Game Xbox Wire

Game Xbox Wire


Warhammer Skulls Festival Starts June 3

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 02:00 PM PDT

Announcing Warhammer Skulls, the annual festival of all things Warhammer video gaming, coming to Xbox and Windows PC for the first time this Thursday and running for 7 days! To kick off the launch, there will be a special Xbox specific Warhammer Skulls Showcase live streamed to Xbox's Twitch and YouTube on June 3 at 6 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. PST, featuring world premieres, reveals, and announcements from leading studios and franchises.

As well as the Warhammer Skulls Showcase, the event will also provide new content and updates to fan favorite games, and feature weeklong discounts and promotions.

Skulls will be happening on Xbox in a big way. Along with the brand new releases of Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground (out now) and Necromunda: Hired Gun (out now), Talisman: Digital Edition will be launching on Xbox from the start of the event and there’s going to be a weekend-long Free Play Days takeover celebration too – with Inquisitor Martyr, Chaosbane, and Mechanicus all available to try for free over the weekend. In addition, World of Warships: Legends will have the 40K themed ships in play for players on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Vermintide 2 - Chaos Wastes

You can also look forward to big updates from Vermintide 2 (available with Xbox Game Pass), with the launch of their free Chaos Wastes expansion to the game on June 3.

Like Xbox, Windows PC is also massively into Skulls with no fewer than three new games for Skulls and recently launched titles with Horus Heresy: Legions, Warhammer Combat Cards, and Warhammer Quest: Silver Tower. World of Tanks: Blitz and World of Warships are also participating with their 40K in-game content. You can find it all on the dedicated Warhammer Skulls page on Windows PC come Thursday.

Warhammer - Skulls Showcase

Be sure to join us on the Xbox Twitch channel and Xbox YouTube, and right back here on Xbox Wire for all the news, excitement and reveals this Thursday at 6 p.m. BST / 10 a.m. PST!

Related:
Blast Some Heavy Metal in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries with Xbox Game Pass
Puzzle Game Trenga Unlimited Available Now for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Hack and Slash Adventure Game Battle Axe is Available Now

Blast Some Heavy Metal in MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries with Xbox Game Pass

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 01:00 PM PDT

Summary

MechWarrior has returned to the Xbox platform better than ever and we're so excited that fans and new players can check out the latest adventure in the BattleTech universe!

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries

Why better than ever? Well, we spent nearly one year of development time to implement over 30 major updates to the base game based directly on feedback from our passionate MechWarrior community. This huge (and free) update covers a bit of everything with quality-of-life improvements that make managing and customizing your mechs a breeze, adjustments to UI and game systems, and new gameplay changes that add new bases and garrisons to explore and destroy as well as more variety and challenge throughout the game. It's difficult to show these off in a few in-game screenshots so here's a quick look at what you can expect:

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - New Features


The life of a MechWarrior mercenary remains a dangerous and sometimes lonesome profession. That's why we're so excited that MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries will support cross play across the Xbox Series X|S and PC platforms. Now you can team up with friends while you destroy enemy forces while leveling entire cities (and loads of other things along the way)!

When you're ready for more of the merc life, the Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC awaits and we've taken a unique approach to content access — there's no gated content on this addition to the MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries base game. So whether you'd like some company or a friend isn't 100% sure if they want the DLC, a fellow merc can join a match hosted by a player who owns the DLC, and experience the entirety of the Heroes of the Inner Sphere campaign together.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries - Heroes of the Inner Sphere

As a special treat, MechWarrior 5 players on Xbox and Microsoft PC will receive an exclusive Kobold Hero Mech. This featured mech comes with a custom loadout and paint job plus Goblin AI pilot with new dialogue.

Kobold Mech Exclusive

Whether you're a longtime MechWarrior veteran or new to the series, there's really never been a better time to discover the ultimate power fantasy of stomping through war torn cities in a building-sized weapon of destruction with MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries and Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC, out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC!

Xbox Live
Xbox Play Anywhere

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries

Piranha Games Inc.

250
$29.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass
BE YOUR OWN WEAPON OF WAR Welcome to the year 3015! It's a hell of a time to be alive. Humanity has colonized thousands of star systems spanning a vast region of space known as the Inner Sphere. The golden age of cooperation and advancement is now a distant memory, and humanity has once again splintered into disparate factions all vying for supremacy. In the midst of these Succession Wars, power hungry Mercenaries like yourself are in a privileged position to capitalize big time. It's dangerous work but that's why you're here, right? If you've got an itch to blast, wreck, stomp and go all out ballistic, step inside and become your own weapon of war!

