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Hogwarts Legacy

When does Hogwarts Legacy come out?

This year will see the release of Hogwarts Legacy, a fresh adventure based in the Wizarding World of Harry Potter’s past, on all major gaming devices, notably Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox Series X, and Xbox One.

Hogwarts Legacy will be released over the span of six months, as opposed to many games where the aim is to debut across all platforms simultaneously. On February 10, the Windows PC, Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 editions of Hogwarts Legacy will be made available for purchase.

Hogwarts Legacy
Image Source: hogwartslegacy.com

The regular PC edition of the game costs $59.99, while the PS5 and Xbox Series X versions cost $69.99. Hogwarts Legacy’s Deluxe Edition, which retails for $79.99 on Xbox Series X and PS5 and $69.99 on PC, grants gamers 72 hours of priority access to the game, allowing them to start playing it on February 7.

The Deluxe Edition also comes with something called the Dark Arts bundle, which offers access to the Dark Arts Battle Arena as well as various cosmetic items and amount. On April 4, Hogwarts Legacy will be made available on PS4 and Xbox One. The Xbox One and PlayStation 4 versions do not have an early access period.

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On July 25, Hogwarts Legacy for the Nintendo Switch will be made available. According to the game’s official Twitter account, Hogwarts Legacy’s 72-hour early access period for Xbox Series X PS5 will officially begin at 12 am on Feb. 7 in every region.

According to the game’s official Twitter account, standard digital versions of this game for Xbox Series X and PS5 will open and be playable at midnight on February 10 in all regions.

On February 7, it will also be available in its lavish, physical Collector’s Edition, allowing dedicated Harry Potter enthusiasts with big budgets to enjoy the game early. The Hogwarts Legacy Collector’s Edition is technically available for pre-order on PC for $289.99, Xbox Series X, and PlayStation 5 for $299.99.

The Collector’s Edition is also available for $289.99 for PS4 and Xbox One, though those copies, like those for the other previous-generation consoles, won’t be released until April. Warner Bros. does not offer a Collector’s Edition of Hogwarts Legacy on the Nintendo Switch.

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An open-world action-RPG game called Hogwarts Legacy is situated in the Harry Potter wizarding realm. There won’t be many recognized faces because the Hogwarts Legacy is confirmed to take place in the 1800s, a historical period that is several years prior to any of the other novels, movies, or video games.

The ability to construct one’s own fifth-year student, select one’s House and Wand, and then enroll in Hogwarts classes will let users use that knowledge to venture beyond the castle gates and engage in battle with other spellcasters and various fantastical creatures. Since Hogwarts Legacy is marketed as a comprehensive RPG, there will undoubtedly be a tonne of characters and allies to encounter along the journey.

xbox

What to Expect from Xbox in 2023?

As the current-generation consoles join their third year, no system appears to be ready to take off such as the Xbox Series X in 2023. Microsoft’s device has had a somewhat quiet two years as the firm has kept a few of its largest future releases under wraps, with delays attempting to push its lineup into 2023.

However, it appears that Microsoft is convinced of its outcome this year, and there is a lot to look forward to for Xbox Series X owners.

A variety of exclusive games

Numerous elite Xbox titles scheduled for 2022 were postponed to next year, implying that we’ll have a plethora of options for games in 2023.

Xbox
Image Source: lecafedugeek.fr

Forza Motorsport was declared approximately three years earlier in 2020, but it appears that the game could very well finally be released next year. Turn 10 Studios appears to be putting a great focus on visuals; real-time ray tracing, as well as dynamic time-of-day climate, will be available to provide a more interactive experience, and the Series X console should indeed be pushed to its limits.

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However, one of the most notable games to be launched next year is Starfield, initially scheduled for release in 2022, the game was pushed to the start of 2023. This game appears to be a huge sci-fi excursion, complete with large numbers of intriguing planets, a sophisticated storyline, and a plethora of ways to defeat your enemies.

Other Xbox launches new releases that will be available after this year also Include Ark II, Last Case of Benedict Fox, Replaced, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chernobyl, as well as Redfall, making sure that Xbox operators will have a plethora of new game alternatives to choose from.

