Author: dpugh007

It’s not just Xbox One consoles that are on sale right now. Amazon has launched a very good deal on the Xbox Game Pass membership. Right now you can get three months for $20 USD (normally $30 USD) or 12 months for $70 USD (normally $120). Go to Amazon’s Xbox Game Pass product page here to learn more and place an order.

And if you haven’t signed up for Xbox Game Pass yet, you can get your first month for only $1 as part of a special introductory offer.

The Xbox Game Pass deals come in the midst of a big month for the subscription service. Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice, Mortal Kombat X, Pro Evolution Soccer 19, and Spintires: Mudrunner arrived earlier this month, while Ori and the Blind Forest (December 20) and Shadow Warrior 2 (December 20) are coming later this month. Additionally, the brand-new games Ashen and Below launched into Xbox Game Pass earlier this month.

All first-party Xbox games launch into Xbox Game Pass, which means subscribers will get Gears 5, Halo Infinite, and all other exclusives in the time to come at no extra cost.

There are currently more than 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games in the Xbox Game Pass library. The service has been referred to by some as the “Netflix of games,” but Xbox Game Pass titles are downloaded, not streamed. Microsoft is working on a game-streaming service of its own, but right now it’s not incorporated into Xbox Game Pass.

Xbox Game Pass is currently only available on Xbox One, but Microsoft is bringing it to PC in the future. On a longer timeline, the company wants to have Xbox Game Pass on “every device.”

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While Bethesda hasn’t made any announcements about how well the controversial multiplayer-focused Fallout 76 did commercially, a report from the NPD Group contains some clues.

The NPD Group’s report for US game sales in November show that Fallout 76 was the fourth best-selling game of November, only behind Battlefield V, Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, and Red Dead Redemption 2. While the NPD Group’s reports now contain digital sales numbers, this only applies to some publishers. Bethesda doesn’t share digital game sales, so Fallout 76 ranking fourth with only physical sales accounted for is a more impressive achievement.

Fallout 76’s physical sales in the US in November amounted to the third highest launch-month sales in the history of the Fallout series, only behind Fallout 4 and Fallout: New Vegas.

Critics generally did not enjoy Fallout 76, and GameSpot’s review scored it a 4/10. While Bethesda hasn’t announced any specific sales numbers for Fallout 76, the company said last month that “millions” of people have played the game.

Fallout 76 will be supported with new updates for a long time to come, according to Bethesda. Marketing boss Pete Hines says he believes the game’s servers will stay online until the sun burns out and humankind is left in ashes.

While Fallout 76 might have had a good start sales-wise in November, it did not crack the top 10 list for best-selling games of 2018 so far. Grand Theft Auto V, a game originally released in 2013, has sold better than Fallout 76 this year.

Some of the other game sales highlights for November in the US include:

• Red Dead Redemption 2 sales after just two months exceed the lifetime sales of Red Dead Redemption 1 by almost 40 percent.
• Black Ops 4 continues to be the best-selling game of 2018. It is also the second fastest-selling game on PS4 and Xbox One ever, only behind Call of Duty: WWII.
• Launch-month sales for Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu and Let’s Go Eevee were the second-highest in Pokemon history, only behind 2000 Pokemon Stadium.
• Spyro Reignited Trilogy’s launch-month dollar sales were more than 30 percent higher than the launch-month sales of all other Spyro games ever combined, except Skylanders.
• Hitman 2 didn’t make it into the Top 20 list of best-sellers.
• Total software sales for the US in November amounted to $1 billion, which is down 15 percent compared to last year. NPD said Black Ops 4’s shift from November to October this year is to blame for the downturn.

On the hardware side, the Nintendo Switch was the top platform during November based on dollar sales, while the PS4 continues to be the leader year-to-date in terms of hardware dollar sales. Another notable takeaway is that, for the first time ever, three console systems sold more than 1 million units each in a November month; the Switch, PS4, and Xbox One each sold more than 1.3 million units during the month. In November 2010, the DS, Wii, and Xbox 360 each sold more than 1 million units, but the DS is apparently not counted as a console platform.

Total hardware sales in the US for November 2018 came to $1.18 billion, which is up 3 percent. Looking at games, hardware, and accessories combined, total US spending on games in November reached $2.7 billion.

