It’s D-Day once again at Mintrocket studios as we send Dave the Diver’s biggest DLC yet into the wild with the launch of the In the Jungle expansion.

This isn’t our first Dave the Diver DLC, but we consider it so much more than a typical DLC, and it’s a much different experience than the previously released DLCs that our fans are used to. With today’s launch, I wanted to share a little about what In the Jungle is (and isn’t), highlight some of the experiences I’m most excited for players to discover, and, of course, offer a few behind-the-scenes stories about how this expansion came to life.

A Wild Caught Jungle Adventure

Firstly, while In the Jungle is a DLC in name, it is really a full-fledged expansion and a departure from the base game in many ways. Deciding to go this route instead of an official sequel was a strategic and creative choice; with a DLC, we could afford to be much bolder and take some risks, and I think that shines through with the final product. With up to 10 hours of playable content in the expansion, there’s no question that our team put a ton of effort and heart into this project, and we never looked at it as a simple DLC. From the start, we knew this was going to be big, bold, and a whole new experience for Dave.

While there’s plenty of familiarity, there’s a lot of new experiences for players, between new characters, fish and wildlife, ingredients, and even the Bancho Grill, which brings a completely new experience to the restaurant management aspects. With this adventure, Dave and the crew venture into a remote jungle region with Dr. Bacon, and even while completely out of their element, Dave always has a way with the locals, so he’s able to form relationships with the villagers, manages and serves at Bancho Grill, and still have plenty of time to explore and uncover amazing new ingredients.

As we designed this expansion, both narratively and from a mechanics-driven standpoint, we knew the Jungle biome offered enormous potential. Freshwater ecosystems are incredibly diverse, and outside of the deep sea, few environments can match the jungle’s abundance of wildlife, natural resources, and culinary inspiration.

That rich foundation allowed us to focus on the elements that make Dave the Diver special and elevate them in meaningful new ways.

What’s New In the Jungle

Longtime fans know that we don’t cut corners, and we rarely create ideas based on assumptions alone.

During development, our game design lead and I traveled throughout Southeast Asia to experience local cuisine firsthand. We participated in cooking classes, explored regional food culture, and immersed ourselves in the communities that inspired much of the expansion. I personally spent two weeks in Indonesia, discovering local ingredients and flavors.

It’s difficult to fully capture those experiences in words. Instead, I hope players can feel those inspirations throughout In the Jungle. Seeing those memories and experiences transformed into gameplay has been one of the most rewarding parts of bringing this expansion to life.

Of course, we also take creative liberties. Some of the dishes featured in Dave the Diver couldn’t exist anywhere in the real world, and that sense of imagination remains central to the game’s identity. In the Jungle continues that tradition by blending authentic inspiration with fantastical ingredients and culinary creations.

The expansion also introduces several new characters, including Muna and Marone, who bring fresh personalities and perspectives to Dave’s growing world. There are also a few crossover surprises waiting to be discovered. Some are subtle, while others are much harder to miss, but I hope they can bring in an extra bit of enjoyment as you adventure the new Jungle village.

Diving Back In

With an expansion of this scale, we know In the Jungle will attract both returning fans and players who are experiencing Dave the Diver for the very first time.

To all of our new players: welcome. We’re excited to have you join us, and we hope this adventure exceeds your expectations.

For both newcomers and longtime fans, it’s important to note that the In the Jungle expansion becomes available after completing the main story of Dave the Diver. In case there are players who are willing to dive straight into the DLC content, we’re offering an option to start In the Jungle right away without finishing the main game. That said, we still strongly recommend completing the main game before you start In the Jungle, as there’s important story continuity that we don’t want anyone to miss.

An Unexpected Perspective

Another fun surprise we’ve been working on behind the scenes is our partnership with The Asylum to create a live-action short film inspired by the In the Jungle expansion.

Several members of the team and I have been longtime fans of The Asylum’s unique brand of over-the-top creature features and mockbuster films — you may know them from titles like “Sharknado” and “Meth Gator.” Collaborating with them was a dream come true, and we’re excited to finally share the results with our players.

Be sure to check out the full short film here: [LINK TO YOUTUBE VERSION]

The Jungle Calls 

Our team pursued some ambitious ideas with In the Jungle, and without the passion and support of our community, we might never have had the confidence to bring them to life.

So, thank you.

We invite you to join Dave on his next great adventure and discover the secrets waiting to be uncovered in Utara. The jungle is filled with new mysteries, new friendships, and plenty of surprises.

And for players who have been waiting for the perfect moment to jump in, there has never been a better time to dive. Dave the Diver is currently available at its lowest price ever, with 50% off for a limited time.

Dave the Diver – In the Jungle is available now on XBOX Series X|S, XBOX One, XBOX Cloud Gaming, and XBOX on PC, and is an XBOX Play Anywhere title.

