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Microsoft has made the unfortunate decision to shut down the Xbox Console Companion App, leaving capture enthusiasts without a direct first-party option to import screenshots from consoles to PC. This app was a vital tool for users to access and download clips and screenshots from their Xbox consoles onto their computers, making it especially valuable for content creators and reviewers who often incorporate these captures into their work. The closure of the Companion App presents a significant inconvenience, compounded by the fact that there is no direct replacement. Windows Central's Jez Corden pointed out that this removal leaves users without any first-party means to access Xbox clips and screenshots on Windows PCs. Microsoft currently has three Xbox apps on PC: the Xbox Game Bar, the Xbox app, and the Console Companion App. Unfortunately, neither the Game Bar nor the official Windows Xbox app offer the ability to download screenshots from Xbox LIVE. This move comes after a history of complications with Microsoft's screenshot and capture functionality. On July 28, 2023, Microsoft announced that the Xbox Console Companion app on Windows would be deprecated on August 28, 2023. While users can still engage with Xbox games, services, and communities on their Windows devices using the Xbox app for Windows, the loss of the Companion App's screenshot-importing capabilities remains a significant setback. In the past, the Xbox One lacked a dedicated screenshot and video capture button on the controller like the PlayStation 4's DualShock 4, which offered native support for screenshot functionality. This made capturing screenshots and videos on the Xbox One a hassle, requiring users to upload them to OneDrive and download them separately. With the Xbox Series X/S, Microsoft addressed this issue by adding a dedicated screenshot button to the new controller, which was a welcome improvement. However, a new problem arose as the console automatically overrides stored screenshots and captured clips when storage space runs low. This automatic overwriting can lead to the loss of valuable captures without any warning. Now, with the closure of the Companion App, gamers face yet another challenge in importing their captures. While manual import to a USB stick remains an option, it's essential to avoid the auto-overwrite feature by setting all captures to be saved to a dedicated USB drive instead of relying solely on the console's built-in SSD. This will help preserve valuable captures and screenshots for the long term.

Enric Álvarez, CEO of MercurySteam, the developer behind Metroid Dread, revealed in an interview with Gamereactor that the action-adventure title has surpassed three million copies sold worldwide. He expressed pride in the game's development, calling it "one of the best games in the franchise." This updated sales figure solidifies its position as the highest-selling Metroid release to date. During the interview, Enric Álvarez addressed a previous report suggesting a chaotic development process for Metroid Dread. He refuted the claim, stating that such chaos wouldn't result in a triumphant game like Metroid Dread. The game's critical acclaim, numerous Game of the Year nominations, and record-breaking sales in the UK, Japan, and the US supported his assertion. Although Enric Álvarez didn't provide exact numbers, he indicated that the game has sold "3 point something million copies" as of now, marking an increase from the last official sales figure of 2.9 million copies as of May 2022. Metroid Dread's success not only brought commercial triumph but also revitalized the Metroid franchise, previously seen as competent but lacking commercial success with entries like Metroid: Samus Returns. With Dread's success on the Nintendo Switch, it attracted a new generation of fans to the action series. Furthermore, this success positively influenced the sales of Metroid Prime Remastered in 2023, which sold over a million copies worldwide in under two months after its release on March 31st, 2023. This newfound success bodes well for the series' future, and while Metroid Prime 4 still awaits a release date, fans remain hopeful that it will arrive sooner rather than later, possibly on the new Nintendo Switch successor.