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries – Heroes of the Inner Sphere

Piranha Games Inc.

12
$19.99 $17.99
In Heroes of the Inner Sphere DLC, we've opened up the Mercenary experience with the new Career mode and packed the Inner Sphere with new content to discover. With the New Career mode, you can start a career from scratch or import your progress from MechWarrior 5 Mercenaries. Work to establish your Mercenary Company while exploring the rebalanced Inner Sphere with New Warzones and Hubs to discover. Find and Collect 7 New hero 'Mechs and 7 New Chassis Types and 50 new 'Mech variants for the base game. Customize all your 'Mechs with new weapon systems and equipment! Experience the Beach Head Mode with Multiple objectives and incoming artillery fire to evade. Take the Fight to new planets on the Extra-Solar Moon Biome and Garrisons. EXCLUSIVE CONTENT! Heroes of the Inner Sphere also includes an exclusive 'Mech and new AI Pilot. The Phoenix "Kobold" hero 'Mech features a custom paint scheme and loadout. The AI Pilot "Goblin" features unique pilot stats, special character portrait, and new voice lines.
Related:
Warhammer Skulls Festival Starts June 3
Puzzle Game Trenga Unlimited Available Now for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S
Hack and Slash Adventure Game Battle Axe is Available Now

Super Animal Royale (Game Preview) is Now Available for Xbox One

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 12:00 PM PDT

The park is officially open! Super Animal Royale (Game Preview) invites you to pick an animal, grab an umbrella, hop off the back of a giant eagle, and sail down into the abandoned Super Animal World safari park for a fast-paced, frenetic dose of 64-player combat.

The Xbox One version features cross play matchmaking and cross-save with all other versions, so whether you're new to the island or a Super Animal Royale veteran, you can bring your animals with you wherever you play.

If you're an Xbox Game Pass member, you'll start your journey with the Founder's Edition DLC for free. The pack is only available to early supporters during the game's Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access and includes three exclusive Super Animal Royale breeds and 10 exclusive cosmetic items.

Super Animal Royale (Game Preview)

Today also marks the arrival of the Beach Party Animal Pass, for those looking to equip their squad of Super Ducks with life jackets. Coinciding with a massive expansion of the island's shoreline, season 0.5's accessories will help you explore the new beaches in style.

Charmed and Dangerous

Super Animal Royale's top-down 2D shooting, line of sight fog of war system, and colorful world set it apart from other games in the battle royale genre. Streamlined controls make it easy to learn and six-minuteish matches make it less punishing. Still, the mechanics have surprising depth, and reaching the top of the food chain is no easy task.

To survive, you'll need to explore the park's deserted attractions, frozen tundras, and blistering deserts to find weapons like submachine guns, bow & sparrows, and banana peels. To cover ground more quickly, you can also hop in a hamster ball or ride tandem with your duos partner on the back of a giant emu.

Super Animal Royale (Game Preview)


A Fork in the Mode

Beyond the core battle royale mode, the team is also experimenting with new limited-time game modes that support squads of up to four players. In S.A.W. vs Rebellion (32v32) you're assigned to fight for either Super Animal World (S.A.W.) or Super Animal Super Resistance (S.A.S.R.) forces and win by either eliminating the entire opposing team or capturing and defending more flags than your enemy. Captured flags also provide loot and a healing buff, so you'll want to be strategic in fighting to hold them.

In the second limited-time mode, Mystery Mode, the typical battle royale ruleset gets mixed up between seven different variants. Modifiers include Wild West (cowboy hats, magnums, and hunting rifles), Super Slow Bullets (50% speed for your best dodging moves), Bananarama (bananas as bullets, banana rain, and extra banana spawns) and One Hit Kill.

All the Super World's a Stage

So, what happened to Super Animal World? How did a family-friendly animal theme park become the stage for the world's most adorable fight to the death? Clues to the park's history are strewn across the map, with secrets to find, NPCs to talk to, and easter eggs to unlock in between gunfights.