DAVE THE DIVER – In the Jungle Content Pack

MINTROCKET

☆☆☆☆☆ 1

★★★★★

$9.99

Get it now

Dave’s adventure continues, this time in the heart of the jungle. Leaving the Blue Hole behind, Dave and his crew travel to the jungle to investigate a mysterious phenomenon reported in the village of Utara. Beneath the jungle lake awaits a brand-new ecosystem to explore, along with new missions and discoveries. Featuring over 10 hours of new story and gameplay, DAVE THE DIVER – In the Jungle Content Pack introduces new systems, new locations, and thrilling new adventures beyond the ocean. Freshwater Lake – Discover a whole new ecosystem Prepare to encounter unfamiliar creatures, discover new ingredients, and face the hidden dangers lurking deep within an ancient underwater civilization. Bancho Grill – New restaurant, new menu, same Bancho standards Welcome to Bancho Grill, where bold jungle ingredients meet Bancho’s uncompromising culinary craft. Build relationships with the villagers and they might stop by as guests. See for yourself whether Bancho’s legendary cooking can win over the jungle too! Utara Village – a warm welcome in the jungle Lend a hand to the villagers and build meaningful relationships. Some may be wary of outsiders at first… but a thoughtful gift or a great meal can go a long way! The jungle runs deeper The jungle holds more than just villages and lakes. From mysterious ancient temples to eerie forests, Dave and his crew’s adventure continues deeper into the unknown!

What if you could jump into nearly 100 RPG adventures anytime, anywhere, on any device? In this XBOX Wire feature, we spotlight how Kemco continues to release a steady stream of titles, driven by a unique development approach focused on creativity and consistency rather than blockbuster scale.

Rather than focusing on a single large-scale release, Kemco works with multiple development partners to bring a wide variety of experiences to players. This approach allows us to consistently deliver new stories, systems, and worlds, each with its own identity, while maintaining a reliable rhythm of releases for RPG fans looking for their next adventure.

Here’s a key fact many players may not know: almost every Kemco title supports XBOX Play Anywhere, making it easy to pick up and play across console, PC, and cloud. Whether you’re playing at home or on the go, your progress is always with you.

RPGs are often filled with dungeon exploration, story events, and long play sessions, but Kemco titles are designed with flexibility in mind. You can save your progress almost anywhere, in towns, in the field, or even deep inside dungeons. Combined with cloud saves, this creates a seamless experience between XBOX and PC, letting you continue your journey exactly where you left off, no matter the device.

At the same time, each game offers a satisfying amount of content without the heavy time commitment often associated with higher-priced blockbuster titles. This makes them easy to pick up for shorter sessions, whether you’re commuting, taking a break, or just looking to make a bit of progress in between your daily routine.

For players who enjoy story-driven experiences, Kemco’s lineup also includes a diverse range of visual novel-style adventures. These titles offer unique and sometimes unexpected narratives, providing plenty of variety for those who prefer text-based storytelling.

Not sure where to begin? That’s part of the charm; you can start anywhere. Whether you’re into classic JRPGs, strategic dungeon crawlers, or narrative-rich visual novels, Kemco’s catalog is built for players who enjoy thoughtful, system-driven gameplay over pure action. While we do have some action-oriented titles, our strength lies in experiences that reward planning, exploration, and immersion.

Finally, there’s no better time to jump in. The Kemco Publisher Spotlight Sale is now live, offering a wide selection of titles across multiple genres. From anime-style adventures and charming pixel RPGs to casual horror experiences, retro-inspired dungeon crawlers, and tactical RPGs, there’s something for everyone. We’ve grouped the titles by genre below, so you can easily find your next adventure.

JRPG

Asdivine Cross — 50% off

Ambition Record — 50% off

Ghost Sync — 50% off

Gale of Windoria — 50% off

Infinite Links — 50% off

Jinshin — 50% off

Alphadia I & II — 50% off

Alter Age — 35% off

Astrune Academy — 45% off

Hero Seekers — 25% off

Chronus Arc — 50% off

Fernz Gate — 50% off

Asdivine Hearts I & II — 50% off

Illusion of L’Phalcia — 50% off

Revenant Saga — 50% off

Dragon Lapis — 50% off

Chroma Quaternion — 50% off

Dragon Prana — 50% off

Chrome Wolf — 50% off

Onigo Hunter — 50% off

Glorious Savior — 50% off

Covenant of Solitude — 45% off

Action RPG

Frane: Dragons’ Odyssey — 50% off

Tactical RPG

Legend of Ixtona — 50% off

Dungeon Crawler

Metro Quester — 50% off

Metro Quester | Osaka — 45% off

Dragon Ruins 2 — 35% off

Adventure

Matsuro Palette — 50% off

1f y0u’re a gh0st ca11 me here! — 40% off

Puzzle

3°C: Sand Puzzle — 50% off

With so many titles available, the best place to start is simply with what catches your eye. And if something piques your interest but isn’t part of this sale, keep an eye on the XBOX Store, there’s always more to discover from Kemco just around the corner.

