Summary

• Pixel-art cozy organizing game launching August 27.
• Pre-order today to secure a 20% discount.
• A preview of my creative process and some of what fans can experience at launch.

Hello, XBOX community!

I am Zhicheng, Producer at GD Studio. I work with a small, tight-knit indie team of fewer than ten people who pour our hearts into making warm, meaningful games. Today, I am incredibly excited to announce that my pixel-art cozy game, Whisper of the House, is officially available for preorder on XBOX Series X|S and Windows PC!

Whisper of the House is a pixel-art cozy mystery simulation where you become the go-to housekeeper for a quirky town full of hidden magic. Your heartwarming commissions range from unpacking for new arrivals and prepping storefronts, to organizing a loved one’s belongings or even finding a missing cat. While earning money to design your own dream home, you will soon realize this isn’t just about chores. By putting your neighbors’ lives in order, you might accidentally alter their destinies—and uncover the town’s extraordinary secrets.

Narrative Woven into the Environment

When designing Whisper of the House, my vision was to tell stories without relying on heavy dialogue. I wanted you to discover the residents’ true feelings simply by interacting with their private spaces. As you tidy up, you will stumble upon strange secrets blooming in a quiet garden, uncover faded photographs hidden in a hospital room, or dust off equipment in a long-abandoned alchemy lab. By collecting these environmental clues, you are essentially piecing together a deeply emotional, puzzle-like narrative of their unspoken regrets and wishes.

A World That Reacts to Your Touch

I always wanted this town to feel tactile, playful, and alive. It is not just about placing objects; it is about playing with them! I highly encourage you to get distracted while you work. Go ahead and press the button on that vintage gramophone, squeeze the rubber duck resting by the bathtub, or see what happens when you pull a tissue from the box. You will notice drawers practically begging to be opened, and flicking light switches will completely shift the mood of a room. These tiny, satisfying interactions are my way of making the town whisper its secrets directly to you.

Total Freedom to Build Your Dream Space

All your hard work should pay off, and I wanted to make sure you have a space that feels entirely your own. Whether you prefer a soft, modern cream aesthetic or the elegance of traditional styles, I packed the game with over 1,800 interactive items and more than 10 unique floor plans for you to experiment with. You can build a cozy study lined entirely with bookshelves, curate a vibrant indoor greenhouse, or even construct a fully stocked doomsday bunker! From the exact placement of your sofa to the style of your bathtub, the choice is entirely yours.

This Town is Your Second Home

Bringing this game to XBOX has been a huge milestone, and because I want this town to feel like a true second home for you, Whisper of the House fully supports XBOX Play Anywhere. You can relax on your couch and uncover secrets on your XBOX Series X|S and then pick up right where you left off on your Windows PC to perfectly micro-manage your decorations.

Whisper of the House is available for preorder today on XBOX Series X|S and Windows PC for $14.99 USD. Preorder now on the Microsoft Store before our official launch on August 27 to take advantage of a special 20% preorder discount ($11.99 USD). Thank you for taking on this housekeeping job and opening the doors to our town.

See you in the neighborhood!

Whisper Of The House

E-Home Entertainment Development Company Ltd

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$14.99 $11.99

Pre-order

ABOUT WHISPER TOWN Welcome to Whisper Town—a cozy and heartwarming game about decorating, organizing, and uncovering little stories. You’ll step into the role of the town’s all-around housekeeper, taking on charming, quirky tasks: moving into new homes, tidying cluttered rooms, preparing new shops, sorting through treasured keepsakes… even tracking down cats! Complete each task to earn rewards, collect furniture, and freely design a space that’s entirely your own. As you help others put their lives in order, you may unknowingly change the course of their stories, and slowly discover the unusual secrets hidden in this charming little town… MOVING AND HOUSEKEEPING JOBS For lovers of tidy spaces! Turn cluttered rooms into warm, organized havens in a soothing, detail-rich gameplay experience. The teacup by the bed, the plant by the window, the letters covered in dust—each one will find its perfect “home” in your hands. Sweep through forgotten corners, sort every keepsake, and uncover the quiet stories and traces of life hidden behind every item you place. HEY, THAT'S NOT YOURS TO PLAY WITH! Ahem… but some furniture is just begging to be messed with! You might find yourself pressing the button on that vintage gramophone, giving the rubber duck by the tub a playful squeeze, or sneakily pulling a tissue from the box. It’s as if this little town is whispering to you through these tiny, mischievous gestures. In Whisper Town, every resident has untold troubles or hidden wishes—secrets buried in a garden, a faded photo left in a hospital room, an alchemy workshop long abandoned. Piece together the smallest clues to uncover their unspoken memories, weaving a story where mystery and love intertwine. DECORATE YOUR OWN HOME FREELY Your style, your rules. With over 1,800 pieces of furniture and more than 10 unique home layouts, every space is yours to design. Line a study wall from floor to ceiling with bookshelves, fill a sunlit mini-greenhouse with blooms, or stock a doomsday shelter to the brim with supplies—create the home you’ve always dreamed of. However you imagine it, every detail is yours to choose. Wallpapers, flooring, and select pieces of furniture can be recolored or retextured to perfectly match your mood and style. Dozens of items also feature custom sound effects—tap the drums, snap a photo, run the tap. In this home, you don’t just see it—you hear it. THE STRANGE, CUTE LITTLE TOWN As you spend time with the townsfolk, you grow closer to them, and slowly form bonds with them. But beneath these warm, everyday moments, the town hides something. A number—42—flickers above the museum. A sudden rainbow across the sky. A “heart-stealing ghost” haunts the well. Tentacles creep from the cracks. What lies behind these mysteries? Perhaps the one destined to uncover the truth… is you.

