There’s a lot for fans to look forward to with so many iconic XBOX games on the horizon; and now, there’s a new way to bring those worlds into your everyday life.

Today, we’re launching the XBOX Game Studios Shop, your new destination for official merchandise from your favorite XBOX Game Studios titles, such as Halo, Forza, Gears of War, Fable, and more. From collectibles to everyday gear, think hats, tees, drinkware, your new favorite hoodie, and more, the shop brings together a growing range of items across a variety of price points, you can rep your favorite XBOX games, your way.

We’re starting with an initial collection that will expand over time, with new items rolling out alongside some of our biggest game moments throughout the year. That way we can learn from real-world player feedback and refine the shopping experience as we grow.

The XBOX Game Studios Shop joins our existing storefronts, including Blizzard Gear Store, Call of Duty Shop, Bethesda Gear Store, and Minecraft Shop, giving fans a new place to celebrate their favorite franchises and take home a piece of the worlds they love.

This is just the beginning, and we will have more to share throughout the year, so stay tuned.

Warhammer Skulls, the ultimate festival of Warhammer video games returned today for its 10th anniversary – bringing news on Warhammer games, plus huge discounts to be enjoyed across XBOX platforms.

Hosting duties were taken on by Alanah Pearce, who will be voicing Nyra Veyrath in the upcoming Boltgun 2. The Skulls Showcase kicks off an exciting week of world premieres, as well as new announcements and content reveals for XBOX fans. Alongside this celebration, players can expect huge deals and discounts on the XBOX and Microsoft Store, with up to 90% off savings during the event.

Let’s dive into the announcements, reveals, and updates included in the Warhammer Skulls Festival:

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Deathwatch premiered, revealing exciting new protagonists and game mechanics in this hotly anticipated sequel. This time the Deathwatch take over from the Grey Knights, with multiple Xenos factions appearing in the trailer. 

Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus 2, having premiered and headlined at Skulls in 2024 , releases and is available today on Xbox! Check out the launch trailer, which features gameplay, in game cut scenes and outlines the narrative from both the Necron and Adeptus Mechanicus factions. This is also the first time the enigmatic Votann have appeared in a Warhammer 40,000 game, so check it out right now!

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Deathmaster world premiered, giving us a sneak peek at the new stealth action side scroller where you get to play a Skaven assassin in the Mortal Realms. Deathmaster will be coming to XBOX in 2027. 

Warhammer Survivors will be coming to Xbox later this year and we got to see more characters across the Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000 universes, as well as new levels and enemies – including levels with Warhammer tabletop paint pots to fight across! Wishlist now!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launched the Purgation free update. It sees a new PVE level, battle barge Practice mode, as well as new weapons and cosmetics.  The release also coincides with the Iron Hands Chapter Pack for Season Pass 2 owners. Check it out now.

Warhammer 40,000: Darktide has announced that a new playable Class will be coming to Xbox and PC on June 23.  The Skitarii of the Adeptus Mechanicus is the next playable character joining the fine roster to bolster the ranks of the Rejects. Darktide is also available now on Game Pass Essentials, should you fancy giving it a try.

Warhammer 40,000: Boltgun 2, which features Warhammer Skulls host Alanah Pearce as Nyra Veyrath, showcased some extended gameplay against a backdrop of taunts from Nyra and Boltgun stalwart, Malum Caedo. Wishlist now! You can also check out XBOX Design Labs inspired by Boltgun 2 with a Malum Caedo-themed standard controller and a Nyra Veyra-themed Elite controller.    

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader announced the release date for its third DLC, the Infinite Museion, which is coming to XBOX on June 11. This new DLC sees a new companion join the retinue and a Necron protagonist scheming against your cohorts. Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is available to buy on XBOX and PC and is available with XBOX Game Pass. It also features as part of the Free Play Days during the Warhammer Skulls event. 

Warhammer 40,000: Dark Heresy revealed more gameplay as part of the showcase. Wishlist now!

Rust players on XBOX can finally get their hands on the Death Korps of Krieg-inspired war gear and cosmetics DLC as the Warhammer 40,000 Pack is now available on console!

The showcase also saw new content launched on the Microsoft Store. Total War: Warhammer 3 released the Bhashiva Character pack, bringing Tiger Warrior units and characters to the armies of Grand Cathay. The Bhashiva Character pack is available to buy now. Owners of Total War: Warhammer III also get a free Legendary Hero character today.

Elsewhere, there is new content for Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector with the arrival of the Ultramarines, the Dead King arises in Talisman Digital 5th Edition with a new player vs Game survival challenge, and there is also  the small matter of aHelldivers 2 X Warhammer 40,000 collab being announced as in the works!

The fun doesn’t stop there though – Game Pass subscribers can also use XBOX Free Play Days to try out multiple Warhammer games over this weekend, including Space Marine Master Crafted Edition, Rogue Trader, Battlesector, Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters and Inquisitor Martyr.

The following games are all available with XBOX Play Anywhere: Rogue Trader, Space Marine 2, Space Marine Master Crafted Edition and Darktide, whilst Warhammer Survivors and Speed Freeks will be XPA at launch.

Now, that’s a lot of Warhammer! Don’t forget, you can check it all out, and grab some great deals, on the dedicated Warhammer Skulls Festival landing page over on the Microsoft Store.

Celebrate Warhammer Skulls and jump into the grim darkness of the far future for free this weekend.  There are five Warhammer games on Free Play Days!

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters and Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor- Martyr are available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, May 21 to Monday, May 25.

Bonus: Try Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition and Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader on both XBOX Consoles and XBOX on PC.

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)

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine – Master Crafted Edition

SEGA Europe

☆☆☆☆☆ 714

★★★★★

$39.99 $9.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine Master Crafted Edition
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, XBOX Play Anywhere
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine returns. Enhanced for a new generation! Enjoy quality of life & graphical improvements that take the Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine experience to the next level. Improvements: Higher fidelity & improved textures 4K Resolution [XBOX Series X], improved character models. modernized control scheme + interface overhaul remastered audio. Step into the armor of a relentless Space Marine and use a combination of lethal weaponry to crush overwhelming Ork forces.