Growing up, there was a gas station down the street from my house that was always well-supplied with candy and snacks. It was a perfect pitstop between my elementary school and my house on the way home. My friends and I would park our bikes out front, run inside for sweets, and then head home to play video games. I’m pretty sure I can trace the layout of that store on the back of my hand.

That leads me to my recent hands-on demo with Forever Ago at Summer Game Fest: Play Days, an upcoming road trip narrative adventure game that has us playing as the elder Alfred on a journey of remembrance. As we meet him, an undisclosed tragedy has befallen him, leaving him alone with just himself, a dog, and his vintage camper van. Our demo begins with us pulling into a gas station convenience store nestled deep in the woods.

As Alfred steps through the door, it’s clear that it has been some time since he last shopped here. He asks the young attendant managing the place where the owner is; “He’s passed on,” he says, leaving Alfred in a state of shock. Recognizing he needed to more carefully choose his words, “Oh, he’s retired now,” allows Alfred a sigh of relief. In his apparently fragile state, it doesn’t seem like he could have handled that news.

Needing to gather supplies for the trip ahead, we pick up a handbasket and start shopping – and are once again greeted by the young attendant who is only too eager to help, sensing we’re on the wrong side of 70. Alfred doesn’t want the help – he has shopped here plenty of times and knows where things are – preferring to be left to do his shopping in peace.

The store is well detailed, full of snacks, boxes, camping supplies, and more – everything you’d expect at a gas stop on the way to a campground. Alfred seems to have a remark about every object in the store, which is both a nice attention to and a hint at how extensive dialog will be in this game. Once we had our supplies and map, it was time to check out. Things are going fine until Alfred spots a photograph behind the register.

The photo is of Alfred, the store owner, and his departed wife. And he wants it. The push and pull conversation between the well-meaning attendant and the increasingly hostile Alfred are revealing – up until this point we were frustrated with the attendant and his helicopter parenting of us in the store; now the narrative is flipped, and we see a new side of Alfred and his hostile behavior. The attendant doesn’t seem to grasp the trauma of Alfred’s situation, wanting to own any piece of his past. As his temper grows, Alfred forcibly takes the photo and storms out of the convenience store, back outside, and back into the van to stare at the frame.

This leads us to a flashback sequence as we see a younger Alfred alongside his wife, Audrey, presumably the first time they’re visiting this location. What continues is a bit of a dreamscape sequence, as we follow her down a darkened path; it seems Alfred’s trauma of loss will manifest these moments through the game, which seems to be a darker narrative tale than I think I was expecting to experience going into my hands-on time. Shortly after this, the demo concludes.

My time with Forever Ago was brief but heartfelt. Even with a pitstop at an old convenience store, I can now better understand how the interaction with the world is going to introduce these narrative flashback moments at this stops along the way, coupled with the emotional journey Alfred is going on both physically and mentally. There’s something special here, and we can’t wait to play more of Forever Ago when it launches October 8, 2026, for XBOX Series X|S and XBOX on PC. Play it on both console and PC at no additional cost with XBOX Play Anywhere.

Forever Ago

Annapurna Interactive

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

Get it now

Following a tragic stroke of fate, Alfred embarks on a journey north in search of redemption. In this single-player road trip adventure, you'll travel to beautiful places, capture memories with your camera, meet interesting characters, and even make some new friends. Discover Stories Experience a nuanced and heartfelt story about broken dreams, loss, and regret—but also courage, hope, and true friendship. Learn about the stories, beliefs and struggles of characters you meet along the way, brought to life by renowned voice actors. Embark on an Unforgettable Road Trip Explore beautiful environments, ranging from serene forest trails to dusty barrens sweltering in the desert sun. Examine and interact with objects to learn about your surroundings and the people living there. And don’t forget to pet the dog. Capture Memories Take pictures with Alfred’s good ol' instant camera to document your journey and solve small environmental puzzles. Relive True Love Play through a lifetime of love as Alfred with your sweetheart Audrey, experiencing a true love that transcends time. Featuring an original soundtrack by Clark Aboud (Slay the Spire, Kind Words).

Ever since I was a small child, I’ve thought that stop-motion animation is simply one of the coolest forms of human artistic expression. From “The Nightmare Before Christmas” to “Prometheus and Bob” to “Fantastic Mr. Fox,” I’ve always been dazzled by the amount of creativity and work that can go into every single frame. The prospect of a stop-motion animated game has always been incredibly tantalizing (I even played a lot of ClayFighter), even though everything I know about both game development and animation tells me what a daunting task that would be.

