According to the latest report from The Verge, Microsoft is currently testing a new AI-driven chatbot designed to automate support tasks for its Xbox gaming platform. As the report notes, Microsoft is experimenting with an animated AI character that will assist in answering Xbox support inquiries. The Xbox AI chatbot is connected to Microsoft's Xbox network and ecosystem support documentation. It can answer questions and process game refunds from the Microsoft support website, all aiming to provide users with simple and quick assistance on support topics using natural language, drawing information from existing Xbox support pages. Training on Microsoft's enterprise data will help Microsoft reduce the AI model's hallucinations and instruct it to do only as intended.

As a result, the chatbot's responses closely resemble the information Microsoft provides to its customers to automate support tasks. Recently, Microsoft has expanded the test pool for its new Xbox chatbot, suggesting that the "Xbox Support Virtual Agent" may soon handle support inquiries for all Xbox customers. The development of the Xbox chatbot prototype is part of a broader initiative within Microsoft Gaming to introduce AI-powered features and tools for the Xbox platform and developer tools. The company is also reportedly working on providing AI capabilities for game content creation, gameplay, and the Xbox platform and devices. However, Xbox employees have yet to publicly confirm these more extensive AI efforts for Microsoft Gaming, likely due to the company's cautious approach to presenting AI in gaming. Nevertheless, AI will soon become an integral part of gaming consoles.

Capcom has released the newest update for Dragon's Dogma 2 on PC and PlayStation 5, while Xbox will get it in next few days. On the PC, the update improves quality when DLSS Super Resolution is enabled, and fixes various bugs. Earlier, Dragon's Dogma 2 Devs have already announced an investigation for PC performance and stability issues, specifically frame rate and various crashes, bugs and the option to start a new game, which has been addressed with this update.

According to the release notes release by Capcom, PC specific updates include improved quality when NVIDIA DLSS Super Resolution is enabled and a fix for an issue related to the display of models under some specific settings. On both PlayStation 5 and the PC, the update adds the option to start a new game when save game data already exists, changes the number of "Art of Metamorphosis" items available in Pawn Shops to 99, makes the "dwelling quest" available earlier in the game, as well as fixes various bugs and text display issues. On the PlayStation 5, the update also adds the option to switch on/off the Motion Blur and Ray Tracing, as well as to set the maximum frame rate to 30 FPS. Capcom also notes that motion blur and ray tracing options should not affect frame rate significantly, and that improvements to frame rate are planned for future updates. The release notes also say that updates to Xbox Series X/S version of the game are planned in the next few days.

There has been plenty of leaked activity on the Xbox front lately—late last month a couple of extra details emerged regarding the oft-rumored physical media-less Xbox Series S refresh. Exputer's exclusive follow-up piece included a set of very low resolution shots—an insider managed to capture an apparent "white-colored Xbox Series X that features a digital-only format" out in an unknown environment/context. The images were sent via email according to the Exputer report. As expected, the less than adequate photos showcase a white device that shares the existing black Xbox Series X's overall design language, albeit minus a slot for optical media.

Exputer believes that: "peripherals and ports remain pretty much the same," when analyzing the unit's rear section. Many folks were expecting Microsoft to roll out the cylindrical "Project Brooklin" design (leaked in FTC court case documentation), but reports from last month indicated that the refresh would recycle the standard elongated cube aesthetic. Exputer has reiterated a rumored price point of "$50 to $100" below the standard Xbox Series X MSRP of $499. Internal upgrades are speculated to include an improved heatsink and a modernized wireless network card.

Phil Spencer has professed that he is a proud owner of a Lenovo Legion Go handheld gaming PC, but has experimented with other mainstream portable devices in recent times. Polygon conducted an "extensive" interview with the CEO of Microsoft Gaming—headlines have been generated from this tête-à-tête, mostly focusing on his wishlist of additional digital storefronts appearing on Xbox platforms. Ecosystem familiarity seem to be a very important aspect (in Spencer's opinion)—something that the current crop of handhelds lack: "I want my Lenovo Legion Go to feel like an Xbox. I brought (the Legion Go) with me to GDC. I'm on the airplane and I have this list of everything that makes it not feel like an Xbox. Forget about the brand. More like: Are all of my games there? Do all my games show up with the save (files) that I want? I'll tell you one (game) that doesn't right now—it's driving me crazy—is Fallout 76. It doesn't have cross-save."

