We’ve all experienced a time when we’re surrounded by people yet feel completely out of place. That’s the exact feeling Dodo Duckie starts from: a duckling raised among chickens, convinced something is wrong with him because he just can’t fit in.

A few years ago, we were an unproven team pitching a massive, overly ambitious game to publishers. Getting backing for a project of that scale is incredibly difficult in India’s indie scene, and the passes we got back eventually forced a practical question: What can we actually build and see through to the end completely on our own?

The answer turned out to be a duck.

I’m Samhith, the creative director at BornMonkie, a small indie studio in India that I run alongside my sister and producer, Samveda. This is the story behind our debut puzzle platformer, Dodo Duckie – now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.

Even though Dodo’s search for belonging comes from a deeply personal place for us, we wanted his adventure to feel like a warm hug. It’s a bright, cozy world where his clumsy attempts to fit in are played for laughs, turning a heavy theme into a light-hearted journey about playful discovery.

Quacking the Code

Back in the day, many of the studios we look up to started their journeys with iconic mascot platformers. Looking back, we realized we had accidentally followed in their exact footsteps with Dodo Duckie.

We built our first prototype back in 2019, but as a busy service studio, the game became a long-term labor of love. For years, we chipped away at it on and off between client jobs and a million other prototypes. Early on, we made a radical design decision: remove the jump mechanic entirely from a 3D space.

We initially assumed this unique switching mechanic would be our main hook. But as players tested the game, they showed us something else: they were falling for Dodo  Duckie before they even understood the puzzles. That feedback changed how we looked at our own game. We realized Dodo’s personality was the front door, and our puzzle design was the reason to stay once you walked through. Juggling service work meant it took until 2025 to fully realize this vision, but we’ve finally built a home we can’t wait for players to enter.

Getting Dodo Just Right

Getting the game to actually look right was a massive hurdle, we spent two to three months iterating on prototypes we just weren’t happy with. The turning point came when our Art director, Vincent Boichut, joined the team and diagnosed the real problem. Because we were balancing tight resources, we only had the budget to build a single set of assets that had to work perfectly across two perspectives. Everything had to be read clearly, whether players saw it head-on in 3D or flattened into 2D.

That restraint became our superpower. It’s the real reason the world leans toward clean shapes, rounded edges, and vibrant colors. What looks like a purely stylistic choice was actually born out of a need for perfect readability, though we’re thrilled it happens to be extremely cute, too.

Finding Our Wings

Underneath the puzzles is a story we care about deeply. Dodo grows up among chickens, trying desperately to fit in before learning that his differences are exactly what make him special. It’s a struggle our team knows intimately. Growing up in India’s highly competitive culture, pursuing a creative career in game development meant fighting against strict expectations and risking isolation just to do what we love. Dodo’s journey is ours.

Because of that, we chose to tell his story without heavy dialogue, leaning instead on animation, physical comedy, and character expression. We wanted the emotional beats to feel like a Pixar short, landing purely through what you see, making Dodo’s story universal no matter what language you speak.

Our journey has finally come to life. Dodo Duckie is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC!

If there’s one thing we hope players take away from our little bird’s story, it’s this: a leap doesn’t have to look graceful to count.

Sometimes it just has to happen.

Dodo Duckie

BornMonkie

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

Get it now

You’re a DUCK! with one special cap that gives you the power to switch between 2D and 3D. Use it to explore, switch perspectives, solve puzzles and save your chicken friends.

Welcome to Next Week on XBOX! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!

Halo: Campaign Evolved – Premium Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 1264

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

Halo: Campaign Evolved – Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 1145

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Halo: Campaign Evolved – July 28
Game Pass / XBOX Play Anywhere

Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign. Experience the original story rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics, and refined controls, plus three brand-new prequel missions featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. A broader arsenal of weapons, vehicles, enemies, and gameplay-modifying “Skulls” – optional modifiers that change combat in fun and challenging ways – add fresh tactics and endless replayability.

Pre-purchase Halo: Campaign Evolved and get the Foundry Armory Pack, featuring legendary looks for the Master Chief’s iconic Mark V Mjolnir armor.

Dispatch

AdHoc Studio

☆☆☆☆☆ 16

★★★★★

Get it now

Dispatch – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

From the writers & directors of Tales from the Borderlands and The Wolf Among Us, Dispatch is a superhero workplace comedy set in modern day Los Angeles. You play as Robert Robertson, AKA Mecha Man, whose mech-suit is destroyed in a battle against his nemesis, forcing him to take a job at a superhero dispatch center: not as a hero, but a dispatcher. In charge of rehabilitating a group of ex-supervillains, you must manage your roster while navigating office relationships and rebuilding your suit for a shot at revenge.

Mistfall Hunter

Skystone Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mistfall Hunter – July 29
Game Pass / Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

The gods have fallen, and the Gyldenmist is consuming the world. Revived by a mysterious girl named Dew, you are thrust into a bleak world to harvest Gyldenblood and mend the shattered Web of Fate. Scavenge, fight, and extract in a brutal cycle of survival to bring a flicker of hope to this forbidden land.

Corsair Cove

Hooded Horse

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Corsair Cove – July 31
Game Pass

The Golden Age of Piracy is coming to an end – as the high seas are commandeered by the Crown’s pirate hunters, an era of adventure and plunder comes to a close… unless you can save it. Corsair Cove is a city builder that challenges you to think tall as you build without constraints on cliff-faces and hilltops and manage complex production chains that span across great lengths and heights. Manufacture everything from spyglasses to cannons, equip your crew, and build mighty ships to take to the seas and wage war against the Crown. Raid and pillage nearby islands to acquire what you can’t make for yourself, exploring uncharted lands to uncover great treasures and threats alike. Above all, keep your crew in high spirits as your numbers grow – it’ll take thousands of pirates to keep the Jolly Roger flying!

Gothic Classic

THQ Nordic

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Gothic Classic – July 28
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

The classic that revolutionized roleplaying games Return to Myrtana as the Nameless Hero in Gothic Classic, the award-winning RPG that shaped and inspired countless roleplaying games. War has been waged across the kingdom of Myrtana. Orcish hordes invaded human territory and the king of the land needed a lot of ore to forge enough weapons, should his army stand against this threat. Whoever breaks the law in these darkest of times is sentenced to serve in the giant penal colony of Khorinis, mining the so much needed ore.

The King is Watching

tinyBuild

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The King Is Watching – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Peasants toil, miners dig, and knights train… but only when I look at them! Wherever my eyes fall, progress follows. But the moment I glance elsewhere? Laziness! Chaos! I must choose wisely between the fields, the mines, or the barracks, expanding my gaze so no one slacks off! Water, wheat, stone, coal, silver, every resource fuels my empire! Farms feed my people, mines fund my ambitions, and workshops forge mighty defenses. Every decision shapes my reign, and only a well-managed kingdom will survive the storm.

Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World?!

Frosty Pop

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Truck-kun is Supporting Me from Another World – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Your truck is magic and you now owe a soul debt to the buff isekai elf girl living in your head. Run over pedestrians as Truck-kun, make deliveries, and defeat the Skeleton King across two worlds in this chaotic run-based anime driving game! Carissa Ward was all set to start her new job as the VP of marketing–until YOU hit her with your truck and transported her consciousness to a world of fantasy and magic! Rather than accept her fate, gathering a party and going on a journey of growth and self-discovery, Carissa uses all her knowledge of anime tropes and Japanese RPGs to find a different path: Unrepentant vehicular manslaughter.