The post Whisper of the House Unpacks Cozy Xbox Preorders Today appeared first on XBOX Wire.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope

GSC Game World

☆☆☆☆☆ 26

★★★★★

Get it now

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Cost of Hope (DLC) – August 20

Head out on a new expedition into the Zone in this massive, non-linear expansion. Dozens of gameplay hours are packed with unforgettable stories and twisted characters – all wrapped in the signature atmosphere of decay with a flicker of hope. The fragile peace between bitter rivals is shattered. Pick a side in a tangled web of intrigue and half-truths, where no choice is clean or truly right.

Backyard Baseball

Playground Productions

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

Backyard Baseball – August 18
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

The iconic classic levels up! New game modes. New ways to play. Unlockables to chase and achievements to earn! Welcome to the all-new Backyard Baseball. Launching in Summer 2026, this reimagined version of an all-time classic blends the best of modern gaming with the timeless charm that made it legendary. Play in 11 remastered stadiums, choose from 24 original teams, and compete across 6 unique game modes with a roster of 30 beloved Backyard characters.

The Sinking City 2 – Pre-Order

Frogwares

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

The Sinking City 2 – August 18
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

The Sinking City 2 is a third-person survival horror set in 1920s Arkham. Deliberate, tense, and resource-lean: pressure builds as you push deeper, relief comes in brief refuge, and fear is something you manage. Mind your inventory, take on unnerving puzzles, and double back via unlocked shortcuts for supplies and upgrades.

Mortal Shell II Pre-order

Playstack

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$49.99

Pre-order

Mortal Shell II – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Mortal Shell II is a standalone sequel to Mortal Shell that significantly expands on the original with faster and unforgiving combat, deeper weapon design with extensive upgrade options, and an emphasis on free exploration within a compact open world. The corpses of exceptional warriors are scattered throughout Mortal Shell II’s destroyed world. Once discovered, each warrior can be possessed, awakening their innate strengths and mastered abilities.

Get up to 72 hours Advanced Access (August 17) with the Devout Edition.

Black Flower

Triomatica Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Black Flower – August 17

Black Flower is a strategic roguelike about survival and growth in a fragile garden. Guide your garden through a magical calendar, making daily choices between unpredictable weather conditions. Each day brings new risks and opportunities, forcing you to manage resources, protect your flowers, and adapt to an ever-changing world.

Archerio

Webnetic s. r. o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$8.49

Pre-order

Archerio – August 18
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Archerio is a fast-paced action roguelite where precision, reflexes, and smart upgrades decide your fate. Fight through handcrafted arenas filled with relentless enemies, deadly traps, and escalating challenges. Each run pushes your skills further, rewarding sharp aim and quick movement with powerful upgrades that transform your playstyle.

Driving is Hard

Elegant Horse Studios

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$9.99

Pre-order

Driving is Hard – August 18
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Challenge yourself in Driving Is Hard! Drive a bathtub on wheels through steep, unforgiving terrain where every mistake costs you progress. Master tough physics-based gameplay, sharpen your patience, and uncover Jeff’s journey of self-doubt, family struggles, and emotional growth as he finds strength, self-acceptance, and hope for a brighter future.

Arcade Archives 2 CYBER CYCLES

HAMSTER Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Arcade Archives 2 CYBER CYCLES – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

CYBER CYCLES is a racing game released by NAMCO LIMITED (current Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.) in 1995. This game featured a large bike-style cabinet design that stood out at arcades at the time. Set against the backdrop of near-future motorcycle racing, choose from a lineup of unique machines with different performance features, and cross the finish line ahead of all your rivals!

Cloudy Day

RainForest Game Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Cloudy Day – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Cloudy Day is a hand-drawn 2D casual platformer game. Take on the role of a lonely cloud embarking on a journey to learn how to fly and keep up with the other clouds!

Dark Reflection

Stamina Zero LLC

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

Pre-order

Dark Reflection – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

When your best friend vanishes, you must enter the Dark Reflection: a hostile, warped copy of your own reality. Here, familiar places are dangerous, and friendly faces cannot be trusted. Dark Reflection is a classic side-scrolling pixel-art adventure packed with action, puzzles, and heavy metal energy.

Dungeon Antiqua 2

AMATA K.K.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dungeon Antiqua 2 – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Dungeon Antiqua 2 is a 2D dungeon hack-and-slash RPG featuring SNES-style pixel art and sound. A retro-flavored adventure awaits you, blending strategic exploration with a highly flexible character-building system.

Grim Trials

Soft Source Pte Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$19.99

Pre-order

Grim Trials – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Grim Trials is a heavy metal action roguelite where you craft and customize your own weapons and equipment to embrace Death your own way. Play as Avelin, a young woman who has met an untimely end, and found herself recruited as one of Death’s many Reapers. Tasked to hunt down impure souls, face her demons, and fight her way through an underworld of her own making, Avelin must endure these trials to become a full-fledged Reaper and see her still-living love once again.

Hidden Cats in Barcelona

Silesia Games Sp. z o.o.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Hidden Cats in Barcelona – August 19
XBOX Play Anywhere

It’s time to have a snack at a local Churreria and take a long stroll through Park Güell, because the Hidden Cats have arrived in ever beautiful and sunny Cat-alonia! The nooks and crannies of Barcelona hide many adorable furballs… Can you spot them all?

