Arkane Studios will be working on the removal of the single-player always online restriction from its upcoming Redfall first-person shooter game. This follows significant backlash expressed by gamers, after the presence of this function was brought to light in February 2023. In an interview conducted by Eurogamer, game director Harvey Smith has revealed that the Austin, Texas-based branch has taken the negative feedback seriously. The development team is active in making changes to Redfall's underpinnings, so that an offline single-player experience becomes a possibility.

Smith acknowledged that modern games are intrinsically linked to online services, but these should offer functionality when offline circumstances occur. He imagined situations from the perspective of being a potential Redfall player: "They could say: 'Oh, my God, you're always online. If you get on your Steam, and it's not online, you freak out. If you get on your Xbox, and you can't get the latest patch, or see what your friends are doing, you freak out. You want to be always online!' But that response, I think, lacks empathy."

Intel Graphics today released the latest version of Arc GPU Graphics Drivers. Version 101.4148 beta comes with Game On (day-zero) optimization for Deceive Inc., and Diablo 4 (beta); and optimization for Sons of The Forest. It fixes an issue where Riftbreaker (DX12) Xbox Game Pass version exhibits a rare black line display corruption; and lower than expected performance for Resident Evil 4 Remake Chainsaw Demo (DX12). The company also took the opportunity to highlight that with recent price cuts for the Arc A750 down to $249, it offers anywhere between 54% to 76% higher performance-per-Dollar than the competing GeForce RTX 3060.

DOWNLOAD: Intel Arc GPU Graphics Drivers 101.4148 beta

Acer today introduced a suite of powerful new Nitro gaming laptops, featuring the latest 13th Gen Intel Core processors and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs. Aimed at casual gamers who are ready for enhanced gameplay, extra features, and a more immersive experience, the new 16-inch and 17-inch Acer Nitro laptops come in more compact, thinner, and lighter form factors with higher screen-to-body ratios. Whether it's exploring the ever-growing catalog of game titles or editing montages of gameplay videos, the Nitro's solid construction and powerful performance lead users to experience a new level of gaming.

The latest NVIDIA GeForce RTX 40 Series GPUs are powered by the ultra-efficient NVIDIA Ada Lovelace architecture which delivers a quantum leap in both performance and AI-powered graphics. Gamers can experience lifelike virtual worlds with ray tracing, massively boost performance with DLSS 3, and get a competitive edge with Reflex.

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking to block technology giant Microsoft Corp. from acquiring leading video game developer Activision Blizzard, Inc. and its blockbuster gaming franchises such as Call of Duty, alleging that the $69 billion deal, Microsoft's largest ever and the largest ever in the video gaming industry, would enable Microsoft to suppress competitors to its Xbox gaming consoles and its rapidly growing subscription content and cloud-gaming business.

In a complaint issued today, the FTC pointed to Microsoft's record of acquiring and using valuable gaming content to suppress competition from rival consoles, including its acquisition of ZeniMax, parent company of Bethesda Softworks (a well-known game developer). Microsoft decided to make several of Bethesda's titles including Starfield and Redfall Microsoft exclusives despite assurances it had given to European antitrust authorities that it had no incentive to withhold games from rival consoles.

Best-selling gaming headset and leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR) today announced the launch of the Turtle Beach Atom Controller, the brand's new hyper-portable mobile gaming controller. The Atom Controller is an easily packable and portable mobile gaming controller with a unique design. The Atom's two ergonomic grip modules fit nearly every size Android 8.0+ smartphone, and adjustable spring-loaded clamps ensure there is no need to remove phone cases. The two Atom modules stay connected wirelessly to perform as a single unit when gaming using Turtle Beach's proprietary 2.4 GHz wireless link, while low-latency Bluetooth guarantees a lag-free connection with Android smartphones when cloud gaming on Xbox Game Pass, GeForce Now, Steam Link, and more. When it's time to stow-and-go, the two Atom modules magnetically connect to easily fit in a pocket or in its included carrying case.

An exclusive Designed for Xbox Atom Controller is available in Black and Yellow and features the Xbox Guide button plus a complimentary 1-month subscription to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. The Atom Controller also comes in Black and Teal and Red versions, and all three colorways are available today at www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide for $99.99 MSRP.

Leading gaming accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation today revealed the Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller as its first mobile gaming controller and newest addition to the brand's burgeoning and highly-acclaimed controller lineup. Designed and engineered by the same team behind Turtle Beach's award-winning Recon Controller, REACT-R Controller, and VelocityOne Flight products, the Designed for Xbox Recon Cloud Hybrid Controller is for mobile gamers playing on compatible Android devices, on Xbox and PC. It has a massive 30+ hour battery life with quick, play-and-charge capability for all-day gaming when on-the-go. Once mobile gamers return home and connect the Recon Cloud to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, or Windows PCs with its 10-foot braided USB cable, they'll have access to a suite of exclusive, game-changing Turtle Beach audio features like Superhuman Hearing, custom audio presets and more for the ultimate audio advantage.

