Uncrowned Guard

Overview of the 2024 Challengers Season

The Call of Duty League has finally unveiled the format for the 2024 Challengers season, much to the anticipation of players and fans. This revelation comes over a month after the commencement of the 2024 Call of Duty League season. The Challengers division, known as an amateur league, serves as a critical stepping stone for players aspiring to join the professional ranks within the Call of Duty League (CDL). Renowned players like Sib, Pred, and Nero have emerged from this division, highlighting its importance in nurturing talent for the 12 elite CDL teams.

Changes in the Challengers Open Tournaments

The 2024 season brings a significant change in the format, especially concerning the Challengers Open tournaments. Unlike the previous year, where four out of five CDL Major tournaments hosted a Challengers Open, the 2024 season will feature only two Opens. These will be held at Major I in Boston and Major III in Toronto. This reduction means that there will be no Open tournaments at the Major IV event in Carolina or Major II in Miami. This change has been met with mixed reactions from the community, who had grown accustomed to the more frequent Open events of previous seasons.

Qualification for the Challengers Finals

The climax of the season, the Challengers Finals, will showcase the top 16 amateur teams globally. Teams can qualify for the Finals through two primary methods: the Regional Leaderboard and the Last Chance Qualifier. The Regional Leaderboard will account for 10 of these teams, distributed as 4 from North America (NA), 4 from Europe (EU), 1 from Asia-Pacific (APAC), and 1 from Latin America (LATAM). The remaining 6 teams will earn their spots through the Last Chance Qualifier, divided as 2 from NA, 2 from EU, 1 from APAC, and 1 from LATAM. This structure ensures a diverse representation from various regions, keeping the competition fierce and globally inclusive. 

The new format for the Challengers season in the Call of Duty League marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape, offering fresh challenges and opportunities for upcoming talent in the esport. Fans and players alike are now looking forward to seeing how these changes will play out in the 2024 season.

View full article

Cancellation of Long-Anticipated Halo Battle Royale

The gaming community has been abuzz with reports suggesting the cancellation of the much-anticipated Halo battle royale game, a project developed by Certain Affinity in collaboration with the Halo series' mainstay, 343 Industries. The project, codenamed 'Project Tatanka', has reportedly been in development for over two years, engaging nearly a hundred professionals in its creation. This news comes from a reliable source on the XboxEra podcast, Shpeshal_Nick, who indicated that the project might have been shelved.

Certain Affinity's Involvement and Project Evolution

Certain Affinity, known for its co-development efforts on the Halo series, had previously hinted at its deepening involvement with Halo's core development team, 343 Industries. The company expressed its commitment to evolving Halo Infinite in novel and exciting ways. While Microsoft never officially announced the project, Certain Affinity had openly discussed it, suggesting a significant investment in time and resources.

Uncertain Future and Shifting Focus

The future of the project took a turn as detailed in a Bloomberg report discussing the trajectory of 343 Industries. The report suggested that while 'Project Tatanka' began as a battle royale concept, there were indications it might shift focus and evolve in different directions. This development hinted at a possible transformation in the project's scope and objectives before the recent reports of its cancellation emerged.

The news of the Halo battle royale project's reported cancellation marks a significant moment in the Halo series' ongoing narrative, reflecting the dynamic and often unpredictable nature of video game development. Fans of the franchise are left to speculate on the future directions the series might take and the innovative projects that may yet emerge from the collaboration of Certain Affinity and 343 Industries.

View full article

On 1/11/2024 at 1:59 AM, Demon_skeith said:

 

I would say the first issue, is getting good enough internet to rural areas and then most likely doubling bandwidth so it can withstand it all.

Sadly, there have been massive lumps of money thrown at companies to provide better rural access and even more offered if they succeed and so far they all drop the ball horribly.  You'd think building out a network would be a money issue, but it seems the underlying issues are much worse than many people believe.  Hopefully, they will figure it out one day and hopefully, that doesn't require any level of state-owned ISPs.