Super Animal Royale (Game Preview)

To learn even more about Super Animal World's twisted lore, check out the game's companion animated series "Super Animal Royale Tonight," which follows the adventures of intrepid reporters Donk Patrick and Howl Michaels as they brave ceaseless attacks by the S.A.S.R. to bring you the best community submitted gameplay highlights. New episodes will arrive alongside every new in-game season, so make sure to capture your best moments and submit them for a chance to see your own clip featured on the show.

You can watch Season 2 of "Super Animal Royale Tonight" on YouTube, including the brand new episode showcasing the Shorelines update.

Super Feedback

Community feedback over the past 2.5 years of Steam Early Access on PC has played a huge role in what makes Super Animal Royale the game it is today, and the goal is the same for the Xbox Game Preview version. To contribute to the game's continued evolution, join the game's Discord server, where you can chat with the developers and engage with the artist and content creator communities. You can also tweet @AnimalRoyale on Twitter or find the game on Facebook and Instagram.

Xbox Live

Super Animal Royale (Game Preview)

Modus Games

12
This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game. It's fight for furvival! Super Animal Royale is a 64-player, frenetic, top-down 2D battle royale where murderous animals fight tooth, claw, and machine gun across an abandoned safari park. Collect and customize your favorite critters and weapons, then put them to work in solo matches or team up as a squad of up to four players! Key Features • Survival of the Fittest: Scavenge a variety of powerful weapons, armor and items to become the apex predator in intense 64-player online matches. • The Superest World: Explore a massive, beautifully illustrated 2D island and discover its hidden lore, by chatting with its inhabitants and scouring its rich environments for clues. • Different Stripes for Different Fights: Collect hundreds of animal breeds and customize them with thousands of cosmetic items, weapons, outfits, and even umbrellas! • Evolving Events & Updates: Enjoy an endless stampede of new content, including seasonal outfits, animals, and weapons to collect. • The Fast and the Furriest: Flatten your foes while rolling dirty in a Hamster Ball, or mount a Giant Emu and peck your way to the promised land.

Founder's Edition DLC (Game Preview)

Modus Games

2
$9.99
Ultimate Game Pass
This game is a work in progress. It may or may not change over time or release as a final product. Purchase only if you are comfortable with the current state of the unfinished game. Support Super Animal Royale as a Founder and get 3 animal breeds and 10 cosmetics that are exclusive to Early Access and only available in the Founder's Edition. You'll also get your username colored in the orange founder's color to show that you were one of the original supporters of the game! Included Animal Breeds: Super Hellfire Skullcat Super Pixile Fox Super Black Panther Included Cosmetic Items: Pixile Purple Tee Pixile White Tee Angel Halo Charcoal Suit With Pixile Tie White Shutter Shades Heart Glasses Golden M16 Golden Silenced Pistol Juggling Roulette Emote Fireworks Death Explosion Neither animal breeds nor cosmetic items provide any gameplay advantage.
Related:
Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Backbone, For Honor, Darkest Dungeon, and More
Super Animal Royale Is Clawing Its Way to Xbox Game Preview on June 1
Spellbreak – Chapter 2: The Fracture Adds NPCs to Battle

The Necromunda: Hired Gun Tips for Long Life and Healthy Living

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 11:00 AM PDT

It's the grim darkness of the far future. Life is hard. We could all use some advice on getting through the day. We're here to help. Necromunda: Hired Gun –available now on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S — is a fast-paced, action-packed FPS made by our small passionate team at Streum On Studio where you'll dive into the far flung future of the 41st millennium, set in Games Workshop's iconic Warhammer 40,000 universe.

In the wasteland of Necromunda, inside the great Hive Primus packed with a billion souls toiling away to support the innumerable worlds of the Imperium of Man, sometimes dirty work needs doing – for the right price. An endless, cyclical gang war between the wealthy and influential great houses needs someone to clean up their mess, and that's you – a hired gun, a bounty hunter for hire, caught up in a bigger mess than you'd like.

Tip 1: Get a dog

Dogs are friends. Protective, loyal, fierce. In real life, they'll guard your door, greet you with a slobbery kiss in the morning, and bark at potential attackers – like the cat. In Hired Gun, your constant companion, the cyber-mastiff, is much the same. He'll rip the throat out of anyone you point at, bring you their limbs, and watch your back by sniffing out enemies hiding in the darkness.

