Xbox Developer Direct 2025: A Spotlight on Upcoming Games

 

REDMOND, WA — January 9, 2025 — Microsoft has officially announced the return of its Xbox Developer Direct event, scheduled for January 23, 2025. This showcase promises to give fans a deep dive into several anticipated titles coming to Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Game Pass this year.

Event Highlights

The Developer Direct will feature in-depth looks at four major titles:

DOOM: The Dark Ages from id Software, a prequel to the critically acclaimed DOOM series, exploring the origins of the Doom Slayer in a dark, medieval setting.

South of Midnight by Compulsion Games, introducing players to a new, enchanting world filled with Southern folklore and mystery.

Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 from Sandfall Interactive, presenting a unique blend of action and adventure in a visually stunning environment.

An additional, yet unannounced game from a mystery studio, adding an element of surprise to the event.

The event aims to not only showcase gameplay but also provide insights into the development process, including combat, customization, and narrative elements of these games.

Community Anticipation and Skepticism

The announcement has stirred a mix of excitement and cautious optimism among the gaming community. Enthusiasts are eager for more details on these titles, especially following the success of previous Developer Directs. However, there's a thread of skepticism running through the conversations, with some fans referencing past delays and unmet expectations from Xbox announcements. 

Posts on X reflect this duality, with users expressing anticipation for the new reveals, particularly for "DOOM: The Dark Ages" and the mystery game, while others voice concern over past disappointments. The community is particularly curious about what could be behind the mystery game slot, with speculation ranging from long-awaited titles like "Everwild" to potential remakes or new IPs entirely.

What to Expect

Attendees and viewers can expect around 45 minutes of content, focusing on gameplay demonstrations and developer commentary without the usual hosts, following the format of previous Direct events. This approach has been well-received in the past for its directness and focus on the games themselves. The event will be streamed live on Xbox's Twitch and YouTube channels, ensuring accessibility to a global audience.

Looking Forward

This Developer Direct is not just about showcasing upcoming games but also signifies Microsoft's commitment to delivering a robust lineup for 2025. With Xbox looking to capitalize on the momentum from its recent successes and the competitive gaming market, this event could set the tone for the year ahead in gaming.

For more information and to watch the Developer Direct live, fans are encouraged to follow Xbox's official social media channels. Stay tuned for updates, as the gaming world eagerly awaits what Xbox has in store for 2025.

Civilization VII Officially Steam Deck Verified: A New Era for Portable Gaming

 

Roanoke, VA

January 10, 2025

In an exciting development for fans of strategy gaming on the go, Firaxis Games has announced that Sid Meier's Civilization VII has been officially verified for Steam Deck, Valve's portable gaming device. This confirmation, coming just over a month before the game's scheduled release on February 11, 2025, marks a significant milestone for both the game and the platform.

Portable Strategy at Its Finest

Civilization VII, the latest iteration in the storied franchise known for its depth and replayability, brings the complex turn-based strategy genre to the handheld realm with full Steam Deck support. This verification means that the game not only runs on the Steam Deck but has been optimized for its controls, ensuring a seamless experience whether you're navigating through ancient history or ushering your civilization into the future.

The game's design allows players to lead their empire through distinct ages, with each era offering unique civilizations, resources, and gameplay systems. With Steam Deck verification, players can now do this from virtually anywhere, be it a long commute, a lunch break, or a cozy evening in bed. 

Optimized for the Deck

Valve's Steam Deck Verified badge is not given lightly; it indicates that the game has been tested and confirmed to offer an excellent handheld experience, with controller support fully integrated. This includes intuitive control schemes for the Steam Deck's unique input methods, ensuring that even the intricate diplomacy, warfare, and city management of Civilization VII are accessible and enjoyable on a smaller screen.

The game supports Linux natively, which is the operating system of the Steam Deck, promising smoother performance and fewer compatibility issues than might be encountered with games running through emulation layers like Proton. This native support, alongside the verification, suggests that Civilization VII could be a benchmark for strategy games on handheld devices.

Community and Critical Reception

The news has been met with enthusiasm from the gaming community, particularly from those who have been vocal about their desire to see more complex games adapted for portable play. Posts on social platforms like X have shown a mix of excitement and curiosity about how well the game's strategic depth will translate to the smaller screen and controller-based inputs. 

Reviews and previews from tech and gaming sites have already praised the game's depth and the innovative changes in gameplay mechanics, with many now also highlighting its successful adaptation to the Steam Deck. This move is seen as a nod to the growing segment of gamers who prefer or need the flexibility of portable gaming without sacrificing game quality or complexity.

Looking Ahead

As Civilization VII prepares for its launch, the Steam Deck verification not only broadens its appeal but also sets a precedent for future titles in the genre. It invites other developers to consider the potential of handheld gaming for complex strategy games, potentially leading to a new era where high-quality, deep gameplay is not restricted by the size of the screen or the nature of the controls.

This verification is more than just a technical achievement; it's a statement on the evolving landscape of gaming, where the line between console, PC, and now handheld experiences continues to blur. For fans of Civilization and strategy gaming at large, this means that their next grand empire might just be built from the comfort of their favorite armchair, or anywhere their adventures take them.

Civilization VII is available for pre-purchase on Steam, with special editions offering additional content for those looking to dive deep into this new chapter of history-making. As the release date approaches, the strategy gaming community eagerly anticipates how this classic game will adapt and thrive in the portable format.