At Outright Games, we worked alongside our partners at Nickelodeon to bring Dino Island to life in PAW Patrol: Dino World. We wanted to make each region feel distinct, with its own atmosphere, gameplay style, and challenges for players to overcome.

The Volcano quickly became one of the most exciting areas for the team to develop because it represents a major turning point in the adventure, where the stakes become bigger, the missions become more dramatic, and players really begin to see how their actions can help save Dino Island.

In this first look trailer for the XBOX community, I’d love to take you inside the Volcano region and share more about how we approached this fiery part of the island!

By the time players reach the Volcano, things on Dino Island are no longer peaceful. What begins as a mysterious explosion quickly escalates into one of the pups’ biggest rescue missions yet. After a cave passage collapses leading into the Volcano area, the PAW Patrol heads in to investigate, uncovering a confused group of Mahakala dinosaurs and signs that Mayor Humdinger has been causing trouble once again.

We wanted this region to feel more dramatic and unpredictable than earlier areas of the game, while still staying accessible for younger players. The environment itself plays a huge role in that. Lava flows, collapsing pathways, and damaged construction zones all become part of the gameplay, encouraging players to carefully explore the area, solve problems, and help restore order as the situation worsens.

One of my favourite parts of the Volcano storyline is seeing how the pups work together to help the Mahakala herd. Early on, players discover that Humdinger has destroyed their nests while building a dinosaur attraction nearby, leaving the herd distressed and divided. The PAW Patrol steps in to rebuild the nests based on the dinosaurs’ different preferences, which creates a fun mix of exploration, environmental interaction, and problem-solving.

As the adventure unfolds, players also uncover a dinosaur park under construction deep within the Volcano region. Rex plays a major role throughout this part of the story, helping the pups investigate the site alongside his best friend Timmy the T-Rex. Together, they assist during quests, help uncover Humdinger’s plans, and guide players through some of the area’s biggest moments.

Things eventually build toward one of the game’s most exciting sequences, where players must rescue Timmy after he becomes trapped by Mayor Humdinger. Once reunited, players take direct control of Rex riding Timmy in a special escape sequence through the Volcano region as everything begins to erupt around them.

For us, this moment was all about creating a big cinematic payoff that still felt approachable and exciting for younger audiences. We wanted players to feel the scale and energy of the Volcano while keeping the controls intuitive and fun.

We also used the Volcano area to introduce more environmental storytelling into the game. Throughout the region, players can see the effects of Humdinger’s actions on Dino Island, from damaged habitats to frightened dinosaurs and unstable areas affected by construction. As players progress through missions, the environment gradually changes to reflect the positive impact the PAW Patrol is having on the island and its inhabitants.

While the Volcano is one of the final areas players will encounter in PAW Patrol: Dino World, we always wanted it to feel like more than just a dramatic finale. It’s a region that brings together exploration, teamwork, rescue missions, and larger-scale gameplay moments in a way that builds naturally on everything players have learned throughout the adventure.

From the start, our goal with PAW Patrol: Dino World has been to create an adventure that feels welcoming for younger players while still delivering exciting moments for families to experience together. Whether exploring Dino Island solo or in local co-op, we’ve designed the game so players can take on rescue missions, solve challenges, and discover the island at their own pace.

We’re really excited for the XBOX community to head into the Volcano and experience these moments for themselves when PAW Patrol: Dino World launches July 31, 2026.

PAW Patrol: Dino World

Outright Games Ltd.

☆☆☆☆☆

★★★★★

$39.99

Pre-order

ROARR! Sounds like trouble. Did that come from Dino Island? It looks like Rex needs the PAW Patrol to save the day! Mayor Humdinger’s causing chaos. Dinosaurs are scared and running wild. Help them get back to their families safely. Leap into a colossal, open-world with Chase, Marshall, Rubble, Skye, Rocky, and Zuma. First stop, PAW Patrol Mobile HQ with Ryder to find out what rescue missions you’ll em-bark on as your favorite Pup. Run through the Dino Plains looking for eggs. Stop by the Paleo Center, where Heidi and Eugenia will teach you how to care for your new dino friends. Decorate their enclosures to make them feel like home. Sniff out collectibles across the sandy shores and discover rocky caves with secret pools. Switch to vehicle mode to drive through a jungle, filled with tall trees, long vines and tropical fruits. Create roar-some new looks for your pup, your vehicle, and dinosaurs and complete every mission stomping in style. Dive into fun minigames and discover dino-sized surprises solo or team up with a friend in two-player mode. If you get stuck navigating through the wilds, remember you can follow the paw prints and look out for the help icon. Can you stop the chaos and make it to the volcano before it erupts? With the help of dino experts, Rex and Timmy, you can. No dino’s too big, no pup’s too small in this prehistoric adventure!

The apocalypse is calling! The wait is nearly over, Metas. Before the official launch, we are thrilled to announce the final Console Open Beta for our weird and wonderful supernatural survival game, Once Human.