He's also available for pets and emotional support (emotional support may bite).

Tip 2: Get moving

Exercise is important for a healthy body and a healthy mind. Rather than a special bike or a particularly ingenious augmented reality game, Hired Gun makes it a little bit easier to keep active. With your integrated grappling hook and heavily augmented body, wall-running and double jumping give you a leg up on the competition and in the keeping fit department.

Necromunda: Hired Gun

Tip 3: Get nasty

The world – it's cruel. The world of Necromunda, a few dozen thousand years down the road, it's a little bit crueler. Combat is fast paced, fighting is fierce, and as a bounty hunter with marks to catch, you'll need to be just about as mean as you can imagine. Melee attacks are far from a last ditch effort to get someone out of your face, and prove useful and brutal in the close quarters combat of a hive city.

Tip 4: Get your targets

Set goals for yourself. You're a bounty hunter, so your goals are quite literal targets. While Hired Gun is not a game of stealth or subterfuge, how you go about that – which path you take through non-linear combat arenas and to multiple objectives, which guns you use, which targets you're chasing – is up to you.

Necromunda: Hired Gun

Tip 5: Get paid

Money makes the world go round, no matter what world that happens to be. Make sure you always get what you're worth, because the Underhive runs on cash (in-game, naturally – no microtransactions here). Secondary missions and hidden caches stored in the dark corners of levels and out of the way places will give you a fat purse to spend on upgraded augments, new weapons and customization options, and much more. Even your dog can benefit from a suite of new upgrades.

Tip 6: Get shooting

Got your guns. Got your mastiff. Got your mission. Shoot your shot – on Necromunda, literally. With access to a massive selection of weapons and upgrades from the very start, what you spend on is more important than how far through the game you are. Find the combination of weapons and augments that best suit your playstyle and the particular mission. Use a swathe of weapon customisation options to make your gun uniquely yours and take the pain to your targets in style.

Necromunda: Hired Gun

Tip 7: Get upgraded

Life is about growth. With a few missions under your belt, you'll want to power up… Your armory is vast, every part of your body, every element of your weapon, can be improved. Higher jumps, faster running, better vision, stronger arms – the vast list of ways your cybernetic body and organs can be upgraded means every path through the game is unique. Your grappling hook will help you to drag you to walls, ledges and enemies, use it to your advantage.

Tip 8: Get revenge

What's it all for? Revenge (and maybe money, as noted). There's a reason you ended up packed with more augments and cybernetics than the average Hired Gun. Betrayal and the wrong targets land you in a heap of trouble in the Underhive, and you're here only by the grace of the kind of folks you… really don't want to owe your life to. When the hunter becomes the hunted life gets interesting – let's see how you survive.

Necromunda: Hired Gun is available now for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The game is Optimized for Xbox Series X|S and supports Smart Delivery, ensuring you only have to purchase the game once to play the best available version for whichever Xbox console you choose to play on.

Xbox Live

Necromunda: Hired Gun

Focus Home Interactive

112
$39.99 $33.99
Pick your contracts. Hunt your targets. Collect the bounty. Navigate an ocean of crime and corruption to balance the bloody ecosystem of Necromunda as a merciless hired gun. The money's good, the dog's loyal, and the gun's reliable – but can you survive the hunt? Necromunda: Hired Gun is an indie fast-paced, violent, and thrilling FPS set in the darkest reaches of Warhammer 40,000's most infamous hive city. For the right price, eliminate the most notorious gangers and mutants. Your armory is a sprawling arsenal. Your body is enhanced with a dozen customizable augments to run on walls and leap over chasms. Your cyber-mastiff will sniff out and kill enemies for you, while your grappling hook allows quick, agile traversal of the massive environments. – An indie fast-paced FPS in the Warhammer 40,000 universe – Upgrade and fight alongside your loyal cyber-mastiff – Endless weapon and augment customisation – Upgrade, advance, and level up as you collect bounties
Related:
Devise Powerful Strategies with Age of Sigmar: Storm Ground's Hundreds of Unlockable Cards
Next Week on Xbox: May 31 to June 4
Learn the Lore of Necromunda: Hired Gun

Celebrate Pride and LGBTQIA+ Players and Creators with Xbox

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 09:00 AM PDT

This Pride, LGBTQIA+ communities at Microsoft invite everyone to join us in our call for justice and equity. By working together, we can make an impact and bring about change for all.

