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The recent system update on Series X/S and Xbox One has left Xbox fans feeling seriously dissatisfied, and the reasons are quite apparent. Xbox introduced an all-new Xbox Home Screen, claiming it was designed based on player feedback to enhance the gaming experience by making it easier to discover new games, reconnect with beloved titles, and interact with communities, all while providing a more personalized interface. However, many valid complaints have arisen about the new user interface (UI). One of the major grievances revolves around the 'most played games' tab, which is not personalized at all. Instead, it displays the games played most by all Xbox users, consistently featuring games like Fortnite and Roblox, which can be frustrating for those who aren't fans of these titles. As the launch of Bethesda's massive space-exploration RPG, Starfield, approaches for Xbox Series X/S in September, some have criticized the update as "one big ad," as it inundates users with game recommendations they haven't played before. Reddit user kiciputek expressed their discontent, stating that the main screen is fine, but everything below it is a mess, resembling one continuous advertisement, including random games from the store, even if you create a group. Other users have shared similar sentiments, pointing out that the Game Pass app becomes redundant when all its content is already on the Home Screen. Moreover, the limited customization options and numerous Game Pass and store advertisements have drawn criticism, leaving some disappointed with the update. Despite the critics' dissatisfaction, it appears that the new Home UI is here to stay for the foreseeable future.

With each new release of PlayStation 5 system software, Sony has been dedicated to enhancing your gaming experience in various ways. Today, they're thrilled to announce the rollout of a new PS5 system software beta, introducing exciting accessibility features and audio options. In this beta release, Sony is introducing new accessibility features, such as the ability to use a second controller as an assist controller. This means you can now collaborate with others to enjoy games together or offer assistance to friends or family members during challenging sections of a game. Additionally, they're is adding System UI Haptic Feedback, allowing you to enable haptic feedback effects while navigating the PS5 console with your DualSense controller or PS VR2 Sense controller. These haptic effects provide physical feedback for certain events, enhancing immersion and aiding players with sight or hearing disabilities. Furthermore, they're delighted to announce that 3D Audio powered by Tempest 3D AudioTech can now be experienced on compatible Dolby Atmos-enabled HDMI devices, such as soundbars, TVs, or home theater systems. This enhancement allows for even greater audio immersion in PS5 games. The social features are also receiving some updates. The Party UI is now more flexible, enabling you to invite players into closed parties without automatically creating a new group. You can also send open or closed party invitations to groups instead of just individual players. Additionally, we're introducing a Share Screen Preview, which lets you see a preview image of someone's Share Screen in a party before joining. Sony is making it easier to join your friends' game sessions. You can now quickly see which friends are playing games you can join under the [Friends] tab, making multiplayer gaming smoother than ever. Moreover, the Game Hub tournaments tile provides you with detailed information about your tournament participation and achievements in games. Reacting to messages with emojis has also been added, simplifying communication with friends. To enhance ease of use, they've implemented a search feature in your game library, making it effortless to find specific games. Our Game Help cards have been improved, displaying more information about in-progress, available, and completed activities, along with their corresponding hints. In the Discover Tips section, you can now explore useful tips for getting the most out of your PS5 and learn about new features. Additionally, you can now mute or adjust the volume of the PS5's beep sound when turning it on or off, or putting it in rest mode. Lastly, the'yre excited to announce support for larger-capacity M.2 SSDs, allowing you to expand your PS5's storage space up to 8TB. Please note that the beta access is limited to invited participants in select countries, but Sony plans to release the update globally later this year. If you're selected to participate in the beta, you'll receive an email invitation today. Keep in mind that some features available during the beta phase may undergo changes before the final version is released.

Activision has today announced that Call of Duty’s anti-cheat software, Richochet, has managed to ban over 14,000 accounts for cheating in the last day alone on Modern Warfare 2 and Warzone. This news comes after the company’s continued push to hinder cheaters’ experience with the recent Modern Warfare entry and popular Battle Royale mode.