WonderCat Adventures

Obscure Cloud

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

WonderCat Adventures – August 19
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

The Wonder Cat needs your help to find his cat buddy and escape the strange mines where they crash-landed! No trace of your UFO spaceship. You only have the robot pod that traveled with you to help. Beware the dangerous and unexplored path ahead. You’ll need all your stamina and quick reflexes to ride through those 55 levels. Where is your cat buddy? Where does the cave go? Let’s find out and go back home. The adventure starts now!

Berry Bury Berry

Black Lantern Collective

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Berry Bury Berry – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Berry Bury Berry is a surreal first-person incremental game about growing berries and putting them in a hole. Lots and lots of berries. Use all that sweet, sweet money earned to unlock upgrades and tools to help increase profits and explore more of the accursed garden!

Educational Family Games

Crazysoft Limited

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Educational Family Games – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

It is family game night. Your kids want to play your games, but most games are not made for them. You may have tried educational games before, only for the adults to become bored within minutes. Before long, everyone is looking at their phones again. Educational Family Games brings everyone together with a local 1–4 player experience where children learn, adults compete, and the whole family plays in the same room.

Emoji Killer – Casino Massacre

EpiXR Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$4.99

Pre-order

Emoji Killer – Casino Massacre – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

You awake in a mysterious casino where evil poker emojis have awakened — and they’re not happy to see you. This rogue-like first-person shooter throws you into a wild casino environments, fast-paced combat against gambling addicted emojis wearing funny hats and wielding powers. Before each run, customize your experience with crazy modifiers: make enemies bounce, wear funny hats, or unleash maximum casino power for maximum challenge.

Find The Cats 2

Ember Box Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Find the Cats 2 – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Discover even more adorable cats hidden across charming, handcrafted scenes in Find The Cats 2! Explore brand-new colorful environments, sharpen your attention, and find every sneaky little kitty before moving to the next level. Perfect for casual and cozy game fans, Find The Cats 2 brings even more relaxing hidden object fun with new levels, cute visuals, satisfying discoveries, and plenty of fluffy cats waiting to be found. Can you find them all?

Gallipoli

BlackMill Games

☆☆☆☆☆ 5

★★★★★

Get it now

Gallipoli – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

Take part in the historic beach landings at Gallipoli and fight for survival on unforgiving shores and sun-scorched deserts! After the muddy trenches of Verdun, the snowy plains of Tannenberg, and the imposing Alps of Isonzo, Gallipoli brings you the deepest dive into the Ottoman Fronts of World War 1 through grounded, yet accessible battles. This is a hardcore, one-shot-one-kill PVP environment that demands teamwork in intense objective-based battles.

Ground Zero Hero

Acclaim, Inc.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Ground Zero Hero – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery / XBOX Play Anywhere

Forget surviving the apocalypse. You’re here to dominate it. Ground Zero Hero drops you into a radioactive wasteland overrun with mutated creatures. Every enemy you destroy becomes fuel for your evolution. Absorb their remains, stack mutations, and build increasingly powerful and unpredictable combinations until you become an unstoppable force.

Wings of Beyond (XBOX Series)

Little Giant, Bad Minion

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Wings of Beyond – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

The galaxy’s skies are at war. Are you ready to fight your way through thousands of enemies? Wings of Beyond is an intense shoot ’em up that throws you into thrilling space battles filled with challenges and powerful upgrades. Take on 30 increasingly difficult stages, where quick reflexes and smart strategy are essential to survive relentless waves of enemies. Travel across three unique galactic systems, each featuring distinct environments, exclusive enemies, powerful bosses, and new challenges that demand different tactics.

Yet Another Zombie Survivors (Game Preview)

Awesome Games Studio

☆☆☆☆☆ 328

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Free Trial

Yet Another Zombie Survivors (Game Preview) – August 20
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

The Horde is coming but you’re ready to fight it! Assemble your team and decide upon their enhancements to find the most efficient synergies against thousands of the undead. Survive. Then evolve. Then break all the limits in this deceivingly simple but addictive reverse bullet hell.

Creepy Shift: Uncle Joe’s Motel

Red Limb Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Creepy Shift: Uncle Joe’s Motel – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / XBOX Play Anywhere

An unfulfilled actress takes a job at Uncle’s Motel to make ends meet. She’s running from trouble, but peace is the last thing she’ll find here. Enter a world where cozy simulation tasks mix with the horror of a decaying building, and the narrative brims with the complexities of the human psyche. This is a sim-horror with a strong focus on narrative, which becomes increasingly dramatic and dark with every step. Uncle Joe’s Motel is the third game in the “Creepy Shift” series – games based on original creepypastas, where the main mechanic is following mysterious rules.

Dark Dungeon Head Haze (Xbox Series)

Sweet Bread Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Dark Dungeon Head Haze – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

As if called by a siren, the deceptive Thief is pulled into the Dark Dungeon after its riches. As he takes a single step, darkness swallows his surroundings! Will it be this thug’s final big heist? Dark Dungeon Head Haze breaks conventions in puzzle games by… turning off the lights!? In this 3D low poly isometric puzzler, your intuition and memory will be put to the test. Grasp the layout of the level at the start, because as soon as you make your first move, almost the whole path ahead will turn pitch black!

KEYQUACK QUEST

YUME GAME STUDIO

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

KeyQuack Quest – August 21

KeyQuack Quest is a pixel art platformer where you control a clever mallard on a mission to collect keys, avoid deadly traps, and reach the exit door. With progressively challenging levels, precise mechanics, and a charming retro aesthetic, the game blends action and strategy across carefully designed stages.