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters

Frontier Developments

☆☆☆☆☆ 140

★★★★★

$44.99 $8.99

Get it now

Warhammer 40,000: Chaos Gate – Daemonhunters
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Lead the Grey Knights to exterminate the forces of Chaos in fast-paced, brutal, turn-based tactical combat. Personalize and equip your elite squad of Daemonhunters to purge the deadly corruption of The Bloom as it spreads in a galaxy-spanning campaign.

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector

Slitherine Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆ 551

★★★★★

$39.99 $11.99

Get it now

Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector
In the grim darkness of the far future, there is only war. Experience every bone-rattling explosion and soul-crushing charge in Warhammer 40,000: Battlesector, the definitive battle-scale game of turn-based strategy and fast-paced combat that takes you to the battlefields of the 41st Millenium.

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr Ultimate Edition

Nacon

☆☆☆☆☆ 214

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr Ultimate Edition
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
The Ultimate Edition includes Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor – Martyr and all additional content. You are an Inquisitor, the Imperium’s most powerful agent. In this action-RPG, choose from amongst several character classes and take part in tactical and violent combat, in solo or co-op mode.

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader

Owlcat Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 895

★★★★★

$49.99 $19.99

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, Smart Delivery
Made in a close partnership with Games Workshop, Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader is a story-rich classical RPG from Owlcat Games. Begin your adventure aboard your personal, giant voidship, traveling between the multitude of systems within the Koronus Expanse, a barely charted and incredibly perilous region of space.

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.

Ever dreamt about visiting Japan during the cherry blossom season? Or imagined moving to the countryside to renovate an abandoned house? The new House Flipper 2 DLC sets out to explore both traditional and modern Japanese architecture while staying true to the game’s cozy, relaxing atmosphere.

Blooming inspiration

We’ve always known that we want to expand House Flipper 2 with furniture and decorations from various countries and architectural styles. Starting with Japan felt like an obvious choice, as many developers from our team have a deep appreciation for Japanese culture. From introducing traditional furniture such as futons and kotatsu tables to exploring modern styles, for example minimalism and Japandi, our goal was to at least give our players a taste of the country’s design philosophy. And with the 600+ new items, including new rooftops, paper walls, tatami mats, modern furniture, and a wide range of decorations, we hope that our players can truly find inspiration in the timeless beauty of Japanese interior design.

We also had no doubts that we had to set this DLC in spring, with blossoming cherry trees in the background. Although short-lasting in reality, the sakura season in our game can now be experienced all year round! For one thing, we wished to convey the calming, dreamlike atmosphere of watching the blooming flowers, feeling that it resonates with the game’s ambience. On the other hand, we really want to encourage our players to try out some of the new plants and garden items. New bonsai trees, moss-covered stone lamps, and romantic wooden bridges can all be used alongside blossoming trees and bamboo stalks to create completely new garden looks.

Welcome to Akamatsu Valley

Unlike previous additions to House Flipper 2, the Sakura DLC introduces a whole new region to explore and build in! Inspired by multiple real locations, the artists worked hard to recreate both the authentic feeling of the Japanese countryside and the iconic view of Mt. Fuji. As with Pinnacove, the fictional location from House Flipper 2, we’ve tried to create a place that evokes a specific feeling and cultural background without simultaneously restraining ourselves to a single existing location. The idea for Akamatsu Valley was to show both the traditional aspects of Japanese architecture and the ways in which these places change and evolve in response to modern phenomena.

More satisfaction from flipping houses

Another thing we focused on this time was the experience of flipping rundown houses. As we’re launching the Sakura DLC, we are also updating our House Flipper 2 buyer system, with buyers who now consider and comment on more aspects of flipped properties, such as the sizes of specific rooms or the amount of natural light. Alongside the updated buyers from the base game,  we’re adding five unique buyers in the Sakura DLC who look for houses in Akamatsu Valley. Small clues to their preferences might be found even before they express them themselves…

To give our players many options for flipping houses and fulfilling buyers’ wishes, we knew we had to include a range of abandoned properties. From a small ramen shop to a spacious mansion, from a multi-generational family to a single expat, the DLC includes many combinations for connecting characters with their dream houses. And there’s another novelty – three empty plots with a beautiful view for those ambitious players who wish to build a house from scratch, even in our story mode!

So no matter if you wish to explore and renovate Japanese houses, buy and sell properties on your own, or build something from scratch, we encourage you to try House Flipper 2: Sakura DLC, out now!

House Flipper 2 – Sakura DLC

Frozen District

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

CHERRY TREES IN BLOOM… Spring has arrived, and the view is stunning! Now you can celebrate the sakura blossoms all year long with a whole range of beautiful, distinct items inspired by Japanese culture. From classic paper walls to Japandi furniture, from traditional painting and ceramics to smart bathrooms… This is your chance to have fun with new architectural styles or relax while designing a perfect zen garden! …AS THE SEASONS CHANGE AGAIN… Come with us to Akamatsu Valley, a small, cozy town inspired by the Japanese countryside. Once a prosperous region, it has declined over the last twenty years… But many people believe the best years are still ahead of it! With old and new inhabitants searching for places to live or wanting to open a business in the area, this might be the best moment to invest your time and effort in the unique neglected buildings. …I THINK ABOUT YOU You arrive in Japan on the invitation of an old friend, who wishes to collaborate with you as she launches her interior design company. But this is just the beginning – in such a small town, everyone knows each other, and you might soon realize how big an impact your work has on the local community. Learn about traditional Japanese architecture and receive feedback from now more opinionated buyers as you navigate some previously untried renovation projects. WHAT’S NEW? – 5 jobs ranging from cozy tearoom to abandoned primary school – 5 characteristic Japanese houses to renovate – 5 new buyers interested in traditional Japanese architecture – a Japanese countryside environment with a springtime Mt. Fuji view – paper walls and windows! – 600+ Japan-themed items, including furniture, plants, decorations, and more! – new collectibles to look out for – 3 intricate wooden assemblies – and surprising new achievements

Straight from the Batcave, LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight has now landed in the hands of fans across the world. The whole team at TT Games has worked tirelessly to distil down decades of Batman media into one exciting game, in a unique way that tells the definitive Batman story. You start the game as a young Bruce Wayne training with the League of Shadows, who then returns to Gotham City to become the legendary Batman. From there you journey through his crimefighting career, as he grows his Bat-Family, and eventually faces off against some of the most notorious DC Super-Villains. It is a celebration of all things Batman, done in a way that only TT Games can do – which means humor, charm, references, and Easter eggs galore!