There are indications of a potential Pokémon Presents presentation occurring in August. According to recent discoveries in Pokémon Masters EX version 2.35, there is a mention of a campaign start date, which converts to August 8, 2023. If the Pokémon Presents event does take place in August, there are numerous exciting possibilities for what could be showcased. Firstly, we might see new details about the upcoming DLC waves for Pokémon Scarlet and Pokémon Violet. Additionally, fans could receive updates on the long-awaited sequel, Detective Pikachu Returns, scheduled for release on the Switch in October. As there has been limited information about the game since its initial trailer during the last Nintendo Direct in June, a new update on Detective Pikachu Returns would be highly anticipated. It is also likely that Pokémon Masters EX will be featured during the presentation, and there may be further news about Pokémon Sleep. We would love to hear from you! What specific announcements or reveals would you be most excited to see if the Pokémon Presents event occurs next month? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

Unbeknownst to many, the Antstream Arcade subscription service has been quietly offering legal streaming access to hundreds of classic games, including arcade hits and cherished gems from platforms like Amiga, Commodore 64, and ZX Spectrum. Over time, its collection has grown to an impressive 1400 titles, encompassing a mix of obscure games and renowned classics. Players can find beloved titles like Mortal Kombat, Double Dragon, Pac-Man, and many others in their original arcade versions. Excitingly, Antstream Arcade has expanded its reach and is now available on Xbox, granting access to its vast library to a broader audience. While the service may have its shortcomings, such as limited features, its existence alone brings joy to classic gaming enthusiasts like me. The selection of games offered is quite commendable, providing a diverse array of titles. While not every game will resonate with every player, the service's inclusivity ensures that even less-known or less-favored games have a chance to be appreciated and enjoyed by someone. Open-mindedness is key when diving into this nostalgic collection, as some games may seem dated or challenging by today's standards. However, they still possess unique qualities and an energy that can be appreciated by those willing to embrace them. The Antstream Arcade experience is enhanced by bite-sized challenges that players can undertake within the games, earning in-app medals and comparing their achievements with other players. This adds an extra layer of enjoyment, but the true allure lies in the classic games themselves. Nonetheless, there are some limitations, such as the inability to remap controls in the games. Each game comes with pre-assigned gamepad layouts, which may not suit everyone's preferences. Additionally, discoverability could be improved, given the vast array of titles available. Despite these minor drawbacks, Antstream Arcade remains a delightful service for those passionate about classic games. With its diverse selection and potential hidden treasures, it offers a nostalgic journey back to gaming's golden days.

Former employees of Virtuos Games seem unable to resist leaking information about the studio's projects. One of their major involvements in the remake of Metal Gear Solid 3 was revealed through a former employee's LinkedIn page, which was later confirmed by Konami during the game's announcement this year. Now, another ex-employee has intentionally leaked details about the studio's current projects, including a potential remake or remaster of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion holds a special place in the hearts of many long-time fans, though it hasn't aged well and doesn't compare favorably to Skyrim unless heavily modified. Fortunately, Virtuos Games is working on a solution to address this issue. The leaked information, which has been taken down, suggested that Virtuos Games is working on five different projects. The most significant one, codenamed "Altar," is described as a "remaster/remake of Oblivion." Although it's unclear if it will be a full remake, the development team is using a pairing system involving both Unreal Engine 5 and the original Oblivion one. The European studio of Virtuos Games is leading the project, with assistance from Black Shamrock on the artistic side. According to the source, the remaster/remake might be released before the end of the next year or in early 2025, depending on its scope. Interestingly, fans are also independently working on a remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion using Skyrim's in-game engine, with a planned release date of 2025 after more than a decade of development. While remakes are not Bethesda Softworks or Bethesda Game Studios' typical approach, this project has been outsourced to Virtuos Games. It's unclear whether the project started before or after Microsoft's acquisition of ZeniMax Media, but Bethesda's approval is required as they own the IP. A remaster or remake of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion would be highly anticipated and could serve as a welcome distraction while waiting for The Elder Scrolls VI. The latter is currently under development and might be released as early as 2026, but Bethesda's release window might change due to various factors. Apart from The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion project, the same former employee also made bold claims about other projects, including an "internal project" aiming to become a big AAA title comparable to Capcom's Monster Hunter and Asobo Studios' Shadow of the Colossus. Additionally, there's an upcoming remake of Metal Gear Solid 3, titled Metal Gear Solid 3 Delta: Snake Eater, an expansion for Amazon's New World MMO, and a "narrative climbing game." It is suggested that an official reveal of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion remake might take place during next year's Xbox Games Showcase, given Microsoft's recent involvement with ZeniMax Media's subsidiaries, which includes Virtuos Games and its various projects. In the context of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, there's an intriguing theory that the player character eventually becomes the Sheogorath seen in Skyrim. Moreover, the obnoxious fan from Oblivion will make an appearance in Starfield.