Mega City Force

Ravenage Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Mega City Force – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Hello, Agent. Mega City needs your services. Are you ready to uphold the law? The crime is out of control, the streets are not clean. There are criminals and psychopaths everywhere, ready to cut anyone’s throat. A corrupt megacorporation squeezes the life out of the citizens, seeking to establish control all over the city. Only the incorruptible agents of Mega City Task Force stand fast before the crime wave that consumed the city and threatens to overwhelm society. Choose your agent and dive into a deadly battle against the criminals and brutal bosses to unleash the beast of justice in the darkest corners of the city.

No More Slimes!!

Minimum Studio

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

No More Slimes!! – August 21
XBOX Play Anywhere

Slime Rebellion! Small and adorable slimes have started a bouncing rebellion, filling up the entire screen. Dive right into this unstoppable commotion! Build diverse skill trees using the loot you earn from battles. Add special abilities like striking lightning with cards and relics or summoning a bouncing boomerang that deals damage off walls, and grow in your own unique way!

Pay To Path (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Pay to Path – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Get ready for a challenge where strategy, logic, and smart spending go hand in hand in Pay To Path. Help adorable piggy banks find their way to their bank vaults by rearranging roads, removing obstacles, and carefully planning every move. Here, every decision has a price, and using your money wisely makes all the difference.

Psalm 5:9-13

Axyos Games

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Psalm 5:9-13 – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S

Step into Psalm 5:9-13, a first-person psychological horror game with a VHS effect and a tense, oppressive atmosphere. At first glance the place seems ordinary, but the further you go, the more it reveals its true nature. Explore the location, search for anomalies, and keep moving as frightening things wait along the way. Built as a short walking simulator experience, Psalm 5:9-13 focuses on tension, unsettling details, realistic visuals, high-quality sound, and a compact horror journey that can be completed in about 30 minutes.

With Eyes of Ice

Ratalaika Games S.L.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

With Eyes of Ice – August 21
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Dying of frostbite, Gréta Egilsdóttir is left to wonder how she found herself in such a dire situation. Perhaps it began with Steina’s baby, or with Kai agreeing to stay the night, or with that kiss she almost shared with Nataníel. Perhaps it began when she journeyed from her home to work as a housemaid in the distant fishing village… Or perhaps it began three years ago, when her grandmother was still alive. For Gréta, meeting Nataníel Jóhannsson was love at first sight… But there are some loves which cannot — or perhaps should not — be.

The post Next Week on XBOX: New Games for August 17 to 21 appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Summary

• Built in collaboration with pro skater Sterre Meijer.
• The fresh perspective of Goon Squad‘s retro arcade skating experience.
• How Sterre’s experience and passion helped shape gameplay and authenticity.

I’m Dieter from Headup, and together with Goon Squad we created Skatesterre, an arcade skateboarding game that takes you back to the golden era of the genre. Today, I will tell you about how the game came to be, why we chose to work with Sterre Meijer on this project, and where the journey from the initial idea to the now finished game took us.

Skateboarding games have evolved enormously since the early days, but much more in the direction of actual sports simulation than the original arcade skateboarding feel.  So when we started the development, bringing back the exact flow and feel of the original genre flagship titles like Skate or Die, Dave Mirra, Grind Session and of course the early THPS games was our ultimate goal. These are the games we know best and feel extremely at home with. They offer less frustration than more realistic simulation titles and have a “pick up and play” nature about them, that makes them much more accessible.

Players should quickly feel like a real skate pro, ripping the best tricks easily through the highly intuitive control scheme while also just feeling the joy of riding their boards. Getting all these parts in line was an enormous challenge, especially considering that this was a true indie project.

Our goal was to capture that core feeling while adding modern quality-of-life improvements, leveraging Unreal Engine’s latest features, and introducing character customization through Sterre’s unique sense of style.

Before our lead developer joined the studio, he was already a passionate skateboarder, even building his own miniramp in his garden, and had been working on skateboarding game prototypes in his free time. He and I shared a vision of creating a great game driven by that personal passion. From my perspective as the producer, and having followed Sterre’s social media presence, I felt that she represented many of the positive developments happening in skateboarding today. It seemed like a great match: we could support the growing presence and empowerment of women in skateboarding while creating the kind of arcade sports game we had always envisioned.

I have been personally following many skaters on the social channels and was very impressed by Sterre and her journey in Skateboarding. So, I reached out to her, and we met in the Netherlands. She has been super supportive from the start, and working with her and her brother was a real joy.

Sterre has this infectious energy and authenticity that immediately felt right for a skateboarding game. She has her own style, does things her own way, and genuinely loves skating. That spirit of freedom and self-expression is exactly what I feel Skatesterre should be about.

The main focus with Sterre was getting her looks and style right, so that she felt authentically represented. At one point, we even scrapped much of the model’s work to a certain point and had the whole model redone. I hope you’ll feel the love and time invested especially in making this feel authentic to her.

Sterre has always followed her own path rather than trying to fit a particular image of what a skateboarder should be. We wanted the game to reflect that attitude: it’s playful, colorful, and a little unconventional, and it encourages players to experiment, find their own lines, and develop their own style.

When you start seeing a level differently- not as a collection of ramps and rails, but as one continuous line – and suddenly pull off a huge combo, Skatesterre really clicks.