"The response to our first wave of console and PC gaming controllers has been overwhelmingly positive, and now we're further expanding our reach in this market to give mobile gamers the same uncompromised, award-winning controls," said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. "The Recon Cloud is the first of our expanded lineup of mobile controllers launching this year, with additional new products designed for iOS and other consoles coming soon."

GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high quality gaming peripherals is pleased to announce the launch of the new X2 Pro model of the incredibly popular GameSir X2 mobile gaming controller which is fully compatible with Android 8.0 or above smartphones. Officially licensed by Xbox for Android phones, the X2 Pro mobile gaming controller allows users to enjoy 100+ Xbox games from their cloud service whilst on the go. The GameSir X2 Pro is available on the GameSir website for $79.99/£79.99/€89.99 with 1 month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for new members. Amazon and Amazon UK is expected to stock on Sept 1.

The X2 Pro is a clamp-style mobile controller with ergonomic button design and textured grips—secure and comfortable to hold. The LB/RB buttons are Kailh micro switches for faster actuation, with 0.6 mm actuation distance and the LT/RT Hall Effect analog triggers for better precision, accurate to 0.1 mm. The simple design will expand to securely hold Android phones measuring from 110-179 mm in length.

Gamevice, the industry-leading, mobile gaming peripheral innovator and creator of the original Gamevice and Razer's Kishi mobile controller, has announced Gamevice Flex, the new mobile gaming controller that is first to deliver a seamless transition from console to mobile cloud gaming. With upgraded features and a new design to be compatible with thousands of phone cases, Gamevice Flex eliminates the risk and inconvenience of having to repeatedly remove your phone case. Its adapter kit enables a customized fit that works for mobile phones with or without a case.

With the emergence and steady growth of cloud gaming, players are no longer restricted to one platform. They are now enjoying their favorite games using multiple devices such as PCs, smartphones, consoles and even upcoming cloud-enabled TVs such as the Samsung Gaming Hub. Recognizing this trend early and after gathering feedback from its community, the Gamevice team applied its 10+ years of experience - with over one million units sold - to develop a controller that brings a console quality gaming experience to mobile devices. To meet the demands of console players, Flex features updated buttons, Hall effect triggers with longer range, improved ergonomics for extended play, and (by popular demand) a 3.5 mm headphone jack.

We're always looking for ways to deliver experiences that offer players more choice and value in how they discover and experience games with their community. Starting today in Colombia and Ireland, Xbox Insiders can begin to preview a plan that allows multiple people to share Game Pass Ultimate benefits.

This makes it even easier to play the best Game Pass games with friends and family across console, PC, and cloud by enabling you to add up to four people to your subscription, all with their own unique access to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate games, content, and benefits. To participate in the preview, you need to purchase the "Xbox Game Pass - Insider Preview" Game Pass plan in the Microsoft Store.

The Riot Games and Xbox communities are coming together to bring amazing content for Game Pass members. Today, Riot Games and Xbox announced that Riot's biggest titles are coming to Game Pass this winter. We're bringing together two of the biggest communities in gaming onto one platform. In a first for Game Pass, the partnership extends beyond Riot's PC games to include Riot's mobile-only and mobile-accessible titles.

We've always respected Xbox's relentless push to drive gaming forward, and we're proud to add our games to the Xbox catalog through Game Pass. We're also thrilled to welcome Xbox players into Riot's ecosystem of diverse and passionate gamers across the world. In the coming months, we'll share more about the partnership and how members can access the Game Pass content.

Samsung Electronics, today announced that Xbox is joining Samsung Gaming Hub, a new game streaming discovery platform available on 2022 Samsung Smart TVs including Neo QLED 8K, Neo QLED 4K, QLEDs and 2022 Smart Monitor Series. Samsung Gaming Hub will become the world's first Smart TV platform to include the Xbox app on Smart TVs. With this partnership, Samsung Gaming Hub users are now able to stream over 100 high quality games, through the Xbox app, including blockbuster titles like Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5. Moreover, they can play new games on day one of release from Xbox Game Studios and enjoy iconic franchises from Bethesda Softworks and more.