Ya, a lot of America can't handle it and most mobile carriers have little offer in terms of cell data for handheld gaming devices.  I can't imagine that really any nation is truly equipped and prepared for cloud gaming. Sure, some are better with their ISPs and home internet solutions than the US, but for me, cloud gaming's prime is on the go, and mobile networks and not prepared at all.

Phantom Liberty's Impressive Sales

The gaming world has witnessed a remarkable achievement as CD Projekt Red, the developers behind Cyberpunk 2077, announced that their latest expansion, Phantom Liberty, has reached a sales milestone of over five million copies. This significant achievement was shared in a post by the developers, who expressed gratitude to the players for their unwavering support. Phantom Liberty, which was released on September 26, achieved this impressive sales figure in just over three months, demonstrating its popularity and appeal among gamers.

Rapid Success and Contributing Factors

Phantom Liberty's journey to success was swift, with the expansion surpassing three million sales within its first week of release. Several factors played a role in this rapid accomplishment, including the holiday period and the launch of Cyberpunk 2077: Ultimate Edition. The expansion's strong reception by fans and critics alike, coupled with these strategic releases, significantly boosted its popularity and sales.

Game Updates and Cultural References

Leading up to the launch of Phantom Liberty, Cyberpunk 2077 underwent significant updates that greatly enhanced the gaming experience. The notable Update 2.0 introduced a revamped perk system, improved AI, and other enhancements that laid the groundwork for Phantom Liberty. This update also included intriguing cultural references, such as a nod to Elon Musk, a tribute to the late racing icon Ken Block, and additions to one of the game's most enigmatic mysteries. This combination of updates and engaging content has solidified Phantom Liberty as a pivotal moment in the game's ongoing evolution.

View full article

Upcoming Release of MW3 Team Packs

Call of Duty enthusiasts are in for a treat as the release date for the MW3 Call of Duty League Team Packs draws near. These packs, eagerly awaited by fans, should launch on January 8, 2024. Each pack will allow players to don the Operator skins of their preferred Call of Duty League (CDL) teams in both MW3 and Warzone. The CDL, which showcases the world's top Call of Duty players, began its 2024 season in early December with an exciting mix of online and LAN events. These Team Packs, developed in collaboration with Activision, represent a yearly tradition, giving fans a way to show support for their favorite teams in the game.

Pack Contents and Team Pride

Leaked details from CharlieIntel reveal that each Team Pack will include a range of items such as two Operators, weapon camo, a player card, a weapon charm, and a weapon sticker, all themed with the colors of the selected CDL team. This customization allows fans to display their team allegiance in a visually striking way.

Countdown to MW3 Ranked Play

Set to launch on January 17, 2024, the MW3 Ranked Play will coincide with the Season 1 Reloaded mid-season update. This eagerly anticipated competitive playlist comes nearly three months into the game's lifecycle, adding a new dimension to the MW3 experience. With the CDL Team Packs launching just a week prior, players will have the perfect opportunity to showcase their team spirit in the competitive arena.

Maps and Modes in MW3 Ranked Play

MW3 Ranked Play will feature popular modes such as Hardpoint, Search & Destroy, and Control, all under the CDL ruleset. This gives players the chance to gauge their skills against the broader Call of Duty community, including professional players. The maps for each mode have been announced, offering a diverse range of environments for competitive play. Fans can look forward to playing on maps like Invasion, Karachi, Skidrow, Sub Base, Terminal, and Highrise.

As the community awaits these exciting developments, they can also enjoy the ongoing CDL Major 1 Qualifiers, continuing on January 12. This period is shaping up to be a thrilling time for Call of Duty players, with new content and competitive opportunities on the horizon.

View full article

Introduction

In Starfield, managing resources and crew is vital for efficient exploration and mining operations. This guide details how to assign crew members to outposts for resource collection, thereby optimizing your space journey.