Gaming is a big part of the lives of many LGBTQIA+ players and it's important that we celebrate everyone who plays. At Xbox, we are committed to creating a safe and inclusive space for all members of LGBTQIA+ communities to experience the joy of gaming and we are championing content that represents all of today's players. We will continue to do our part to ensure that everyone can play as their authentic selves and feel empowered and represented throughout the industry.

Team Xbox proudly supports LGBTQIA+ players during Pride month and beyond. To honor Pride, we are focusing on intersectionality and lifting up LGBTQIA+ voices across gaming. We are also highlighting stories of Team Xbox and Microsoft members, and Microsoft is making a $150,000 total donation to LGBTQIA+ nonprofits. Explore all of the ways Microsoft stands up for justice and equity at Pride, and check out some of the ways Xbox is celebrating this year.


Get the Gear


Xbox Pride Gear

The Xbox Gear Shop celebrates Pride Month with new Pride collections from Xbox, Halo, and more.

 Xbox and Halo Pride themed unisex and women's fit T-shirts, tank tops and eco tote bags

Show your support with limited-edition t-shirts, bags, and more — all created by and with LGBTQIA+ communities. This year's collection is packed with Xbox Game Studios designs and eco-friendly options. Shop Pride gear now.

Pride 2021 Xbox Wireless Controller Gift

Pride 2021 Xbox Wireless Controller

Team Xbox has designed the Pride 2021 Xbox Wireless Controller with and for LGBTQIA+ people to give visibility to communities that have often been overlooked and neglected. It combines the flags of various LGBTQIA+ communities in an interwoven energetic way, creating a sense of unity, and evoking both technology and the modern age. To celebrate, Team Xbox will share these controllers with key influencers and media in the U.S. and internationally. Learn more here.

Want to celebrate Pride while playing Xbox on your Surface? Check out the Surface Skin, inspired by this Pride design. Learn more here.


Play


Tell Me Why Available for Free in June on Xbox Consoles, Microsoft Store, and Steam!

Michael Abila walking with Tyler and Alyson Ronan.

Tell Me Why, the award-winning narrative adventure from DontNod Entertainment and Xbox Publishing, will be available for free on Xbox consoles, the Microsoft Store and Steam for the entire month of June 2021. Whether you’re returning to Delos Crossing or experiencing the Ronan twins’ reunion for the first time, we can’t wait for you to join us this Pride Month.

The Forza Franchise Gets Festive for Pride!

The 2017 Ford Focus RS, decorated with a colorful rainbow circle pattern, is parked at an angle facing the viewer in Forza Horizon 4.

Forza is getting festive! The 2021 Forza Rainbow livery, adorning the 2017 Ford Focus RS, is available for free to all players in both Forza Horizon 4 and Forza Motorsport 7. Players will automatically receive the livery through the in-game message center the next time they log in after June 1. (Ford disclaimer: 2017 Focus RS no longer in real world production.) 

Unity Nameplate for Halo: The Master Chief Collection

Unity Nameplate for Halo: The Master Chief Collection

In Halo: The Master Chief Collection, our players can customize their profile with special nameplates commemorating in-game activities or celebrating special events.  Any players who log in during the month of June will automatically gain access to this unique “Unity” nameplate! 

Celebrate with Gamerpics and New Profile Theme

Celebrate with Gamerpics and New Profile Theme
Celebrate with Gamerpics and New Profile Theme

Xbox has released new Xbox profile customization content. The new "True Colors" profile theme and gamerpics will be available to fans on PC and console. Celebrate and show your support with this new content! (Availability may differ by region.)


Give


Microsoft is donating a total of $150,000 to LGBTQIA+ Nonprofits

Together with our employees, Microsoft has donated $2M+ to organizations that support the LGBTQIA+ community in the last year, and we are making an additional $150,000 total donation to nonprofits around the world to help in the fight for LGBTQIA+ equity including ACLU Foundation, The Trevor Project, Act to Change, OutRight Action International, BEAM, and Mermaids. We remain committed to advocating for and supporting equity and equality for all, including our LGBTQIA+ employees, gamers and members of our communities. Learn more.

Microsoft Rewards on Xbox

Microsoft Rewards members in the United States can earn points for donation to organizations supporting LGBTQIA+ communities through Xbox. All Microsoft Rewards donations made to the organizations listed below will be matched by Microsoft throughout the month of June.  