An upgrade to the Xbox Series X/S

Many unconfirmed reports have circulated that Microsoft is presently collaborating on an Xbox Series X as well as a Series S update, possibly to compete with the speculated PS5 Slim, which could also be released next year.

The story was first reported by the Polish outlet PPE, which claims that Chinese electronics manufacturer TCL has discovered an updated Xbox console that will allegedly facilitate 8K and 120Hz capabilities.

It’s important to keep in mind that Microsoft has yet to clarify this, and the forthcoming console may be delayed even further, to 2024 or even beyond. However, the idea of Xbox releasing an update is consistent with the firm’s history, as the Xbox One X console was launched a few years after the initial Xbox One S.

Although 2023 may be a little early for an updated Xbox console, we would still not rule it out, even if it’s just a small design refresh instead of a hardware upgrade.

New Day One Release games on Game Pass

It’s impossible to discuss Xbox without referencing Xbox Game Pass. Microsoft has already clarified that Day One Release games will be available on both Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass by January 2023 as an aspect of the Xbox Game Preview Program.

Day One Release, as the name implies, indicates that games will be accessible in the Game Pass catalog on the day they are released, making it even simpler for enthusiasts to grab the most recent releases.

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While Xbox launch titles are assured to reach on Game Pass on release day, the platform has seen a few surprising third-party releases. We anticipate a similar outcome in 2023.

Preview Program by Xbox Games appears to be a Microsoft comparable of Stream’s Early Access. Some games on Game Pass are accessible and can be played before they are fully released, but it appears that Xbox will allow fans to try out games in the initial stages making Disney Dreamlight Valley the latest recent example.

The launch of the Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick

Discussing Xbox Game Pass, 2023 might be the year we see the much-anticipated Xbox Game Pass Streaming Stick. Keystone is a device the size of the dongle that will be able to stream Xbox games from the cloud.

An Xbox Streaming Stick is intriguing for a wide range of reasons, one of which is that it has the potential to bridge the gap in gaming where you require the newest devices to utilize the latest games.

While the excitement of opening a brand-new next-generation console will presumably never be matched, the ability to bring a small streaming stick along will provide access to gaming on the go, saving some consumers the pressure of trying to purchase the recent console as soon as it is released.

Phil Spencer stated recently that the release of a streaming stick could be “years away,” so 2023 may be too soon. We’re hoping that’s not the case because a streaming stick feels right for Game Pass and could be just what some folks require to get back into playing games without breaking the bank.

If the streaming stick does not materialize, we hope that the streaming platform will be made available on more TVs.

Expedition update

The Expedition Update: Fallout 76’s major update is Out Now

It is the time for all the vault dwellers out there to venture into the new territory, to go above and beyond the borders of post-nuclear Appalachia, and delve into this new territory to take on trails that are expected in the “Pitt” since Fallout 76’s Expedition update is live!

Highlights

  • Today, The Pitt launched in fallout 76 bringing a new area to discover in Pittsburgh and a new group of players to encounter in season ten.
  • The expansion of this game unveils brand-new missions, legendary armors, mythical weapons, and exciting rewards
  • Expeditions sport the latest in-game currency known as “Stamps” for players to acquire rare loot.

Let’s go on an excursion to Pitt, a city made from the radioactive remains of Pittsburgh that players first experienced in 2009 as the downloadable content for Fallout 3. Combat brutal trogs and other hazards as you steer violent tensions between the wild fanatics and the local union faction.

Expedition update
Image Source: gamerantimages.com

Things you need to know

The game has now two major story missions to be finished with these expeditions. Your voyage begins in the location which is notoriously known, White spring Resort. Many new responders have reached out to interact with the players and they have changed the name of the resort to “The White Spring Refuge”.

Go on an Expedition

In Fallout 76, the expeditions are portrayed as randomized and almost repeated missions based on a storyline on the scale of most end-of-line adventures. Every excursion becomes somewhat different each time so that the player can enjoy taking multiple tours to the Pitt resulting in earning many legendary and high-level items, treasury notes, Scrip and Stamps, the new in-game currency, that can be stocked to claim particular expedition rewards.