The excitement surrounding Marvel's Spider-Man 2 is undeniable, as the beloved superhero has captured the hearts of many. PlayStation's previous successes with Marvel's Spider-Man and Miles Morales only intensified fans' hunger for more. However, rumors are now circulating about the possibility of a villain-centered game in the works. With the release of Marvel's Spider-Man 2 just around the corner in October, anticipation is running high, though it still feels like a long wait. What makes this installment intriguing is its slightly different direction, leaving players curious about what the future holds. Insomniac Games, the developer behind these Marvel titles, has been tight-lipped about a potential PC release for Marvel's Spider-Man 2. So far, it remains exclusive to PlayStation, leaving PC fans eager to join the excitement. Another exclusive Marvel title, Marvel's The Wolverine, is also set for release on PlayStation 5. However, rumors suggest that Insomniac Games might have a third Marvel title in the works, unrelated to Spider-Man and Wolverine. Culture Crave, known for posting credible video game content that often comes true later, recently tweeted about Insomniac Games' mysterious project. Speculations have arisen about the nature of this new game. Some fans ponder whether it could be a Sinister Six game, while others dream of a Punisher video game to join the existing lineup. Venom's appearance in Marvel's Spider-Man 2 has sparked rumors that the third AAA title might be Venom related. This leads to the question of how interconnected the games would be, considering the presence of Venom in Spider-Man 2. Fans have also engaged in a poll on the tweet, listing potential characters for the third game, including Iron Man, Deadpool, Hulk, and Black Panther. While a new Iron Man game is already in development and a possible Black Panther title is being considered, Deadpool seems to have emerged as the top choice. However, nothing has been officially confirmed yet, leaving fans eagerly awaiting answers about this upcoming game. In conclusion, the Marvel gaming universe continues to expand with Marvel's Spider-Man 2 generating much excitement. With whispers of a third Marvel title from Insomniac Games, the possibilities for future games are creating a buzz of anticipation among fans. Let's hope that the developers shed some light on these speculations soon.

Larian Studios has unveiled an exciting offer for Baldur's Gate 3 fans. If you purchase the game on any day before August 3, you'll receive a free upgrade to the digital deluxe edition, saving you $20. However, there's a catch; this offer is exclusive to the PC edition, and console players won't be able to take advantage of it. So, if you're planning to play Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and want to enjoy the deluxe perks, act quickly to make the most of this deal. The deluxe edition, available only in digital form, comes packed with enticing extras. Firstly, you'll get the Bard song pack, featuring an enchanting collection of new songs guaranteed to captivate audiences. Of course, the deluxe version also includes the base game. Additionally, you'll receive an exclusive dice theme, giving your checks a stylish flair, along with numerous captivating paintings from Rivellon to explore across the forgotten realms. Players will also benefit from an adventure pouch filled with camp supplies and potions, providing a head start in their Baldur's Gate 3 journey. The digital deluxe edition also includes the official soundtrack composed by Borislav Slavov, letting you fully immerse yourself in the game's musical brilliance. Furthermore, you can delve into the art and design of Baldur's Gate 3 through an exclusive digital art book crafted by the developers. Each origin character in the game will have their own four-page D&D character sheet, adding depth to your role-playing experience. For those who pre-order Baldur's Gate 3 on PC and acquire the deluxe edition, an item pack from the world of Divinity: Original Sin will be yours to enjoy. This pack contains exciting items such as the Cape of the Red Prince, inspired by the character from Divinity: Original Sin II, and the shapeshifter mask, allowing you to change race and appearance on the fly. Additionally, the digital deluxe edition grants access to unique playable items, including the Lute of the Merryweather Bard (inspired by Lohse of Divinity: Original Sin II), the needle of the outlaw rogue (a dagger inspired by Sebille of Divinity: Original Sin II), and the bicorne of the sea beast (headgear inspired by Beast of Divinity: Original Sin II). For now, the digital deluxe edition is available exclusively on the PlayStation Store. After the game launches on August 3, it will be available for PC as well. So, if you wish to enjoy all the deluxe edition features for the price of the base game ($60), make your purchase on PC before the offer ends. Baldur's Gate 3 is set to launch on PlayStation 5 on September 7, following its PC release in August.

What a delightful surprise! Nintendo has generously added two timeless classics from the Zelda series to its Switch Online subscription service. On July 27, players can now enjoy The Legend of Zelda: Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, and the timing couldn't be more perfect. Before this addition, the Game Boy library on the Nintendo handheld hybrid was quite sparse. However, with the inclusion of these companion pieces from 2001, it is now shaping up to be a more fulfilling collection. These games, Oracle of Seasons and Oracle of Ages, perfectly blend the nostalgic charm of old-school top-down Zelda adventures with clever mechanics that result in engaging puzzles and visually appealing pixel art gameplay. In Oracle of Seasons, Link wields the Rod of Seasons to manipulate time and change the seasons, while in Oracle of Ages, the Harp of Ages enables him to travel through time. Both these instruments bring about transformations in different parts of the world, with Oracle of Ages focusing more on puzzle-solving aspects. The brilliance lies in the fact that completing one game grants a secret code to alter the gameplay and storyline in the other, creating a unique interactive experience. Players who complete both games can then take on the final secret boss, adding an extra layer of excitement. What truly sets these games apart and endears them to players is the rich and captivating overworlds filled with monsters to battle, items to collect, and secrets to unveil. Released shortly after Ocarina of Time, they mark the end of the classic 2D structure of the series, where players explored dense maps and conquered individually themed dungeons—a feature that some still yearn for in modern Zeldas like Tears of the Kingdom. For many, Oracle of Seasons and Ages rank among the finest handheld Zelda games ever crafted by Nintendo. In fact, for some, they stand tall as two of the greatest entries in the entire Zelda series. As the summer heat intensifies, there couldn't be a more opportune moment to take a delightful escape from reality and immerse oneself in the enchanting, surreal, and nostalgia-filled worlds of these two gems.