We strive to make games that appeal to everyone – new fans, comic fans, Batman fans, movie fans, videogame fans, veteran fans, and everyone in between. In the case of LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, it was important that we found a meaningful way to celebrate as many characters, stories, pieces of media, and other related content (e.g., hilariously misspelled tweets and infamous actor interactions), as possible. I’m not sure if you know, but Batman has been pretty busy over the many decades. As a result, the story campaign is absolutely teeming with Easter eggs. Early in the game, Batman and Jim Gordon infiltrate the Iceberg Lounge, a labyrinth of eccentric nightclubs and henchperson hangouts. Be sure to keep a close eye on the names of the various nightclubs and posters spread around the place.

When cruising around Gotham City in your Batmobile and fighting crime, make sure to take in all the vibes. The open world environment is immersive and feels lived-in with so much to do and explore around every corner. As Batman’s career moves through the decades, so does Gotham City. Once you transition into a new era, be sure to notice how the city and citizens move with the times. And whilst you’re at it, keep your eyes peeled, for a rather “Gentlemanly” Ghost who has been spotted across Gotham City. We look forward to seeing who “snaps” him first!

With LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight, we wanted to develop a brand-new combat system, one that delivers the distinctive Batman fighting experience but in a fun way that feels true to the LEGO brand. We’re excited for players to discover their favorite takedown. My personal favorite is when Batman uses a Bat-themed frying pan to whack an enemy on the head. Holy non-stick, Batman! To perform these hilarious takedowns, you need focus. Combat is one way to build your focus bar, but you can also build focus through traversal. For example, if you boost into a glide, this allows you to build up a full focus bar ready for a free opening take-down in your next combat encounter.

Everyone at TT Games is so excited for fans to jump into the game. I wonder what your favorite suit is going to be? Or which Batmobile you spend the most time zipping around corners? And we are especially excited to see how you customize your Batcave! Oh, and speaking of the Batcave – if you hear the Batphone ringing, you should definitely go pick it up.

LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight early access is available now for those who pre-ordered the Deluxe Edition. The Standard Edition will launch on May 22. All pre-orders will receive The Dark Knight Returns Batsuit, inspired by the acclaimed comic book series.

LEGO® Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition

Warner Bros. Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 369

★★★★★

$89.99

Get it now

Pre-order and get “The Dark Knight Returns” Batsuit inspired by the legendary comic series and 3-day launch early access Suit up with new gear, vehicles, and more, to expand your experience with the LEGO® Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition Includes: • Full Base Game • Legacy Collection: – Over 30 launch-day items included across 3 Themed Packs: Arkham Trilogy Pack, Batman Beyond Pack, Party Music Pack – Each Themed Pack includes 7 suits (1 for each playable character), 1 Batmobile, and a set of 5 Batcave customization props • Mayhem Collection*: – Includes new Story Mission and Mayhem Mode featuring The Joker and Harley Quinn, along with a villain-themed Sinister Pack – Break out of Arkham Asylum as playable characters The Joker and Harley Quinn in an all-new Story Mission – Cause chaos on the streets of Gotham City in the all-new Mayhem Mode – Sinister Pack includes 7 suits (1 for each of the original playable characters), 1 Batmobile, and 1 Batcave prop set LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight is a narrative led action-adventure from TT Games, creators of LEGO® Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga. *Mayhem Collection is a separate post-launch DLC releasing September 2026 and will be included in the LEGO Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight Deluxe Edition (full base game required)

LEGO® Batman: Legacy of the Dark Knight

Warner Bros. Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 369

★★★★★

Get it now

Full base game includes: • Main Story – Bruce Wayne’s journey from origin to legend as he trains with The League of Shadows, becomes the hero of Gotham City, and forges a new family of allies with Jim Gordon, Catwoman, Robin, Nightwing, and Batgirl. Confront an ever-growing threat from across Batman’s Rogues Gallery as you face The Joker, The Penguin, Mr. Freeze, Poison Ivy, Bane, and more. • 7 Playable Characters – Batman, Jim Gordon, Robin, Nightwing, Batgirl, Catwoman, and Talia al Ghul each bring unique skills and signature gadgets as you uncover crimes, complete challenges, and explore an immersive Gotham City full of secrets and surprises. • 100 Suits – Inspired by Batman’s 86-year legacy, you’ll find an array of Batsuits alongside individual outfits for every playable character. • 20+ Vehicles – A range of Batmobiles and Batcycles to drive around Gotham City's open world in style. Including iconic rides like the legendary Tumbler. • 250+ Batcave Props & Trophies – Customize and display a wide range of items to personalize your Batcave and celebrate your achievements. Are you ready to build the legacy of the Dark Knight?

For those of you that haven’t jumped in with early access yet, today we welcome you to Japan with Forza Horizon 6! You have so many driving adventures ahead of you (and adventures out of the driver’s seat in many more games coming to XBOX Game Pass). Grab your driving gloves, your controllers, and your mice, and let’s jump into the games.

Available Today

Forza Horizon 6 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 19
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing Legend in Forza Horizon’s biggest open world driving adventure yet. Your journey to a Horizon

Legend starts now – Japan Awaits!

Coming Soon

Dead Static Drive (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 20
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Dead Static Drive is Grand Theft Cthulhu. An indie survival-horror game following a nightmarish road trip across a 1980s Americana, the game blends weird fiction and uncanny Eldritch themes with a spooky unease underlying this small-town life.