November Best-Selling Games All Platforms

1. Red Dead Redemption 2
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4^
3. Battlefield V^
4. Fallout 76*
5. Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu*
6. Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee*
7. NBA 2K19
8. Madden NFL 19^
9. Spyro: Reignited Trilogy
10. FIFA 19^
11. Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey
12. Super Mario Party*
13. Spider-Man
14. Mario Kart 8*
15. WWE 2K19
16. God of War
17. Shadow of the Tomb Raider
18. Just Dance 2019
19. Grand Theft Auto V
20. Forza Horizon 4

All Platforms Year To Date

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4^
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
3. NBA 2K19
4. Far Cry 5
5. Madden NFL 19^
6. Spider-Man
7. God of War
8. Monster Hunter: World
9. Grand Theft Auto V
10. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

12 Months Ended November 2018

1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4^
2. Red Dead Redemption 2
3. Call of Duty: WWII^
4. NBA 2K19
5. Far Cry 5
6. Madden NFL 19^
7. Spider-Man
8. God of War
9. Monster Hunter: World
10. Super Mario Odyssey*

November Xbox One

1. Red Dead Redemption 2
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops IIII
3. Battlefield V
4. Fallout 76*
5. Madden NFL 19
6. NBA 2K19
7. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
8. FIFA 19
9. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
10. Forza Horizon 4

November PS4

1. Red Dead Redemption 2
2. Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
3. Fallout 76*
4. Battlefield V
5. NBA 2K19
6. Spyro Reignited Trilogy
7. Madden NFL 19
8. Spider-Man
9. FIFA 19
10. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

November Nintendo Switch

1. Pokemon: Let’s Go Pikachu
2. Pokemon: Let’s Go Eevee
3. Super Mario Party
4. Mario Kart 8
5. Super Mario Odyssey
6. The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild
7. Just Dance 2019
8. Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy
9. Mario & Rabbids: Kingdom Battle
10. Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze

November 3DS

1. Luigi’s Mansion
2. Pokemon: Ultra Sun
3. Pokemon: Ultra Moon
4. Super Mario 3D Land
5. Mario Kart 7
6. Super Smash Bros.
7. Minecraft
8. Detective Pikachu
9. Donkey Kong Country Returns
10. The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds

* Digital sales not included

^ PC digital sales not included

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Life Is Strange 2‘s second episode, “Rules,” will launch on January 24, Square Enix and developer Dontnod Entertainment have announced. Episode 1, “Roads,” was released at the end of September, so the wait will be around four months between episodes if the follow-up stays on schedule.

In addition to announcing Episode 2’s release date, Square Enix released a live-action trailer featuring Gonzalo Martin, who voices one of the main characters, Sean Diaz. The trailer references a pivotal, emotional scene from the first episode, so be aware of that if you’re worried about spoilers. You can watch the trailer in the embed above.

Additionally, Square Enix has released a plot synopsis for Episode 2, and it confirms that Captain Spirit from the free spinoff is in the game. You can find the full plot synopsis at the bottom of the page.

Square Enix’s Jon Brooke said in a statement that Episode 2 will be a turning point for the five-episode series. “Previous seasons have both had a point that was just, ‘that moment’, that captivated fans from all over the world, and we feel like this will be the one for Life isStrange 2.”

GameSpot’s Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 review scored the game a 9/10. “Life Is Strange 2: Episode 1 is a triumphant first chapter, featuring a narrative that fearlessly reflects the lives of two Latino brothers living in our politically-charged climate,” reviewer Jess McDonell said.

Life Is Strange 2: Episode 2 “Roads” Plot Synopsis:

“Sean and Daniel’s story continues in Episode 2. On the run from the police following a tragic incident in Seattle and the manifestation of a strange supernatural power, Sean and Daniel Diaz continue their journey into the winter months. As the two brothers struggle against the cold, Daniel gets increasingly ill. Sean decides that they must take the risk and make their way to their distant grandparent’s house to recover and seek shelter.

There, they encounter next-door neighbour Chris Eriksen, a young boy who believes he has powers eerily similar to Daniel’s, and they come face to face with his superhero alter ego, Captain Spirit. As Daniel and Chris are becoming fast friends, it’s up to Sean to make sure Daniel follows a set of rules they agreed on for his power: Never in public. Never talk about it. Run from danger.

Can Daniel successfully hide the truth from the people around them, will the temptation to explore the immense power within him be too much, or will he break the rules in a time of need?”

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Call of Duty: Black Ops 4‘s first big content update, Operation Absolute Zero, has expanded to other platforms. Following its release on PS4 last week, the big update is now available on Xbox One and PC, bringing a new playable character, Blackout area, and more to the online shooter.

Among the additions to the game is the new Specialist, Zero–a hacker who can use her skills to “disrupt and distract enemies.” Players can unlock her by completing tier 1 of the newly revamped Black Market, which now features 100 “clearly defined” tiers to streamline progression. Treyarch has also added a new batch of weapons and “more diverse content” to unlock in the Black Market, including Reactive Camos, Epic Outfits, Reticles, and Mastercrafts.

On top of the new Specialist, Operation Absolute Zero introduces a new area to Blackout mode: Hijacked, which is inspired by the fan-favorite Black Ops II map of the same name. It can be found in the northwest quadrant of the map. Additionally, a new armored vehicle–the ARAV–has been added to the battle royale mode as well.