The Importance of Crew Assignment

Assigning crew members to outposts is crucial for:

• Efficient resource collection on a large scale.
• Freeing up space on your spaceship for combat-oriented crew members.
• Streamlining your resource management in the vast universe of "Starfield."

How To Assign Crew Members To Outposts

Assigning crew members involves several steps:

Step 1: Build an Outpost with a Crew Station

• Construct an outpost on a chosen planet or moon.
• Essential for the crew station: 5 Aluminum, 3 Nickel, 2 Iron.

Step 2: Access the Starship Menu

• Press TAB to open the Starship Menu.
• Alternatively, press H directly.

Step 3: Open the Crew Interface

• Within the Starship Menu, press C to open the Crew interface.

Step 4: Select a Crew Member

• Click on the desired crew member to bring up the Assign Crew Menu.

Step 5: Assign the Crew Member

• Assign your crew by selecting their name from the list of recruited companions.

Step 6: Confirm Assignment

• The crew member will now patrol the outpost until reassigned.

How To Create A Crew Station

A Crew Station is mandatory for assigning crew to outposts:

Step 1: Access the Outpost Builder UI

• Open the scanner (F) and enter the Outpost builder UI (R).

Step 2: Enter Build Mode

• Press TAB to enter Build Mode.

Step 3: Navigate to Miscellaneous Section

• Access the Miscellaneous section (top right) by pressing C.

Step 4: Craft the Crew Station

• Find and select the Crew Station.
• Craft it by pressing E.
• Confirm your decision by pressing E again.

Conclusion

Assigning crew members to outposts in "Starfield" is a strategic move for efficient resource management. By following these steps, you can establish a robust mining operation, allowing you to focus on exploration and combat, knowing your resources are being gathered effectively. Happy space mining and exploration!

View full record

Introduction

In Starfield, outposts play a pivotal role in your space adventure. They are versatile structures built on planets and moons, serving various purposes from resource extraction to housing characters. While building and managing these outposts is a core part of the game, there may come a time when you need to remove them. This guide provides a straightforward approach to removing outposts in "Starfield".

Building Outposts

Before diving into their removal, let's understand their function. Outposts can be constructed on various celestial bodies to gather resources essential for crafting. They are not just utilitarian structures; they can also be your dream retreat under the stars.

When to Remove an Outpost

You might want to dismantle an outpost for several reasons:

• The outpost has served its purpose and is no longer needed.
• You want to reallocate resources or space for a new structure.
• The outpost location is no longer strategically beneficial.

Removing an Outpost: Step-by-Step Guide

Here's how you can remove an outpost in Starfield:

Step 1: Locate the Outpost Beacon

• The outpost beacon is key to this process.
• It's typically found at the center of your base.
• Look for a small cylindrical object with an antenna and solar panels.

Step 2: Interact with the Beacon

• Approach the beacon.
• A menu will appear with options to "build" or "rename" the outpost.
• Below the "rename" option, you'll find a less prominent option to "remove outpost".

Step 3: Initiate Removal

• On PC, press and hold the 'R' key.
• On Xbox, hold down the 'X' button.
• This action brings up a confirmation menu.

Step 4: Confirm the Removal

• Acknowledge the warning message.
• Confirming this will dismantle the outpost beacon and all associated structures.

Note on Landing Pads

• If your spaceship is on the outpost’s landing pad, the pad will be marked in red.
• The landing pad remains until your spaceship departs.

Conclusion

Removing an outpost in Starfield is a straightforward process once you know the steps. It allows you to adapt and evolve your strategy, keeping your space journey dynamic and responsive to your needs. Happy exploring and base building!

View full record

On 12/28/2023 at 1:44 AM, Demon_skeith said:

Hard to find any good info on the guy, he sounded like a typical scum CEO, I hope he stays in retirement.

Ya, he didn't have the best record for sure.  Being 60, I'd assume he is going to call it a career and retire for good, but he was also CEO of one of the most successful and profitable entertainment businesses, so I wouldn't be surprised to see him involved in something.