He continued: "I want to be able to boot into the Xbox app in a full screen, but in a compact mode. And all of my social (experience) is there. Like I want it to feel like the dash of my Xbox when I turn on the television. (Except I want it) on those devices." Industry rumors have swirled around the possible existence of an in-development Xbox handheld—Spencer confirmed that his hardware design team, headed up by Roanne Sones, has weighed up: "different hardware form factors and things that (they) could go do...What should we build that will find new players? That will allow people to play at times when they couldn't go play (in the past)?"

Hey Xbox Insiders! We have a new Xbox Update Preview releasing to the Alpha Skip-Ahead ring today. It's important we note that some updates made to these preview OS builds include background improvements that ensure a quality and stable build for Xbox consoles. We will continue to post these release notes, even when the noticeable changes to the UI are minimal or behind the scenes, so you're aware when updates are coming to your device. Details can be found below!

New Features and Experiences
We have exciting news! Alpha Skip-Ahead users can expect something new coming to their Xbox Update Preview.

Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta)
Xbox Insiders can preview Mouse and Keyboard support while playing via cloud gaming on supported browsers (Edge and Chrome) and the Xbox App on Windows PCs for users enrolled in the PC Gaming Preview. Note: Users on browser will need to enable Preview features on their browser to gain access to the feature. This is done by clicking on your profile picture at xbox.com/play and then select Settings and then enable "Preview features."

Publisher Wired Productions are proud to share that visionary independent developer Tomas Sala's Bulwark: Falconeer Chronicles releases today on PC, and PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox Series S|X and Xbox One.

Once more, gamers have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the tumultuous realm of the Ursee. Marked by years of relentless conflict and scarred by the ravages of war, the world now hosts only a handful of factions struggling to survive amidst its rugged cliffs and tempestuous waters. With intuitive controls at their fingertips, players will wield the power to rebuild this shattered landscape, erecting towering fortresses in a domain uniquely their own.

The Arctic Camo Special Edition controller is now making its worldwide debut! It was originally launched in the United States on May 2023 at select retailers and will now expand to international markets to reach more fans. Arctic Camo features a patchwork of rugged white and gray that all tie together into one striking visual. This monochromatic multitool, from the thumbsticks to the hybrid D-Pad and all the way to the triggers, is the perfect purchase for gamers who crave a controller that exudes both style and sophistication.

Like the rest of the Camo series, Arctic Camo comes with features which make Xbox controllers stand out. Enjoy modern sculpted surfaces and refined geometry for enhanced comfort during gameplay—with a hybrid D-Pad that allows your fingers to glide across the surface, textured grips on the bumpers, triggers, and back case for a stronger support. By using Bluetooth and Xbox Wireless, the Arctic Camo controller can connect to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, mobile phones and tablets (see xbox.com/controller-compatibility for more details).

Xbox and Fallout fans, rejoice! Today, we are thrilled to announce a striking collaboration between Xbox and new series on Prime Video "Fallout", premiering on April 11. Introducing the Xbox and Fallout Vault Box—a custom collaboration that combines the rugged essence of the Fallout universe with the unparalleled security of a Fort Knox vault. Based on one of the greatest video game series of all time, "Fallout" is the story of haves and have-nots in a world in which there's almost nothing left to have. Two-hundred years after the apocalypse, the gentle denizens of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind—and are shocked to discover an incredibly complex, gleefully weird, and highly violent universe waiting for them.

The series comes from Kilter Films and executive producers Jonathan Nolan and Lisa Joy. Nolan directed the first three episodes. Geneva Robertson-Dworet and Graham Wagner serve as executive producers, writers and co-showrunners. The series stars Ella Purnell (Yellowjackets), Aaron Moten (Emancipation) and Walton Goggins (The Hateful Eight). Athena Wickham of Kilter Films also executive produces along with Todd Howard for Bethesda Game Studios and James Altman for Bethesda Softworks. Amazon MGM Studios and Kilter Films produce in association with Bethesda Game Studios and Bethesda Softworks.

Leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR), and Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) today kicked-off pre-orders for the highly-anticipated RIFFMASTER wireless guitar ($129.99 MSRP). Scheduled to launch in April, the RIFFMASTER is the first guitar controller designed for a new game in nearly a decade, designed to fill the musical void in Rhythm-action gamers' hearts. Fans who pre-order the RIFFMASTER at www.PDP.com can also secure their chance at winning the RIFFMASTER's 500-piece, limited-edition pickguard gift with purchase.

"At last, the wait is over…it's time for gamers to rock on!" said Michael Lai, Senior Director of Product Marketing, Performance Designed Products. "Rhythm-action gaming is experiencing more than a renaissance - it is being redefined! Every aspect of the RIFFMASTER design is informed by PDP's rich heritage in rhythm-based gaming, including a nod to the past with backwards compatibility. We cannot wait for fans to have their first jam session!"

Xbox is your home for free-to-play action! Dive into the week-long celebration of the amazing free-to-play games on Xbox from March 19 to March 25 in Free-To-Play Frenzy to explore new worlds, embark on epic quests, battle with millions of other players online and enjoy great discounts and special Perks offers. Whether you want to battle royale with your friends, explore distant galaxies, or unleash your creativity, there's a free-to-play game that suits your mood and style on Xbox.

Enhance your gameplay with great discounts and special Perks offers. Xbox's Free-to-Play Frenzy Sale is here with up to 65% off add-ons on some of your favorites such as Brawlhalla - All Legends Pack, Puzzle Quest 3 - Adventurer's Goldenfire Pack, War Thunder - F4EJ Phantom II ADTW Pack. Hurry, discounts end March 25!

Yesterday, South Korea's National Radio Research Agency certified a brand new and very mysterious Xbox Development Kit—naturally, the "Xbox News for Koreans" social media account took credit for this intriguing discovery: "this means that you can use the device in Korea. It is likely to be distributed to game developers in Korea soon." The model's serial code—2089—does not correspond to any of Microsoft's current Xbox Series (X|S) development kits. The tipster shared a short history lesson: "Xbox Series X|S dev kit consoles were certified by the National Radio Research Agency on June 10-11, 2020. The release of the Xbox Series X|S console in Korea was on November 10, 2020." By referencing the current generation's five-month gap—between registration and release of finalized retail units—it is speculated that something new could be arriving around August time.

Industry experts reckon that the leaked devkit is not linked to a rumored "All-Digital" White Xbox Series X Refresh—the latter likely contains unchanged basic hardware designs. Windows Central posited that an Xbox handheld is another possibility—leaked product roadmaps (of 2022 vintage) revealed that Microsoft was considering a move into portable gaming segments. A month ago, Xbox leadership discussed the platform's future—Sarah Bond stated: "there's some exciting stuff coming out in hardware that we're going to share this holiday, and we're also invested in the next generation roadmap...and what we're really focused on there, is delivering the largest technical leap you will have ever seen in a hardware generation." Many media outlets believed that an Xbox Series "Pro" model was teased during the special Official Xbox Videocast.

ViewSonic Corp., a leading global provider of visual solutions, introduces the LX700-4K Laser Projector for Xbox. Designed exclusively for Xbox, the LX7004K features native 4K Ultra HD resolution, 3,500 lumens of brightness, and built-in Harman Kardon speakers for immersive big-screen audio and video experiences with images up to 300-inches.

ViewSonic again partnered with Microsoft to deliver the best gaming experience to Xbox series X/S consoles to develop the LX700-4K laser projector. It is compatible with the Xbox CEC (consumer electronics control), and features Xbox-exclusive resolution and refresh rate combinations. When used with other video sources, the LX700-4K runs with a 4.2 ms response time and 240 Hz refresh rate for super smooth gaming or video playback.

Straight from the vault, we're thrilled to unveil the all-new Xbox Wireless Controller - Fallout, ready for you exclusively at Xbox Design Lab! Get ready to dive into the immersive world of one of gaming's most beloved franchises. This Fallout-themed controller is a heartfelt tribute to the iconic character from the series we all adore, Vault Boy, showcasing each of his unique S.P.E.C.I.A.L. traits. Secure your spot in the wasteland and get your hands on this epic addition to your gaming arsenal today!