My Friend Peppa Pig (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 20
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Join Peppa Pig on a fun-filled adventure where you create your own character and explore her world together. Visit exciting locations, complete playful activities, and meet familiar characters in a story that feels just like being part of the show.

Pigeon Simulator (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 20
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

As a small, but esteemed member of the top-secret Paranormal Examination and Kontainment unit, it’s your job to locate, identify, neutralize, and extract dangerous anomalies that have begun to terrorize New Squawk City. Team up with other pigeons to purge the city of the cryptid threat and most importantly, meet your quotas in this co-op extraction game!

Remnant II (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 20
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Critically acclaimed Remnant 2 is a three-person cooperative shooter sequel, featuring even more deadly worlds, unique loot, and ghastly beasts. Remnant 2 plunges players deeper into a devastated world requiring a mix of methodical and frenetic ranged and melee combat against cunning enemies and punishing boss battles.

Winter Burrow (Cloud, Console, and PC) – May 20
Now with Game Pass Premium; joining Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass

Winter Burrow is a cozy woodland survival game where you play as a mouse returning to your childhood home. Gather resources, craft, knit warm sweaters, bake, befriend the forest locals, rebuild your burrow, and try to survive the winter.

Luna Abyss (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 21
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Luna Abyss is a narrative-driven, first-person action-adventure with fluid platforming and bullet-hell combat. You play as Fawkes, a prisoner condemned to explore a derelict megastructure that sprawls deep beneath the surface of the mimic moon Luna. Guided by the artificial warden Aylin, you descend into a colossal, crumbling megastructure known as the Abyss- a world of lost technology, alien ruins, and cosmic horror.

Escape Simulator (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 26
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

A first-person puzzler you can play solo or in online co-op. Explore a collection of highly interactive escape rooms where you can move furniture, pick up and examine everything, smash objects, and crack clever codes. Then dive into a growing library of community-made rooms for even more challenges.

Echo Generation 2 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 27
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass! Embark on a sci-fi deckbuilding RPG odyssey. Build your crew, master powerful decks, and uncover the truth behind a growing cosmic threat. Deal the cards. Defy the cosmos. Embrace the adventure.  

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 27
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

The Outer Worlds: Spacer’s Choice Edition is the ultimate way to play the award-winning RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. As you explore a space colony, the character you decide to become will determine how this player-driven story unfolds. In the colony’s corporate equation, you are the unplanned variable.

Crashout Crew (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 28
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Available day one with XBOX Game Pass! Time to clock in at DE NILE SHIPPING, the world’s “most efficient” warehouse! Work together in online co-op with up to four players to fulfill orders of increasingly chaotic, physics-based boxes. Time is money, and safety is no concern… just try not to crash out!

Kabuto Park (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 28
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

Available on day one with XBOX Game Pass!  Kabuto Park is a cute and short bug collection game. Spend a month as Hana, a little girl on summer vacation. Catch the best bugs and level them up, choose your team carefully and fight other kids to become the Summer Beetle Battles champion.

Final Fantasy VI (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 2
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

After the War of the Magi, magic disappeared from the world. A thousand years later, a woman with mysterious powers is found in this classic RPG

Jurassic World Evolution 3 (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – June 2
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, PC Game Pass

The next entry in the award-winning series puts you in control of building and running your very own Jurassic World. Nurture generations of awe-inspiring dinosaurs, create and manage sprawling prehistoric parks against stunning backdrops around the globe, and let your creativity roar with powerful new customization options.

In Case You Missed It

Motorslice (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, Handheld, and PC) – May 5
Game Pass Ultimate, PC Game Pass

Play as the skilled (but seemingly ever-sleepy) Slicer “P”, and parkour through the ruins of a brutalist megastructure, climb massive bosses, and hunt down every piece of living construction equipment in this slice of life action-adventure with immaculate vibes.

In-Game Benefits

Microsoft Jewel (PC) – May 26
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Premium, Game Pass Essential, PC Game Pass

Microsoft Jewel delivers fast, satisfying Match-3 action. Take a quick break from the grind to line up jewels, earn Bonus Jewels, and drop them anywhere to trigger power-ups & explosive chain reactions. Enjoy Daily Challenges, earn Achievements, and chase your highest score in this easy to play, hard to put down classic.

World of Tanks: Heat (Cloud, XBOX Series X|S, and PC) – May 26
Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass Essential, PC Game Pass 

The Wargaming title, World of Tanks: Heat, is a free-to-play vehicle combat game built for dynamic tactical team play. The game features a unique roster of Agents, each with diverse skillsets, and a variety of highly advanced experimental tanks. Your mission? Find your perfect Agent/tank combo, build your ride with hi-tech weaponry, and fight it out in a world where technology and innovation have reinvented tank combat. 

Leaving May 31

The following games are leaving the Game Pass library soon. Don’t want the fun to end? Save on these games now before they leave Game Pass!

• Against the Storm (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Crypt Custodian (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Metaphor: ReFantazio (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Persona 4 Golden (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Spray Paint Simulator (Cloud, Console, and PC)

How is it almost June already?  We’ve got more exciting games and XBOX Showcase coming next month – so stay tuned. Talk soon!

_{Note: Games with a ‘Handheld’ designation represent those that are optimized for handheld play.}

The community is at the heart of XBOX. Players have always told us what’s working and what’s not across XBOX. That feedback has shaped what we’ve built and how we prioritize our work. But we’ve also heard clearly that it isn’t always obvious what happens after you share your feedback.

Today, we’re introducing XBOX Player Voice, a new place to collect your feedback and make it more visible. The goal is simple: make it easier to share input and see how it’s handled.

With XBOX Player Voice, you can:

• Share feedback on your experience with XBOX
• See when your feedback has been received and reviewed
• Follow updates if and when there’s progress to report
• Get a clearer sense of how your input is shaping the future of XBOX

How XBOX Player Voice Works

When you submit feedback, teams review and organize it so it can be understood and considered alongside other work. In some cases, ideas will move forward. In others, they may take longer to implement or may not be something we can act on. When there are meaningful updates, we’ll share them.