As a kid, it was much more about forgetting to bring my saves with me to friend's houses than actually losing them.  I don't believe I ever truly lost a save game for an error or such on the retro consoles, but when I first got into PC gaming, that story changed pretty quickly.  I never had a great gaming PC growing up, so I was always trying to push the limits, and reinstalling Windows and trying to find better GPU drivers often led to the demise of many saved games.

Sweeping Regulatory Changes in China's Gaming Industry

In a move that has significant implications for the gaming industry, China has introduced new regulations targeting online and mobile games. These regulations, which aim to curb addictive behaviors and excessive spending in games, prohibit standard practices like daily login bonuses and rewards for repeated spending. This decision has been taken in the wake of concerns about gaming addiction, particularly among minors, and is part of a broader crackdown on the gaming industry by Chinese authorities.

Financial Fallout for Tencent and NetEase

The new regulations have had an immediate and profound impact on China's largest gaming companies, Tencent and NetEase. Their market value plummeted almost overnight, with Tencent losing over $43 billion as shares fell sharply. NetEase experienced an even steeper decline in its share value. These losses underscore the significant influence of regulatory changes on the business models of major players in the gaming sector. Analyst Ivan Su from Morningstar, via Reuters, suggests that these new rules may compel gaming companies to fundamentally reevaluate and modify their game designs and revenue strategies.

Global Repercussions and Future Outlook

The ripple effects of China's stringent gaming regulations could extend beyond its borders. For instance, miHoYo's "Genshin Impact," a popular free-to-play game with a global player base, must adapt to these regulations. There is speculation about whether changes in response to the Chinese regulations will be applied globally or limited to players within China. This scenario mirrors previous instances, such as EA's removal of loot boxes from FIFA games exclusively in Belgium, following the country's ban on such features. The Chinese gaming industry's response to these new rules and their impact on the global gaming landscape will be closely monitored in the coming months.

View full article

Bobby Kotick's Departure

Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard, is set to leave the company on December 29, marking the end of his 32-year tenure. His leadership has been a blend of significant milestones and controversies. Under Kotick's guidance, Activision Blizzard saw immense growth with successful franchises like Call of Duty and the strategic acquisition of King, the makers of Candy Crush. However, Kotick's tenure was also marred by allegations of gender discrimination and workplace misconduct, leading to a recent $54 million settlement with the California Civil Rights Department.

Restructuring Post-Microsoft Acquisition

The departure of Kotick comes in the wake of Microsoft's acquisition of Activision Blizzard. This transition has triggered several organizational changes. Key figures like Activision Blizzard vice chairman Thomas Tippl, who is also exiting in March, and heads of various Activision Blizzard divisions, will now report to Matt Booty, President of Xbox Game Content and Studios. Moreover, Activision Blizzard's controversial CCO Lulu Meservey is also slated to leave by the end of January. Meservey had been a contentious figure, especially in the context of employee unionization efforts and labor complaints.

Future Outlook for Activision Blizzard

With these significant leadership shifts, Microsoft aims to streamline operations and reinforce its commitment to inclusive and empowering workplace cultures. The changes also underscore Microsoft's strategy to integrate Activision Blizzard's assets and intellectual properties seamlessly into its broader gaming portfolio. Phil Spencer, head of Xbox, assures that most employees' day-to-day activities will remain unchanged, focusing on delivering innovative gaming experiences. Looking ahead, 2024 is expected to be an eventful year for the company with exciting game releases across various studios.

View full article

Sony's Record-Breaking Success with PS5

Sony's PlayStation 5 has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 50 million units sold, positioning itself to potentially outperform the historically successful PlayStation 4. According to Reuters, November 2023 marked a record-breaking month for PlayStation console sales, with the PS5 leading the charge. Sony has ambitiously aimed to sell an unprecedented 25 million PS5 units within the fiscal year ending March 31, 2024, a goal that would set a new record for annual console sales by the company.

