Game Xbox Wire |
- The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox
- Save up to 60% in the EA Sale on the Xbox Store
- Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 3: UK & Ireland Now Available for Free
- Immerse Yourself in the Future of Gaming Audio with the Xbox Wireless Headset
- Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Dirt 5, Killer Queen Black, Wreckfest, and More
The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox Posted: 16 Feb 2021 11:00 AM PST Passion for game accessibility has grown exponentially among developers and gamers alike in the past decade. According to the ESA Foundation, there are nearly 46 million gamers with disabilities in the U.S. alone, so we're heartened to see that game developers are actively seeking out resources that guide inclusive game design to ensure that their games are fun for everyone who wants to play. At Microsoft, accessibility is a core aspect of how products are built. The implementation of inclusive design principles is a foundational part of the overall development process across Team Xbox. In early 2019, members of the Microsoft Gaming Accessibility team set out on a mission to create the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines (XAGs); a comprehensive set of best practices to support the game industry in driving accessibility efforts forward. The XAGs are intended to be used by designers to generate ideas and as a guiding checklist for validating the accessibility of a game. Leveraging years of accessibility research in the gaming industry as well as close partnerships with industry experts and members of the Gaming & Disability community, the original XAGs were launched in January 2020. Feedback Received! Post-launch, the team has been committed to ensuring that feedback from our Gaming & Disability community is both encouraged and heard loud and clear. There was an understanding from the beginning of this process that the only way to truly ensure that the needs of developers and members of the Gaming & Disability Community were met was to partner with these groups during the creation of the XAGs, as well as after they launched. Over the past year, developers have expressed enthusiasm for the XAGs, but also asked for additional context and clarification as to how to ensure these guidelines are properly implemented in their games. Additionally, there has been a clear desire for more content that helps a developer understand "where to start," or "how to focus efforts." Finally, there have been requests for help understanding the impact that XAGs will have on the gaming experience of players with disabilities. The Improvements Given all of this exciting feedback, the team developed a vision of how the XAGs could be improved to be even more helpful. Kaitlyn Jones, of the Microsoft Gaming Accessibility Team, led the project. As a gaming accessibility expert with a background as an occupational therapist, Kaitlyn focused on the following improvements: • Improved Language: The language used in the XAGs has been improved to ensure that guidelines are clear and easily understood. A focus on removing overly technical terms, or adding additional context to help readers understand terms, was a top priority. • Clear "Goal": Each XAG now has a succinct "goal" statement. Readers can more easily find XAGs relevant to their current work by quickly reading through goal statements. • Improved Overview: To ensure that developers understand the importance of each XAG guideline, improved overview sections now provide key contextual information including a summary of the impact a XAG can have on gamers with disabilities as well as those facing situational impairments. • Scoping Questions: High level questions ask developers to identify whether certain elements are present in their game. This yes/no determination can help developers more easily identify which XAGs are key priorities to be focused on first. • Key Areas to Target: Helps developers identify areas across their game experience that should be addressed when implementing XAG guidelines. • Background and Foundational Info: As some XAGs are more complex than others, additional background and foundational information has been provided to help make certain XAGs easier to comprehend. • Implementation Guideline examples: To help clarify guidelines that were difficult to understand, numerous examples (in the form of images and videos) have been created and aligned with various guidelines to demonstrate real-world examples of specific guidelines in action. Using Our Guidelines to Improve Games Once all of the updated Xbox Accessibility Guidelines were ready to go, the team realized that it could take further steps to ensure that developers have a way to find out whether or not their games were actually reaching the level of accessibility they targeted. With that in mind, the Game Reliability Engineering team and the Gaming Accessibility Team have collaborated to put together an industry-first, platform-provided game accessibility testing program that can validate games using the Xbox Accessibility Guidelines. Mike Gamble, principle software engineering lead in Game Reliability Engineering and 25-year game industry veteran, led the project. Developers now have the option to send Microsoft their Xbox or PC title and have it analyzed and validated against the recommendations provided in the XAGs. Where issues are found, they are noted with reproduction steps, screenshots, and other information to help the developer understand what aspect of a given experience may be challenging for certain gamers with disabilities. They also wanted to make sure that developers understood the potential impact of a given issue on our gamers. To that end, the reports include additional information such as links to gaming accessibility and inclusive design documentation, non-profits