PAW Patrol: Dino World

Outright Games Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

PAW Patrol: Dino World – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Leap into a colossal, open-world with Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, and Zuma. First stop, PAW Patrol Mobile HQ with Ryder to find out what rescue missions you’ll em-bark on as your favorite Pup. Run through the Dino Plains looking for eggs. Stop by the Paleo Center, where Heidi and Eugenia will teach you how to care for your new dino friends. Decorate their enclosures to make them feel like home. Sniff out collectibles across the sandy shores and discover rocky caves with secret pools. Switch to vehicle mode to drive through a jungle, filled with tall trees, long vines and tropical fruits.

Broken Reality 2000

Digital Tribe

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Broken Reality 2000 – July 27

Broken Reality 2000 is a single player adventure game set in an ethereal metaverse called NATEM, that is full of quests, puzzles and light platforming. Explore diferent sites, make new friends and collect Likes to raise your popularity and earn access to new areas. Discover a wide set of tools, like a virus-slaying Katana, a net-surfing Hoverboard, a Camera to take beautiful pictures, and more, that will help you explore this colorful world!

Forever Skies

Far From Home

☆☆☆☆☆ 4

★★★★★

Get it now

Forever Skies – July 27
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Forever Skies is a first-person post-apocalyptic survival game. Play it solo or in coop and return to Earth, ravaged by an ecological disaster. Build, fly, upgrade and customize your high-tech airship. Craft tools, and scavenge resources to survive. Face dangers on the surface and hunt for viruses to cure a mysterious illness.

Get Them Out! (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Get Them Out! – July 28
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Get ready for an irresistibly cute puzzle where every move makes a difference. In Get Them Out!, a team of adorable hamsters is ready to drive every mole off the board, but only your strategy can place them in the perfect spots. Place hamster-shaped pieces of different forms, complete rows and columns, and watch hamsters and moles disappear in a satisfying chain reaction. As you progress, new challenges and special mole types make every stage even more engaging, requiring careful planning and creative thinking to completely clear the board.

Gnardo back Home: PC Edition

GatoBaro Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Gnardo back Home: PC Edition – July 28

Gnardo back Home is a precision platformer where every jump matters. Meet Gnardo, a grumpy old man who just wants to get back to his house. He didn’t ask for any of this: the spikes, the collapsing floors, the moving platforms, the doors that only open with a key somewhere on the other side of the stage. None of it. And yet, here we are.

The Green Light

Take IT Studio! sp. z o. o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

The Green Light – July 28
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

The Green Light is a first-person horror game that follows Fred, a man trapped in a dead-end job and haunted by disturbing hallucinations. One late night, a mysterious voice on the radio tells him that a distant green light promises the peace and freedom he has been searching for. With nothing left to lose, Fred sets out on a journey into the darkness, where he must confront the depths of his own mind. Discover a story of self-discovery and decide whether freedom is worth the ultimate sacrifice.

4 The Elements

Mito Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

4 The Elements – July 29

4 The Elements is a 2D Action Platformer inspired by the best games of this genre from the 90s. Switch in real time between the four elements of nature to overcome challenges, acquire new abilities and defeat powerful bosses in beautifully crafted thematic stages. You control each of the four elements of nature, Fire, Earth, Air, and Water, that for some mysterious reason find themselves trapped inside a magic crystal and forced to share the same body. By switching between the characters on the fly, you will be able to use their different attacks, movement and abilities to face enemies, solve puzzles and unveil the truth behind their mutual predicament as they fight to escape from their imprisonment.

Case Solved: The London Files

Minimol Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Case Solved: The London Files – July 29

Case Solved: The London Files blends cozy noir storytelling with the elegant logic-driven deduction popularized by Einstein’s Riddle. Behind London’s fog and gaslight, every case becomes a closed puzzle: a handful of suspects, a tangle of conflicting testimonies, and a single answer that yields to logic alone. Each one is a carefully crafted challenge, solved through reasoning and observation, inviting players to uncover buried truths.

Dungeon Antiqua

AMATA K.K.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dungeon Antiqua – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Dungeon Antiqua is a dungeon crawl-type RPG with beautiful dots and nostalgic sounding chiptunes that are reminiscent of the 1980s and 1990s. Dungeon Antiqua is a portal to new adventures for players who love retro games. Enjoy new challenges while reminiscing about the good old days of gaming!

Kusan: City of Wolves

PQube Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $11.99

Pre-order

Kusan: City of Wolves – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Welcome to Kusan: City of Wolves, a brutal top-down shooter set in a neon-drenched urban jungle consumed by violence and corruption. Kusan delivers hardcore action where one mistake means death. Master gunplay, perfect your movement, survive the streets and combat arenas ruled by furious kingpins that demand speed, precision and flawless execution. Every moment of action is intensified by Korean hip-hop heavyweight Loptimist’s adrenaline-fuelled soundtrack drenched with head-bopping loops and deep 808s pushing you forward without mercy.

Railway Routes

Rising Moon Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Railway Routes – July 29
XBOX Play Anywhere

Railway Routes is a relaxing grid-based railway puzzle where you draw tracks, guide trains, and create the perfect route. Each level challenges your logic, planning, and creativity as you build efficient railway networks. With cozy visuals and satisfying track-building mechanics, Railway Routes delivers a calm puzzle experience that is easy to learn but full of clever challenges.

Retrace The Light

E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$17.99 $14.39

Pre-order

Retrace The Light – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Set in the year 3323, the revolutionary Meta Mirror Project emerged from the collaboration between humanity and the super AI “Primus.” This ambitious venture seeks to stabilize society and ensure security by repairing the consciousness of individuals struggling with intense emotional turmoil. Your journey unfolds as Enforcer Decem, tasked with repairing bizarre Mirrormazes stemming from human minds. Navigate through these mazes, solve puzzles, and confront powerful Mirrormares.

Sizeable

Alchemy Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Sizeable – July 29
XBOX Play Anywhere

Sizeable is a short, relaxing, and casual puzzle/exploration game centered around the unique mechanic of shrinking and growing. Originally developed as a student project, the game evolved into Business Goose Studio’s first commercial title. It’s a passion project, made with care and creativity, and we hope you enjoy playing it as much as we enjoyed making it.

Wake Up, Lia!

Eastasiasoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Wake Up, Lia! – July 29
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Wake Up, Lia! is a narrative-driven 2D precision platformer set within nightmares shaped by bullying. As Lia, you will have to overcome deadly traps across 20 handcrafted stages to recover lost memories and fragments of your identity. Embark on a heartfelt journey of trauma, resilience and rebirth, blending emotional storytelling with challenging gameplay and an atmospheric soundtrack! Play solo or team up with a friend in local co-op!

Angel Engine

Black Lantern Collective

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Angel Engine – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Cage an angel. Ransack Heaven. In a far-flung dystopian future, the Angel Engine Initiative carries on as the last hope for humanity. Seal yourself in your operating room, perform surgery on comatose test subjects, and pray you make it out alive. Angel Engine is a horror surgery simulator that explores a missing chapter of the Angel Engine series. Nuclear fire burned the skies long ago, leaving behind a world of ash — but the Second Tower of Babel still stands. Join a crew of scientists in their effort to save the human species from damnation. But remember: there are no heroes here.