The expedition update also contains other improvements to Fallout 76 which includes adjusting gear and a revamped White Spring resort for new players. The location currently features the White Spring refuge hub enabling the players to part take in Refuge Daily Quests or hunts, experience random encounters, and craft, repair or purchase the selected items as per their need.

White Spring Refuge is not just only for the new players. The native Responders team has access to a Vertibird essential in the area which you’ll require to get to the Pitt. You have to complete their “Responders Reborn” quest to secure access to refuge daily quests which can be finished to earn the Responder’s trust and also crucial Ultracell Charge to fire up the Vertibird.

When completely powered up, you can trade a full Ultracell Charge for a flight to the Pitt to start their expedition. Although the rewards are countless, expeditions can be dangerous. To get the best experience in the Pitt, it is suggested to reach level 50 or higher and get equipped with your top gear.

Earn Unlockables in Season 10

The entertainment does not end here! The unveiling of expeditions also consists of an all-new season for players to indulge in. Rack up S.C.O.R.E and unveil cosmetics, currency, and many other Pitt-Themed items in season ten which is “Red Rocket Presents: The City of Steel”. Earn Brand new cosmetics and gears and also the new currency to spend, containing Caps, Atoms, and Stamps.

Pick up Fallout 76 or Upgrade Yours to The Deluxe Edition

Sounds Exciting? You can start your journey with Fallout 76: The Pitt Standard Edition which is now available at participating retailers. Get an enhanced user experience with the Expedition update Deluxe Edition, containing the base Fallout 76 game and the Digital Upgrade Bundle, including the Pittsburgh Neighbourhood C.A.M.P Kit, Fanatic Power Armour Paint, Trog Plushie, and many more things.

Fallout 76 is available now to play for PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox Game Pass, and PlayStation 4.

Xbox

Xbox June Update Brings Party Chat Features And XCloud Gaming Forward; along with many other features.

Microsoft announced the new features included in the latest Xbox update in a blog post on the Xbox website. The Xbox June update is now available, and it improves Party Chat by introducing speech-to-text and text-to-speech features. Along with these enhancements, the update changes the Xbox app, which now displays official posts from games, allows you to reorder groups in the Guide, and makes it easier to review and approve family member requests to play with users on different platforms. In the future, Xbox One users will be able to play next-generation games via Xbox Cloud Gaming.

Xbox Party Chat

Gaming should be welcoming, approachable, and accessible to all. This includes making it simple for gamers to play and communicate with one another. Party chat, which is used by gamers all over the world to communicate with their friends while playing, now supports speech-to-text and text-to-speech conversion. Each of these features can be used to assist gamers who are deaf or hard of hearing and/or who are unable or unwilling to speak.

Xbox
Image Source: i2.wp.com
  • Speech-to-Text Transcription: By enabling speech-to-text transcription, gamers can have all words spoken by members of a party converted into text that appears in an adjustable overlay on top of gameplay.
  • Text-to-Speech Synthesis: By enabling text-to-speech synthesis, gamers can type into party text chat and have it read aloud to the rest of the party by a synthetic voice (with a choice of several voices per language).

Speech-to-text and text-to-speech functionality can both be enabled in Settings > Ease of Access > Game and chat transcription. When you’re at a party, you can also get to this screen by going to Options > Configure Ease of Access settings.

The Xbox Mobile App

The Xbox app for Android and iOS keeps you in touch with the rest of your gaming community. Gamers can use the app to easily share game clips and screenshots, chat with friends, track their achievements, and even play games from their console via remote play. Throughout this month, you will begin to see official posts from your favorite games. You can view the posts from the app’s homepage and like, share, or comment on them.

Reorder Groups in the Guide

Groups allow you to make lists in the guide for easy access to your favorite games and apps. There is now a new “Move groups” button built right into the guide’s “My games & apps” screen, allowing you to rearrange the order of your groups. To use it, open the guide, then select My games & apps, then Move groups to rearrange your groups.

Family’s Cross-Network Play Requests

The Xbox family settings allow you to control how people interact with your family’s gaming. We will continue to innovate family settings on Xbox in order to be as unique as families are today and to meet their needs. To that end, we’ve made it easier for you to review and approve your children’s requests to play with people on other game platforms and Windows PCs on your console. Children who use Xbox child accounts as part of a family group can now request permission from their parent or caregiver to play games like Minecraft with others who use other gaming services. Parents can approve or decline their children’s requests by using the Xbox Family Settings app for Android or iOS, or by using the console itself.