This controller is designed with a collage of some of the most iconic Vault Boy perk icons from throughout the franchise's history. The white background with the grey etchings of the character allows the design to incorporate all these memorable moments, while still leaving space for you to add all of the colors you love! The blue and yellow colored Vault Boy and Vault-Tec decal surrounding the Xbox button fully tie in the aesthetic that visually represents the post-apocalyptic games. And if you look close enough, you can also find some hidden Easter eggs in the collage that you don't want to miss!

As GDC, the world's largest game developer conference, returns to San Francisco, Microsoft and Xbox will be there to engage and empower developers, publishers, and technology partners across the industry. We are committed to supporting game developers on any platform, anywhere in the world, at every stage of development. Our message is simple: Microsoft and Xbox are here to help power your games and empower your teams. From March 18 - 22, the Xbox Lobby Lounge in the Moscone Center South can't be missed—an easy meeting point, and a first step toward learning more about the ID@Xbox publishing program, the Developer Acceleration Program (DAP) for underrepresented creators, Azure cloud gaming services, and anything else developers might need.

GDC features dozens of speakers from across Xbox, Activision, Blizzard, King and ZeniMax who will demonstrate groundbreaking in-game innovations and share community-building strategies. Microsoft technology teams, with support from partners, will also host talks that spotlight new tools, software and services that help increase developer velocity, grow player engagement and help creators grow. See below for the Conference programming details.

Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition had a landmark year in 2023 with the addition of the Return of Rome and The Mountain Royals expansions. More than four years after launch, the game continues to grow. Telling more stories from the world's rich history as well as bringing more civilizations to play. The next chapter for Age of Empires II: DE will be the single player focused DLC Victors and Vanquished, coming March 14th.

Introduced by its Creator, Ramsey Abdulrahim, this DLC will be like no other we've made before for AoE II: DE. Victors and Vanquished features 19 epic scenarios. Your strategy and choices will decide your fate: will you emerge as the ultimate victor, or fall as the vanquished? You'll play as Ragnar Lothbrok, Oda Nobunaga, Charlemagne and more. Each scenario features professional voice acting, new music, achievement and the quality you'd expect from an official Age of Empires scenario.

For the second half of February, we have some surprise games, some not-so-surprise games, Perks, and a DLC—plenty to get you gaming now and to prime your pre-install buttons! Whether you boot up Bluey: The Videogame to play with the family, jump into Madden NFL 24 to try and recreate the big game how you would have played it, or just want to play Maneater to see what it'd be like to be an absolute menace as a shark, we have you covered. Let's get to the games!

Available Today:
Return to Grace (Cloud, Console, and PC)
A daring space archaeologist has just unearthed the ancient resting place of a long lost A.I. god known as Grace. Adventure with various fractured A.I. personalities as you uncover the great mystery of why she was shut down all those years ago in this first-person narrative adventure set in a visually stunning '60s retro sci-fi world.

Intel is reportedly pitching Microsoft to work on an "all American" semi-custom SoC for Microsoft's next Xbox generation that succeeds the Series X/S. The company's main pitch to Microsoft is the fact that the chip would be made entirely in the US, including its silicon fabrication and packaging. Microsoft currently relies on AMD for its SoC, which combines an AMD "Zen 2" CPU with a powerful RDNA2 iGPU that meets DirectX 12 Ultimate requirements.

Intel's semi-custom chip could be functionally the same, albeit based on its next generation CPU and graphics microarchitectures. Strengthening Intel's case is the fact that it now has a contemporary high performance gaming graphics architecture in Xe "Alchemist," and is on course to launch its successor, the Xe² "Battlemage," later this year. The company also made huge strides with chiplet-based SoCs as demonstrated with "Meteor Lake." Intel's semi-custom SoC for Microsoft could combine any of its upcoming CPU microarchitectures, such as "Lunar Lake," or "Panther Lake," and an iGPU based on "Battlemage" or Xe³ "Celestial." This chip could also integrate a next generation NPU if the platform calls for one. This wouldn't be Intel's first rodeo with powering a console; in fact the very first Microsoft Xbox was powered by a Pentium 3 "Coppermine" CPU, paired with a discrete GeForce 3 GPU supplied by NVIDIA.