Capturing that feeling from the classic arcade skate games I grew up with, while giving it our own personality, is something we’re very proud of. If you remember just one thing about Skatesterre after booting it up for the very first time today, I would want it to be that it makes you want to play one more run. We want Skatesterre to capture that simple joy of skating: experimenting, getting better, finding your own style, and having a great time doing it.

Skatesterre is available on Xbox Series X|S now.

Skatesterre

Headup

☆☆☆☆☆ 2

★★★★★

$14.99

Get it now

Skatesterre is a fast-paced arcade skateboarding game inspired by the golden era of classic skate titles. Link together huge combos, land stylish tricks, and shred through levels designed for speed, flow, and creativity. Ride as Sterre Meijer a.k.a. Surfsterre, Dutch skateboarder and rising figure in the global skate scene, and carve your way through streets, parks, and urban playgrounds packed with rails, ramps, and hidden lines. Complete missions, chase high scores, and unlock new fashion pieces as you progress – building your own unique skate style along the way. Classic Arcade Skateboarding Easy to learn. Hard to master: Experience gameplay inspired by the legendary skateboarding games of the early 2000s. Tight controls, fluid movement, and a deep combo system make every run fast, satisfying, and rewarding. Skate Your Own Style: Kickflips, grabs, manuals, grinds, and more – Skatesterre features tons of sick tricks you can combine into massive score multipliers. Discover creative lines and push your runs further every time. All killers, no fillers: Skate to a killer soundtrack packed with underground skate punk and skate rock tracks that channel the energy of the golden era of skateboarding games. Unlock Fashion & Style: Completing mission objectives unlocks a wide variety of fashion items for Sterre. Build your own skate look with different outfits and gear as you progress through the game. Diverse Levels: Explore a variety of levels filled with rails, ramps, gaps, and hidden routes. Each environment encourages experimentation and rewards players who master the flow of the map. Chase the Perfect Run: Link tricks together and chase the ultimate high score. Every trick matters when you're building the perfect combo. Features: • Fast-paced arcade skateboarding gameplay • Tons of sick tricks to master and combine • Shred to a high-energy soundtrack packed with underground skate punk • Mission-based objectives across multiple levels • Unlockable fashion items and outfits • Large environments full of rails, ramps, and secrets • Play as Dutch skateboarder Sterre Meijer a.k.a. Surfsterre • Inspired by the golden era of skateboarding games

The post Skatesterre: Where Classic Arcade Skateboarding Meets a New Generation appeared first on XBOX Wire.

The Gears of War: E‑Day online multiplayer beta is open from August 13 at 12pm PT until August 17 at 10am PT, available on XBOX PC and console for players with Xbox Game Pass Essential or higher.

Sunderfolk and Asdivine Cross are available this weekend for XBOX Game Pass Ultimate, Premium and Essential members to play from Thursday, August 13 until Sunday, August 16. Asdivine Crossis also available to play on XBOX 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)

Gears of War E-Day
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Drop into the Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta starting August 13. Squad up to try out Gears of War: E-Day’s exciting new multiplayer mode Horde Siege, a groundbreaking 12-player PvE experience built for larger maps and bigger battles, and take on the competition in refined 4v4 Versus PvP. Players will have the opportunity to complete challenges to unlock exclusive Beta rewards and provide essential feedback to help ensure the best Day One experience possible when the game launches on October 6.

The Open Beta begins August 13 at 12pm PT and concludes August 17 at 10am PT and is available to all players on XBOX Series X|S and PC. Console multiplayer requires a Game Pass membership with access to online multiplayer, sold separately.

Gears of War: E-Day Multiplayer Beta

Xbox Game Studios

☆☆☆☆☆ 1046

★★★★★

Get it now

PC Game Pass

Xbox Game Pass

Sunderfolk
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S
Rediscover game night with Sunderfolk, a tactical co-op RPG built to bring people together. Play a shared adventure where your phone becomes your guidebook, controller*, and player sheet. One copy is all you need for your whole party! Whether on the couch, across the world, or huddled around a laptop—it’s your party, your plan, and your story to tell. For this FPD, as part of the Patch 2.0 update, the Vanguard joins the Heroes’ ranks, along with two new scenarios: Sacred Sand – where the Sacred Bug seeks the Heroes’ aid in reclaiming her home from an ancient foe, and Arena Rumble – where Wurmsbait invites you battle contenders from all across the Sunderlands.

_{*The free mobile app is required to play the game.}

Sunderfolk

Dreamhaven

☆☆☆☆☆ 100

★★★★★

$49.99

Get it now

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Asdivine Cross
Optimized for XBOX Series X|S, Smart Delivery, XBOX Play Anywhere
If you’ve been looking for a chance to jump into a classic fantasy RPG packed with turn-based battles, colorful characters, and plenty of adventure, now is a great time to discover the world of Asdivine. In Asdivine Cross, small-time outlaw Harvey finds himself imprisoned alongside a mysterious woman claiming to be the princess. Their escape soon turns into a journey that could decide the fate of Asdivine! Take on enemies in turn-based battles, build trust with your companions, unleash powerful combos, and discover over 200 enemy skills with Lucile. Subquests, weapon upgrades, an arena, and more await!

Asdivine Cross

KEMCO

☆☆☆☆☆ 170

★★★★★

$14.99 $7.49

Get it now

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. 

The post Free Play Days – Gears of War: E-Day Open Beta, Sunderfolk and Asdivine Cross appeared first on XBOX Wire.

From unsettling sci-fi horror to cosy magical farming, and everything in between, Kinetic Publishing has cultivated a selection of games we know players will love, because they’re games that we want to play as well.