Xbox Cloud Gaming

In a separate post detailing the E3 exclusive game lineup, Microsoft revealed that in the future, Xbox One users will be able to play next-gen console games like Microsoft Flight Simulator, Redfall, Starfield, and others via Xbox Cloud Gaming (formerly called xCloud). These games are currently available only on the Xbox Series X/Series S and PC.

This is fantastic news for owners of previous-generation Xbox consoles because, while some upcoming games will not officially launch with Xbox One support, they will still be able to play them via cloud gaming. It makes sense because older generation consoles lack the power to run the new upcoming games as intended, but with Xbox Cloud Gaming, they won’t need the extra graphics and processing power, just a stable internet connection. Microsoft has stated that more information will be released soon.

twitch

Amazon’s Twitch Prime is now Prime Gaming After a Rebranding Campaign

Gamers have been receiving a lot of good news in the past month or so. Several significant updates have dropped regarding the Xbox and PlayStation. Furthermore, Microsoft and Google have also announced new titles in the coming year. Adding to this list of gaming news is Amazon’s rebranding move to breathe new life into their gaming division. As per reports, Amazon is rebranding their live streaming platform Twitch, and renaming it Prime Gaming. Here’s a look at everything you need to know about the service, and what this rebranding could mean.

Twitch Prime to Prime Gaming

Amazon Prime subscribers used the Twitch Prime service to avail perks on the live streaming platform. As per new reports, the company is dropping the name Twitch, and focusing instead on the Prime brand. Hence, the service will now go by the title of Prime Gaming. However, the rebranding is purely a marketing strategy, as the benefits and services offered by the feature will remain the same. The main benefits provided by the service include free games with unlimited usage, gifting of free subscription, and exclusive in-game content. 

Why the Sudden Rebranding?

Most experts believe that the new strategy with respect to branding came as a result of motivation to bring all services under the Prime umbrella. Often regarded as the most recognisable term associated with Amazon, the company is backing that brand strategy. By offering all its services under the umbrella of Prime, the company hopes to improve brand loyalty and awareness. Furthermore, the title of Prime Gaming blends well with the rest of the content that Amazon publishes through the Prime subscription. The primary services they provide include Prime Video for TV shows and movies, and Prime Reading which offers access to magazines and e-books. Other benefits provided by the $119-annual subscription is free shipping and offers on Amazon’s marketplace. 

Commitment to Gaming

The recent rebranding is also a testament to the fact that Amazon has picked up substantial interest in the field of video gaming. Other than Twitch, Amazon also owns a unique game development studio called Amazon Games. However, this subsidiary wing has been struggling this year with its first title, Crucible not meeting consumer expectations. Crucible combines gameplay elements from shooting games and simulates that within an online battle arena, ensuring good experience on paper. The game came out in May this year but soon returned to a beta version as it required further work and refinement. Furthermore, their second major title, New World, which is an open-world MMO, was to release on August 25th. However, the company has pushed the release to July 10th, 2021. Also, Twitch had promised a Pac-man version in June, but no news has come out regarding this launch. 

Retracing their Steps

In May, Amazon’s Relentless, the studio that helped create Crucible admitted that the released the game too early, without completing it. Therefore, to provide a better user experience, the company recalled the game and placed it in a closed beta state. They also stated that they would use the extra time to develop the maps, combat styles, and improve the overall game to ensure that fans receive exactly what was promised. The company also set up a council of beta players to test updates and give feedback regarding the changes made. However, the game will be available to all gamers who had already downloaded it, and it will continue to function normally on Steam. The company also stated that it would continuously put out updates to make the game better and engage the audience.

Entry Into Cloud Gaming

Insiders are also predicting the entry of Amazon into cloud gaming in the future and even claims the company might launch a unique cloud gaming service. Reports state that the secret project has the codename Project Tempo and that it will launch sometime in early 2021. As per a report in the New York Times, the delay caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is what led to the launch being pushed into 2021. This portal will be a direct competitor to Google’s platform Stadia which launched in November last year.