  • The Trevor Project: The Trevor Project is the world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning (LGBTQ) young people.
  • OutRight Action International: OutRight Action International fights for the human rights of LGBTIQ people everywhere. OutRight works at the international, regional and national levels to research, document, defend, and advance human rights for LGBTIQ people around the world.
  • Transgender Law Center: Transgender Law Center changes law, policy, and attitudes so that all people can live safely, authentically, and free from discrimination regardless of their gender identity or expression.

Xbox gamers can earn Microsoft Rewards points in various ways, such as playing or purchasing games after downloading the Microsoft Rewards app on Xbox. Earn points and redeem them for real rewards. Join today and donate through Xbox

The Coalition/Gears 5 on Microsoft Rewards

The Coalition/Gears 5 on Microsoft Rewards

This month, join Microsoft and The Coalition and support the social good organization of your choice through the MS Rewards program. Complete a Gears 5-based MS Rewards Punch Card and get the Pixelated Hearts banner set for use in Gears 5 multiplayer. Program is open to players in the following regions: US, CA, MX, BR, AU, UK, FR, DE, IT, ES. 


Discover


Discover Games, Movies, and TV Curated by LGBTQIA+ Communities at Microsoft

Discover Games, Movies, and TV Curated by LGBTQIA+ Communities at Microsoft

During June and beyond, we are highlighting games, movies, and TV selected by LGBTQIA+ communities at Microsoft that bring focus to LGBTQIA+ creators, experiences, and protagonists, plus award winners and nominees from GLAAD and the Gayming Awards.

Check out a few highlights from the full games collection featuring creators, relationship options,protagonistsplayable characters, character creation options and LGBTQIA+ award winners and nominees.

Tell Me Why – This award-winning narrative adventure from DONTNOD Entertainment and Xbox Publishing stars Tyler Ronan, a trans man, alongside his twin sister Alyson as they reunite for the first time in ten years and explore the secrets surrounding their mother’s death. Download the game for free all month long on Xbox consoles, Windows 10 and Steam!
Undertale – We won't spoil it, but this popular RPG is rich with representation and is now available to play on Xbox.
Ikenfell – This tactical RPG features a number of LGBTQIA+ characters and follows a group of magical students including three non-binary party members.
2064 Read Only Memories – We love that MidBoss seeks to make the world more inclusive through content, and how this game presents gender identities and expression, including the option to choose your pronouns.

The Outer Worlds – Join Parvati, one of your companions who identifies as asexual, as she pursues a relationship with Junlei, the captain on the Groundbreaker in this GLAAD award-winning action-RPG where you’ll get a taste of that space colonist life.

Standouts from the full movies and TV collection featuring creatorsleadseducational views, and  family entertainment, and GLAAD award winners include: 

"Moonlight" – This moving story follows the journey of Chiron, a young African American man, and his journey with his identity and sexuality into adulthood.
"Saving Face" – Before Alice Wu created, The Half of It, she created Saving Face featuring Wilhelmina, a Chinese-American lesbian, balancing her relationship with her mother and cultural expectations.
"Love, Simon" – Greg Berlanti's coming-of-age film follows 17-year old Simon's path to coming to terms with his identity.
"The Craft: Legacy" – Zoey Luna brings visibility to trans and Latina identities in this continuation of a 1996 hit.

View the complete collections on the Microsoft Store on Xbox, the Microsoft Store on Windows 10, and the Xbox App on Windows in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. Visitors to both the Xbox and Windows Stores can find LGBTQIA+ community picks at any time by searching for "Pride" and related terms. 

Xbox Ambassadors Celebrate Pride

Xbox Ambassadors Celebrate Pride

In the Xbox Ambassadors community, we are dedicated to sharing and amplifying community voices. So, in celebration of Pride Month in June, we asked those who identify as LGBTQIA+, how games with diverse representation have impacted them and to share their stories about being a member of the gaming community. Here are their stories.


Tune In


Xbox Plays Celebrates LGBTQIA+ Communities 

The Xbox Plays team will continue to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities during Pride Month and beyond. Our team will feature games connected to these communities, as well as invite prominent live streamers and content creators onto our channels. We will also have game developers on-hand to talk about their experiences while creating games that represent LGBTQIA+ communities. Follow the action on Twitch.tv/Xbox!