We want to be clear: this doesn’t mean every piece of feedback will turn into a feature or result in a change. Building across a large, global platform means weighing a lot of inputs. But better visibility helps close the gap between what you tell us and what you see happen next on XBOX.

While XBOX Player Voice replaces the XBOX Cloud Gaming feedback portal, it’s designed to complement the tools many of you already use:

• XBOX Insider Hub for testing and bugs
• Support forums for help and troubleshooting
• Social channels for ongoing conversation

We’re starting small and will learn as we go. That means the experience will evolve over time as we see what’s useful and where we can do better. This is a step toward making that process more open and easier to follow.

Visit aka.ms/XBOXplayervoice to try it out and share what you think.

It’s almost time – Forza Horizon 6 launches tomorrow – and plans to take us on a road trip of epic proportions around a mesmerizing recreation of Japan. From the snow-covered alpine hills to the dense, bustling streets of Tokyo City and all things in-between, the Forza team has put together the series’ biggest and most explorative adventure yet.

The adventure is made even more compelling by Forza Horizon 6’s new Journal feature, which encourages drivers to get out there and document as much of the world as you can. The map’s new fog-of-war shows where you’ve been, and where you’re yet to visit, and the photography feature allows you to capture points of interest, iconic landmarks, and breathtaking natural wonders for your Journal as you explore.

While Forza Horizon 6 has taken the utmost care to ensure these spaces are true to life, it’s important to remember that this world is not a one-for-one recreation of real-world Japan, but rather, an interpretation of landmarks and how they’re tied together in an authentic way – while considering how you can get up close and personal with these historic buildings while inside a car. There’s lots to consider from a design perspective, and who better to ask than the team themselves?

To celebrate the launch of Forza Horizon 6, we sat down with Torben Ellert, Design Director, and Don Arceta, Art Director, to learn more about how these beautiful buildings were rebuilt for a driving game, and learn more about the process behind some of the most famous landmarks featured in Horizon’s Japan. If you’re not sure where to visit first, let this also serve as a handy guide on areas in Forza Horizon 6 that deserve to be discovered.

Nachi Falls

The first step to recreating anything – be it a building, an iconic road, or an entire village nestled on Japan’s coast, is to make it feel real and believable the space you’re putting it in. In this example, it’s Nachi Falls, Japan’s tallest waterfall, with a towering, uninterrupted 133 metre drop. The waterfall also serves as the picturesque backdrop to the Kumano Nachi Taisha Grand Shrine, a striking red sanctuary that was of course, built way before we invented cars. According to Arceta, one major consideration while rebuilding this space in Forza Horizon 6 was effectively how to make it accessible for vehicles in a natural, and respectful way.

“We really wanted to capture the essence of this view we see a lot in real tourist guides, the big red temple with the waterfall behind it, but it’s always taken in an off-road area,” Arceta says. “In our game, we wanted to compose that in a way that you could fully appreciate it from the car. You can drive right up and around it, the space fully accommodates the car, and you can park and get a beautiful photo that looks like something you’d see in real life.

“We also take some liberties to ensure you’re not unnecessarily smashing through objects to appreciate the space.”

While it’s a beautiful spot to visit just for the sake of it, Forza Horizon 6 ensures that it’s combining these amazing spaces with gameplay elements. For example, if you follow the river down from the waterfall, you’ll also find an aftermarket car, placed intentionally to reflect where you are and what you’re doing at that moment.

Ellert also tells us that there’s an XP bonus board hidden behind the waterfall – something you’d only discover if you drive right up to the base (or over the top, in my case) – or, if you’re a seasoned gamer, attuned to finding secrets behind waterfalls, somewhere you’ll definitely, specifically go and look.

“Did we follow the iron law of game design? Yes, we did.” Ellert laughs. “Because this is also a traversal game, we lean into the playfulness of it in a way that is uniquely Horizon.”

Ruriko-ji Temple and Hirosaki Castle

Japan is full of breathtaking, ancient structures, heavily protected and deeply respected as either places or worship or the former homes to rulers of Japan’s regions. Ruriko-ji is a Buddhist Temple – recognizable by its towering, five-tiered pagoda surrounded by lush greenery. Hirosaki Castle offers a similarly attractive view, a stark but stunning black and white building surrounded by Sakura (Japan’s iconic cherry blossom trees).

Both locations hold national treasure status  in Japan and preserving their prevalence and dignity as historical monuments was something that the Forza Horizon 6 team did not take lightly. Much like Nachi Falls, they look extremely close to their real-world counterparts, but some accommodations needed to be made to make them car-friendly.

“With places like these, we’re always trying to be as respectful as we possibly can,” Don explains. “With Hirosaki, we have cherry blossoms scattered around the castle, but that is actually one of the only trees you cannot smash in the game, out of respect, which is something that Kyoko Yamashita, our cultural consultant, highlighted. Kyoko was so important in helping us understand what we’re actually building and giving us the confidence to craft these landmarks.”

These two locations are also part of a collection of tourist hot spots that contributed to Forza Horizon 6’s Discover Japan path – the game includes Day Trip missions that mirror the trips that visitors often take.

“Those missions are bite-sized pieces of content scattered around the map, inspired by the things that people visiting Japan will often do – with a Horizon twist,” Ellert explains. “We thought very carefully about which Day Trips to create, what they would showcase, and how we would lead players to them, in a way that’s structured to reward you from a gameplay perspective.”

Ine Fishing Village and Shirakawa-go

Recreating singular, iconic buildings is one job, but redesigning entire settlements in Japan presents its own design hurdles. As mentioned earlier, the Forza Horizon 6 team can’t just effectively place a one-for-one recreation of an entire village inside the game – they had to work to bottle the vibe of a location instead – how do you make it feel authentic, like you’re really there, within the boundaries of a video game experience?