HARDWIRED: Ghost In The Reset

Villano Wild Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $12.74

Pre-order

HARDWIRED: Ghost In The Reset – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Step into a brutal dystopian world in this intense single-player action-adventure shooter, developed entirely by a solo independent creator. You are Kay, a cynical combatant who survived the collapse by purging all sentimentality; for her, emotions are nothing more than a critical system failure.

Leafy Corner

Fireline Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Leafy Corner – July 30
XBOX Play Anywhere

Run the plant shop of your dreams in Leafy Corner, a cozy shop management game where you grow, sell, and care for real-life houseplants! Step into the role of a plant shop owner. Grow plants, serve your customers, and create a warm, inviting space filled with greenery and charm.

Mechaconda

QUByte Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mechaconda – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Get ready for the arcade evolution! In Mechaconda, you take control of a mechanical serpent on a suicide mission to defeat Dr. EVIL’s army. Blending classic growth mechanics with bullet hell chaos, every match is a challenge of survival and strategy. Build your loadout in real-time, choose from dozens of upgrades, and transform your tail into a deadly line of defense.

Nightmare Shift

Ultimate Games S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$11.99

Pre-order

Nightmare Shift – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Take on night shifts at a remote motel, handle unsettling guests, and navigate eerie events. Experience Emma’s unnerving apartment life, feel the unease of being watched, and question what’s real as the line between reality and nightmare blurs. They say the walls have ears… but what if the walls have eyes—watching, waiting, seeing everything you do.

Redtail Relic Rush

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Redtail Relic Rush – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Adventure never slows down in Redtail Relic Rush! Join Redtail, a fearless red panda explorer armed with a grappling hook, on an action-packed journey through ancient ruins filled with danger, mystery, and legendary treasures. Run nonstop through thrilling platforming challenges packed with traps, enemies, and daring leaps. Swing through the air, build momentum at just the right moment, and master the perfect rhythm to overcome every obstacle as you race toward the legendary Golden Idol.

Shard Squad

Nuntius Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Shard Squad – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Survive an insane army of enemies with a squad of elemental creatures! Recruit new members for your team by defeating the bosses that cross your path, and combine their traits to unlock powerful effects! Unity not only brings strength, it also creates new abilities!

Truxton Extreme

Clear River Games AB

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Free Trial

Truxton Extreme – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Truxton Extreme delivers white-hot shooter thrills for masters and novices alike. Take down hordes of alien invaders with your Power Shot, Truxton Beam, Thunder Laser, Homing Shot, Star‑mine Shot, and more! Don’t forget to breathe as you face off against gigantic bosses in the ultimate battle for humanity’s survival!

Turnip Mountain

JanduSoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$10.49 $8.39

Pre-order

Turnip Mountain – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Turnip Mountain is a physics-based climbing adventure built around a unique control system: each hand is controlled independently. Enjoy a natural and satisfying climbing experience. Master your momentum as you grip walls, swing from ropes, launch yourself across gaps and discover your own route to the summit. Every move depends on your skill, making every successful climb its own reward.

Verho – Curse of Faces

CobraTekku Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Verho – Curse of Faces – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

The Curse of Faces – where revealing one’s face means instant death – has befallen the world. Humanity was brought close to the brink. After 264 years of “the Era of Solitude”, a symbol of safety appeared – Masks. While the origins of the curse are still shrouded in mystery, many travelers still venture to the source of this curse in an attempt to reveal its secrets. Will you strive to lift the curse from the world, or will you harness its power for your own ends? The choice is yours.

Zombie Graveyard Simulator

PlayWay S.A.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $13.49

Pre-order

Zombie Graveyard Simulator – July 30
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

In a world where the dead turn into zombies, your job is to manage your very own Graveyard! Perform burials and cremations, fulfill visitor requests, manage facilities, and keep your staff and defenses in top shape. But when night falls, everything changes. The dead may rest, but the zombies don’t. They are coming for your precious work!

Bee With Gun

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Bee With Gun – July 31
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

In Bee with Gun, you´re not just fighting to survive, your goal is to destroy enemy bases while protecting your hive. Take control of an armed bee and fight through 40 carefully designed levels across four unique environments. Destroy enemy strongholds while defending your hive against constant waves using buildable towers.

hyperdrive inn

Dolores Entertainment

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

hyperdrive inn – July 31
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

The ever-growing accommodation behemoth known as Hyperdrive Inn is your father’s creation, and he is also responsible for triggering a set of cataclysmic events that threaten to destroy everything in existence. He also happens to be the only person in the universe who can fix everything. Too bad he has gone missing. What’s even worse: he went hiding somewhere in the infinite hotel of his. And to top it all off, you’re the one who must hunt him down and save the day.

Waterpark Simulator

Cayplay Studios LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Waterpark Simulator – July 31
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Build and run your own waterpark. Design slides, send guests flying with ragdoll physics, manage staff, and fully customize your park. Turn total madness into a five-star empire in this first-person management simulator!

It seems bizarre to say it, but there hasn’t been a brand-new Castlevania game for more than a decade and – for the series’ long-awaited return – KONAMI made a choice that may surprise some fans. It’s entrusting one of its most iconic franchises to French studio Evil Empire, best known for its work on Dead Cells, including the acclaimed Return to Castlevania DLC.

Set within the unique surroundings of the Chapelle Sainte-Jeanne-d’Arc in Paris’ 14th arrondissement, members of the press were invited for a first hands-on look at Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. The venue proved particularly fitting, as the game itself opens in a dark, gothic interpretation of the French capital. Following our preview session, we sat down with Tsutomu Taniguchi (Producer at KONAMI) and Emmanuel Nouaille (Creative Director at Evil Empire) to discuss how this new chapter in the Castlevania saga came to life.

A Collaboration That Started as a Tribute

Before Belmont’s Curse, Evil Empire had already collaborated with KONAMI on Return to Castlevania, the celebrated Dead Cells DLC. At the time, nothing suggested that this partnership would eventually lead to the development of a brand-new entry in the Castlevania series.

According to Tsutomu Taniguchi, KONAMI’s decision to continue working with the French studio came down to two key factors: “The first is Evil Empire’s passion for Castlevania. The second is their expertise in action games. Castlevania has always been an action series, so it was essential that the controls, gameplay, and overall feel lived up to players’ expectations.”

Beyond their passion for the franchise, KONAMI was looking for a team capable of understanding what defines Castlevania while also mastering the demands of modern action game design.

Emmanuel Nouaille, however, receives those compliments with humility. Smiling, he admits it almost feels presumptuous to answer after Taniguchi’s praise before summarizing what, in his view, ultimately made the difference: “Our best résumé was simply our work.”

Originally, Evil Empire had only proposed creating a DLC as a tribute to Castlevania. It was through ongoing conversations with KONAMI that the collaboration gradually evolved into something far more ambitious.

Beyond the studio’s technical expertise, the partnership also allowed both teams to build a strong relationship of trust. With Return to Castlevania developing under particularly positive circumstances, working together again on a larger project became the natural next step.

Nouaille illustrates that trust with a memorable anecdote: “When we finished the DLC, Tsutomu Taniguchi visited the studio to play it. As he explored the castle, he discovered several details and Easter eggs he hadn’t noticed before. Then he simply turned around and gave us a thumbs up.” A simple gesture—but one that left a lasting impression on the team.

For Nouaille, that was probably the moment he realized this collaboration could become much more than a one-off.

Defining What Castlevania Is

For Taniguchi and Nouaille alike, everything began with the same question: What truly makes a Castlevania game? It sounds like an obvious question. Yet bringing back one of KONAMI’s most iconic franchises proved far more complex than it first appeared.