Xbox Struggles in Comparison

Contrasting Sony’s success, Microsoft's Xbox Series X and S consoles have faced challenges, particularly in the European market. Microsoft has notably refrained from disclosing sales figures for these consoles in recent years. Despite this, Microsoft maintains that console sales are not the sole indicator of Xbox's overall business health, which includes diverse platforms like PC, mobile, and the Game Pass subscription service.

Market Analysis and Future Outlook

Analysis by Ampere reveals that in 2023, PS5 sales surged by approximately 65% to 22.5 million units, while Xbox Series sales declined by 15% to 7.6 million. This indicates that the PS5 outsold its Xbox counterparts by nearly three to one. In comparison, the Nintendo Switch, which is nearing seven years on the market, experienced an 18% sales drop, totaling 16.4 million units for the year.

Despite Xbox's current struggles, Microsoft has strengthened its gaming division with the acquisition of Activision Blizzard, valued at $69 billion. This acquisition brings popular franchises like Call of Duty and Candy Crush Saga under the Xbox umbrella. Anticipation is high for these titles to join the Game Pass lineup in 2024, along with plans for Microsoft to launch its own app store to rival Apple and Google.

On the other hand, Sony continues to thrive with its strategy of releasing high-selling single-player PS5 exclusives, which are later introduced to PC platforms. Insomniac's Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, for instance, has become the fastest-selling game in PlayStation Studios' history. Despite some setbacks in their live-service projects, Sony is also exploring opportunities in the mobile gaming sector, although specifics of their plans remain under wraps.

View full article

On 12/18/2023 at 12:57 AM, Heatman said:

I haven't played Battlefield in a while after 2024 came out as a major disappointment. I dropped the game and never looked back on any development and upgrades they have been working on. It's good seeing they're already on Season 7, so gamers later got something going for them with the game. 

It still needs a lot and sadly I see no way that it will ever feel like a great battlefield game.  At best it is turning into a pretty good shooter as a whole, but really lacks a defining experience.

Sony's Resolute Response to Insomniac Games Hack

In a report by IGN and a notable display of resilience and commitment to security principles, Sony Corporation stood firm against the demands of hackers targeting Insomniac Games. Despite facing a substantial ransom demand of 50 BTC (around $2 million), Sony chose not to comply, demonstrating a strong stance against cyber extortion.

Emphasizing Security Over Ransom Demands

This decision reflects Sony's dedication to maintaining high-security standards and not succumbing to the pressures of cybercriminals. The hackers, having failed to secure the ransom, released a significant amount of confidential data from Insomniac Games, including future game plans and personal staff information. Sony's choice to prioritize the integrity of its security systems over giving in to ransom demands sets a commendable example in the tech industry.

Proactive Measures and Industry Leadership

Sony's response highlights the importance of proactive measures in cybersecurity and sets a precedent for how large corporations can tackle such threats. By not yielding to the hackers' demands, Sony has reinforced its position as a leader in the gaming industry that values the protection of its intellectual property and the privacy of its employees. This incident underscores the ongoing challenges in cybersecurity and the need for constant vigilance and robust protective measures in the face of evolving threats.

View full article

Introduction

Starfield, Bethesda's expansive space exploration RPG, offers a unique twist on the New Game Plus (NG+) concept. This guide delves into what sets Starfield's NG+ apart from typical RPGs, providing players with a detailed understanding of what to expect when they choose to restart their cosmic journey.

What Is New Game Plus In Starfield?

• Post-Main Story Option: After completing the main story, players are presented with the option to restart the campaign or continue exploring.
• Interaction with Sarah Morgan: This choice is offered at the Constellation Lodge when speaking with Sarah Morgan.

