Lightning to decimate foes. Of course, if you want to get around the map quickly, then Teleport also comes in mighty handy. While she can't tank heaps of damage, the Sorceress can perform well in medium to long range engagements.

Diablo 2: Resurrected is out on September 23rd for Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, PC, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. For more details, check out our feature here. Stay tuned for trailers detailing the other classes in the coming days.

Dead Space Remake Features New Dismemberment System, Revamped Zero-G Sections

Motive Studios' Dead Space remake received some new details and comparison shots in a recent Twitch stream. Despite being from an early pre-production build, the improvements are very noticeable. It's not all about better visuals though – the developer also confirmed some enhancements to the gameplay, like the dismemberment system.

As noted by Nibel on Twitter, the remake uses a completely new body damage system. Flesh can now be removed from enemies, which indicates their overall vitality, and certain weapons will react differently. While some are better at chunking away the flesh, others are more suited to dismembering body parts. Enemies also have new damage models with each part reacting accordingly.

The Zero-G Therapy Room received an early look as well but the overall system is being overhauled. Players will have the 360 degrees freedom of movement and thrusters from Dead Space 2. New environments and paths with new challenges are also being promised. And if all that wasn't enough, Gunner Wright is returning to voice Isaac Clarke.

Dead Space is in development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC. It's rumored to be targeting a release in Fall 2022.

Dead Space Remake – Early Pre-Production Shots Showcase Hefty Visual Improvements

Motive Studios has showcased new images and additional details for its upcoming Dead Space remake via its recent Twitch stream, with the goal of receiving early feedback from the community. Many of these images were captured by Nibel on Twitter and showcase how the remake is staying true to the environmental layouts of the original but adding more details. Check it out below.

All of these images are from an early pre-production development build but the visuals are already looking like a big step up. A comparison between a hallway from the original game and in the remake reveals more objects, enhanced lighting and shadows, and improved textures. Even protagonist Isaac Clarke is looking more vibrant.

The Dead Space remake is currently in development for Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC with a rumored Fall 2022 release. It will leverage current-gen consoles to deliver 3D audio and no loading screens. Also, despite the direction that Dead Space 3 went in, there won't be any microtransactions. Stay tuned for more details from the livestream shortly.

Far Cry 6 – Xbox Series X Gameplay Showcases Resolver Weapons, Parachuting and Fangs for Hire

Ubisoft has debuted some new gameplay footage for Far Cry 6, offering a look at the Xbox Series X version. It sees Dani Rojas starting out by exploring Yara's El Este region and infiltrating a camp, which eventually devolves into wide-spread chaos and gunfights. Check it out below.

There's quite a bit to unpack, like how Antón Castillo sprays plants in the region with a specific chemical that makes them highly flammable, or parachuting onto a cargo ship to rescue prisoners. The signature wingsuit returns and even the Fangs for Hire, including the perpetually angry Chicaharrón the rooster, are showcased. Co-op is supported for the entire game and while the host player keeps story progress, the guest player will retain their individual progress like resources gathered.

Interestingly, narrative director Navid Khavari said he believes that cross-platform play is possible (though further clarification is needed). Extensive HUD customization is also included, from disabling the mini-map to turning off the health bars. Far Cry 6 is out on October 7th for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PS4, PS5, PC and Google Stadia. For more details on the game based on the opening few hours, check out our top 10 reasons to be excited here.

Metal Gear Solid 5's PS3 and Xbox 360 Servers Are Being Shut Down

A recent post on Konami's official website states that Metal Gear Solid 5's online servers for PS3 and Xbox 360 will be shut down early next year. In the post, Konami details the phases in which Metal Gear Online support will be dropped eventually.

Following November 30, DLC for online game modes wouldn't be available to purchase. Then, on March 1, 2022 – the game will not be available to purchase for these platforms on their respective storefronts. Finally, on May 1, 2022 – the game will no longer have any active servers.

Players can still enjoy the game's single-player offerings even after the shutting down of servers. Of course, players on PS4, Xbox One, and PC can still enjoy the game's online offerings for quite some time. Rockstar recently announced that support for GTA Online on PS3 and Xbox 360 would be dropping soon. The future of Metal Gear Solid on the other hand looks bleak, albeit with a healthy supply of rumors suggesting something might be in the works – read more on that through here.

Cyberpunk 2077 Developer Hires Modders To Work On The Game

A recent announcement post on the Cyberpunk 2077 modding community discord channel reveals that modders Hambalko Bence, Blumster, Kote Akos, and rfuzzo will be joining CD Projekt Red. In the post,  Bence mentions that the modders will be joining CDPR under the company Yigsoft – which was co-founded by Bence herself. 

This team of modders are the brains behind Wolvenkit, which is an incredibly popular modding tool for The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Cyberpunk 2077. The modders in the post will be working on Cyberpunk 2077's backend and the "game's modding support." 

Of course, it remains to be seen what kind of updates the team will be working on – but this move seems to solidify CD Projekt Red's stance on fixing Cyberpunk 2077. The game launched in December last year, with a litanny of bugs, glitches, and performance issues on last-gen console hardware – which stirred a flurry of controversies surrounding the game. 

Creators of Wolvenkit, modding tools for Witcher 3 and Cyberpunk 2077, are joining CDPR from cyberpunkgame
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