Powered by Tizen, Samsung Gaming Hub is a new game streaming discovery platform bridging hardware and software for a better player experience on 2022 Samsung Smart TVs, enabling gamers to instantly access the games they love from industry-leading content partners. In addition to the Xbox app offering hundreds of their favorite games via Xbox Game Pass, gamers can also look forward to an amazing gaming experience with minimized latency and amazing visual graphics thanks to advanced motion enhancements and game-play performance technology across Samsung's 2022 Smart TV lineup and 2022 Smart Monitor Series.

Microsoft Flight Simulator has recently been added to Xbox Cloud Gaming meaning that the title can now be enjoyed on more devices including Xbox One, iOS/Android devices, and low-powered computers. Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly Project xCloud) is a game streaming service from Microsoft that allows players with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate to stream a selection of 100+ Xbox games on supported devices. The addition of Microsoft Flight Simulator to the program will allow previous generation Xbox One consoles to play the game provided a suitably fast internet connection is available.

Razer, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers (Hong Kong Stock Code: 1337), is kicking off 2022 with new Razer Blade gaming laptop models including the Razer Blade 14, Razer Blade 15, and Razer Blade 17. The world's fastest laptops for gamers and creators are equipped with the recently announced NVIDIA GeForce RTX 30 Series Laptop GPUs, up to an RTX 3080 Ti, making the new Blades better than ever, now shipping with Windows 11. All new Razer Blade gaming laptops now also include groundbreaking DDR5 memory, providing blistering clock speeds up to 4800 MHz, an increase in frequency by up to 50% compared to the previous generation.

"The Razer Blade series continues to be the best gaming laptop by providing desktop-class performance on-the-go," says Travis Furst, Senior Director of Razer's Systems business unit. "Additionally, we've enabled creators to work anywhere with gorgeous displays, available NVIDIA Studio drivers, and up to 14-Core CPUs. Users will have the ability to choose any model or configuration that best fits their gaming or creating needs, while getting the latest and greatest in graphics, memory and processing technology."

Microsoft is well on its way towards becoming the Netflix of videogames, considering the running success of its Game Pass subscription service. The idea is simple: players pay a monthly fee (starting at $9,99 for PC or Xbox-specific subscriptions) and they receive access to a curated portfolio of game experiences. The platform is bolstered by the fact that Microsoft's first-party titles are made available day-one for Games Pass subscribers. In 2021 alone, this approach by Microsoft gave gamers access to games like Halo Infinite, Age of Empires 4, Forza Horizon 5, and the incredibly quirky Psychonauts 2. But is it worth it to have a Games Pass subscription, thus waiving ownership of those actual games?

Your mileage will certainly vary; but in pure dollar terms, it's difficult to argue against the idea. According to The Loadout, Games Pass subscribers were given access to around $6,300 worth of games throughout 2021 - that's how much a consumer would have to pay, day one, to own all of the games that Microsoft included (and sometimes rotated out) of its Game Pass library. A yearly Game Pass Ultimate subscription (for PC and Xbox games) would give you access to the same cadre of titles for a much more modest $15 a month - $180 in total. In March alone, Games Pass subscribers saw the floodgates open to around $960 worth of games (and potentially thousands of hours of gameplay) with the addition of Bethesda Softwork's titles to the service, following the $7,5 billion Microsoft acquisition of parent company Zenimax Media.

Intel's Arc Alchemist lineup of graphics cards, based on Xe-HPG GPU configuration, is nearing the launch. With the current situation with AMD and NVIDIA GPUs outputting graphics card prices over the default MSRP, we wonder how Intel would place pricing of its upcoming GPUs and fit inside the market. And today, we got the first round of speculations based on Intel's Arc Alchemist GPU giveaway called Xe-HPG Scavenger Hunt. There are two principal bundles: one worth $900 that includes Intel Arc merchandise, Xbox Game Pass PC for six months, Intel Premium Arc Alchemist graphics card, and one worth $700 that consists of three months of Xbox Game Pass PC, Intel Arc merchandise, and Intel Performance Arc Alchemist graphics card.

According to some preliminary calculations from Tom's Hardware, we assume that with the $900 bundle containing one Premium Arc Alchemist GPU and other prizes, the card will cost as much as $825 when all things get removed. Going down the ladder, Intel has paired a bundle worth $700 with a Performance Arc GPU, which is roughly worth $650 on its own. It indicates that the two Intel Performance and Premium Arch Alchemist graphics cards are respectfully worth $650 and $825. What will the final pricing look like? We don't know. However, we assume that it could be very similar to this. For more information we have to wait for the official launch.