During this year's ExileCon keynote, Grinding Gear Games made a significant announcement regarding Path of Exile 2. Originally planned as a replacement for its predecessor, the game will now be developed as a separate entity and will operate on its own client. This decision was prompted by the substantial expansion PoE2 underwent since its initial announcement four years ago, as reported by PC Gamer. Jonathan Rogers, co-founder of Grinding Gear Games, highlighted the extensive enhancements coming to PoE2. These include the introduction of six new classes, 36 ascendancy classes, 600 unique monsters, 100 challenging bosses, 240 active skills, and a staggering 1,500 passive skills. Notably, players have warmly embraced the addition of a dodge roll mechanic with no cooldown. Initially, there were concerns about completely replacing the beloved Path of Exile 1 with its sequel, which was reminiscent of what happened with Overwatch and its successor. In light of this, Rogers explained that they realized the plan to replace PoE1 with PoE2 would essentially mean getting rid of a game that people love without any valid reason. Consequently, they decided that Path of Exile 1 and 2 will be distinct games, each with its own mechanics, balance, endgames, and leagues. Despite their separation, PoE1 and PoE2 will maintain some connection. In-game purchases will be available in both games, with some exceptions due to compatibility issues. Rogers assured players that items purchased in one game can be used in the other, as long as the content aligns. However, certain exclusive content may not be transferable between the two. At the event, developers showcased a portion of PoE2's campaign called the Jungle Depths of Act 3, which features the new Monk class, one of six being introduced in the sequel. Initially announced as an expansion in 2019, Path of Exile 2 is now slated for a simultaneous release on PC and consoles. It is highly anticipated and expected to pose a significant challenge to Diablo IV upon its launch.

Microsoft is revising its proposed deal with Activision Blizzard in order to address concerns raised by UK regulators. The main alteration involves transferring cloud gaming rights for both existing and future Activision Blizzard games to Ubisoft. This change is aimed at satisfying the UK Competition and Markets Authority's worries about the potential impact of Microsoft's $68.7 billion acquisition on cloud gaming competition. As a result of this reshaped agreement, a new regulatory investigation has been initiated in the UK, expected to persist until October 18th. Microsoft President Brad Smith explains, "To address concerns about the impact of the proposed acquisition on cloud game streaming, as highlighted by the UK Competition and Markets Authority, we are restructuring the transaction to acquire a more limited set of rights." He adds that this involves a post-merger agreement that transfers cloud streaming rights for all current and upcoming Activision Blizzard PC and console games for the next 15 years to Ubisoft Entertainment SA, a prominent global game publisher, with the rights being perpetual. The revised deal means that if Microsoft finalizes the acquisition, it won't be able to exclusively offer Activision Blizzard games on Xbox Cloud Gaming. Additionally, Microsoft won't possess exclusive control over the licensing terms of these games on competing services. Instead, Ubisoft will have control over streaming rights for Activision Blizzard games outside the EU, and then license the titles back to Microsoft for inclusion in Xbox Cloud Gaming. Smith elaborates, "Ubisoft will compensate Microsoft for the cloud streaming rights to Activision Blizzard’s games through a one-off payment and through a market-based wholesale pricing mechanism, including an option that supports pricing based on usage." He adds that Ubisoft will also be able to offer these games to cloud gaming services operating on non-Windows systems. Furthermore, Ubisoft intends to integrate Activision Blizzard games into its Ubisoft Plus Multi Access subscription, which is accessible on PC, Xbox, Amazon Luna, and PlayStation via Ubisoft Plus Classics. The UK's Competition and Markets Authority initially blocked Microsoft's deal in April due to cloud gaming concerns. Following the Federal Trade Commission's loss in a US federal court, negotiations were entered into with Microsoft. However, the restructured deal prompted a new investigation phase by the CMA, with a deadline set for October 18th. The CMA has placed a final order on Microsoft's initial deal, globally prohibiting it during the investigation into this new restructuring of the proposed acquisition. Ubisoft will also have the option, for a fee, to demand Microsoft to adapt Activision's titles to operating systems other than Windows if Ubisoft decides to license the cloud streaming rights to non-Windows cloud gaming services. This reshaped deal won't affect Microsoft's obligations to the European Commission. The EU regulators had approved the Activision Blizzard deal, taking into account a provision that allowed consumers in EU countries to stream current and future Activision Blizzard PC and console games through any cloud game streaming service of their choice. The CMA will review the adjusted deal in the following weeks and make a decision by the October 18th deadline. Sarah Cardell, CEO of the CMA, emphasizes that this doesn't signify approval, stating, "This is not a green light. We will carefully and objectively assess the details of the restructured deal and its impact on competition, including in light of third-party comments. Our goal has not changed – any future decision on this new deal will ensure that the growing cloud gaming market continues to benefit from open and effective competition driving innovation and choice."