As Nouaille explains: “Castlevania means something different to everyone. We all grew up with different games, different characters, and different memories. Before we could build a new game, we first had to agree on the core pillars that define Castlevania.”

Taniguchi shares that perspective, explaining that every fan has a different relationship with the series. KONAMI’s role was therefore to establish a common creative framework—one that would preserve Castlevania’s identity while giving Evil Empire the freedom to express its own vision.

Before introducing a new protagonist, a new story, or new gameplay systems, both teams focused on establishing those foundations. The game had to remain a 2D action-exploration experience, fit within the official Castlevania canon, and keep the Vampire Killer whip at the heart of its gameplay. Once those principles had been agreed upon, KONAMI deliberately gave the French studio considerable creative freedom.

That freedom, however, was never a blank check. As Nouaille explains, modernizing Castlevania never meant turning its back on the franchise’s legacy. Every new idea had to grow from one of the series’ defining pillars before being adapted to the expectations of today’s players.

The whip is perhaps the clearest example. As one of Castlevania’s most iconic symbols, it was a non-negotiable element. Rather than reinventing it, Evil Empire chose to expand its role in both combat and traversal. The goal was to make players feel like agile, powerful vampire hunters capable of using the whip as naturally to move through the world as they do to defeat their enemies.

The same philosophy shaped the game’s overall pacing. The team wanted a faster, more energetic adventure while making exploration more demanding through traps, environmental hazards, and increasingly creative uses of the whip. Modernizing Castlevania was never about simplifying its gameplay—it was about expanding the player’s possibilities while preserving the sense of progression that has always defined the series.

That same approach extends to the narrative. While continuing the story after Dracula’s Curse and Curse of Darkness, Belmont’s Curse also introduces a brand-new heroine, Rose, who naturally finds her place within the established Castlevania universe. She’s an extension of the lore, not a random offshoot from it.

Working within this framework, Evil Empire was able to bring its own sensibilities to the project by setting the adventure in Paris and enriching its world with numerous historical references. More than a licensed production, Belmont’s Curse became the result of an ongoing dialogue between KONAMI and the French studio. As Nouaille puts it, “This wasn’t a work-for-hire project. It was a genuine creative collaboration.”

A Philosophy Felt from the First Minutes

All of those creative decisions quickly become apparent once the controller is in your hands. Rather than simply updating the formula, Belmont’s Curse aims to evolve the series’ gameplay while preserving the foundations that have defined Castlevania for decades. Character animations, visual effects, sound design, and the impact of every attack all contribute to making combat feel more dynamic, readable, and satisfying without ever losing the unmistakable identity of the franchise.

The whip’s versatility naturally encourages players to revisit previously explored areas in search of hidden paths while making movement feel considerably more fluid. Taniguchi confirms that expanding the whip’s role was one of the team’s primary goals: “The whip remains true to Castlevania’s identity, but we wanted to give it a new dimension.”

The decision to set the adventure in Paris also reinforces the game’s distinctive identity. During our hands-on session, landmarks such as Notre-Dame Cathedral and the Catacombs appeared alongside references to several French locations, helping create a setting that feels authentic rather than merely decorative.

Meanwhile, the balance between exploration and combat quickly feels intuitive, supported by a striking art direction, atmospheric soundtrack, and carefully crafted sound design that immediately evoke the unmistakable spirit of Castlevania.

A New Chapter, Not Just a Tribute

While much remains to be discovered, Nouaille is quick to point out that the version presented to us represents only a small glimpse of the full adventure: “What you’ve seen today is only the beginning of the adventure. Once you reach the castle, everything changes. We hope players will be surprised by the game’s new structure, but also by its characters, its story, and all the secrets waiting to be uncovered.”

Throughout our conversation, one idea came up repeatedly: Belmont’s Curse was never conceived as a simple tribute to Castlevania. KONAMI first defined the series’ essential foundations before allowing Evil Empire to build upon them with its own creative sensibilities. Somewhere between those two visions, a genuine partnership emerged—one that appears to have shaped every major decision throughout development.

For Emmanuel Nouaille, one particular memory perfectly captures that philosophy. It wasn’t a spectacular boss fight or a major story sequence, but something much simpler.

As development progressed, the animations, visual effects, iconic creatures, music, and sound design gradually gave the project its own identity. Yet the real turning point came when he instinctively opened the map to mark areas he knew he would revisit later after unlocking new abilities: “That’s when I realized we were no longer just testing mechanics. We were actually playing a Castlevania game.”

That same humility also defines Evil Empire’s ambitions for the franchise. The team’s goal was never to surpass landmarks such as Castlevania: Symphony of the Night, but simply to contribute a new chapter to a series that has continued to evolve for nearly four decades.

Judging by this first hands-on experience and our conversation with the developers, Belmont’s Curse appears determined to do exactly that: honour Castlevania’s legacy while confidently forging its own identity.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse arrives on October 15 for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC.

Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse Midnight Edition

KONAMI

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

[Pre-order Bonus] This bonus item is available to players who pre-order Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. ・Alucard Style Costume [Overview] This product contains the full game, Digital Sound & Art Gallery, as well as 3 bonus in-game items. ・Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse ・Digital Sound & Art Gallery ・Bonuses (In-game items) x3 └ Trevor Style Costume └ Sypha Style Costume └ Family's Grace（Relic） Medieval Paris, Where the Tolling Bells Herald the End 1499. Paris is engulfed in flames as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows. Trevor Belmont, the hero who defeated Dracula, ventures into the burning streets with his daughter, Rose Belmont. Armed with the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, they hunt down the beasts bleeding from the looming castle. Rose is soon swept up in the dark conspiracy that lurks beneath. Will she succeed in saving Paris from devastation? Satisfying Whip Action Castlevania's iconic whip action is more satisfying than ever! Crack your whip to move around freely like a trapeze artist! Master the whip mechanics and be creative to pounce on your prey like a wolf in fast-paced combat! Diverse Bosses and the Arcana System Face-off against legendary bosses including Death, Medusa and Carmilla in addition to enigmatic new bosses such as Joan of Arc. Once defeated, bosses are sealed into Rose's tarot cards, turning them into Arcana – use their skills to cast spells and obtain unique special actions Customize Your Battle Style with Weapons and Relics Customize Rose’s battle style by using a variety of equipment, including weapons spanning seven distinct categories and Relics that trigger powerful effects through both offense and defense. Combine equipment you discover through exploration to create your own playstyle! Iconic Castlevania Atmosphere, Reimagined in New Stages From iconic Gothic aesthetics to vivid, refined visuals, the game presents a fresh take on the world of Castlevania. Explore maps filled with both new features and familiar elements inspired by classic Castlevania titles. ※The image displayed are under development ※Contents/Specs are subject to change without notice

Castlevania: Belmont's Curse

KONAMI

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$29.99

Pre-order

[Pre-order Bonus] Alucard Style Costume This bonus item is available to players who pre-order Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse. Medieval Paris, Where the Tolling Bells Herald the End 1499. Paris is engulfed in flames as monstrous creatures suddenly emerge from the shadows. Trevor Belmont, the hero who defeated Dracula, ventures into the burning streets with his daughter, Rose Belmont. Armed with the legendary holy whip, the Vampire Killer, they hunt down the beasts bleeding from the looming castle. Rose is soon swept up in the dark conspiracy that lurks beneath. Will she succeed in saving Paris from devastation? Satisfying Whip Action Castlevania's iconic whip action is more satisfying than ever! Crack your whip to move around freely like a trapeze artist! Master the whip mechanics and be creative to pounce on your prey like a wolf in fast-paced combat! Diverse Bosses and the Arcana System Face-off against legendary bosses including Death, Medusa and Carmilla in addition to enigmatic new bosses such as Joan of Arc. Once defeated, bosses are sealed into Rose's tarot cards, turning them into Arcana – use their skills to cast spells and obtain unique special actions Customize Your Battle Style with Weapons and Relics Customize Rose’s battle style by using a variety of equipment, including weapons spanning seven distinct categories and Relics that trigger powerful effects through both offense and defense. Combine equipment you discover through exploration to create your own playstyle! Iconic Castlevania Atmosphere, Reimagined in New Stages From iconic Gothic aesthetics to vivid, refined visuals, the game presents a fresh take on the world of Castlevania. Explore maps filled with both new features and familiar elements inspired by classic Castlevania titles.