Features of New Game Plus

Starfield’s NG+ mode comes with specific carryovers and exclusions:

Carries Over In New Game Plus

• Powers
• Skills and Skill Challenge Progression
• Achievements
• Main Campaign Progress (with conditions)

Does Not Carry Over In New Game Plus

• Equipment, items, and weapons
• Credits and spaceships
• Side mission, faction mission, or activity progress
• Outposts and player homes

Main Campaign Progress Nuance: Players can choose to reset story missions or continue with them completed. The reset option allows re-exploring the story, while the latter offers open-world exploration with no story obligations.

Uniqueness of Starfield’s NG+

• Story Integration: NG+ is integrated into the game's lore, offering an alternative universe exploration post-Artifact discovery.
• Flexible Story Mode: Players can opt for a fresh story start or continue in an open-world setting without the need to replay the main story.

Starting New Game Plus in Starfield

• Initial Setup: Players begin NG+ with the Frontier spaceship provided by Barrett on Vectera after completing the prologue.
• Unique Rewards:
  • Starborn Guardian Spaceship: A great ship, though not customizable.
  • Starborn Spacesuit Astra: Features a built-in jetpack.

Conclusion

Starfield's NG+ offers a nuanced approach to post-game exploration. Whether players choose to reset their story progress or continue with a universe already shaped by their actions, NG+ provides an opportunity to explore the game's world with retained skills and achievements. The unique rewards, especially the Starborn Guardian Spaceship and Spacesuit Astra, add an extra layer of excitement for players embarking on this renewed journey.

View full record

Introduction

In Bethesda's Starfield, companions play a pivotal role in your space adventures. They not only provide company and support during your journey but are also crucial in combat scenarios. Equipping them with the right weapons enhances their effectiveness in battles. Here's a step-by-step guide on how to change your companions' weapons in the game.

Understanding Companion Dynamics

• Role of Companions: Companions assist in various tasks, especially in combat, by attacking enemies, providing cover fire, or drawing enemy fire.
• Importance of Proper Equipment: The right gear significantly boosts a companion's combat abilities and overall usefulness.

Steps to Swap a Companion’s Weapon in Starfield

1. Initiate Gear Trade
   • Engage in a conversation with your companion.
   • Choose the ‘let’s trade gear’ dialogue option to open the trade interface.
2. Transfer Desired Weapons
   • Move the weapons you want your companions to use from your inventory to theirs.
   • Ensure you transfer the weapons and the necessary ammunition they might require.
3. Equip Weapons
   • Press LB on the controller or Q on the keyboard to access your companion’s inventory.
   • Navigate to the desired weapon and press Y on the controller or B on the keyboard to equip it for your companion.
4. Ammunition Considerations
   • Remember that companions will need ammunition to use firearms. Stock their inventory with ample ammo.
   • As an alternative, consider equipping them with melee weapons like the Cutter, which do not require ammunition.

Additional Tips for Managing Companions

• Assess Combat Scenarios: Different weapons may be more effective in various combat situations. Consider swapping weapons based on the enemies you're facing.
• Monitor Ammunition: Keep an eye on your companion’s ammo levels and replenish as needed or use a weapon that does not require ammo.
• Personalize for Companions: Some companions might be more effective with certain types of weapons based on their skills and combat style.

Conclusion

Managing your companions’ gear in Starfield is essential for maximizing their potential in your cosmic journey. By following these steps, you can ensure that your companions are always battle-ready and equipped for whatever challenges lie ahead in the vast expanses of space. Remember, a well-equipped companion is an invaluable asset in the uncharted territories of Starfield.

View full record

On 12/2/2023 at 7:15 AM, riberet19 said:

I generally like it more when the developers focus on making some new games with new stories, but if it's a game that I really like, as FFVII for example, I don't mind them doing a remake.

Maybe in the future, all this hype about remakes will end when they have nothing else to redo.

They will just start remaking the remakes at some point.

I am curious how the industry will handle remaking live service games.  It is only a matter of time.

2 hours ago, Shortie said:

This is amazing news. I have just bought a Meta Quest 2 for my kids for Christmas, they have been asking for one for a while and now it seems they will have access to so much more as well 🙂

It sounds like an awesome time for sure!  Almost the perfect use case for streaming games.