XPG, a fast-growing provider of systems, components, and peripherals for Gamers, Esports Pros, and Tech Enthusiasts, today announces the latest evolution of its XENIA 15 KC gaming notebook platform, following the success of a series of collaborations between XPG and Intel. The all-new XENIA 15 KC comes equipped with an 11th Gen Intel i7 H CPU, an NVIDIA RTX 30 series GPU, and XPG's own hand selected memory and SSD.

Designed in collaboration with Intel, the new XPG XENIA 15 KC takes full advantage of the latest 11th Gen Intel i7-11800H processor, NVIDIA RTX 3070 graphics, and top of the line XPG memory and SSD, to deliver top of the line benchmarks, close to or even outpacing higher spec systems in gaming performance and pixel-perfect productivity. To strike a satisfying balance between fast-paced action and rich, detailed visuals, a spacious 15.6-inch QHD (2560 x 1440) 165 Hz IPS panel delivers the best of both worlds, perfectly tailored for its performance envelope. What's more, it achieves 100% sRGB color coverage for accurate color reproduction for content creation.

Today marks an exciting milestone in the history of Windows. As the day becomes October 5 in each time zone around the world, availability of Windows 11 begins through a free upgrade on eligible Windows 10 PCs and on new PCs pre-installed with Windows 11 that can be purchased beginning today. Windows is a driving force for innovation. It's an enduring platform for each one of us to create. And its home for over a billion people to do their jobs, live their dreams and connect with the people they love.

We're pumped to be launching Windows 11; the entire user experience brings you closer to what you love, empowers you to produce and inspires you to create. Windows 11 provides a sense of calm and openness. It gives you a place that feels like home. It's secure and everything is designed to be centered around you. To fully understand the magic of Windows 11 you must get it in your hands. The gorgeous graphics, sounds and animations of Windows 11 along with the innovative and beautiful hardware from our partners and Surface provides an experience like none other.

There's no doubt that Microsoft's first attempt on an Android phablet was a disaster, not only as a device, but apparently also so in terms of the sales volume, since it was originally priced at an insane US$1,399.99. Even though it's retailing for a more sensible US$699.99 now, it doesn't seem to have made it much more popular. That didn't stop Microsoft from launching the Surface Duo 2 today and it looks like the company has learnt from some of its mistakes with the original device, but the question is if it'll be enough.

Feature wise, Microsoft has updated the displays and we're now looking at two slightly larger and higher resolution 5.8-inch displays with 1344x1892 resolution, that combine into an 8.3-inch surface with a 2688x1892 resolution, when combined. The displays are still using AMOLED technology, but now they're using a variable refresh rate of up to 90 Hz. The CPU has been given a bump to, from a Snapdragon 855 to a Snapdragon 888, while Microsoft also threw in an additional 2 GB of RAM for a total of 8 GB of the LPDDR5 flavour. The Surface Duo 2 still starts out with 128 GB of storage, but Microsoft added a 512 GB SKU in addition to the 256 GB SKU.

GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high quality gaming peripherals is pleased to announce the launch of the new X2 Lightning model of the incredibly popular GameSir X2 mobile gaming controller which is fully compatible with iPhones on iOS 13 and above. GameSir has also announced that its GameSir F7 Claw Tablet Game Controller, compatible with iPads and Android tablets, is now available to purchase on Amazon. The X2 Lightning is available now from the GameSir website for $69.99/£51.99. Amazon and Amazon UK are expected to stock within the next months. The F7 Claw is now available on Amazon.com and the GameSir website for $39.99/£33.99.

Following on from the success and rave reviews of the X2 Type C and Bluetooth Mobile Game Controllers which were designed to give users an outstanding cloud gaming experience on platforms such as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, Google Stadia, Nvidia GeForce Now and Vortex, GameSir has now developed a Lightning version of the X2, exclusively for iPhones with iOS 13 and above. The X2 Lightning version is compatible with Apple Arcade and MFi games and like its predecessors, is designed to provide a full array of controls. Thanks to the direct connection, lag is minimised to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. With iPhones getting bigger and more powerful to ensure they can handle the ever-increasingly complex games played on them, the X2 Lightning version will keep gamers ahead of delay, for the smoothest gameplay experience.

Today, we're excited to announce we're bringing Xbox Cloud Gaming (Beta) to the Xbox App on Windows 10 PCs for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in 22 countries who are part of the Insider program. Xbox Cloud Gaming with the Xbox App provides the same great Xbox experience you're used to: Play over 100 high-quality Xbox console games with your friends; pick up from a saved game you started on your Xbox; or try out a whole new game from the Xbox Game Pass library to decide if you want to download it to your console.