I want to introduce you to Cello, and to the strangest weapon she carries: the beat itself.

Alpha Nomos is a rhythm-action roguelite, and it’s coming to Xbox Series X|S. If you’ve never heard of it, here’s the one thing to hold onto. Everything Cello does, every strike and every dodge, lands in time with the music. Play on the beat and she hits harder, moves cleaner, and the whole world seems to move with her. Fall out of rhythm and you feel it just as fast.

Cello wakes into a ruined world. The cities are abandoned, the arenas are corrupted, and the puppets that fill them have turned hostile. What’s left to fight with is music, and Cello wields it literally. Her weapons are instruments, and not sampled ones. We recorded them live, so the sounds you hear as you fight are real players and real takes folded into the combat itself.

That live audio isn’t set dressing. As you push deeper, you pull musical upgrades that change how Cello fights and rewrite the soundtrack at the same time. A new layer of sound is also a new way to play. By the end of a strong run, the track playing underneath you is one you built through your own choices, and it sounds different from anyone else’s.

The structure underneath all this is a roguelite. Runs are built to be replayed, arenas shift and advance as you go, and you get a little stronger and a little sharper each time you come back. We took our cues from games that ask you to earn your mastery rather than hand it to you. The kind where getting good is the point, and the reward is that moment when your inputs, the enemies and the music all click into the same groove.

We’re a small studio, and this is our first commercial release. Alpha Nomos started from a simple frustration: we love rhythm games, and we always felt the rhythm could go deeper. We felt it could be the foundation of the whole thing instead of a layer on top. If you’ve ever felt that flow of moving in perfect sync with a song, that feeling is what we built the entire game around.

Alpha Nomos is coming to Xbox Series X|S. Meet Cello, pick up the instruments and find the beat.

Alpha Nomos

RibCage Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

It's time to wield the beat in Alpha Nomos, a rhythm-action roguelite where every instrument is a weapon and every fight moves to the music. Play as Cello and slice through an army of rogue puppets in a vibrant, melody-twisted world where combat pulses to the soundtrack and timing is everything. Who knew saving the world could sound this good? Join Cello and her friends as they explore their ruined world, fight murderous puppets, and uncover the mysteries of the powerful force known as music. What caused the destruction of this world? What is music? What is Alpha Nomos? All these answers await Cello as she fights to bring balance back to a corrupted world. Time your moves to the beat to unleash show-stopping combos and perfectly choreographed chaos. Master the rhythm, gather living sound, and breathe life back into a world that moves to the music you make. Prepare for a run where every strike, every upgrade, and every note pulls you deeper into the song.

Today, we’re starting to test an ad-supported way to stream select games from your library for a limited time, available to XBOX Insiders. 

During this test period, XBOX Insiders with an XBOX account will be able to stream games they own for free with ads. Players will have one hour session limits across supported devices and regions.  

Here’s what you can expect:  

1. Ads will play before sessions begin. 

2. The core game experience is unchanged. 

3. This is optional. Players can choose other ways to play at any time.  

For many players, the device they already own now allows them to stream games with XBOX. Cloud can also help XBOX One owners play newer games built for XBOX Series X|S without needing to purchase new hardware right away. That can be especially meaningful in places where consoles are harder to find or less affordable, giving more players another way to access great games on devices they already have.  

Advertising has existed in gaming for decades, from in-game placements to free-to-play models. But it hasn’t always been built with the player in mind. When done well, advertising can help lower the cost of access. It creates another way for players to get into games without an upfront streaming purchase and expands audiences through new ways to play.  

For brands, this only works if showing up here adds to the experience, not takes away from it. 

Given that, we want to be clear about how we will approach ad-supported services across XBOX: 

1. We start with the player. Ads should create value. 

2. We do not interrupt the flow of gameplay. 

3. We hold ads to the same quality bar as our content. 

4. We’re clear about what’s advertising. 

5. We make sure ads fit what players expect on each platform. 

We’ll learn from this test and continue to improve it based on how players use it and what they tell us. Our goal is simple. Give more people more affordable ways to play.  

How to Get XBOX Insider Support and Share Your Feedback

Thanks to XBOX Insiders for all of the feedback. You can also visit aka.ms/XBOXplayervoice to share what you think.  

If you’re an XBOX Insider looking for support, please join our community on the XBOX Insider subreddit. Official XBOX staff, moderators, and fellow XBOX Insiders are there to help. We recommend adding to threads with the same topic before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!

If you aren’t part of the XBOX Insider Program yet and want to help create the future of XBOX and get early access to new features, join the Program today by downloading the XBOX Insider Hub for XBOX Series X|S & XBOX One or Windows PC. For more information on the XBOX Insider Program, follow us on Twitter at @XBOXInsider and keep an eye on this blog for all the latest news.

Other resources:

• Get the XBOX Insider Hub app
• XBOX Insider FAQ
• How to provide feedback as an XBOX Insider

For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the XBOX Insider SubReddit.

Choose your path, draw your blade, load your pistols, ready your faction, and stay in the shadows with Free Play Days! Tides of Tomorrow and Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version are available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, July 23 until Sunday, July 26. Enjoy Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection for one bonus day until Monday, July 27.

Bleach Rebirth of Souls and Killing Floor 3 are free for all XBOX members during this Free Play Days (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

For Honor is free for all XBOX members with extend time from Thursday, July 23 until Tuesday, August 4 (XBOX Game Pass Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership not required).

How To Start Playing

Scroll down and find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on XBOX.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential membership.

To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the XBOX Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your XBOX One and XBOX Series X|S.

Keep The Fun Going

Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.

Free Play Days (Game Pass Membership Required)

Tides of Tomorrow

THQ Nordic GmbH

☆☆☆☆☆ 34

★★★★★

$29.99 $22.49

Get it now

Tides of Tomorrow
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
The makers of Road 96 redefined multiplayer narrative adventure with Tides of Tomorrow.  As a Tidewalker, you will explore a post-apocalpytic, floating world that will look, feel, and react differently depending on the player Story-Link you choose. As a deadly disease called Plastemia threatens to kill all living things, you must steel yourself to face the numerous challenges of a world on the brink of collapse. You will never be alone in your single-player mission, constantly feeling the presence of other Tidewalkers through the echoes of those that came before you.