Extended Support Defies Expectations

Contrary to popular belief and past trends, DICE has revealed an exciting development for fans of Battlefield 2042: the game is set to receive a seventh season in March 2024. This announcement comes as a surprise to many, considering that 2024 marks the third year since the game's release, surpassing the typical support cycle for Battlefield titles.

Season 7: Promising More Content

DICE's announcement indicates that Season 7 won't be just another update, but a significant addition to the game. Described as "massive," this season is expected to introduce multiple new maps, a departure from the game's usual pattern of adding a single new map per season along with occasional reworks. Whether these maps will be brand new or remakes of classics from previous Battlefield games remains to be seen, but the promise of "a whole load of fresh content" suggests that players can anticipate a substantial expansion.

Popularity Surge and Future Expectations

The decision to extend support for Battlefield 2042 may be influenced by the game's recent surge in popularity, which saw it break Steam concurrent records and maintain player interest beyond promotional periods. However, it's noteworthy that player numbers have since reverted to pre-Season 6 levels, with Battlefield 5 currently holding the title of the most popular game in the series on Steam. As the holiday season approaches, Battlefield 2042 aims to keep players engaged with its in-game event, "Holiday Protocol," featuring four unique modes and special weekly rewards.

View full article

New Horizons for Xbox Cloud Gaming

Xbox has taken a significant step in expanding its gaming reach by making Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) available on the Meta Quest 3. This development marks a new era of accessibility, allowing players to engage with an extensive library of games using their Meta Quest headset. Users of Meta Quest 2, 3, or Pro headsets, with the latest Quest software update and an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, can now dive into a vast gaming experience. This integration necessitates a supported controller and a high-speed internet connection, ensuring a seamless gaming adventure.

A Vast Library of Games at Your Fingertips

This integration brings a new level of flexibility to gaming, allowing players to enjoy their favorite titles on a virtual big screen. The service offers a range of games, from award-winning hits like 'Forza Motorsport' to indie favorites such as 'Unpacking.' Players can also revisit classics like 'Fallout 4' and 'Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order,' or indulge in light-hearted titles like 'Goat Simulator' and 'LEGO Star Wars.' The beauty of this service lies in its versatility, offering the freedom to play games anytime and anywhere, catering to all gaming preferences.

Easy Setup and Immersive Experience

Setting up Xbox Cloud Gaming on the Meta Quest is straightforward. Players can download the Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) app from the Meta Quest Store and pair it with a compatible controller, such as Xbox Wireless controllers with Bluetooth support. After logging in with a Microsoft account linked to an Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership, players gain access to a wide array of games. The app also allows users to choose from different display sizes and offers an immersive experience in an Xbox-themed virtual space or a blend of virtual and physical worlds with Quest 3 or Pro’s full-color Passthrough. Yesterday's announcement reaffirms Xbox's commitment to uniting gamers worldwide across various platforms and screens, further details of which can be explored in Meta's announcement and on the Xbox Cloud Gaming website.

View full article

Introduction

Starfield, the latest space exploration game from Bethesda, offers a massive universe for players to explore. For those wondering about the cross-save functionality between PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Steam, this guide provides a detailed breakdown.

Understanding Starfield’s Cross-Progression

• Play Anywhere Feature: Starfield supports the 'Play Anywhere' feature, allowing cross-save across Xbox Series X/S and Windows 10/11 PCs (via the Microsoft Store).
• Digital Edition Requirement: This functionality is available only with the digital edition of Starfield.
• Cross-Save Details: Players can seamlessly transfer their gameplay data – including story progression, achievements, and unlockables – across the supported platforms.

Key Points About Starfield Cross-Save

• Platform Compatibility: Cross-save is enabled between Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Windows 10/11 PC (Microsoft Store).
• Automatic Data Transfer: All game progress automatically syncs across Microsoft platforms.
• Exclusivity to Digital Purchase: The feature is not available for physical disc purchases.
• Internet Connection: An active internet connection is required, but a Game Pass subscription is not necessary.