Microsoft has recently submitted a new request to the UK's regulatory authority, the CMA, seeking to reopen discussions on their merger with Activision Blizzard. The company cites significant changes in circumstances and special reasons to support their argument. The CMA had previously blocked the $69 billion merger in April, but Microsoft has since gained approval from EU regulators and successfully defeated the FTC in federal court. Notably, Microsoft has also reached an agreement with Sony, a major opponent of the merger, ensuring that Call of Duty will be available on PlayStation consoles for at least a decade. In their submission, Microsoft highlights three key points to persuade the CMA. Firstly, they emphasize their agreement with the European Commission to enforce various cloud agreements they have signed. Secondly, they point to the significant agreement reached with Sony. Thirdly, they present fresh evidence from the FTC case that challenges the CMA's previous conclusions. Concurrently, Microsoft is actively working on a final proposal to modify the merger agreements to directly address the CMA's concerns. This proposal reportedly involves selling off its cloud gaming rights in the United Kingdom. The CMA's deadline to publish the new final report is August 29, less than a month away. Microsoft's modified final proposal is expected to be revealed in the following weeks. The merger deadline between Xbox and Activision Blizzard has been extended to October 18, but there is a possibility that the deal may be finalized earlier if the CMA's approval is obtained. As of now, the CMA remains the only obstacle preventing the Microsoft-Activision Blizzard merger from being completed.

At the Final Fantasy XIV Fan Fest, producer and director Naoki Yoshida surprised fans with an exciting crossover announcement between Final Fantasy 14 and Fall Guys. This crossover will bring content from Final Fantasy 14 to Fall Guys and introduce a new Fall Guys-inspired minigame to Final Fantasy 14. According to a Fall Guys blog post, the Warriors of Light crossover in Fall Guys will kick off on August 22 and feature eight new costumes, including Alphinaud, Alisaie's, Dragoon, Namazu, Fat Chocobo, Fat Black Chocobo, Goobbue, and a White Mage Costume. While not much is known about the event beyond the new costumes, previous crossovers suggest that a FF14-themed map or mode may also be introduced. On the other hand, the Final Fantasy 14 event will be part of the 6.5 patch scheduled for release sometime next year. Players will be able to activate the game by visiting the Gold Saucer and will then face a series of traps while racing to the finish line, much like the gameplay experience in Fall Guys. In other exciting news for Final Fantasy 14 fans, the game is finally making its way to Xbox next year in the spring.

Gearbox Publishing has joyfully revealed that Remnant 2 has achieved a remarkable feat by selling over one million units within its first week of release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, and PC. The highly anticipated three-person cooperative shooter hit the market on July 25, receiving enthusiastic praise from both players and critics, and it's evident that the excitement surrounding the long-awaited sequel translated into impressive sales. Gunfire Games CEO, David Adams, expressed his gratitude to everyone who contributed to this incredible milestone, acknowledging their unwavering support during the multi-year development journey. He emphasized the team's dedication and passion poured into the game, which has now been embraced by a thrilled community. Yoon Im, the president of Gearbox Publishing San Francisco, shared the overwhelming pride in Remnant 2's success, stating that the game surpassed their expectations as both a commercial hit and a critical success. He extended his thanks to the Remnant community for their unwavering support during the game's development. Furthermore, he warmly welcomed the new Remnant fans who joined the community in the past week, appreciating their presence on this extraordinary journey. The achievement of this sales milestone may not come as a surprise, considering that Remnant 2 soared to the top of Steam's best-sellers list even before its launch. Gunfire Games was humbled and grateful for the positive response from the community. They are dedicated to refining the game's performance and addressing issues such as bugs and a PS5 invite error that impacted some players. With this commitment to improvement, they are determined to ensure that players continue to have a fantastic experience with Remnant 2.