Introducing the newest collection of Xbox Wireless Controllers: the Vapor series in Xbox Design Lab and the Xbox Wireless Controller—Dream Vapor Special Edition. In this collection, each top case features a dynamic pattern that is unique to every controller. If you are familiar with the Xbox Wireless Controller—Stormcloud Vapor Special Edition, you have seen how this misty pattern creates a subtle and textured look that only you can call yours.

The Vapor series with Xbox Design Lab brings some of the most unique controller designs available for your customization, offering six top case options with swirling color patterns. If green is your thing, the Electric Vapor top case merges the bold Electric Volt and the iconic Velocity Green, while the Nocturnal Vapor top case draws you in with its Dark Green and Grey swirl. Feel the heat with the Fire Vapor top case, featuring a fiery red and orange swirl, or opt for the cool and collected Stormcloud Vapor, with a sleek blue swirl design. If pink and purple are your power colors, look no further than the Cyber Vapor top case, showcasing a lively pink and purple swirl, or enter in the dreamy hues of the Dream Vapor top case with its soft pink and soft purple swirl.

Today, 2K announced WWE 2K24, the newest installment of the flagship WWE video game franchise developed by Visual Concepts, will be coming soon for PlayStation 5 (PS5), PlayStation 4 (PS4), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. As he burns a path through WWE in an effort to claim world championship gold and fulfill his destiny, "The American Nightmare" Cody Rhodes will be featured on the Standard Edition cover. Multi-time champions and Women's Royal Rumble winners Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley share the Deluxe Edition cover, marking the first time in history two women have graced a dedicated WWE 2K cover, while the Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition cover features original artwork celebrating the most iconic Superstars and Legends in WrestleMania history, including The Rock, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, "Stone Cold" Steve Austin, and more.

WWE 2K24 features several franchise advancements, including 2K Showcase…of the Immortals celebrating 40 years of WrestleMania, four new match types such as Ambulance and Special Guest Referee, two new MyRISE experiences, and much more. In addition, fans can also look forward to a massive roster of more than 200* WWE Superstars and Legends including Roman Reigns, Andre the Giant, Becky Lynch, Batista, Kurt Angle, Asuka, Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar, "Macho Man" Randy Savage, Chyna, and more. Incredibly realistic graphics and improved animations - with over 90% of facial expressions updated - plus improvements to Ramp cameras and Dive cameras, and the ability to move the camera during live gameplay provide the most visually impressive WWE 2K experience to date. WWE 2K24 Deluxe Edition and Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition are scheduled for worldwide release on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, followed by the Standard Edition and Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Visions of Mana is a game of many firsts. It's the first entirely new mainline Mana game for more than 15 years. It's the first game to offer such sprawling 3D worlds and freedom to explore them. And—perhaps most excitingly for the readers of this blog—it's the first Mana game to release on Xbox! Of course, that means that some of you may not be entirely familiar with this franchise. You may be wondering: What makes this one of the most beloved Square Enix series out there? Why did this announcement and trailer for Visions of Mana shown at The Game Awards 2023—and its surprise appearance in Developer_Direct—make people so giddy and excited. Let's start by introducing you to this brand new adventure.

What is Visions of Mana?
This sprawling new single-player action RPG puts you in the shoes of Val—a curious and carefree young man and skilled fighter. One eventful night, his childhood friend is chosen as an alm—someone who must travel to the Mana Tree and rejuvenate the flow of mana power. Val joins her as the Soul Guard to protect her on her journey, and an epic adventure begins. As Val, you'll explore vast areas, battle monsters, gain allies, and uncover the many secrets of this expansive world. And what a world it is! As you can see from the screenshots and trailer, it's a beautifully vibrant game with rich colors and expressive characters. The beauty is matched by equally appealing combat. Aerial combat allows for physical and magic attacks in mid-air, and the grand and mysterious powers of the Elemental spirits can assist players in the form of specialized weapons.. It's fast-paced, strategic, and endlessly satisfying.