Activating Cross-Save in Starfield

• Microsoft Account Sync: Log in with the same Microsoft account on both your PC and Xbox.
• Account Aliases: If the accounts are different, add them as aliases in Microsoft settings to share benefits and subscriptions, enabling cross-save for Starfield.

Cross-Save on Steam: Limitations and Workarounds

• Play Anywhere Unavailability: Steam does not support the 'Play Anywhere' feature, so Steam players cannot share save files between PC and Xbox.
• Streaming on Steam Deck: As a workaround, Steam users can stream Starfield on a Steam Deck through Game Pass to enjoy portable gaming.

Conclusion

For gamers looking to enjoy Starfield across multiple devices, the cross-save feature offers a convenient way to play on both Xbox Series X/S and Windows PC. However, Steam users face limitations due to the lack of 'Play Anywhere' support. Despite these restrictions, the cross-save functionality in Starfield ensures that players can enjoy their space adventures without being tethered to a single device, provided they are within the Xbox and Windows ecosystem.

View full record

Introduction

Starfield, Bethesda's much-anticipated space RPG, is playable on the Steam Deck, albeit with some limitations. This guide provides insights and tips for optimizing your Starfield experience on Valve's handheld gaming PC.

Starfield on Steam Deck: Compatibility and Initial Setup

• Compatibility Status: As of the game's release, Starfield is categorized as "playable" on Steam Deck, meaning it's not Steam Deck Verified but can run with some adjustments.
• Proton Experimental Tool: To address crashes during game load or new game start, go to Starfield's Steam Properties → Compatibility tab, check "Force the use of a specific Steam Play compatibility tool," and select Proton Experimental.

Recommended Steam Deck Settings for Starfield

To achieve a balance between performance and visuals, the following settings are recommended:

• Overall Preset: Medium or Lower
• Enable Depth of Field: Off
• Dynamic Resolution: Off
• Shadow Quality: Low
• Motion Blur: Low
• Volumetric Lighting: Low
• Upscaling: FSR2

Performance Expectations

• Frame Rate: With the above settings, expect around 20-30 fps in space exploration. Densely populated areas and combat scenes may see fps drop to the low 20s or less.
• Battery Life: The game will likely consume battery quickly, offering around an hour of playtime. Keep your charger handy.
• Visual Detail vs. Performance: Lowering the overall preset can boost fps but at the cost of visual detail. Higher presets will further reduce fps.

Gameplay Experience on Steam Deck

• Combat and Exploration: Combat scenes, particularly those involving jetpack use, may be challenging at lower fps. For non-combat activities like spaceship modification, outpost management, or bounty collection, the lower frame rate is less of an issue.
• Hardware Performance: The Steam Deck handles the game without excessive fan noise or overheating.
• Accessibility: If you struggle with menu text readability, consider adjusting the text size in the accessibility settings.

Should You Play Starfield on Steam Deck?

• Gameplay Compromises: Playing Starfield on the Steam Deck involves trade-offs in frame rate and detail. It's more suitable for tasks that don't require high frame rates.
• Only a Secondary Gaming Device: The Steam Deck may not be the ideal primary device for playing Starfield, especially for intense combat sequences.
• Future Compatibility Improvements: Given the history of Bethesda titles on Steam Deck, such as Skyrim and Fallout, major improvements in compatibility for Starfield may be limited.

Conclusion

While Starfield is playable on the Steam Deck, it requires adjustments to settings and expectations. It's a viable option for certain types of gameplay, particularly if you need a portable solution. However, for the full Starfield experience, a more powerful gaming setup is recommended. Keep an eye on future updates for potential improvements in Steam Deck compatibility.

View full record

This is actually a nice feature.  I always greatly disliked animations that require I don't move in games.

I just tried it and I quite enjoyed it, although only had a few minutes to go e it a go.