Ine Fishing Village and Shirakawa-go are two locations where this design approach really shines. Ine is a charming fishing town, made up of small, traditional buildings that hug Japan’s Northern Coast. One of its most recognizable features is its unique Funaya – a cluster of boathouses lining Ine Bay.

“We wanted to capture the main street going through the town, with all of the wooden houses and the koinobori fishes, two distinct visuals that captured the essence of the place,” Arceta says. “That leads to capturing the view you get from across the water, looking back at those boathouses. We wanted to make sure we factored in a road network that lets you appreciate it.”

There’s also a player house for sale in Ine, and a story mission very close to the village – again, giving players activities that reward your efforts to explore these areas.

Shirakawa-go is a similarly picturesque village, but instead it sits deep within the Ryohaku Mountains, obscured by forest greenery. Here, you’ll see beautiful, thatched farmhouses, designed to withstand the mountain’s brisk winters – something that the team wanted to showcase in Forza Horizon 6.

“The seasonality of this location was something that we really wanted to capture,” Arceta says. “Shirakawa gets super heavy snowfall, and they get these massive piles of snow on those roofs, which really captures the essence of the place.”

Forza Horizon 6’s seasons run in weekly instalments – a week of spring, a week of summer, and so on. This lets players experience Japan through vastly different conditions – and allows enough time to revisit certain areas that go through the most striking seasonal changes, like Shirakawa. Plus, the game’s race events – like the Shirakawa Circuit, for example – will look and play completely different depending on which season the game is currently in, another way to emphasizehow much seasonality affects the real-world area.

The team also had to think about the layout of both Ine and Shirakawa – to place a precedent on feeling real-world accurate rather than actually being true to life.

“We used videos of people walking through the village as a lens, so when you’re driving through, it feels authentic to that experience,” Arceta explains. “Sometimes, we’ll need to introduce something that might not exist there, but working with Kyoko [Yamashita], we explored elements that could believably exist. Like, ’Could this petrol station go here? Maybe not in the town centre, but on the outskirts.’ Or, ‘We’ll swap one building that exists for something else – adding flourishes to meet design needs for the game.’”

Mount Haruna and Tateyama Kurobe

It’s tough to truly appreciate an area’s sheer size and presence without seeing it with your own eyes. In Forza Horizon 6, you’ll soar down the cliffs of Japan’s Mount Haruna on thin, winding roads that require extreme control. From the top, they’re a scenic marvel – miles and miles of Japanese landscape where you’re often looking at beach, forest and snow-kissed peaks all at once. In comparison, Tateyama Kurobe – Japan’s epic alpine route that snakes through towering, immovable blocks of snowy walls, make you feel tiny, like you’re driving through a well-kept secret.

These two areas are strong examples of how the team has worked to capture a sense of scale, both wildly sprawling and expertly contained – simultaneously making them feel epic to explore, but feasible within the boundaries of Forza’s gameplay experience.

“It’s about collapsing these specific, memorable moments and getting rid of the filler between them, basically,” Ellert explains. “One thing that helps us express this is the point of transition between biomes. The linear distance isn’t massive, but moving between different areas and watching the scenery change around you adds to that scale.”

Ginkgo Avenue, Tokyo City… All of It

Tokyo City is of course, one of the most iconic places to visit of all. From its pleasant, suburban outskirts to the vibrant, neon-soaked central streets full of Japan’s most revered hotspots, it’s one of the most thrilling places to drive through, and one of Arceta’s favorite places on the map.

“A lot of work, love and learning has gone into developing Tokyo City, it’s the most three dimensional, layered, overlapping, and overall authentic urban area I think we’ve ever built.”

Here, the density of landmarks doesn’t feel out of place. Shibuya Crossing and Ginkgo Avenue for example – these two landmarks are pretty close in real-life, so it doesn’t feel unrealistic to see them both in quick succession here.

What makes Tokyo City feel so special is that it’s made up of lots of “little vibes” as Arceta describes it. Akihabara is a buzzing retail hub for technology and entertainment, it’s constantly alive and feels electric no matter when you pass through. Daikoku, just a short distance away, has a more chilled out feel in comparison, as does Ginkgo Avenue, a golden-hued pocket of natural beauty in otherwise highly urban environment, in which Shibuya Crossing sits, just that short drive away.

It’s the dichotomy of looming skyscrapers and overstimulated lightshows mixed with the serenity of small, green spaces and more “underground” areas that make Tokyo City feel truly special, and believable inside Forza Horizon 6’s impressive world.

Bonus Trip: Hokobu Time Circuit and Urakawa Space Center

If you got this far, here’s a departing treat. The Hokobu Circuit is a Time Attack mission available in Forza Horizon 6, where the goal is simply to set your best time, and challenge your friends. Ellert highlights this activity as one of his favorites, not just from a gameplay standpoint, but also as a homage to real-world Japanese car culture.

“It’s this wonderful, communal experience of people driving their cars on these little, rundown tracks that exist inside mountain valleys that is so quintessentially Japanese,” Ellert says. “We were then able to integrate game features that are about being together and competing with yourself, improving, and being with other people, and Hokobu is the one I like the most, possibly because I’ve spent the most time there.”

One final location that Ellert is particularly proud of is the Urakawa Space centre, which you’ll race to during Forza Horizon 6’s introduction.

“I’m a giant space nerd, and there’s something pure and aspirational about civilian spaceflight, and I was delighted that we managed to get this location in and integrate it into the campaign the way that we did,” Ellert adds. “There’s also a Drag Meet here, and several race routes that wind in and out, but overall, it was just lovely to have that incredibly modern expression of hyper-technology alongside ancient buildings just to indicate the sheer range of contrasts in Japan.”

“It’s also an encapsulation of the human desire to just… go.”

That sentiment is of course, captured perfectly in Forza Horizon 6, and this is just a small selection of the places you’ll be able to visit, document, and photograph as part of your own journey through Japan, which you’ll be able to embark on very soon, from today,by purchasing the Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition.

The road trip begins May 19, Forza Horizon 6 will be available on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX on PC and XBOX Cloud as an XBOX Play Anywhere title, and playable day one with XBOX Game Pass.