Players who’ve purchased the Battle Pass on Xbox One or PC can access additional content, including two new multiplayer maps: Elevation and Madagascar. Reaper from Black Ops 3 has also been added to Blackout mode for Battle Pass holders, as has a new Zombies chapter: Dead of the Night, which features a cast of big-name celebrities including Kiefer Sutherland and Helena Bonham Carter.

Along with Operation Absolute Zero, Treyarch has rolled out some changes to all version of Black Ops 4. Among them, the developer has made some balance tweaks to the aforementioned new Specialist, Zero. Treyarch has also updated the featured playlist in multiplayer and introduced Custom games for Blackout mode, which let players start a private match and “explore the map at their own pace.” You can find the full patch notes on Reddit.

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The Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences (AIAS) has announced that Bonnie Ross, a 24-year Microsoft veteran perhaps best known for her work on Halo, will be inducted into the group’s Hall of Fame. She joins an esteemed group of game developers, including 2017’s recipient, Bethesda’s Todd Howard, along with Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto, Metal Gear designer Hideo Kojima, and Valve founder Gabe Newell, among others. Ross will be the first woman in the AIAS Hall of Fame.

“It is thanks to Bonnie’s vision and drive for combining art and technology that has allowed the Halo universe to flourish within so many different mediums and platforms,” AIAS president Meggan Scavio said in a statement. “That along with her deep passion to expand diversity in gaming and encourage STEM education amongst women as well as all young people is truly inspirational. Her positive legacy and leadership have helped advance interactive entertainment and will impact game makers and aspiring game makers for generations to come.”

Xbox boss Phil Spencer will present Ross with the Hall of Fame award at the 22nd DICE Awards ceremony on February 13, 2019 in Las Vegas.

In his own statement, Spencer said it’s been a privilege to work with Ross for more than 20 years. “I have continually been impressed not only by her passion for merging art and storytelling, but also her equal passion for creating teams and technical breakthroughs; solid foundations that will set the direction of Halo and Xbox for years to come,” he said.

Ross joined Microsoft in 1994 and some of her first work in games was on Microsoft’s sports games for PC, beginning with NBA Full Court Press. She rose through the ranks and later held roles such as producer, lead producer, and executive producer, before becoming a general manager for Xbox where she oversaw pretty much everything from Microsoft Studios.

In 2007, her work on Halo expanded when Halo creator Bungie and Microsoft split off. Ross founded Microsoft’s new internal Halo team, 343 Industries, and today she holds the title of Microsoft Corporate Vice President and Head of 343 Industries.

Outside of the Halo series, Ross co-founded Microsoft’s Women in Gaming program that aims to help women get into science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) careers.

Halo franchise manager Frank O’Connor wrote a nice blog post about Ross, and in it he talks about what makes Ross such a great person and professional colleague.

“To see Bonnie recognized for her career and her passion is gratifying, but even more so knowing that the recognition itself will inspire future creators, engineers and world-builder and continue the work and the mission she started on her first day at Microsoft,” he said. “On Legendary difficulty, obviously.”

The next Halo game, Halo Infinite, is currently in development for Xbox One and PC.

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A new Legendary Pokemon has arrived in Pokemon Go. Heatran, another rare monster originally from the series’ fourth-generation titles, Pokemon Diamond and Pearl, has begun appearing in Raid Battles around the world following Cresselia’s departure, and it’ll remain as a Raid boss until January 15.

As usual, in order to catch Heatran, you’ll first need to visit a Gym where a Heatran Raid is taking place, then team up with other players to battle the Legendary Pokemon. Once Heatran has been defeated, you’ll be rewarded with a handful of Premiere Balls along with an opportunity to capture the Legendary.

Heatran is unique in that it is the only Fire- and Steel-type Pokemon in the entire series. This type combination gives it a resistance to Dragon and Psychic attacks, but it also makes the Pokemon very susceptible to Ground-types like Rhyperior and Groudon. Water and Fighting Pokemon such as Kyogre, Swampert, and Machamp will also be effective against the Legendary.

In addition to Heatran, a handful of new Gen 4 Pokemon have also begun appearing in Go. In addition to the previously teased Snover and Munchlax, Pokemon fansite Serebii is reporting that Skorupi, Bronzor, and a handful of other Sinnoh Pokemon have been added to the game.

Heatran’s arrival also coincides with the start of Pokemon Go’s third annual holiday event. From now until January 2, Ice-type Pokemon will spawn more frequently in the wild, and players will have another chance to catch Delibird and Santa hat Pikachu. Niantic is also offering different bonuses every few days throughout the event; from now until December 22, for instance, players will receive twice the usual amount of Stardust for catching Pokemon.

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