It's going to be a good year for Xbox players. At this week's Developer_Direct show, we provided deep-dives into five new games launching across Xbox Series X|S, PC, Game Pass and/or cloud—all of which will arrive later in 2024. Development teams at Xbox, Bethesda, and even one of our third-party partners invited you into their studios to showcase extended gameplay, reveal key information, and more. Members of each development team gave us a look into their creation, with new information, and offered a tantalizing glimpse of what's to come this year. All four of these games will arrive on day one with Game Pass, and will contribute to what's going to be another huge year for members, delivering incredible games throughout 2024.

Avowed—Launching Fall 2024
Avowed Game Director Carrie Patel gave us a first deep-dive into the gameplay in Obsidian's upcoming fantasy action RPG, from its dynamic combat, to its thoughtful reactivity, to its "colorful, vibrant, strange" world set in the Living Lands. Avowed continues Obsidian's signature style of creating games with deep themes and player choice at the forefront. Not only will you make narrative decisions that can impact changes in the game down the line, but Avowed is also looking to offer choice in combat. Gameplay Director Gabe Paramo discussed not only how varied your weaponry will be - with melee weapons, ranged guns and bows, and magic-based wands (even dual-wielded wands!) to name a few—but how flexible combat can be, allowing you to quickly change loadouts for enemy encounters. Swappable loadouts mean you can approach combat however feels right to you.

CES always gives us an exciting look at what's next for hardware, and with gaming at the forefront of technological innovation, it's no surprise that CES 2024 has revealed some truly next-generation Windows 11 gaming PCs. Microsoft and our partners are leading the way in combining traditional power with advancements in AI, and this selection of new announcements are a perfect way to future-proof your gaming experience on PC.

Every PC on this list is designed to run the latest games - including those on PC Game Pass, which will help you to jump into some of the greatest games on the platform the moment you switch on your new machine. Even better, every single computer listed below comes with at least one free month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, giving players access to hundreds of high-quality PC, console and cloud games.

You're about to get an exciting look at some of the incredible games ahead with Xbox, as we present a new edition of Developer_Direct. On Thursday, January 18 at 12pm PT / 3pm ET / 8pm UK, fans will get an inside look at a selection of highly anticipated games coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass. Shortly after, ZeniMax Online Studios will host The Elder Scrolls Online 2024 Global Reveal at 1pm PT / 4pm ET / 9pm UK to preview 2024's biggest update.

Presented by the game creators themselves, Developer_Direct offers an in-depth look at upcoming titles, how they're being created, and who's creating them. We'll visit MachineGames in Sweden to check in on their Indiana Jones game, swing by Obsidian's Irvine offices to see more from Avowed, head to Oxide Games' Maryland home to learn about Ara: History Untold, and take a trip to Cambridge, England to see Senua's Saga: Hellblade II from Ninja Theory. Please note that while this show won't have updates on games from Activision Blizzard, you can look forward to news from those teams later this year.

Happy 2024! We hope your new year's celebration was full of fun and games and that you have even more in store in the days to come. To help with that, let's add some more games to your "to be played" list!

Available Today
Close to the Sun (Cloud, Console, and PC)—Deep in international waters, Tesla's Helios stands still. An unbound utopia for scientific research, Rose Archer steps aboard in search of her sister, quickly to discover not all is as it seems. Use your wits to guide Rose on her journey to find her sister Ada, overcome dangers unknown to understand the fate of the Helios and its inhabitants in this narrative driven steampunk adventure.

Airdrop Gaming is excited to announce that their innovative Audio Radar is now in production and shipping. This groundbreaking product is set to enhance gaming for everyone, especially the deaf and hard of hearing community. Experience Audio Radar at CES 2024 at booth #60704, Eureka Park, Venetian.

Audio Radar is a unique accessory that transforms game sounds into visual signals. This allows players to 'see the sound', creating an inclusive gaming experience. It's ideal for deaf and hard of hearing gamers, visualizing key sounds like footsteps and alerts. Audio Radar works with Xbox, PlayStation, and PC, making games more accessible and enjoyable for all.