Forza Horizon 6 Standard Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 2979

★★★★★

Get it now

Pre-order Forza Horizon 6 now and get a pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50 in-game! Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing Legend at the Horizon Festival. Start your journey as a tourist and explore a world full of hit music and Japanese culture. Build a Valley Estate, acquire awe-inspiring homes, and display your prized car collection in fully Customizable Garages. Cruise the roads with your friends and join Car Meets around Japan, unleash your imagination with EventLab and build together in Horizon CoLab.* Your journey to a Horizon Legend starts now – Japan Awaits! EXPERIENCE TOKYO, HORIZON’S LARGEST EVER CITY Welcome to Japan, a place where the stunning contrasts of rural and urban come together as you uncover the secrets hidden within Horizon's most dense map yet, full of verticality, diverse biomes and spectacular driving experiences. Cruise the suburbs and iconic downtown streets or challenge yourself in the docks and industrial districts of Tokyo City, the largest ever urban area in a Forza Horizon game, and the home for car enthusiasts. FEEL IMMERSED IN JAPANESE CAR CULTURE Drive over 550 real-world cars, including some much loved and fan favorite JDM classics, featuring cutting-edge engine audio and updated steering animations with up to 540 degrees of wheel rotation. As you explore Japan, collect special Forza Edition cars fitted with extreme modifications and find rare Aftermarket Cars to test drive and buy. Your path to making a name for yourself will see you meet the Legends of the Horizon Festival, participate in Touge Battles, and experience authentic stories rooted in Japan’s legendary car culture. RACE AND DISCOVER IN JAPAN In Forza Horizon 6, you will explore a vast campaign of discovery and Festival racing, playable solo and in co-op with your friends.* You’ll start as a tourist and must prove you’ve got what it takes to join the Horizon Festival as a rookie driver, all while you Discover Japan and complete your Collection Journal. Qualify for the Festival in the Horizon Invitational, then rise through the ranks in progressively faster cars and earn new Wristbands to become a Horizon Legend. Your newfound status will grant you access to Legend Island, an exclusive space reserved for the greatest drivers. MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD YOURS Your journey will see you purchase gorgeous homes in Japan, each with customizable garages – allowing you to create the ideal spaces to showcase your car collection, or you can download layouts shared online by the community. Unlock the Estate, a mountain valley where you can build freely in the open world, creating nearly anything you can imagine. And for your favorite cars, those can be upgraded with body kits and new Forza Aero options, as well as the ability to paint custom liveries on windows. JOIN THE COMMUNITY IN MULTIPLAYER This Festival is always better with your friends.* Seamlessly participate in Time Attack Circuits and Drag Meets or show off your customized cars at Car Meets. Earn new co-op LINK skills with other players, compete in Spec Racing Championships, or jump into the Horizon Multiplayer modes you know and love including The Eliminator and nailbiting Hide & Seek. BUILD TOGETHER, ANYWHERE IN JAPAN Create with unprecedented freedom anywhere in Japan as you build custom events with your friends in CoLab, the upgraded EventLab toolset – now featuring multiplayer support* and the ability to build literally anywhere in the world. Share your masterpieces for everyone to play and discover an always evolving catalog of exciting new content created by the community. THE FESTIVAL FOR EVERY DRIVER Hit the open road in our most approachable Horizon game yet. Our customization options include Granular High Contrast Mode, Car Proximity Radar, American and British Sign Language, and AutoDrive, allowing players to experience the beautiful cars, hit music and spectacular locations of the Horizon Festival. Discover your Legend, and Explore the Contrasts and Culture of Japan. *Online console multiplayer requires a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer, sold separately.

Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 3175

★★★★★

Get it now

Pre-order Forza Horizon 6 now and get a pre-tuned and exclusive Ferrari J50 in-game! Forza Horizon 6 Premium Edition includes the full game with Early Access – Play 4 days early starting May 15, and VIP Membership, Welcome Pack, Time Attack Car Pack, and Car Pass (30 cars delivered to your game, one per week), as well as the Italian Passion Car Pack and two Premium Expansions coming post-launch. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of Japan in over 550 real-world cars and become a racing Legend at the Horizon Festival. Start your journey as a tourist and explore a world full of hit music and Japanese culture. Build a Valley Estate, acquire awe-inspiring homes, and display your prized car collection in fully Customizable Garages. Cruise the roads with your friends and join Car Meets around Japan, unleash your imagination with EventLab and build together in Horizon CoLab.* Your journey to a Horizon Legend starts now – Japan Awaits! EXPERIENCE TOKYO, HORIZON’S LARGEST EVER CITY Welcome to Japan, a place where the stunning contrasts of rural and urban come together as you uncover the secrets hidden within Horizon's most dense map yet, full of verticality, diverse biomes and spectacular driving experiences. Cruise the suburbs and iconic downtown streets or challenge yourself in the docks and industrial districts of Tokyo City, the largest ever urban area in a Forza Horizon game, and the home for car enthusiasts. FEEL IMMERSED IN JAPANESE CAR CULTURE Drive over 550 real-world cars, including some much loved and fan favorite JDM classics, featuring cutting-edge engine audio and updated steering animations with up to 540 degrees of wheel rotation. As you explore Japan, collect special Forza Edition cars fitted with extreme modifications and find rare Aftermarket Cars to test drive and buy. Your path to making a name for yourself will see you meet the Legends of the Horizon Festival, participate in Touge Battles, and experience authentic stories rooted in Japan’s legendary car culture. RACE AND DISCOVER IN JAPAN In Forza Horizon 6, you will explore a vast campaign of discovery and Festival racing, playable solo and in co-op with your friends.* You’ll start as a tourist and must prove you’ve got what it takes to join the Horizon Festival as a rookie driver, all while you Discover Japan and complete your Collection Journal. Qualify for the Festival in the Horizon Invitational, then rise through the ranks in progressively faster cars and earn new Wristbands to become a Horizon Legend. Your newfound status will grant you access to Legend Island, an exclusive space reserved for the greatest drivers. MAKE THE WHOLE WORLD YOURS Your journey will see you purchase gorgeous homes in Japan, each with customizable garages – allowing you to create the ideal spaces to showcase your car collection, or you can download layouts shared online by the community. Unlock the Estate, a mountain valley where you can build freely in the open world, creating nearly anything you can imagine. And for your favorite cars, those can be upgraded with body kits and new Forza Aero options, as well as the ability to paint custom liveries on windows. JOIN THE COMMUNITY IN MULTIPLAYER This Festival is always better with your friends.* Seamlessly participate in Time Attack Circuits and Drag Meets or show off your customized cars at Car Meets. Earn new co-op LINK skills with other players, compete in Spec Racing Championships, or jump into the Horizon Multiplayer modes you know and love including The Eliminator and nailbiting Hide & Seek. BUILD TOGETHER, ANYWHERE IN JAPAN Create with unprecedented freedom anywhere in Japan as you build custom events with your friends in CoLab, the upgraded EventLab toolset – now featuring multiplayer support* and the ability to build literally anywhere in the world. Share your masterpieces for everyone to play and discover an always evolving catalog of exciting new content created by the community. THE FESTIVAL FOR EVERY DRIVER Hit the open road in our most approachable Horizon game yet. Our customization options include Granular High Contrast Mode, Car Proximity Radar, American and British Sign Language, and AutoDrive, allowing players to experience the beautiful cars, hit music and spectacular locations of the Horizon Festival. Discover your Legend, and Explore the Contrasts and Culture of Japan. *Online console multiplayer requires a Game Pass subscription that includes online multiplayer, sold separately.