According to a recent report via VGC, Nintendo is planning to release its next-generation console in the second half of 2024. Development kits for this unannounced console have already been distributed to partner studios, and the release window has been strategically set to ensure sufficient stock availability at launch. Similar to the Nintendo Switch, this upcoming console will also offer portable mode functionality, allowing players to enjoy games on the go. To keep costs down, the console will feature an LCD screen rather than an OLED screen. Additionally, it will include a cartridge slot for physical game copies. However, the question of backwards compatibility with Nintendo Switch games remains uncertain, and Nintendo has not provided any official comments on this matter when approached by IGN. Earlier, in May, Nintendo's President, Shuntaro Furukawa, had stated that the long-rumored successor to the Nintendo Switch would not be released before April 2024. He clarified during an investors' presentation that no new hardware is planned for the 2023/24 financial year, which concludes on March 31, 2024. Despite a decline in Switch sales, with around 18 million units sold in the last financial year (compared to 23 million in the previous year and 28 million in the year before that), Nintendo is not rushing to launch a new console to address this decline. Instead, the company is focused on sustaining the Switch's sales momentum and aims to achieve its goal of selling 15 million units in the current fiscal year. While rumors about the new console have been circulating for years, no official information regarding its features, specifications, or graphical capabilities has been disclosed by Nintendo yet. The speculations about enhanced graphics comparable to the PlayStation 4 and its Pro model are still unconfirmed. Nintendo enthusiasts eagerly await any official announcements regarding the next piece of hardware from the company.

PlayStation Plus members in the Premium tier now have the exciting opportunity to try out one of the gaming industry's highest-rated titles, The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt - Complete Edition. Originally released in 2015 to critical acclaim and numerous Game of the Year awards, The Witcher 3 has continued to be a beloved game, especially after being made available on newer platforms, including PS5, where it holds an impressive Metacritic score of 94. Thanks to a trial offered by PlayStation Game Size, PS Plus Premium members can experience The Witcher 3 for up to four hours at no extra cost. While this may only provide a brief introduction to the game's extensive story and gameplay mechanics, it still grants subscribers a valuable hands-on experience with the title. It's worth noting that The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt typically takes over 50 hours to complete, so the four-hour trial is a condensed glimpse into its immersive world. Nonetheless, fans will get a taste of the game's captivating features. As a recent update from CD Projekt Red has brought significant improvements to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, players can enjoy a more polished and refined experience. Fixes for grass collision and ray tracing implementation issues were among the notable improvements introduced in the update. Various time-limited game trials on PS Plus Premium offer different durations, often based on the genre and publisher. While massive RPGs like Cyberpunk 2077 may offer a five-hour trial, some titles only allow users to play for up to an hour. A standout example of brevity is Hogwarts Legacy, with its PS Plus Premium trial lasting only 45 minutes. In addition to the exclusive trial opportunities, PS Plus Premium users also enjoy all the benefits of the other two tiers, granting access to a vast catalog of titles, along with the free monthly games. While the upcoming games for PS Plus Premium in August 2023 have yet to be revealed by Sony, members across all tiers can look forward to playing Death's Door, Dreams, and PGA Tour 2K23 next month.

In a recent interview with Julien Chièze, Fabian Salamon, the producer of Assassin's Creed Mirage, disclosed that the game's average completion time would be around 20-24 hours. Salamon explained that completionists might take up to 30 hours to finish the game, while expert players could wrap it up in just 20 hours. During the interview, Salamon revealed that the studio conducted several internal playtests for the game, which consistently resulted in completion times ranging from 20 to 24 hours. For those who fully immerse themselves in the game and pursue all its aspects, the total playtime might extend to 25-30 hours. On the other hand, players who rush through the game could complete it in approximately 20 hours. Assassin's Creed Mirage will be notably shorter than recent titles like Assassin's Creed Valhalla, which had an average main story completion time of 60 hours. This makes Mirage more comparable in length to older entries in the franchise, such as Unity and Black Flag. In terms of gameplay and genre, Salamon clarified that Assassin's Creed Mirage is a single-player action-adventure game, differentiating it from open-world RPGs like Valhalla and Odyssey. However, the storyline of Mirage will tie into Valhalla, as it features the protagonist, Basim, who first appeared in Valhalla. The developer emphasized that players don't necessarily need to play Valhalla to enjoy Mirage fully. The story will have an end for both Valhalla players and those who haven't played it, providing a cohesive experience for all players. By focusing on storytelling and offering a more concise gameplay experience, Assassin's Creed Mirage represents a return to the franchise's roots. In contrast to recent criticisms about the series favoring longer games with massive open worlds, Mirage aims to provide a more focused and narrative-driven adventure. Developed by Ubisoft Bordeaux, Assassin's Creed Mirage will be available on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and PC starting October 12, 2023.