METAL GEAR SOLID – Master Collection Version

KONAMI

☆☆☆☆☆ 261

★★★★★

$19.99 $9.99

Get it now

Metal Gear Solid – Master Collection Version
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Don’t miss this chance to experience the world of the METAL GEAR series! In 2005, the nuclear weapons disposal facility on Alaska’s Shadow Moses Island is captured by special forces unit FOXHOUND. They demand the remains of the legendary soldier known as Big Boss, threatening to launch a nuclear weapon if their demand is not met within 24 hours. In response, the government calls former FOXHOUND member Solid Snake back into action, tasking him with infiltrating the facility alone. As Snake heads to the site, he ponders the revelation that the leader of the terrorists, Liquid Snake, is his spitting image. With themes of genes and fate, a plot filled with conspiracy and betrayal unfolds.

Free Play Days For all

FOR HONOR

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

PC Game Pass

For Honor
Carve a path of destruction through the battlefield fighting for guts, glory, and survival in For Honor. Enter the chaos of a raging war as a Hero from some of the greatest warrior legacies ever known. For Honor is a fast-paced and immersive experience, mixing skill with visceral, never-before-seen melee combat.

BLEACH Rebirth of Souls

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆ 618

★★★★★

$59.99 $23.99

Get it now

Bleach Rebirth of Souls
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Awaken the blade within you and reverse your fate in BLEACH Rebirth of Souls! Step into the action as Ichigo and experience thrilling sword battles inspired by the legendary anime, mastering unique abilities, and powerful awakenings that can turn the tide of battle. Don’t miss your chance to discover what it takes to become a Soul Reaper this weekend and grab the game while it’s on sale for a limited time to continue your journey beyond Free Play Days.

Killing Floor 3

Tripwire Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆ 687

★★★★★

$39.99 $19.99

Get it now

Killing Floor 3
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Venture to the Nordic North Sea to explore a mire-infested oil rig and the horrors it has unleashed in Killing Floor 3 Season 4 – Operation: Shadow Hunter. Explore a new map and play the highly anticipated Gunslinger perk, which includes an armory of dual-wielded pistols and high-tech gadgets for destroying Zeds. The update also introduces the elusive Dr. Moorcroft as a new boss and adds a ‘Suicidal’ difficulty level, giving players a challenge between ‘Hard’ and ‘Hell-on-Earth” currently in-game.

Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to XBOX Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest XBOX gaming news.

From the winding, glowing corridors of complex Covenant structures to the wide, verdant plains of the Halo ring itself, the campaign levels of Halo: Combat Evolved are where many of us started our XBOX journey almost 25 years ago. While it never gets old jumping in as the Chief and blasting through these familiar spaces for yet another run, Halo: Campaign Evolved offers so much more than that.

Set against a stunning backdrop fuelled by Unreal Engine 5, with brand-new story missions, new Skulls that introduce brilliant and bizarre gameplay modifiers, and the option to bring up to four players into the fully co-operative Campaign, this isn’t just Halo at its very best, it’s also bringing us fresh ideas. After spending some time playing the game ourselves, here are some things to look out for as Halo: Campaign Evolved heads into Early Access today for Premium Edition players.

Operation: METEORITE – A Whole New Adventure

One of the most substantial additions to Halo: Campaign Evolved, Operation: METEORITE brings three brand-new bonus missions to the story, with an arc that takes place roughly a year ahead of the main campaign itself.

While we don’t want to spoil too much, we can say that following the Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson through this additional story beat adds delightful context to the events leading up to the first mission of Halo: Campaign Evolved, and it makes running into the Sergeant at the start of the story we know feel all the more impactful as you work to save his Marines. It’s truly a treat to explore an entirely new adventure with Chief and one of his most formidable allies – and of course, there are Skulls and Terminals to be found hidden in here too.

Four Player Campaign That Scales with Your Squad

For the first time ever, the story of Halo: Campaign Evolved can be experienced with up to four-players online, with cross-platform play supported. While these spaces were originally designed to accommodate up to two Chiefs playing together in co-op, this remake has been thoughtfully rebuilt with double the players in mind. Weapon spawns stack with the number of players, ensuring a balanced and plentiful arsenal for everyone in the game. Levels have received adjustments to ensure players can move seamlessly through spaces, and the new selection of usable vehicles means every Chief can traverse wide open spaces with ease. In the level ‘Assault on the Control Room,’ for example, players can operate Ghosts, Wraiths, and of course, the Scorpion tank. No one has to walk, unless you destroy your ride, intentionally or unintentionally.

New Skulls, Old Skulls

As soon as I’d hopped out of the Cryo chamber at the start of mission one, ‘The Pillar of Autumn,’ there’s but one thing to do – I pulled a 180 and sprinted (with the brand-new sprint button, no less) to the back of the room, only to find that the Skull that I’ve know how to find since 2001 just… wasn’t there. For Halo: Campaign Evolved, Halo Studios has completely repositioned the original locations of the Skulls – relics that can be collected and used to add modifiers to your game that alter the mechanics, environment, enemy spawns, and much more.

Not only that, the team has also introduced brand-new Skulls to find alongside all your old favorites, offering fresh modifiers to discover. It’s a small change, but one that encourages you to explore this well-trodden ground and all its hidden spaces in a whole new way. Getting to relive the original fun of finding the Skulls all over again is a real treat for long-time fans. Oh, and one of the new Skulls introduces an optional third-person mode to Halo: Campaign Evolved, so be sure to keep an eye out for it.

Campaign Remix Switches Up Your Play

Collecting any three Skulls in Halo: Campaign Evolved grants access to Campaign Remix – a new mode that lets you replay completed missions with a significant twist.

Remix automatically unlocks three additional Skulls that are enabled by default every time you boot up a mission in this mode – Adaptation, Reload, and Armistice. Adaptation randomizes the enemy types that appear across a level, Reload similarly randomizes weapon placement, and Armistice ensures that every type of enemy will fight together as allies against you, their true villain. The three modifiers acting in unison adds a delightful randomness to each playthrough, and the addition of nine weapons from other titles in the Halo franchise creates an extra layer of fun, while not feeling out of place.  And, of course, you can add any number of other Skulls you might have found, to push that chaos even further. Campaign Remix also introduces two new visual effects that can be added to a mission; Nightvision and Spore Visibility. The former adds a permanent green nightvision effect to Chief’s view, with enemies and points of interest outlined in a neon green light. It’s a cool addition for a more strategic approach, and feels good in those Covenant structures shrouded in darkness.

The latter introduces an even more intense modifier, a thick, translucent layer cloud of fog and Flood spores across the environment, reducing visibility and distorting objects in your immediate vision. My first thought was to add this effect over ‘The Library’ – the level that sees Chief face off against waves of horrible Flood enemies, transforming a mission from a familiar haunt into an unrecognizable horror as tiny Flood creatures spewed indiscriminately from the dusky clouds. Playing like this completely captures the essence and the terror that the original space built, but it feels sharper, smarter and more realistic than ever before.

Even in open spaces – like ‘Halo’, the game’s second level – sprawling fields and open sky are blanketed with a murky smog that adds a whole new energy to a playthrough and everything you do within it – manoeuvring vehicles (or dodging them), trying to take down Banshees through the fog, or even working out what’s coming towards you based on lights piercing the curtain makes every decision feel a little heavier, in the best possible way.

Halo: Campaign Evolved launches globally on July 28, 2026, with early access beginning today for Premium Edition owners (you still have time to pre-order and start playing today). It will be available for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC, cloud, and included with Game Pass. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere. Also available on Steam and PlayStation 5.  The game supports cross-play and cross-progression across XBOX Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and PlayStation 5.