Job listings released by Amazon, which has been recruiting engineers for a new project within AWS has also helped provide some weight to these rumors. CNET reports state that the company might even integrate such a cloud service or platform with their Twitch/Prime Game service. This will be similar to how Google plans to integrate Stadia with YouTube in the long run. It will be interesting to see how this plan pans out, and whether it will provide more momentum to Amazon’s big push into the gaming industry.

playstation

A Look at the New Sony PlayStation 5

All the gamers around the world will finally have something to get excited about now. Sony has just released details about its new PlayStation 5, including how the console will look, and what features it will have. The newly unveiled next-gen console will feature an all-new controller named DualSense. This new controller is a huge departure for Sony, as it introduces a massive design change. They are innovating and coming out with a completely new controller design after 25 odd years. Here’s a look at the new PS5 console and its features.

Playstation
Image source: givemesport.com

Controller Design

The new controller comes with several changes and upgrades, both in terms of looks and hardware. It features a new haptic feedback, which will replace the Rumble technology, and it also comes with adaptive triggers. These new triggers will help gamers control and adjust the resistance they feel on the triggers during gameplay. The new controllers also come with a first-time integrated microphone and USB-C port. When it comes to design, the controller will feature a two-tone color scheme that resembles the PSVR. Furthermore, Sony has changed the shape of the controller, giving it a more rounded shape.

The share button has become the “create” button, which will allow players to share their gameplay content with the world. Further details regarding how this button works will be released nearer to the actual launch of the console. The PlayStation button will resemble the actual PS logo, and the triggers will get an angled design, unlike past controllers. The center-mounted touchpad, symmetrical layout, and matching analog sticks will remain in place. Another change is the position of the light bar, which has been moved to either side of the touchpad. Further details regarding the cost and color options will come out shortly.

Hardware Design

Sony also recently revealed how the console will look, and they have gone with a white-and-black design to match the controller. Like the Xbox X, the PS5 will also be a vertical machine and will come in 2 versions. One will carry a 4K Blu-ray drive, and the other is a pure Digital Edition that is a lot thinner. As the Digital Edition does not contain the drive, it should be cheaper than the 4K. However, Sony has not released information regarding the pricing yet. Sony will also release a stand that works whether you keep the console horizontally or vertically. The unit has vents to allow heat dissipation and comes with both USB-A and USB-C ports in front.

All these reveals come right after Microsoft revealed Xbox X specs in December 2019. The console will have an eight-core AMD Zen 2 CPU and custom AMD GPU, based on RDNA 2. These custom chips will provide a power of up to 10.28 teraflops to both the CPU and GPU.

Accessories

Additionally, accessories for the PS5 include a controller charging station, media remote, HD camera, and a Pulse 3D headset. The new HD Camera will support dual 1080p lenses, replacing the old camera that came along with the PS4. The new camera will allow gamers to stream live gameplay footage, making it easier than ever before to tape themselves playing. The new Pulse wireless headset will replace the PS Gold headset and offer support for 3D Audio. The PS5 will also come with dual noise-canceling microphones, which help gamers with in-game communication. The media remote comes with a built-in microphone that allows voice commands. The controller charging station can charge up to two controllers at the same time. However, it seems to use a separate accessory dock to connect the controllers, rather than relying on the USB-C port. However, they have not released information regarding the pricing of these components.

Other Specs

Sony will also use a proprietary SSD to boost their load times for PlayStation games, and the SSD comes with 825GB of storage. The SSD also provides a performance power of 5.5GB/s, making it super-efficient. If fans can go by Epic Game’s recent demonstration of Unreal 5, the console looks great when it comes to performance. The game reveal showed off the console’s ability for loading cinematic 8K components and dynamic lighting effects. The console also supports 4K graphics and 3D audio.

Furthermore, Sony revealed that the PS5 will support a majority of the existing 4000 PS4 titles. All the backward compatible games will run with boosted frequency on the new console. This will allow gamers to benefit from more stable frame rates and better resolution. Also, Ubisoft has announced that the new addition to the AC family, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will launch on Sony’s PlayStation 5 during the holiday season.