Prepare to experience the apocalypse like never before. With the leap to the big screen, you can expect deeper immersion, stunning visuals on your XBOX Series X|S, and pure, unfiltered survival. More players, more chaos, and more fun await! Here is everything you need to know before you step into the supernatural monster world.

Experience the Apocalypse on the Big Screen

Survive in a supernatural apocalypse where reality has fallen apart. As a Meta-Human, you will explore a vast, Stardust-infected open world where monsters are both a threat and the key to your survival. Every expedition carries risk, but yields vital resources. Gather materials and build your ultimate territory, but be prepared to defend your home against relentless sieges.

In this world, your enemies are your greatest asset. You can capture Deviants—bizarre entities that can automate your base, gather resources, and fight by your side. Push your evolution further by hunting powerful anomalies for Mutagens. Fuse with them, mutate your body, and harness their grotesque abilities to crush anything that stands in your way. In Once Human, survival is more than just staying alive. It is about turning the unknown—and the monsters themselves—into your own power.

During this Open Beta, you’ll have access to multiple scenarios and seasons to fit your playstyle. Whether you want to learn the ropes or dive straight into hardcore challenges, the choice is yours. Available scenarios include:

• Novice Scenario
• Manibus
• Endless Dream
• The Way of Winter
• RaidZone

(Note: Players in all scenarios except RaidZone can also experience Visional Wheel S3: Aberrant Progeny!)

Reach Level 20 & Earn Exclusive Rewards

As a massive thank-you to everyone participating in this final test, we are giving away exclusive rewards that you can bring with you into the official launch!

Reach Level 20 with any character during the beta to earn a Cosmetic Selection Crate and a Weapon Skin Selection Crate. (Note: If you only play in the RaidZone, you will need to accumulate more than 3 hours of playtime to be eligible).

Cosmetic Options (Choose 1 of 3):

• Abyssal Dragon Set
• Noise Manifesto Set
• Wasteland Sheriff Set

Weapon Skin Options (Choose 1 of 3):

• Dragon Dance – KAM
• Reconstructed Matrix – AWS.33
• Gem Symphony – MG4

Will my progress carry over? This Open Beta is a wipe test, meaning most of your character progress will be reset before the official launch. However, you won’t leave empty-handed! The following will permanently carry over to the full release:

All earned Starchrom

All cosmetics and outfits obtained

Up to 6 collected Deviants

How to Join the Beta on XBOX Series X|S

This test is open globally, but spots are strictly limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Once the user cap is reached, the download channel may close, so be sure to secure your spot early!

To join on XBOX:

1. Turn on your XBOX Series X|S and open the XBOX Insider Hub app (download it from the Store if you don’t have it).
2. Navigate to the “Previews” section.
3. Search for “Once Human” and click “Join”.
4. You will be directed to the store page to install the game.

(If you participated in the previous Closed Beta and still have the game installed, you will receive an automatic update. If you deleted it, you can simply re-download it from your game library without needing to re-register).

Test Schedule & Important Info

Mark your calendars so you don’t miss a second of the action:

• Pre-download Opens: June 17 at 5:00 PM PT
• Servers Go Live: June 17 at 7:00 PM PT
• Beta Concludes: July 8, 11:59 PM PT

A note on Cross-play: While cross-play with PC and Mobile players is not supported during this test, the console servers are unified! XBOX and PlayStation players will be able to team up and survive the apocalypse together.

We Want Your Feedback!

This final beta is crucial for us to polish the console experience before launch, and your feedback is incredibly valuable. If you run into bugs or have suggestions, please use the in-game Feedback & Customer Support menu. You can also join the dedicated tester-feedback-submit channel on the official Once Human Discord.

Gather your friends, grab your weapons, and get ready to survive the weirdness. We’ll see you in the monster world on June 17!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ final content update is out now, wrapping up the story of Naoe and Yasuke in the Sengoku era. Black Tides is the final narrative installation, offering over approximately two hours of new content and featuring a little bit of deep lore, some Templar action, and [spoiler alert] also a tie-in to the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. The update also introduces a new gameplay feature designed to challenge or even break player’s strongest builds. Domains brings hours and hours of additional gameplay, offering complex challenges in a replayable loop designed for hardcore RPG players. Set outside the constraints of feudal Japan, this new feature pushes players to craft new builds to win increasingly difficult challenges for exclusive rewards.

All of Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ post launch content, including Black Tides and Domains, has been shaped to some degree by the community response to the game. We spoke to Associate Game Director Simon Lemay-Comtois to learn more about the team’s approach to developing post-launch content, the effect community feedback has had on content, and connections between Assassin’s Creed Shadows and Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced.

How was your approach to post-launch content in Assassin’s Creed Shadows different than recent franchise installations?