Halo: Campaign Evolved – Premium Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 1264

★★★★★

$69.99

Get it now

Pre-order the Premium Edition and get up to 5 days early access and the Foundry Armory Pack, featuring legendary looks for the Master Chief’s iconic Mark V Mjolnir armor. PRE-ORDER INCLUDES: • Up to 5 days early access, beginning July 23, 2026 • Classic 2001 Mark V Armor skin • Classic 2001 Assault Rifle skin • Gilded Onyx Armor style • Gilded Onyx Assault Rifle style PREMIUM EDITION INCLUDES: • Halo: Campaign Evolved game • Alpha Halo Armory Pack, featuring 5 Master Chief Armor skins & 6 weapon skins • Art of Halo: Campaign Evolved Digital Artbook • Halo: Hungry Buzzards Digital Short Story • Digital Game Manual EXPERIENCE WHERE THE LEGEND BEGINS Halo: Campaign Evolved is a faithful yet modernized remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s campaign. Experience the original story rebuilt with high-definition visuals, updated cinematics, refined controls, plus a brand-new three-mission adventure featuring the Master Chief and Sgt. Johnson. A broader arsenal of weapons, vehicles, enemies, and gameplay-modifying “Skulls” – optional modifiers that change combat in fun and challenging ways – add fresh tactics and endless replayability. Play it your way: solo, in 2-player split-screen co-op (console only), or up to 4-player online co-op with full crossplay and cross-progression support.* Whether you’re discovering Halo for the first time or returning to the ring after 25 years, Halo: Campaign Evolved delivers an adventure that feels both timeless and brand new. DISCOVER THE RINGWORLD: After crash landing on a mysterious ringworld known as Halo, the Master Chief is tasked with helping the remaining humans survive against overwhelming Covenant forces. Alongside his AI companion Cortana, he uncovers Halo’s dark secrets and fights to avert the annihilation of all life in the galaxy. THE COMPLETE CAMPAIGN, REBUILT: Battle through the original missions, remade with high-def visuals, updated cinematics, and refined level design. CINEMATICS AND AUDIO OVERHAULED: All-new visuals and animations, plus a remastered soundtrack and fully rebuilt sound design for deeper immersion. COMBAT AND WEAPONS EXPANDED: Classic Halo combat feels sharper than ever, now with 9 additional iconic weapons from across the series to add to your arsenal. THREE NEW MISSIONS: Play as the Master Chief alongside Sgt. Johnson in Operation: Meteorite, a standalone combat operation featuring new environments, gameplay, and enemies. PLAY SOLO OR WITH FRIENDS: 2-player split-screen (console only) or 4-player online co-op, with crossplay and cross-progression across console and PC. DRIVE, HIJACK, WREAK HAVOC: Halo’s iconic vehicles return with more ways to create unforgettable chaos. For the first time in Halo: CE, hijack enemy vehicles and pilot a fully drivable Wraith tank. ENDLESS REPLAYABILITY: Remix every mission with optional “Skull” modifiers that add variety and challenge with randomized weapons, enemies, and environments.

We’re from Bonfire Studios – a small game dev team of industry veterans working on our first game, Arkheron! Today, we’re excited to open the doors of Arkheron’s Closed Beta to the XBOX Insiders Program, and welcome in players on Series X, S, and Windows PC. 

Closed Beta is a technical test, so expect some bugs and active updates from the dev team! The test runs from NOW until midnight PT on July 27. For more information on the game and how to join, check out the details below!

What is Arkheron?

Arkheron is a fast-paced PvP game where teams of three build their abilities and playstyles by combining items during each match. There are no fixed classes: the items you carry shape how you play, support your team, and adapt to your opponents.

Spires is our featured game mode during Closed Beta: a focused 3v3 arena for trying out new builds quickly, fine-tuning your teamwork, and getting comfortable with Arkheron’s core combat.

Ascension is Arkheron’s peak competitive mode, where 15 teams of three explore a larger map, loot items for their builds, upgrade their kits, and fight their way up the Tower toward a final 3v3 battle. Ascension will be available during limited regional windows on weekends. View the full schedule here.

Closed Beta Exclusives

Closed Beta also includes our first test of cosmetic progression! By playing Spires and Ascension – opening chests, defeating monsters, completing Challenge Rifts, and ascending the Tower – you’ll earn Pages. These Pages can be used to unlock playtest-exclusive ‘Prestige’ items that will remain on your account even after the test ends!

How to Participate

1. On XBOX Series X|S or Windows PC, sign-in and launch the XBOX Insider Hub app (or install the XBOX Insider Hub app from the Store first if needed)
2. Navigate to Previews > Arkheron Insider
3. Select Join
4. Wait for the registration to complete to be directed to the store and install Arkheron Insider!

NOTE: This preview is available on XBOX Series X|S and Windows PC.

Share Feedback

Your feedback here will help us improve combat, controls, performance, onboarding, matchmaking, and the overall experience. 

You can share feedback through the Arkheron Forums. Developers will be talking directly with players there, answering questions, as well as reviewing suggestions and any reported issues.

Join the Community!

You can also follow updates, find teammates, and connect with the community:

Discord: https://discord.com/invite/arkheron
Website: https://arkheron.com/en_US/
X / Twitter: https://x.com/PlayArkheron
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@playarkheron 
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@playarkheron
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playarkheron/ 

The Goodyear Blimp, one of the world’s most recognizable aircraft, is now available to fly in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024! This exciting new release builds upon Goodyear’s century-long innovation legacy. In the 1900s, the rubberized materials Goodyear manufactured to produce its tires were used to engineer balloons, which eventually progressed into airships for military use and, later, into the iconic Goodyear Blimp we know today. Now with its first appearance in Microsoft Flight Simulator, it’s kicking off its latest chapter with players.

This release comes on the heels of Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update 22: US National Parks which features over 30 National Parks and Monuments. And with the Goodyear Blimp, simmers can now float over these majestic locations like never before at cruising speeds that let them really take in the beauty of these beautiful natural wonders like Death Valley National Park, Olympic National Park, Acadia National Park, and Mount Hood National Forest.

“The inclusion of the Goodyear Blimp in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is perfectly timed – as we are celebrating the 250^th birthday and the natural beauty of the United States with World Update 22,” says Head of Microsoft Flight Simulator Jorg Neumann. “The famous Goodyear Blimp is the perfect aircraft to take in the stunning and varied landscapes of America as well as 36 of its National Parks from the skies.”

The modern Goodyear Blimp is based on Germany’s Zeppelin New Technology (NT), a helium-filled, semi-rigid airship that uses an internal framework for support, unlike a traditional nonrigid blimp. Goodyear transitioned its fleet to this state-of-the-art airship in 2014, ensuring the future of this powerful symbol of technology and innovation that defines the brand today.

The aircraft combines a carbon-fiber-and-aluminum internal structure, computer-controlled flight surfaces, three vectored-thrust engines, fly-by-wire controls, and a configurable gondola carrying up to 14 people. It measures roughly 246 feet long, can remain airborne for more than 22 hours, has a 600-mile range, and reaches a maximum speed of 73 mph.

To learn more about how thrilling it is to have the Goodyear Blimp arrive in Microsoft Flight Simulator, we spoke with the company’s Chief Pilot of Training & Safety Standards Adam Basaran, about his reactions to seeing the aircraft in-sim, favorite locations for sightseeing, and what makes flying over stadiums such a memorable airship experience.