Charles Martinet is an American voice actor best known for his iconic role as the voice of Mario, the beloved Nintendo video game character. He has provided the voice for Mario in numerous video games and other media since 1995. Martinet's portrayal of Mario, with his enthusiastic and cheerful voice, has become synonymous with the character and has endeared him to fans around the world. Martinet's work as Mario has extended beyond just video games. He has lent his voice to various Mario-related projects, including animated TV shows, movies, and theme park attractions. In addition to Mario, he has also voiced other characters in the Mario universe, such as Luigi, Wario, Waluigi, and various Toads. Charles Martinet's journey into voice acting began unexpectedly when he auditioned for the role of Mario at a trade show. His unique take on the character, which he described as a mix of a plumber from Brooklyn and a superhero, won him the role. Since then, he has been an integral part of Mario's evolution and success in the gaming industry. Beyond his work as Mario, Charles Martinet has also lent his voice to other video game characters and projects, although his association with the Mario franchise remains his most prominent achievement. He has made appearances at gaming events, conventions, and fan gatherings, where he often interacts with fans and embraces his role as a beloved figure in the gaming community. Charles Martinet has been the voice of Super Mario basically forever, but Nintendo just announced via their official Twitter account that he won't perform in the role going forward.

During an interview at Gamescom 2023, Xbox head Phil Spencer engaged with IGN today, addressing the new affiliation between Xbox and Square Enix. Queries arose about the potential arrival of Final Fantasy 7 Remake on Xbox. In response, Spencer chose to avoid delving into the specifics of Final Fantasy 7 Remake, citing the necessity to navigate "business deals and relationships." Instead, he utilized the opportunity to commend Square Enix for their prominent support of Xbox at the recent Final Fantasy XIV Fan Festival in July. Spencer acknowledged the expectations of Xbox purchasers to have confirmation of anticipated games, lauding Square Enix's commitment to the Xbox platform, particularly due to historical cases where such assurances were lacking, with Square Enix being a notable example. Expressing the extensive engagement with Square Enix, Spencer acknowledged the presence of pending business negotiations and relationships pertinent to certain games. He highlighted the significance of Square Enix's CEO and the producer of Final Fantasy 14's presence during discussions, emphasizing their dedication to the Xbox partnership. While he refrained from applying pressure, Spencer revealed his optimism about the partnership, indicating that Square Enix would find its stride. He underscored the importance of Square Enix's commitment to Xbox, echoing sentiments from the community. Considering that over three years have passed since Final Fantasy 7 Remake's debut on PlayStation, without a presence on Xbox, the impending arrival of Final Fantasy 14 on Xbox raises prospects for the eventual arrival of FF7 Remake on Microsoft's consoles. As the collaboration with Square Enix unfolds in the upcoming weeks, months, and years, the outcome remains uncertain. Enthusiastically, there is a collective hope that Phil Spencer's influence will facilitate the introduction of Final Fantasy 7 Remake to Xbox in the foreseeable future.