Simon Lemay-Comtois: There was a big shift between Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s post-launch strategy and that of Shadows. Valhalla was known for big, chunky, polished, gigantic updates back-to-back, and the community responded pretty well to that.

With Shadows, the post-launch approach has been more iterative and more responsive to player feedback than for other recent entries. We still had a major standalone expansion with Claws of Awaji, but beyond that, we released smaller, more targeted updates that let us react quickly to what players were telling us and what we were seeing in how they played, with a focus on steadily improving core systems.

This means that the feature efforts that were put into Shadows were more groundwork for everything else that is to come. We took a pause and asked what the community wanted, looked at what they liked and didn’t like about Shadows. From there, we looked at what we could give them more of, what we could change, and what we could repair. And I think that’s a healthy thing to do every now and again. Ultimately, I think it’s what Shadows needed, and it helped us understand and respond to community requests as we developed post-launch content.

What have been some of the biggest impacts of community feedback in Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ post-launch content?

SLC: There have been several big impacts. I would say the most obvious one has been the parkour updates that we’ve done; we basically had an almost complete overhaul of the parkour during post-launch. When we launched Shadows, I had been in charge of the parkour and felt really smug and smart and that people were going to love it. And then they didn’t. I was lucky to get another crack at it and have a lot of discussions with the parkour enthusiasts, content creators, fan base, and community who were extremely vocal but constructive. Through several workshops, discussions, and long sessions of watching hours upon hours of their content breakdowns, we were able to right the ship to some degree. 

As one example, we worked with Ropotopolous, who is a parkour god in the community. In Shadows, Naoe’s parkour down mechanic is designed to get her from the rooftop to the ground silently so she can kill somebody and then go back up, which makes sense in gameplay that was all about stealth. But parkour enthusiasts don’t use parkour for stealth exclusively; they parkour for fun. They’d rather have her drop down in steps, such as from the roof to a lantern pole to something on the ground, so they have more agency over where she goes and how she goes there.  It’s an important data point to consider for the future, and we’ve got to do parkour down in a way that caters to the parkour enthusiast community without breaking parkour down for the stealth community.  

Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced benefitted from our common game engine, Anvil, and community feedback, as the team in Singapore adopted relevant parkour improvements for Edward. Resynced players will have a more fluid parkour experience, with quicker interruptions between moves.

What content in this final update is a direct result of community feedback?

SLC: All of it. If you want to split it in two, we have a last big narrative update that concludes the story of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and we have a hardcore RPG replayability feature called Domains.

Domains is all about testing the gear that you’ve accumulated, changing your perks, changing abilities, moving from Yasuke to Naoe to try and tackle increasingly difficult challenges that give you more rewards, more gear. These rewards cannot be bought anywhere, found in the world, or appear in the Animus Exchange. If you want those things, you have to go through the gauntlet. Domains is for a very dedicated RPG section of the fan base, who have been demanding something that really challenges them and requires them to craft more interesting builds, and give them the opportunity to analyze stats, and really go in-depth on the RPG aspects of the game.

The story conclusion, Black Tides, is a direct response to the community requests for more Templars in the game and more connection to the wider Assassin’s Creed lore. So this last update is all about Templars, baby. There’s this rank of Templars called the Black Cross, the most elite Templar agents out there. They’ve been in the books and comic books, but for the first time in any Assassin’s Creed game, we’re bringing not one, but two Black Cross Templars to Japan to hunt down Naoe and Yasuke (though they probably have other motives, as Templars tend to do). They’re an interesting pair and work well together, and act as a foil to Naoe and Yasuke. They’re mirror opposites of our two protagonists, and this quest hooks into the deeper tapestry of lore from many other entries in the franchise in a way that Assassin’s Creed Shadows didn’t do in the main game.  

In this story update, we wanted to show all the lore as respectfully as possible, in a way that makes sense and doesn’t retcon anything or break continuity, but also paves the way for the future.

You mentioned earlier some parkour learnings will be part of Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced. Is there any connection between this new story content and that game?

SLC: There is.

I would also say we’re referencing three other major titles directly, and referencing a fourth a little less directly. And I’ll say Black Flag is one of the three we reference overtly. When you see it, you’ll get it. It’s hard to miss.

Any final thoughts for the Assassin’s Creed Shadows community?

SLC: To the Shadows community, I would say thank you. We see the hours that the players put in, we see the crazy builds, we see the stealth videos and parkour challenges, we see all the love and care and appreciation for our community that has come out of the game. There’s a lot of work that’s been put into the world of Japan, the characters, the weapons, the way they move, the way they talk, the way they act. And the people who played Shadows are very responsive to and appreciative of that care.

For everyone else who hasn’t picked up Shadows yet, what are you waiting for! Advanced Parkour, New Game+, detailed stats page, Claws of Awaji expansion, headgear in cutscenes – you won’t find a more community-oriented set of features anywhere – at least not until Black Flag Resynced comes around on July 9^th!

Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ final free update is out now on XBOX Series X|S, and don’t miss Assassin’s Creed Black Flag Resynced when it launches on XBOX Series X|S on July 9.

Assassin's Creed Shadows

Ubisoft

☆☆☆☆☆ 3834

★★★★★

$69.99

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MASTER THE DEEPEST STEALTH MECHANISMS OF THE SERIES & FIGHT IN VISCERAL COMBAT “Shadows is some of the most fun I’ve had with a stealth game in a decade” —PC Gamer Play as Naoe, a quick-witted shinobi, and use light, sound, and shadows to evade detection. Infiltrate enemy strongholds with many parkour options including the new grappling hook, distract guards with shuriken or smoke bombs, and assassinate your targets with your Hidden Blade. As the samurai Yasuke, use silent bow takedowns or unleash devastating melee combos with your katana or Naginata. DEEP-DIVE INTO THE CAPTIVATING WORLD OF ASSASSIN'S CREED SHADOWS “Assassin’s Creed Shadows creates one of the best versions of the open-world style.” —IGN Step into feudal Japan like never before! From majestic castle towns to serene shrines and sweeping countryside, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers a breathtaking open world where dynamic seasons, shifting weather, and environmental destruction affect your tactical approach. And, to get full immersion, experience the game through Japanese voiceover. DISCOVER THE MOST TECHNICALLY ADVANCED ASSASSIN’S CREED GAME YET “It leads to one of the most dynamic, fun, and best-looking open-world games I’ve played this generation.” —Kotaku Experience a true next-gen leap with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, powered by the updated Anvil engine. From the shimmer of lantern light on rain-slick rooftops to the rustle of cherry blossoms in the wind, every detail is crafted to immerse you deeper into feudal Japan. A GLOBAL HIT Whether you are a veteran Assassin’s Creed player or new to the franchise, feudal Japan awaits you! Join a community of millions of players and discover a title GameSpot describes as "an absolute blast to play," Eurogamer.es as "the best Assassin's Creed of the modern era" and GamingTrend as “the new benchmark for the series.” Internet connection, Ubisoft account and Microsoft Account required to access online features.

In the latest Expansion for Jurassic World Evolution 3, players will enter a new era as they take control of three top-secret locations in the largest DLC to date. The Jurassic World Rebirth Expansion introduces a brand-new campaign set before the events of the Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment blockbuster film. Creating unique narrative in one of the world’s most well-known franchises is no easy feat – join Alex Bolton, Senior Communications Manager at Frontier Developments for an exclusive interview with Senior Game Writer Ian Bousher. 

How does the Jurassic World Rebirth Expansion fit into the Overall Franchise Timeline?

Ian Bousher: This expansion pack takes place before the prologue scene in Jurassic World Rebirth, where fans were first introduced to the Distortus rex. Île Saint-Hubert, the setting for the Expansion, is at its peak output of pioneering research to meet the increasing demand from the theme park for new exciting species.

Of course, there’s good reason that the exact research being done here is kept secret… Part of the fun of working in the Jurassic World franchise is being inspired by the extensive lore available to us, and writing a campaign in the time period of that lore was a real honour.  

From a narrative perspective, what stands out to you in the Island’s locations?

Bousher: The three Research Sites in this expansion have all been crafted with such love and attention to detail, I could spend a while answering this one. From a narrative perspective, I’m really proud of how we’ve captured the feeling of the island setting in Jurassic World Rebirth. The Ancient Valley site, for example, is inspired by the iconic Titanosaurus scene from the film, and seeing those dinosaurs in this beautiful natural area is truly amazing. How the art team have expanded on the ruins from the film is also a delight to see.

The Riverside Laboratory is also a fantastic level, this one inspired by the river scene from the film. As soon as you arrive you see this intimidating example of a T. rex swimming and you’re tasked with testing how well it can hunt. The player does that by releasing Parasaurolophus into the enclosure. Of course, there’s that infamous Parasaurolophus next to the T. rex in the film, so it’s almost like the player is giving the T. rex a taste for this specific herbivore. That’s just one of so many little nods to the wider Jurassic World lore that keen-eyed fans will see throughout this story.

Of course, the Main Facility is the site with the biggest spectacle. This is where a lot of the prologue action in the film takes place and our opening cutscene is a great homage to how the film is shot as well. And, right off the bat, you’re challenged with re-containing a rampaging Mutadon; part Velociraptor, part pterosaur, and completely unique. My absolute favourite narrative moment comes late in the expansion’s story though, but I’ll let players discover that one for themselves…  

What does the process of creating a unique narrative in the Jurassic universe look like?