Contact Protocol: Hail Starships, Interrogate Their Documents, and Fire Torpedoes

Ask around the Kinetic Publishing office, and few would disagree that there’s any greater horror than piles of incomplete paperwork. In Contact Protocol, you’ll have to confront the scourge that is corporate admin aboard the starship Pale Horse. As you pass other ships on the way to Jupiter, you’ll check their details against company records and ascertain their intentions, in order to keep your crew safe. But if faced with uncertainty, all it takes is one torpedo to guarantee your safety – while dooming the other crew to death in the vacuum of space.

Contact Protocol slowly ramps up the player’s cognitive load while offering them near-impossible decisions, and we really clicked with the team’s focus on exploring what players are capable of when under pressure. It’s stressful, it’s rewarding, and it’s incredibly moreish, as players will discover for themselves when Contact Protocol launches for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC in Spring 2027. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

Crescent County: Ride Motorbrooms, Deliver Packages, and Kiss Girls as a Tech-Savvy Witch

Crescent County is a game that just oozes good vibes, and from the moment Electric Saint lead developer, Anna Hollinrake showed us her witch-tech open world chock full of racing, deliveries and romance, we knew we had to publish it. Anna has allowed her distinctive art style to leak into every corner of the game, including the gameplay itself. Playing the early builds, we smoothly flowed from delivery jobs to racing, and then to romance, like the stroke of a brush.

We couldn’t believe our luck when we got to meet Anna, at the very first meeting of the first event we attended as Kinetic Publishing, and immediately fell in love with Crescent County’s painterly world and unique mode of transportation.

Crescent County is something a bit special, celebrating queerness and witchcraft in a way that immediately resonated with our team, and we know will resonate with players when it launches for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC in Summer 2027. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

Shellbound: Explore a Land Carried on a Snail’s Shell in This Parasitic Metroidvania

Shellbound brings together everything we love about a good Metroidvania. The sense of exploration as you unlock the world piece by piece, grappling with the grand scale of a civilization whose lore is just waiting to be uncovered. And of course, razor-sharp combat and platforming that makes each challenge difficult to overcome, but incredibly satisfying once you do so. Shellbound adds an extra twist on top of this, casting players as a literal parasite travelling through a living world set upon a snail’s back.

The way the team at developer Fake Lobster has incorporated the player’s parasitic abilities – allowing them to take control over enemies and NPCs in the world and use their unique abilities in order to unlock new areas and find secrets – makes Shellbound feel fresh in a familiar genre we love. We can’t wait for Shellbound to take over your world when it launches for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC in Summer 2028. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

Aether Wizard Life: Rebuild a Haunted Town as an Apprentice Mage

To say that we were blown away by the sheer ambition of the dev team at Vonder Games when we were pitched Aether Wizard Life would be an understatement. Action-RPG combat, platforming and exploration, town-building, farming, dating, shopkeeping. The sheer number of things you’re able to do in the game is admirable – and what’s truly impressive is that each and every element is fleshed out enough that it form the basis of a whole game by itself.

The love and care put into every detail of Aether Wizard Life is apparent at first glance, from the gorgeous Ghibli-esque art style, to the focus on player customization and the sheer variety of activities on offer for players to get stuck into. And with a mystery to solve at the heart of it, involving a mysterious group kidnapping wizards to their own nefarious ends, we think players are going to be spellbound by Aether Wizard Life when it launches for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC in Autumn 2028. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

PRECOGNITION: The Latest Game from Immortality and Her Story creator Sam Barlow

We are absolutely thrilled to be able to partner with Half Mermaid Productions and give players the first official details on PRECOGNITION. Originally teased under the name ‘Project C’, PRECOGNITION is a sci-fi horror thriller being created by Sam Barlow in collaboration with acclaimed horror director Brandon Cronenberg. Here at Kinetic we’re huge fans of Sam’s previous FMV games – Her Story, Telling Lies, and IMMORTALITY – and much like those modern classics, this game will reward players who dig down into the smallest of details. You’ll want to get pencils and notebooks ready for this one.

The games that Sam makes are truly singular, and as a studio that cut its teeth on horror, we’re excited to have a game in our lineup that will make your skin crawl. Players can look forward to diving into this science fiction story of time travel, prescience, and the horrors that await when you meddle with the flow of time, when PRECOGNITION launches for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC in Spring 2028. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

The post Kinetic Publishing Showcase Recap: Every Reveal, Including the New Sam Barlow Game appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Explore Tomorrow’s Updates Today

The Experimental preview gives you access to in-development content before it’s released to all players. These builds allow the development team to gather valuable feedback, identify issues, and refine upcoming features with the help of the community.

Because these are pre-release builds, you’ll encounter bugs, unfinished features, balance changes, and other rough edges along the way. That’s all part of the adventure. Every issue you report and every piece of feedback you share helps improve future updates and create a better experience for the entire community.

Before You Dive In

Here are a few important things to know before joining Experimental:

• You’ll need to own Subnautica 2 or have access through an active Game Pass subscription.
• Experimental builds contain content still under development and may be less stable than the regular version.
• Experimental players can only play multiplayer with other Experimental players.
• Saves are version-specific. Experimental saves cannot be used in the Stable version, and Stable saves cannot be used in Experimental.

Your save data isn’t deleted. Experimental and Stable saves are kept separate, and each version can only access its own saves.