Join us each week as we feature a different theme:

  • Week of June 1st – LGBTQIA+ Game Creators.
  • Week of June 7th – LGBTQIA+ Community Streamer Takeover
  • Week of June 14th – LGBTQIA+ Game Protagonists
  • Week of June 21st – GLAAD/Gayming Award Nominees
  • Week of June 28th – LGBTQIA+ Playable Characters

Xbox Podcast Talks Pride and Safety for LGBTQIA+ Players

Xbox's Major Nelson will be joined by GM of Xbox Trust & Safety, Kim Kunes, on the Official Xbox Podcast for a special Pride month episode in late June that will discuss the importance of safety at Xbox. The episode will cover how Xbox is supporting LGBTQIA+ communities to play as their authentic selves and experience the joy of play free from fear of intimidation or harassment.  

Xbox UKI + DIGIPRIDE Events

Xbox UKI + DIGIPRIDE Events

This summer, Gayming Magazine, the world's only LGBTQ video game magazine, is celebrating its DIGIPRIDE season which runs from June through August on gaymingmag.com. Presented by Xbox UKI, the season will see a number of major activities happening on the Gayming site and across Twitch. Events include a digital drag show, DIGIPRIDE panels, special Let's Play streams, weekly Rainbow Arcade DIGIPRIDE streams, special episodes of the Gayming Podcast Live, and more to be revealed! All this plus exclusive ‘money can't buy’ competitions, reviews, features and interviews on Gayming Magazine. Learn more.


Play. Connect. Impact: Learn more about all that Xbox and Microsoft are doing in celebration of Pride all month long at the Xbox Pride Community Hub and Microsoft's Pride Community Hub.

Related:
Xbox Celebrates Global Accessibility Awareness Day
Introducing the Xbox Accessibility Insider League
The Future of Game Accessibility on Xbox

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Backbone, For Honor, Darkest Dungeon, and More

Posted: 01 Jun 2021 06:00 AM PDT

A new month full of gaming is upon June is now upon us, and I know you're as excited as I am for the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase coming up on June 13. I don't have anything to tease, but I'm looking forward to having you join us for the show and the digital experience! In the meantime, we have a new batch of Xbox Game Pass games to get into. Let's jump in!


Coming Soon

The Wild at Heart (Cloud) ID@Xbox – Available Today
Explore a beautiful, handcrafted world full of charming puzzles, and deep secrets in The Wild at Heart, a whimsical story centered around two children that escape to a fantastical land filled with magical creatures to befriend and an oddball order of guardians who've lost their way. Welcome to the Deep Woods.

For Honor (Cloud and Console) – June 3
War marches across the land of Heathmoor as heroes from rival factions clash in unending visceral battles. Use your finely honed skill to emerge victorious in a variety of thrilling single and brutal multiplayer modes. Grasp destiny in your hands and fight… for honor.

For Honor (Cloud and Console) - June 3

Backbone (PC) ID@Xbox – June 8
Raccoon detective Howard Lotor is not a hero. He can barely make rent. And yet he has stumbled across something so massive that it will shake the very fabric of society. Stunning visuals, an evocative soundtrack, and a daring narrative bring a dystopian Vancouver, BC inhabited by animals to life in this highly anticipated, post-noir adventure. Get to it, detective.

Backbone (PC) ID@Xbox - June 8

Darkest Dungeon (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – June 10
Darkest Dungeon is a challenging gothic roguelike turn-based RPG about the psychological stresses of adventuring. Recruit, train, and lead a team of flawed heroes through twisted forests, forgotten warrens, ruined crypts, and beyond. Not only do unimaginable foes await, but stress, famine, disease, and the ever-encroaching dark.


DLC / Game Updates

Black Desert: The Great Expedition Update – Available Now
Raise your sails for the Great Expedition Update in Black Desert! Adventurers can captain a vessel, search for treasure, and battle others in naval warfare! This new expansion also adds the Underwater Ruins of Sycraia, a flooded civilization where a massive sea monster guards a treasure trove of unimaginable wealth.