After its initial announcement at the 2018 E3 event, Starfield captured the imaginations of many. The game promised a vast, interplanetary adventure with thousands of planets and diverse extraterrestrial characters. Enthusiastic gamers eagerly awaited the chance to dive into this open space RPG, leading them to implore the developers for a prompt release. However, instead of an early launch, fans were met with a series of delays. These setbacks, though frustrating, were essential decisions to ensure a polished product, as revealed by game director Todd Howard. During an interview with British GQ, Howard openly shared that the feeling of fun and enjoyment while playing Starfield only truly materialized recently, specifically over the past year. This acknowledgment sheds light on the necessity of the repeated launch delays, which aimed to prevent a situation similar to the Fallout 76 debacle. Howard reflected on his initial expectation of quicker problem-solving, detailing that most of the delays were attributed to refining the game's overall flow. He likened the process to sculpting, steadily refining the raw material into something magical. Despite the prolonged journey and the hardships that the development team faced, Starfield is now on the brink of release, with an announced launch date. The path to this highly anticipated moment required immense dedication, as the developers had to start from scratch in creating all the game's content. Design director Emil Pagliarulo revealed that it took years for Starfield to begin taking shape. Howard echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the difficulty of creating content that isn't immediately visible on the screen. Thankfully, despite the challenges and setbacks, the developers' unwavering commitment has led to Starfield becoming one of the most highly anticipated releases in gaming history. While awaiting the game's arrival, a touch more patience is required before players can immerse themselves in the wonders of the Settled Systems. In the interim, you can explore our guides on various aspects of the game, such as the Starfield Freestar Collective faction, the captivating Starfield Gagarin planet, and the intricate Starfield Ryujin Industries.

We're eagerly anticipating the PlayStation Portal and the top PS5 games we're excited to experience on this upcoming handheld console. Sony's imminent launch of its first handheld system in nearly 12 years has captured our attention. Despite the initial reservations about a handheld streaming device, our enthusiasm has grown, thanks in part to the impressive game selection available on the PlayStation 5. Here's a glimpse of the games we're eagerly anticipating on the PlayStation Portal. Similar to the capabilities of the PSP and PS Vita, PlayStation's next handheld console will allow players to enjoy games from their main console on the handheld screen. However, this time, the gaming experience will be entirely facilitated through device-to-device streaming, distinguishing it from the native approach seen with the Nintendo Switch. The PlayStation Portal seems tailor-made for single-player games, eliminating the need for the precision and low latency essential in online gaming. The handheld's screen can showcase visuals up to 1080p at 60FPS, a standard that, while quite appealing, leaves us pondering the potential of a 4K display. Nonetheless, given the compact screen size, we find it to be a negligible concern.

The imminent arrival of The Game Awards (TGAs) for 2023, scheduled for early December, marks Geoff Keighley's pinnacle show of the year. While this year's Game of the Year (GOTY) Nominations boast an array of exceptional titles, some notable heavyweights, including the much-anticipated Hogwarts Legacy, have been conspicuously absent, causing disappointment among fans. Hogwarts Legacy is not the sole casualty, as Final Fantasy 16 also found itself omitted, despite being a strong contender for nomination. Certainly, this year's nominations showcase some of the finest games ever crafted. It's essential to acknowledge that the exclusion of Hogwarts Legacy doesn't solely rest on TGAs. The year 2023 has undeniably been a standout year in video game history, marred only by the ongoing industry layoffs. However, amidst this, one could argue that Hogwarts Legacy deserved a spot among the nominated masterpieces. Hogwarts Legacy garnered universal critical acclaim upon its release, embraced by Harry Potter enthusiasts for its immersive portrayal of the wizarding world. Portkey Games exceeded expectations, delivering a game of exceptional quality. Despite the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling, the game distanced itself from the author, but this, coupled with relatively subdued marketing compared to other major releases like Spider-Man 2 or Alan Wake 2, posed challenges. Despite these obstacles, Hogwarts Legacy achieved remarkable success, selling over 12 million copies within two weeks of its release, generating a staggering revenue of over $1 billion as of May 2023. Meanwhile, contenders such as Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Larian Studios' Baldur's Gate 3, and Insomniac Games' Spider-Man 2 may emerge as potential GOTY winners. While all are sequels to established franchises that have pushed their genres forward, Hogwarts Legacy stands out for its unique scope. If any game could make way for Portkey's enchanting adventure, it might be either Alan Wake 2 or Super Mario Wonder.