With Xbox Cloud Gaming, you can turn all types of PCs into a gaming device, from brand-new budget computers to older machines with low specs. All you need to do is connect a compatible controller via Bluetooth or USB, launch the Xbox app, click the "cloud games" button, select your game and start playing. We've also added some new features to help you get started, including easy-to-access information on controller and network status, social features to stay connected with friends, and the ability to invite people - even those also playing on cloud without the game installed - to join you in a game.

XPG, a fast-growing provider of systems, components, and peripherals for Gamers, Esports Pros, and Tech Enthusiasts, today announces the XPG XENIA 14 lifestyle ultrabook. The 14-inch XENIA 14 is geared towards users that require a lightweight and thin ultrabook that offers the performance they need for work and play. The XENIA 14 meets this need perfectly with 11th Gen Intel Core i7 or i5 processors with integrated Intel Iris Xe graphics, a Full HD IPS display with a 92% screen ratio, up to 10 hours of battery life, and more.

Made from lightweight magnesium alloy, the XENIA 14 is an ultra-portable device that users can take anywhere with ease. Weighing in at just 970 g (2.14lbs), the ultrabook is easy to carry around by hand or in a bag, ideal for business travel or running from meeting room to meeting room. Not only is the XENIA 14 lightweight, but it is also thin too, measuring in at just 15 mm thin.

Microsoft's console and gaming division, Xbox, has been working closely with game studios and game developers for years now, and in return for supporting the creation of games, the company gets its platform exclusivity, where the game is only available on Xbox series of consoles. Today, Xbox has decided to unveil a hefty list composing out of AAA titles exclusive to the Xbox Series X|S consoles. Starting off, we have the Forza Horizon 5 game, which delivers the experience of the open world of Mexico, while allowing you to drive the world's greatest cars. The game is set to become available on November 9 on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, PC via Steam on Windows, and Cloud Gaming service, which is in Beta.

Next up is a collaboration with 343 Industries game studio, which has unveiled its next-generation Halo shooter gameplay. Dubbed Halo Infinite, the game is a massive experience set in the world of Halo, which also includes a free-to-play multiplayer element aiming to bring millions of people together across Xbox consoles, cloud, and PC to join the fight. When it comes to new franchises, we have seen the announcement of Redfall, a co-op first-person shooter that sets you in a small island town of Redfall, which has now fallen to the pandemic of vampires, and your goal is to put it to the end. Coming from Arkane Austin, the developers of Prey and Dishonored, the game is sure to be a quality one.

AMD has today updated its Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition version 21.5.1 drivers, bringing many features on board as well as fixing a lot of issues that have appeared in the past. Starting with support for the Resident Evil Village PC game, AMD promises to deliver up to 13% better frame rate at 4K maximum settings, while using the Radeon RX 6800 XT graphics card. The comparison was conducted with a reference to the previous driver, 21.4.1, which didn't allow the card to reach as high FPS as it is now possible with the proper support for the game. Another game that is added to the support list is Metro Exodus PC Enhanced Edition. Some fixes have been implemented, as the incorrect performance metrics that may have incorrectly reported temperatures on Ryzen 5 1600 series processors. For a detailed list of bug fixes, please take a look at the list below.DOWNLOAD: AMD Radeon Software Adrenalin 2020 Edition 21.5.1

Microsoft has recently announced an expansion of their Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta with the addition of backward compatibility for select Xbox 360 and original Xbox titles. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can now stream 16 backward compatible games through the Xbox Cloud Gaming Beta (formally Project xCloud). Microsoft has also enabled touch support for select titles while the rest will require a controller, the games are currently only playable on Android with no support for Apple devices. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers with a compatible device can now try out backward compatibility and you can view the complete list of available games below.

Since teaming up with Electronic Arts, we've been working to provide Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC members an EA Play membership at no additional cost. We want to thank the PC community for your patience over the past few months as we worked to deliver a better Xbox App experience for EA Play. We're excited to share with you that starting tomorrow, March 18 at 2:00 p.m. PT, Xbox Game Pass PC and Ultimate members will be able to enjoy all the benefits of EA Play on Windows 10.

These benefits include access to more than 60 of EA's biggest and best PC games like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, FIFA 20, Titanfall 2, and Need for Speed Heat, as well as titles from some of EA's most popular franchises like Battlefield, Madden NFL, Command & Conquer, and The Sims. You also receive exclusive in-game challenges and rewards, special member-only content, and discounts on EA digital purchases via the EA Desktop app beta. Xbox Game Pass with EA Play also includes the option to trial games for up to 10 hours from best-loved franchises and top titles like FIFA 21. Finally starting on day one of EA Play on PC with Xbox Game Pass, members can play the new-to-Play List title Star Wars: Squadrons on PC and console.