How to Join

Getting started is easy with the XBOX Insider Hub:

1. On your XBOX Series X|S Console or Windows PC, sign-in and launch the XBOX Insider Hub app (or install it from the Store if needed)
2. Navigate to Previews > Subnautica 2 Experimental
3. Select Join
4. Wait for registration to complete, then you’ll be directed to the Store to install Subnautica 2 Experimental

Having trouble?

• If Show in Store displays an error, wait 15 minutes, restart your console or PC, and try again.
• If you do not see this preview in the XBOX Insider Hub, please make sure you own Subnautica 2 or have access through an active Game Pass subscription.

Your Feedback Matters

Experimental exists because player feedback makes games better. Whether you discover a bug, encounter unexpected behavior, or have feedback on new content and features, the team wants to hear from you.

If you encounter any issues, please submit feedback directly from your XBOX console:

1. Hold down the XBOX button on your controller.
2. Select Report a problem.
3. Select the Games category and Subnautica 2 subcategory.
4. Fill out the report with as much detail as possible to help our team investigate.

Every report helps improve future updates and ensures the best possible experience when new content reaches the broader Subnautica 2 community.

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.

The post Dive Into What’s Next with Subnautica 2 Experimental appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Summary

• Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is now available at 30% off for a limited time.
• Learn the basics of the gameplay and beginner tips to get started.
• Discover Arcade Archives-exclusive modes and features that make this arcade classic even more enjoyable.

Ridge Racer was released by Namco Limited (now Bandai Namco Entertainment Inc.) in 1993. Powered by the 3D CG arcade system System 22, it amazed racing game fans with its immersive sense of speed and realism. And, of course, when you think of Ridge Racer, you think of drifting! Its drifting mechanics are so satisfying that many players still consider them among the best in the genre, helping the game remain an inspiration to players around the world even today.

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is now available at 30% off for a limited time. There’s never been a better opportunity to experience this arcade racing classic.

Like any racing game, the goal is simple: clear a set number of laps within the time limit and cross the finish line first.

To help you get started smoothly, here are a few things that are easy to miss at first.

Remember, this was originally an arcade game, so like most Arcade Archives titles, you’ll need to insert coins before playing. In Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer, the race begins as soon as you press the Accelerate button after inserting two credits with the Insert Credit button. It’s a race, after all. No time to waste!

On the next screen, selecting a difficulty may feel a little unusual at first, as the Left/Right stick controls behave like a real steering wheel and automatically return to the center when released.

If you’ve used a real steering wheel before, it’ll feel natural. Otherwise, the D-pad may be easier to use.

Ridge Racer features four difficulty levels: NOVICE, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED, and T.T. (TIME TRIAL). Each one has a different maximum speed, lap count, and track layout, so keeping your steering under control at higher speeds and learning the course are the keys to victory.

Did you also know you can change the BGM simply by pressing the Shift up and Shift down buttons before the race starts? The right music sets the mood for a great race, so pick your favorite and hit the road!

Arcade Archives Exclusive Modes

Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer includes several modes to enhance your experience. In ORIGINAL MODE, you can enjoy the original arcade game just like the good old days. With various settings available to customize your experience, it is perfect for both casual players and those looking to sharpen their skills.

And what would a racing game be without rankings? In HI SCORE MODE, CARAVAN MODE, and TIME ATTACK MODE, you can compete for the top spot on the online rankings with your score. Each mode has its own rules, so you’ll need to adapt your strategy and rely on your driving skills alone, as most game settings cannot be changed in these competitive modes.

Arcade Archives Exclusive Features

Quick Save / Quick Load (Original Mode Only)

In racing, maintaining your speed and staying focused are everything. That’s why, in addition to the standard four save slots, the game includes a Quick Save slot for one-button saving. With dedicated Quick Save and Quick Load buttons, you can save without letting go of the accelerator, then reload instantly whenever you need.

Rewind (Original Mode Only)

The Rewind feature lets you turn back time by a few seconds, perfect for when you bump into another car, miss your racing line, or forget to save. Although you can only rewind a few seconds, it’s enough to erase small mistakes and keep improving your run.

Screen Settings

One of the best ways to enjoy a classic is by recreating the atmosphere of its original era. If you want to experience that retro feel, Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer offers several display options. Turn on the Screen Filter to add classic scanlines, enable the CRT TV Filter for the curved look of old displays, adjust the Brightness setting to recreate corner shading, and add a touch of Screen Noise to complete the effect.

If you played Ridge Racer back then, it’s a nostalgic trip. If not, it’s the perfect chance to experience a piece of arcade history.

With Arcade Archives-exclusive features that make the experience even more enjoyable, now is the perfect time to hit the road. Arcade Archives 2 Ridge Racer is now 30% off for a limited time.