IB: The starting point was watching the film lot of times…

Part of the joy of telling a story within an existing timeline is that you can provide context and provide a possible answer to questions that you and other Jurassic World fans have. You can even just sow the seeds for things that you see in the film, and that’s just so satisfying. Like the immense Titanosaurus herd in the film – we can suggest that the player is responsible for that, tasking them with assignments to breed these gigantic animals and set off the chain of events that leads to the huge herd you see in the film. 

So, we always look at the source material and think, you know, how can we build on this and complement it? And then in terms of creating the original game story, we’re trying to draw on the same sort of themes from that film. Jurassic World Rebirth really harkens back to the themes of the original movies, with science going too far. We’ve really tried to explore this conflict between scientific progress and discovery versus the ethics of pioneering genetic research. To that end, Île Saint-Hubert is all about doing things we wouldn’t normally ask the player to do in the base game’s campaign, like creating brand new (highly experimental) dinosaur traits.

Can you tell us a little about the expansion’s main characters?

IB: Yeah, of course. So, unlike previous games, you’re not some fancy director high up in an organisation; instead, you are just a normal worker on Île Saint-Hubert. And to reinforce that feeling, the two other main characters are also workers at your sort of level, which has allowed us to create a fantastic sort of jokey sibling relationship between them and the player.

One of the new characters is Callie, who is more of a dinosaur behaviourist and is interested in genetics and ecology. She has a very dry sense of humour. She’s very wry. She’s a little bit more pessimistic too, which makes her really fun to write. Then on the other side, there’s Dale. He’s more laid back, kind of like Cabot Finch, from the base game campaign, just without the obsession for money… So, he’s just chill. He loves building stuff; he’s an engineer who wants to see gears turn and make stuff happen. He’s especially involved with the new Geothermal Power feature that this expansion introduces.

Lily Halford also returns to the Jurassic World Evolution franchise in this expansion, this time acting as the island’s Director of Operations. Because this story is set so many years before the base game’s campaign, we get to see how events on the island helped create the Lily that we see in the base campaign. Let me tell you, Lily is NOT happy about certain aspects of the work that this island is doing…

Jurassic World Evolution 3: Rebirth Expansion will launch on XBOX Series X|S on June 16. The Jurassic World Evolution 3 base game is available to play via Game Pass.

Jurassic World Evolution 3

Frontier Developments

☆☆☆☆☆ 660

★★★★★

$59.99 $41.99

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The next entry in the award-winning series, Jurassic World Evolution 3 puts you in control of building and running your very own Jurassic World.   Help life find a way by synthesising, breeding, and nurturing prehistoric species. Manage each species and allow them to thrive, while helping your dinosaurs raise families and pass their genes onto future generations.  Create incredible havens for your dinosaurs to help them flourish, build exciting new attractions to amaze guests, and maintain control when disaster inevitably strikes.  Nurture Generations of Dinosaurs  With over 85 awe-inspiring pre-historic species, 75 of which allow you to manage, breed and nurture families of dinosaurs across entire generations. Rear them from playful juveniles into awe-inspiring adults, each with distinct female, male, and juvenile variants.  Park guests will marvel as these majestic creatures socialise and react to the vibrant world around them.  Manage unique social needs and observe brand new behaviours, with semi-aquatic dinosaurs venturing into deep water and pterosaurs walking on land.  Creativity Evolved  Create jaw-dropping parks with new creative tools never before seen in the Jurassic World Evolution series! From groundbreaking terrain editing to modular scenery customisation – build and tweak every aspect of your park from the ground up or, generate a custom map which is unique every time with the Island Generator. The choice is in your hands! Build your sites with naturalistic enclosures using steep slopes and scenery, introduce stunning new attractions such as the Balloon Tour, a close-up attraction that let guests see and touch prehistoric animals with the Dinosaur Encounter or the iconic Cretaceous Cruise where guests can view dinosaurs from a new watery perspective!    Create, upload and share cross-platform community creations using the Frontier Workshop. Browse the very best creations from the community, place them in your own game or craft your own custom parks, buildings and enclosures before sharing for other players to use.  Epic Globetrotting Campaign  Join familiar faces from the Jurassic franchise, including Dr. Ian Malcolm (voiced by Jeff Goldblum) and embark on a non-linear campaign across a sprawling world map filled with iconic locations such as the Montana Badlands, and new locations such as Japan—each offering thrilling new challenges. Every decision will test your park management skills as you balance competing human interests with the delicate integration of dinosaurs into a modern world.  You’ll need to juggle your reputation with three influential industry sectors and the unique demands of an array of site-owning clients. But be warned: not everyone wants to see the dinosaurs thrive.  Control the Chaos  Set your site up to run as efficiently as possible with powerful and accessible park management tools provide control over your park’s operations.  But chaos is the only certainty, so prepare for disaster using new security cameras that will help automate the response to escaped dinosaurs and deploy your Maintenance team to keep threats contained by delivering critical repairs across the site.