What was your first reaction when you saw the Goodyear Blimp represented in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024?

Chief Pilot of Training & Safety Standards Adam Basaran – “The visuals look amazing! Wingfoot Two was captured exactly how it looks in real life, even including the LED sign computer keyboard in the left side pilot storage cubby.”

Were there any small visual or operational touches that really impressed you? Like, what aspects of the cockpit, controls, or overall airship presence stood out.

Basaran – “The visuals captured the textures of the material design of the actual airship.”

If you could point players toward one detail they might overlook, what should they pay attention to?

Basaran – “Pay attention to the feeling of being suspended in space over an event (pick your favorite stadium) or location without spending a lot of mechanical energy like an airplane or helicopter.“

For simmers used to airplanes and helicopters, what is the biggest mindset shift when flying a blimp, and what are some good habits to practice when at the controls?

Basaran – “The airship has a lot of mass compared to the amount of HP to move it. It’s close to 20,000 lbs. and has 600 total HP. There is a lag between control and engine imputes and seeing the ship respond so be patient. Think of flying the blimp like you would captaining a large ship on the ocean.”

How do wind, weather, and ground conditions influence a real flight, and how should players think about those factors in the sim?

Basaran – “The wind makes a big difference when you’re operating an airship due to their relatively slow speed. Find the best altitude to maximize tail winds or minimize headwinds.”

World Update 22 emphasizes U.S. National Parks and landmarks – which locations would you most want to see from the blimp’s slower, lower sightseeing perspective?

Basaran – “Logans Pass in Glacier National Park.”

Does flying over natural landmarks in the sim evoke anything like real-world aerial sightseeing from the blimp?

Basaran – “The visuals look very similar to real life. Enough to use it to scout out unfamiliar event locations before flying them in the actual blimp.”

If you could design the perfect in-sim route for a first-time blimp pilot, where would you start and what would you want them to notice?

“I would recommend departing our home base at Wingfoot Lake (4OH6) in Mogadore, Ohio and taking a short flight to the historic Akron Air Dock at Akron Fulton Airport.”

The Goodyear Blimp is closely associated with major sporting events. What makes a stadium flyover such a memorable airship experience?

Basaran – “The Goodyear Blimp is so quiet over a college football event that we can hear the marching band playing at half time and the crowd roaring with each score.”

What do you hope players understand about blimp flying after taking the Goodyear Blimp up in MSFS 2024?

Basaran – “There is no better way to see the world than by blimp. It will make simmers take their time and enjoy the journey.”

From scenic landmarks to packed stadiums, the Goodyear Blimp offers a distinctly unique way to explore the world of Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 You can learn more about World Update 22 here on MicrosoftFlightSimulator.com and start flying today! The sky is calling!

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is available for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud Gaming, PlayStation 5, Steam, and with Xbox Game Pass with support for Xbox Play Anywhere.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Aviator Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2058

★★★★★

$199.99 $149.99

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Aviator Edition Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Aviator Edition includes everything from the Premium Deluxe Edition plus the entire fleet of 30 Microsoft-published Marketplace aircraft developed for Microsoft Flight Simulator between 2021 and 2024. Fly with Purpose ·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. ·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. ·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment. Advanced Simulation ·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. ·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. ·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator. Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin ·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. ·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. ·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Premium Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2072

★★★★★

$129.99 $97.49

Get it now

Premium Deluxe Edition Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Premium Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 25 additional aircraft and 10 additional handcrafted international airports. Fly with Purpose ·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. ·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. ·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment. Advanced Simulation ·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. ·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. ·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator. Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin ·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. ·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. ·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Deluxe Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2020

★★★★★

$99.99 $74.99

Get it now

Deluxe Edition Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Deluxe Edition includes everything from the Standard Edition plus 10 additional aircraft and 5 additional handcrafted international airports. Fly with Purpose ·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. ·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. ·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment. Advanced Simulation ·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. ·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. ·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator. Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin ·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. ·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. ·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 – Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 3304

★★★★★

$69.99 $52.49

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Standard Edition Explore the world with our largest fleet of aircraft and take simulation to new heights while pursuing your aviation career within Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. The Standard Edition includes over 65 aircraft and 150 handcrafted airports. Fly with Purpose ·       Launch your aviation Career wherever you choose in the world. Gain experience, build your reputation, and complete certifications to gain access to authentic aviation activities ranging from Medevac, Remote Cargo Ops, Aerial Firefighting, Search & Rescue and more, all the way to becoming an Airline Passenger Transport Pilot. Set out on a truly global aviation adventure with virtually unlimited missions across the planet. ·       Compete against other pilots in the all-new Challenge League mode or hone your skills in dozens of Activities ranging from exciting Rally Races and Precision Landings to Low-Altitude challenges and more. Fly head-to-head in the iconic Red Bull Air Races and the legendary Reno Air Races, including the new Roswell courses. ·       Be a World Photographer and travel across our beautiful planet to capture awe-inspiring natural vistas, visit famous landmarks, and record these adventures with pictures in your travel book. Unique photo challenges test your creative eye along with your piloting skills while you strive to capture the perfect moment. Advanced Simulation ·       Enhanced physics system allows 10,000+ rigid-body surfaces that enable the simulation of any shape of aircraft. Soft body physics supports cloth, ropes, balloons, and more. Improved ground and water handling further enhance realism. ·       New, highly accurate aircraft systems including electrical, pneumatic, fuel and hydraulic systems, payload and passenger systems, and avionics like the Universal UNS-1 FMS and Honeywell Primus Epic 2. Preflight inspections and walkaround checks add to immersion. ·       Plan your flights with a groundbreaking flight planner which supports both IFR and VFR map layers, IFR charts, route planning, fuel and payload planning, vertical profile planning, and ETOPS planning. It also provides airport information including weather and NOTAMS and is available native in the sim, on mobile devices or web browsers for flight planning outside the simulator. Explore Our Visually Stunning Digital Twin ·       Explore our most detailed re-creation of planet Earth to date. Enhanced digital elevation maps, over 500 TIN (triangular irregular network) cities and more than 100,000 square kilometers of countryside photogrammetry allow for visually stunning digital twin experiences. More than 150 airports, 2,000 glider airports, 10,000 heliports, 2,000 points of interest, and 900 oil rigs have been carefully hand-crafted while a procedural system generates all 40,000 airports, 80,000 helipads, 1.5 billion buildings, and nearly 3 trillion trees our planet. ·       Land anywhere and, for the first time in Microsoft Flight Simulator, exit your aircraft to explore 27 highly detailed biomes with hundreds of species of vegetation, dynamically created details including grass, rocks, and flowers – all influenced by seasonal changes. The all-new photometric lighting system renders the world more accurately than ever before, and enhanced weather features such as new cloud types, auroras, and other weather phenomena produce fresh and compelling atmospheric experiences. ·       The world comes alive with a vast array of land-based wildlife in their natural habitats and free-ranging livestock across the entire globe. The oceans and waterways are teeming with live, worldwide maritime traffic ranging from large tankers and cargo ships to trawlers, tugs, and more. A richly diverse, regionally accurate representation of humanity brings life to the airports, aircraft, and passenger cabins of the world. Enhanced real-world air traffic populates the skies and airport tarmacs with hundreds of accurately depicted aircraft models and dozens of officially licensed liveries.