and industry-recognized subject matter experts, platform-specific technical documentation, and more. Perhaps the most important aspect of the program, however, is the inclusion of gamers with disabilities as part of the testing project. Every test pass includes members of the Gaming & Disability Community to not only run test cases against games, but to provide their feedback and insights as well. We have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback we've received from the developers who partnered with us in trials of the testing program–their feedback has shaped it. That's why we are confident that whether a developer is just starting to dip their toes into game accessibility or if they are already far along in their inclusive design journey, this program has something to offer them and, ultimately, their customers. The Journey Continues The Xbox Gaming Accessibility Team is incredibly grateful to all of the game developers and Gaming & Disability Community members, advocates, and experts who have provided feedback to us over the last year. But our work isn't done yet. We are continuing to take feedback from developers as well as the Gaming & Disability Community. It's important for us to ensure we are constantly improving and raising the bar for inclusive gaming. This is just a single point in that journey. Related:Save up to 60% in the EA Sale on the Xbox Store Immerse Yourself in the Future of Gaming Audio with the Xbox Wireless Headset Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Dirt 5, Killer Queen Black, Wreckfest, and More |
Save up to 60% in the EA Sale on the Xbox Store Posted: 16 Feb 2021 10:00 AM PST The time has come, Xbox fans! FIFA 21, Madden NFL 21, Apex Legends, The Sims 4, and many more Electronic Arts games are on sale as part of the Electronic Arts Sale on the Xbox Store for a limited time! Combine speed, skill, and savings up to 60% on EA’s top games! Here's a couple of highlights to look for: EA Sports FIFA 21 Madden NFL 21 The Sims 4 Snowy Escape Expansion Pack Apex Legends – Legend Editions Check out these games and more during the Electronic Arts Sale on the Xbox Store. Related:The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox Join early sign-up for The Show 21 Tech Test on Xbox console! Immerse Yourself in the Future of Gaming Audio with the Xbox Wireless Headset |
Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 3: UK & Ireland Now Available for Free Posted: 16 Feb 2021 08:01 AM PST Summary
Take flight into a region rich with tradition, culture and heritage — not to mention a fair share of myth and legend. From seats of royalty to centers of finance, bustling metropolitan hubs to sprawling farmsteads and cliffside villages, the splendor of the United Kingdom and Ireland is on full display with dramatic upgrades and visual enhancements. World Update 3: United Kingdom & Ireland features high-resolution 3D photogrammetry for the renowned cities of Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, London and Oxford, five new meticulously hand-crafted airports (Barra, Liverpool, Land’s End, Manchester-Barton and Out Skerries), visual and logistical improvements to 85 more area airports, and improved digital elevation information across the U.K. In addition, we've added compelling architectural elements throughout the region, ranging from British manors and Victorian homes to countryside stone structures, castles and churches – and even some drive-thru restaurants. In addition, over 70 custom landmarks and points of interest bring stunning new levels of detail and fidelity to some of the world’s most famous landmarks and bridges, regal palaces, breathtaking cathedrals … and, of course, football stadiums. Also included with the update are a trio of new activities: an Iconic Flight in the Northern Isles and two diverse Landing Challenges – an epic one up north on the Shetland archipelago, and a fierce one far south in the turbulent skies over Southeast England. World Update 3: United Kingdom & Ireland is available free starting today to all Microsoft Flight Simulator users. Be sure your simulator is up to date first, then visit the Marketplace to download the UK & Ireland bundle, and begin exploring the land of charm and magnificence that awaits. The sky is calling! Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Xbox Game Pass for PC, Windows 10, and Steam. Share your impressions with us on the dedicated forums or check out our FAQ if you have questions. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter. ![]() Microsoft Flight Simulator: StandardXbox Game Studios This title does not support Korean, Vietnamese, Thai or Indonesian localization. Microsoft Flight Simulator is the next generation of one of the most beloved simulation franchises. From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly detailed and stunning aircraft in an incredibly realistic world. Create your flight plan and fly anywhere on the planet. Enjoy flying day or night and face realistic, challenging weather conditions. MICROSOFT FLIGHT SIMULATOR IS A MUST PLAY*: • 10/10 IGN – "Microsoft Flight Simulator is legitimately incredible. It's difficult to fully describe how amazing it feels to jump into a plane and have the freedom fly to and from literally any place in the entire world." • Essential EUROGAMER – "a once in-a-generation wow moment" • 100/100 GAMING TREND • 100/100 PLAYER 2 • 5/5 GUARDIAN – "This game captures the wonder of flight" • 5/5 VG 24/7 • 10/10 PRESS-START • 10/10 AUSGAMERS • 5/5 VGC – "phenomenal looking, remarkably detailed simulator" • 9/10 AREAJUGONES • 9/10 PC INVASION • 4.5/5 ATTACK OF THE FANBOY • 9/10 GAMEBLOG • 10/10 WCCFTECH – "a technical marvel that brings the whole world to life and the best example of cloud based gaming so far." • 18/20 JEUXACTU • 9/10 EVEREYE • 9.3/10 SPAZIOGAMES • 4/5 DAILY STAR – "the definition of revolutionary" • 4.5/5 TWINFINITE Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Dirt 5, Killer Queen Black, Wreckfest, and More Forza Horizon 4 Races to Steam on March 9 Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Final Fantasy XII, Project Winter, Jurassic World Evolution, and More |