While the otome genre has its own conventions and distinctive features, Saccharine Echo reimagines some of them to create a fresh, cross-genre experience. Out today on XBOX Series X|S, it combines themes uncommon for a romantic visual novel with pixel art and vivid characters, creating a story that leaves a lasting impression.

Through the Looking-Glass and the Fear of Loneliness

At its core, this visual novel draws heavily on the works of Lewis Carroll, but it’s not meant to be a straightforward retelling. Alice’s dreams in “Through the Looking-Glass” are usually interpreted as a product of a child’s vivid imagination—but what if they were those of an adult woman, tired of everyday life and its problems?

As a child, Alice’s adventures had a strong influence on me, captivating me with a sense of wonder — and sometimes even fear — because you never knew what surprises lay in wait in Wonderland or “Through the Looking-Glass”.  I wanted to reinterpret these feelings through a more grounded lens, blending them with struggles familiar to many, such as the fear of loneliness and self-rejection. In Saccharine Echo, Alice does not physically travel through imaginary worlds, but at some point, this other world begins to seep into her reality, and for a time, it feels like salvation.

Whether this is a form of escapism or simply taking everything at face value is entirely up to you.

The heroine may see things differently from the player. In the game, I draw a clear distinction between the player and the protagonist, deliberately choosing not to let you play ‘yourself,’ as I believe this approach creates a more cohesive and compelling narrative. Alice has her own problems and fears — ones I hope most people do not share — but it was important to make them understandable to a wide audience.

A Non-Human Creature as a Love Interest

Memorable characters are essential to any romantic story. Love, hate, intrigue — Dinah, a new presence in the heroine’s life, is sure to evoke at least one of these feelings. The only thing that can be said for certain is that Dinah is far from a good person. Vague phrasing, gaslighting, and anger issues are far from a complete list of their “crimes,” yet they remain a romantic interest in Saccharine Echo. 

When working on this character, I faced a difficult challenge: making someone whose actions and words are far removed from the idea of “good” appealing to the player.

I approached this largely through Dinah’s appearance, as visual is often the first thing that shapes a player’s perception of a character. Whether they are attractive is a matter of opinion, but Dinah is undoubtedly a striking presence who stands out within the game environment, and their cocky, eccentric personality only reinforces that impression.

Charisma is also an abstract quality, but it remains an important aspect of creating a morally ambiguous character, just as empathy does.

The player needs to understand the difficult circumstances that force a character to reveal the darker side of their personality — or at least understand where it comes from. Dinah is something entirely different, a mysterious creature that does not conform to human boundaries. This character is a prisoner who is clearly insincere and takes too many liberties, but they have their own reasons for acting that way. Most of the time.

Why Pixel Art?

Some of the in-game art is done in pixel art, a style rarely seen in this genre, but I deliberately chose to experiment with it.  Beyond optimizing the development process, it also posed a creative challenge that allowed me to fully realize a key aspect of Saccharine Echo: symbolism. You will notice a cohesive color palette built around variations of carmine and gray blue, reflecting the main characters.

Keen-eyed players may also catch a subtle connection in the character design, echoed in the recurring imagery of a rose and a butterfly or make-up choices emphasizing the contrast between the characters while keeping them visually complementary.

Short Story with a Lot of Potential

What fate awaits this Alice?

Your choices shape how she deals with her problems and what she truly wants from life. It takes around two hours on average to reach an ending, and thanks to Skip Mode, those who wish to can easily and quickly explore the alternative ending. At the same time, the game dives into difficult themes, explores the dark sides of the human nature and leaves you with reflection.

 See you through the looking glass.

Saccharine Echo

Xitilon

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$4.99

Get it now

Scotland, 2020. Alice is a young woman struggling through a painful breakup. Hoping to distract herself with online shopping, she buys a vintage mirror; then whispers begin to echo through her flat. Soon, she discovers that a mysterious figure is trapped inside the mirror, and only she can help them break free by forming a deeper connection. Black nails and lipstick. Theatrical charm wrapped in sweet words. Who is the creature that watches through the mirror? A ghost? A demon? Something far more dangerous? And what intentions are they hiding behind that smile? Your choices will shape Alice’s personality, how she copes with her trauma, and the nature of her relationship with the enigmatic entity known as Dinah. Are they a romantic saviour… or a dangerous escape from reality? Is this true love, manipulation, or something far stranger? And most importantly — who is Dinah, really?