Gears 5 Pride 2021 Rewards Punch Card – Until June 30
This month, join Microsoft and The Coalition and support the social good organization of your choice through the MS Rewards program. Complete a Gears 5-based MS Rewards Punch Card and get the Pixelated Hearts banner set for use in Gears 5 multiplayer. Program is open to players in the following regions: US, CA, MX, BR, AU, UK, FR, DE, IT, ES.

Human: Fall Flat Series X|S Update and New Forest Level – Available Now
Human: Fall Flat is now available on Xbox Series X|S! Cross play with friends on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC and explore lush woodland and snowy hilltops in search of rest and relaxation in new level, Forest! But never fear, this is Human: Fall Flat, and mystery and mayhem are just round the corner.

Knockout City Season 1 – Available Now for Xbox Game Pass PC and Ultimate members
Join the brawlfest in Knockout City Season 1. Experience a new map, competitive league play, weekly crew contracts (with epic rewards!), new game modes, cosmetics, and much more. See you on the streets, brawlers!

Minecraft: Caves and Cliffs – Part I – June 8
Delve into Part I of the Caves & Cliffs Update on June 8 with fun mobs, blocks, and items! Go underwater to team up with the axolotl and meet the glow squid. Tread carefully on higher ground because the goats might ram you! Mine copper and use it to build structures that will age over time.

Minecraft Dungeons: Free Raid Captains Update and Anniversary In-Game Event Until June 8
Take on powerful Raid Captains as part of the free update for Minecraft Dungeons. Defeat them to up the difficulty of your mission and gain valuable rewards at the end! Plus, Minecraft Dungeons is throwing a birthday bash to celebrate their first anniversary – and you’re all invited! Join the Anniversary Event until June 8 to earn a set of birthday-themed party favors you wouldn’t want to miss.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Blackwood – June 8
Xbox Game Pass members save 10% off! The Gates of Oblivion are opening on June 8. Travel an ancient land beset by Daedric forces and discover all-new stories, quests, monsters, and challenges.


Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

Go claim these brand-new Perks now before they’re gone via the Perks gallery. Plus be on the lookout for more great Perks coming soon!

Dirt 5: Power Your Memes Pack – Available Now
Claim the Xbox Series X Fridge Playgrounds item and four exclusive Xbox liveries.

Super Animal Royale – Founder's Edition Pack – Available Now
Fight for Furvival in style! Claim the Founder’s Edition DLC for free to earn 3 animal breeds and 10 cosmetics exclusive to Early Access!

Apex Legends: Knockout City Weapon Charm – June 3
Show the competition what you’re made of with your new Dodge This Weapon Charm, brought to you by EA Play! Equip this to your favorite weapon and battle for glory, fame, and fortune in style.


Xbox Game Pass Quests

Kick off your summer with a new round of sports and Pride themed Quests starting today!

This is the perfect time to try out Quests for the first time because you can earn 4x Daily (yes Daily!) points for logging into the Xbox Game Pass mobile app. Download the app and login regularly to rack up points you can redeem for more Xbox Game Pass and other rewards.

Check out some of these new June weekly and monthly Quests you can start today:

  • Login to the Game Pass Mobile App (Daily, 20 points)
  • Outriders (75 points): Kill 30 Enemies
  • FIFA 21 on Xbox One (Ultimate, 75 points): Score 5 Goals
  • Descenders (75 points): Get 10,000 reputation
  • MLB The Show 21 on Xbox One (Ultimate, 25 points): Create a ballplayer

Leaving June 15

There are some fantastic games making their Game Pass exit soon that are worth diving into before they go. Be sure to show these games some love and remember you can use your Game Pass membership discount to save up to 20% off to keep them in your library!

  • Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown (Console)
  • Night Call (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • West of Dead (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Wizard of Legend (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • Observation (Cloud, Console, and PC)

That wraps up our first Coming Soon update for June! Remember, if you have yet to try Xbox Game Pass Ultimate you can get your first 3 months for $1 for a limited time. Oh and don't forget to make sure your popcorn supply is stocked up before you tune-in to the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase where we'll plan to share additional Xbox Game Pass news. See you on June 13!

Related:
Super Animal Royale (Game Preview) is Now Available for Xbox One
Human: Fall Flat Now Optimized for Xbox Series X|S Plus New Forest Level Out Now
Isle of Siptah is a New Way to Experience Conan Exiles

Minecraft Announces Caves & Cliffs Update: Part 1 Release Date

Posted: 31 May 2021 08:00 AM PDT

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