Immerse Yourself in the Future of Gaming Audio with the Xbox Wireless Headset Posted: 16 Feb 2021 07:00 AM PST When we were designing Xbox Series X|S, we wanted to ensure that games feel true-to-life, load incredibly fast, and sound as if you were dropped in the middle of the action. We embraced spatial sound processing by including custom audio hardware to offload audio processing from the CPU, dramatically improving the accessibility, quality, and performance of these experiences. Having a high-quality set of headphones at an affordable price for your new console or existing Xbox One will help you feel immersed, react faster to the action, and connect further with your gaming worlds. With each new generation of our Xbox accessories, we've raised the bar for innovation by focusing on performance, stand-out features, quality, and accessibility to deliver immersive experiences across console, PC, and mobile devices. We are excited to build on this legacy with the latest accessory to join the family: the new Xbox Wireless Headset. The Xbox Wireless Headset delivers best-in-class audio and chat performance, outstanding design and comfort, and unique experiences that are tailored for each gamer. We are also looking forward to bringing more value to the headset category with innovations not previously found in this price range. We chatted with a host of folks from the audio engineering and design teams to learn more about what the new Xbox Wireless Headset will deliver. ![]() Best-in-Class Audio and Chat Performance The team spent countless hours studying what makes for a great audio experience, and because the team is familiar with the technology behind the Xbox Wireless protocol, they were able to introduce a fine-tuned and configurable auditory experience like no Xbox headset before. With the Xbox Wireless Headset, you can play loud and clear through low latency, lossless audio for exceptional sound quality. The headset supports industry-leading spatial sound technologies including Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X for realism and audio precision that fully surrounds you. You’ll have the advantage by being able to hear all the subtle, yet critical sounds (like enemy footsteps sneaking up on you) that elevate great gamers above the rest. "We spent a lot of time in the audio testing chambers trying to characterize and understand how the headset reproduces audio in different room environments. It goes in your living room, game room, and dorm room and we want it to sound the best for all types of audio." said Erik Garcia, Project Architect and Lead. "In the same way, the team studied gameplay to ensure great sounding chat with a sensitive mic to prevent background noise." In addition to best-in-class audio performance, the new Wireless Headset provides clear and intelligent chat audio quality. The new headset has dual beamforming microphone elements that focus on speech audio vs. surrounding sound. Additionally, voice isolation tuning helps the mic pick up your voice rather than background ambient noise. When you aren't talking, the auto-mute feature automatically mutes your microphone (this can be toggled on or off), so you keep comms channels clear, while the manual mute button gives you privacy when you need it. There's a lot of attention to detail to be found on the new headset, and the mic is no exception. The team added a light indicator that turns on when the mic is active, so that you always know when your voice is being picked up. Outstanding Design and Comfort The team put a lot of energy into finding the right feel. The Xbox Wireless Headset is engineered for maximum comfort during extended gaming sessions with a lightweight design, ultra-soft large earcups made of polyurethane leather that distribute pressure evenly over the ears. It also features an adjustable headband with a thick cushion that easily fits wide-ranging head sizes and spreads pressure more evenly around the top of the head. The design is intentionally understated and shares the same shapes and colors found on our new consoles. The controls and indicators mirror the circular geometry that informed the design of Xbox Series X and Series S. And much like our new Xbox consoles, the Xbox Wireless Headset is designed to blend into your living room without feeling out of place or obtrusive. “We've learned that gaming is a deeply social activity. Especially nowadays, given the state of the world, gaming and communicating with others is a critical need. The team took a human-centered approach to design a headset that removes the unnecessary distractions so that players can focus on the game and their friends,” said Scott Wang, the Senior Design Researcher working on the new Xbox Wireless Headset. Combining a sleek and modern design with high-quality materials and finishes the Xbox Wireless Headset has a durable frame with inner metal headband, rubberized dial rings for grip, and a fully adjustable mic that tucks up and out of the way when not in use. The rotating earcup dials of the new Xbox Wireless Headset provide an intuitive way to adjust the volume and game/chat audio balance with just a simple turn without interrupting how it rests on the player's head. As Elie Ahovi, Senior Designer, puts it "we were driven by wanting every interaction with the headset to be delightful." Unique Experiences, Tailored to You With the Xbox Wireless Headset, you can play wirelessly across multiple devices including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PCs. The headset also connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth for on-the-go music or chat and to your console via Xbox Wireless technology just like an Xbox Wireless Controller, meaning there are no cables or dongles required. You can also simultaneously pair the headset to your phone and Xbox. That means, for example, that you can chat with a friend or – as the engineering team recalls doing – dial in to a conference call on your phone and play on your console at the same time. The Xbox Accessories app on your Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows 10 devices lets you fine-tune the audio controls for a customized audio experience, including equalizer settings, bass boost, auto-mute sensitivity, mic monitoring, and brightness of mic's mute light. Best of all, the headset can stay updated with the latest features via wireless updates from your console, ensuring you'll have a premium audio experience that continues to evolve. Make sure you install all the latest Windows updates to enjoy audio customization features on the Xbox Wireless Headset when using the Xbox Accessories app on Windows 10 devices. Finally, charging gets you back into the action in a flash: 30 minutes of charging provides about 4 hours of battery life, with only 3 hours of charging to reach up to 15 hours of battery life when the headset is not in use.* Immerse Yourself in the Future of Gaming The Xbox Wireless Headset delivers expansive sound, ease of use across devices, long lasting comfort, and customizable sound through the Xbox Accessories app. "We want it to be satisfying when you use it and want you to feel all the pleasure and joy you can get when playing the game," said Elie. We are also excited to be adding many unique features not found in wireless headsets today, with an eye toward evolving the product over time with updates. The new Xbox Wireless Headset will be available for $99 USD beginning March 16 in most worldwide Xbox markets and can be pre-ordered at select retailers, including Microsoft Store, starting on February 16 at 7 a.m. PST. Check your local retailer for product availability and specific pre-order timing in your region. For more product and pre-order details on the new Xbox Wireless Headset, visit Xbox.com. ![]() *Battery life varies significantly with distance from console, additional accessories, usage and other factors. Testing conducted by Microsoft using pre-production units. Related:The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox Join early sign-up for The Show 21 Tech Test on Xbox console! Save up to 60% in the EA Sale on the Xbox Store |
Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Dirt 5, Killer Queen Black, Wreckfest, and More Posted: 16 Feb 2021 06:00 AM PST The team here at Xbox game pass is proud to present… video games! We've got new Perks, more games, and even more games you can touch. Coming soon to a download or streaming queue near you! So pick your quests, (turn in the one's you've already done), and let's get to the games. Coming Soon Code Vein (PC) – February 18 Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire – Ultimate Edition (Cloud and Console) ID@Xbox – February 18 Wreckfest (Cloud, Console and PC) – February 18 ![]() Killer Queen Black (Cloud and Console) ID@Xbox – February 23 ![]() Dirt 5 (Cloud, Console and PC) – February 25 Elite Dangerous (Console) – February 25 ![]() Superhot: Mind Control Delete (PC) ID@Xbox – February 25 In Case You Missed It Monster Hunter: World (Cloud) – Available now More Cloud Games with Xbox Touch Controls ![]() On February 18, Ultimate members will have new ways to play these 7 cloud enabled games via their Android devices with fully customized Xbox touch controls!
DLC / Game Updates Destiny 2: Season of the Chosen– Until May 11 Fallout 76: Fasnacht Parade – February 16 to February 22 Fasnacht Parade is coming back in Fallout 76! Complete a variety of party preparation activities from February 16 – 22, like playing musical instruments, decorating the town, and more. Once everything is ready, the dutiful Protectrons will line up to begin the Fasnacht Parade. Keep them safe on their route to earn rewards, including fantastic Fasnacht Masks! Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update III: United Kingdom & Ireland – Available today! Minecraft Dungeons: Flames of the Nether DLC & 10 Million Players Celebration – February 24 Moving Out: Movers in Paradise DLC – February 25 State of Decay 2: Toward Brighter Days Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks Visit the Perks gallery on your Xbox Series X|S or Xbox One consoles, Xbox App on Windows 10 PCs, or the Xbox Game Pass mobile app on iOS and Android to claim these rewards: Rogue Company – Xbox Season One Starter Pack – Available Now Path of Exile – Gothic Armour Set – February 18 Xbox Game Pass Quests We have dozens of new Quests for you to hunt down this month! Don't forget to claim your Rewards points after you complete your Quests. Here's a few of our favorites:
Leaving Soon With Dirt 5 coming soon, it's time to say farewell to Dirt 4. Remember to get some practice in Dirt 4 before it leaves the library on February 24! Don't forget to dive into the rest of the games leaving the Xbox Game Pass library on February 28. As always, you'll be able to use your member discount to save up to 20% on games if you choose to purchase them before they go! Leaving February 24
Leaving February 28
That's a wrap for February! Coming soon next is March, which is when we'll have more games to talk about! Until then, be on the lookout on our Twitter and Instagram channels to get a heads up when these titles join the Game Pass library. See you next time! Related:The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update 3: UK & Ireland Now Available for Free Ring in the Year of the Ox with new Minecraft content! |
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