Arcade Archives 2 RIDGE RACER

HAMSTER Corporation

☆☆☆☆☆ 33

★★★★★

$16.99 $11.89

Get it now

"RIDGE RACER" is a racing game released by NAMCO (Bandai Namco Entertainment) in 1993. Experience the essence of virtual reality using the 3D CG system "System 22." This game has four modes to choose from, including three difficulty levels – NOVICE, INTERMEDIATE, and ADVANCED – as well as T.T. (TIME TRIAL), where you compete one-on-one against a rival car to achieve the best time. Additionally, a DX version featuring support for an H-shifter and clutch is also included. The “Arcade Archives” series began in May 2014 with the concept of faithfully reproducing classic arcade games. With the release of “RIDGE RACER,” the series introduces “Arcade Archives 2” series, featuring a completely redesigned user interface. In addition to the “ORIGINAL MODE,” “HIGH SCORE MODE,” and “CARAVAN MODE” included in the “Arcade Archives” series, “Arcade Archives 2” series will add new features such as “TIME ATTACK MODE” and “NETWORK MODE.”In “TIME ATTACK MODE” you compete to see who can beat the final boss the fastest stating from the first battle. This mode focuses on how quickly you can complete the game, regardless of the score you achieve. In “NETWORK MODE” you can play against other users over the network. However, “TIME ATTACK MODE” and “NETWORK MODE” may not be implemented in some games. Since “RIDGE RACER” is a single-player game, “NETWORK MODE” is not implemented. Additionally, functionality has been significantly enhanced. Multiple save slots have been implemented instead of just one, along with a rewind feature that allows players to retry gameplay and a quick start feature for those who want to dive straight into the game. Furthermore, VRR support has been added, enabling more accurate reproduction of the original arcade game's experience. Enjoy the legendary arcade masterpiece with “Arcade Archives 2,” now more fun and user-friendly. *The options menu and manual are available in Japanese, English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish.

The post Revisit the Arcade Racing Classic RIDGE RACER with ACA-Exclusive Features 30% Off Now appeared first on XBOX Wire.

Return to the beginning of one of gaming’s most iconic sagas with Gears of War: E-Day, the story of Emergence Day and humanity’s first fight against the Locust Horde. Complete your loadout with the new Gears-inspired XBOX controllers, created for fans who want to carry a piece of Sera into every fight.

Inspired by the horror and brutality unleashed on Emergence Day, the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controller captures the raw power of the Locust invasion with a battle-worn design built for fans.

Drawing from the E-holes that scar the world of Gears of War: E-Day, the controller features 3D molded, laser-etched details of cracked asphalt with red, glowing cracks created by the power of an erupting E-hole, exposing the iconic Crimson Omen beneath the surface. Blacked-out ABXY buttons are punctuated by a transparent red X button, while matching red triggers and a transparent D-pad reflect the destruction left in the wake of Emergence Day. A dark silver metallic COG tag on the battery door signifies Never Fight Alone. Squad up. Textured grips round out a design built for fans ready to carry a piece of Sera into every battle.

Built for longtime Gears fans and new recruits alike, this controller honors the legacy of Gears of War. You can preorder the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controller for $89.99 by visiting XBOX.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.

Beginning September 30, fans can create their own Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controller with XBOX Design Lab, featuring exclusive artwork from renowned heavy metal illustrator Luke Preece.

The centerpiece of the design is a custom top case featuring a skull perched atop crossed Lancers, surrounded by more skulls and battle-worn details inspired by the brutal conflict between the COG and the Locust Horde. Fans can make it their own with upgrades such as metallic triggers and D-pads, rubberized side and back grips, and a personalized engraving, creating a controller that reflects their connection to the world, characters, and legacy of Gears of War.

Combining iconic Gears-inspired artwork with deep customization options, XBOX Design Lab empowers fans to create a controller uniquely their own while gearing up to crush grubs.

See Them First at gamescom 2026

Both controllers will be on public display for the first time at the XBOX booth at gamescom 2026. Fans at the show will also get to go hands-on with Gears of War: E-Day, where the campaign makes its playable debut.

8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock for XBOX Controllers – Gears of War: E-Day

The 8BitDo Ultimate Charging Dock for XBOX Controllers – Gears of War: E-Day brings the battle-worn world to your gaming setup as a complementary accessory to the Gears of War: E-Day XBOX Wireless Controller. Officially licensed by XBOX, it is compatible with XBOX Series X|S and XBOX One wireless controllers and includes an 8BitDo rechargeable battery pack. The dock features magnetic alignment for easy placement, drop-and-charge functionality, and built-in protection against overcharging and overheating. Designed with details inspired by the battlefield aesthetic of Gears of War: E-Day, it delivers a seamless way to display, charge, and keep your controller ready for the fight ahead.

However you choose to play, the Gears of War: E-Day controllers give fans new ways to commemorate the grit, brutality, and devastation of Emergence Day. Claim yours and stand ready.

The post Prepare for Emergence Day with the Gears of War: E-Day Limited Edition XBOX Wireless Controllers appeared first on XBOX Wire.

This new SEAF team is trained in several new interactions and ready to take commands from your Helldiver. Whether it’s following you to the objective or boosting your morale with a hug, you’ll get the backup you need.

Time to meet some of your new squad!

SEAF Squad Leader, C. Zhang, equipped with trusty Liberator and radio pack, will issue commands to his squad with unique voice over and animations.

The SEAF Medic, STIMmothy, will use the stim pistol and syringes to keep your whole squad in the fight.

SEAF Rifleman, A. Aaronson, might carry standard issue equipment, but he’s got plenty of battlefield experience to back you up.

SEAF Specialist, B. Devaux, is your heavy, armed with the MG-43 Machine Gun and EAT. He’s not going down without a fight.

New Emotes and Titles

SEAF are not the only ones undergoing rigorous interactive training, Helldivers have now been cleared to expand their virtuous minds with an additional 4 emotes for maximum expression.

A new frontier offers new levels of veterancy, recognizing Helldivers who are willing to go forth where no Helldiver has gone before. Super Earth has committed to bestowing upon these brave Divers a range of new titles.

The latest update, Devoid of Liberty, is out now on XBOX at no additional cost. Take up the fight for Freedom and introduce those squids to your own brand of Managed Democracy.

The post Helldivers 2: Devoid of Liberty – Meet the SEAF Squad Assembled to Take on The Illuminate appeared first on XBOX Wire.