Epic Games Introduces New Terms of Service: Non-Compliance Results in Account Termination

January 09, 2025 — In a significant update to its policies, Epic Games has introduced new Terms of Service that have raised concerns among its user base, particularly in the United States. According to the revised terms, users who fail to accept the new conditions will face the immediate loss of access to their Epic Games accounts. Furthermore, any violation of these terms could lead to permanent account termination without prior notice.

The new terms, specifically highlighted in sections related to Termination, Indemnity, Ownership, and License Conditions, outline strict guidelines for user conduct and usage rights. Under Section 9, Termination, it’s explicitly stated that failure to comply with any part of the Terms of Service results in automatic termination of the agreement. Users are also given the option to terminate their agreement by deleting all copies of the software, which then nullifies their license to use any Epic Games products.

Additionally, Section 8, Indemnity, mandates that users agree to indemnify Epic Games and its affiliates against any claims or legal actions stemming from user misconduct or breaches of the agreement. This includes claims arising from negligence, misuse of software, or infringement on third-party intellectual property rights through user feedback.

In terms of Ownership/Third Party Licenses (Section 6), Epic Games retains full ownership and intellectual property rights over its software and services, with user rights granted by license only, not by sale.

The License Conditions (Section 2) further restrict how users can interact with Epic’s software, prohibiting commercial use, reverse engineering, distribution, or any form of unauthorized modification. Users are also barred from behaviors detrimental to the community’s enjoyment, such as cheating or harassment, which could lead to immediate account sanctions.

These stringent new terms have sparked a debate regarding user autonomy and the implications of such strict enforcement on gaming communities. While some users appreciate the clarity and protection these terms offer against misuse, others are concerned about the lack of leniency and the potential for sudden account loss without the chance for redress.

Epic Games has not provided a public statement on the rationale behind these changes, but the update reflects a broader trend in the tech industry towards more controlled user environments to ensure legal compliance and protect intellectual property.

As of now, users in the US and globally must decide whether to accept these new terms or lose access to their accounts, a decision that underscores the evolving relationship between digital service providers and their user base.

Note: This article is based on the current understanding of Epic Games’ updated Terms of Service as of January 09, 2025. Users are advised to review the terms directly for any personal decisions regarding their Epic Games account.

GeForce NOW Thursday: Updates and Expansions in Cloud Gaming

 

Los Angeles, CA — NVIDIA’s GeForce NOW, a leading cloud gaming service, continues to expand its offerings with the latest updates announced on its weekly "GFN Thursday" segment. With a commitment to enhancing the gaming experience across multiple devices, GeForce NOW is set to introduce new games, features, and partnerships that cater to its growing community of gamers.

New Games and Memberships

This week, GeForce NOW announced the addition of 14 new games to its catalog, coinciding with NVIDIA’s CES keynote scheduled for January 6. The inclusion of titles like "War Hospital" and "Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla" showcases the platform's dedication to diversity in gaming, offering both new releases and beloved classics. The service now boasts over 2,000 games available for streaming, making it one of the most comprehensive cloud gaming libraries in the industry.

Furthermore, NVIDIA has re-branded its Priority membership to the Performance membership, introducing enhancements that include higher resolution streaming capabilities. This move is part of GeForce NOW’s strategy to provide more GeForce-powered premium gaming in the cloud at the same great pricing as before. Members can look forward to a 100-hour monthly playtime allowance starting next year, which aims to accommodate the majority of users' gaming habits while ensuring exceptional quality and speed.

Device Compatibility and Future Prospects

In a significant expansion, GeForce NOW is set to support new devices, including the Steam Deck, Meta Quest 3, Apple Vision Pro, and Pico headsets. This development opens up cloud gaming to VR and mixed reality environments, promising immersive experiences with high-quality game streaming. The integration of GeForce NOW on these platforms is anticipated to transform how gamers interact with their favorite titles, providing access to GeForce RTX quality gaming without the need for high-end personal hardware.

Community and Rewards

GeForce NOW maintains an active community engagement strategy, with weekly updates on new games, features, and member rewards. Recently, the service celebrated its fourth anniversary by offering exclusive discounts and new games like "The Inquisitor," alongside device promotions such as the Logitech G Cloud discount for members. 

Looking ahead, NVIDIA's GeForce NOW is poised for further growth, with plans to integrate more deeply with existing gaming ecosystems like Xbox's PC Game Pass, enhancing user accessibility and simplifying the gaming experience across different platforms.

As GeForce NOW continues to evolve, its commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible gaming remains at the forefront. With each GFN Thursday, NVIDIA not only adds to its game library but also refines its service, ensuring that members enjoy the latest in cloud gaming technology. Whether you're a casual gamer or a hardcore enthusiast, GeForce NOW's updates are designed to elevate your gaming experience to new heights, making every Thursday an event to look forward to for gamers worldwide.

Player Choice at the Heart of Avowed's Combat System

 

Roanoke, VA

Vet, X-Press Insights

Editor

Published

January 9, 2025

In a recent reveal, Obsidian Entertainment has placed player choice at the forefront of the combat mechanics in their upcoming game, Avowed. The game, set to launch on February 18, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S, Windows, Steam, and Battle.net, promises a personalized combat experience where every player can truly tailor their approach according to their style and strategy. 

Avowed takes place in the Living Lands of Eora, a setting familiar to fans of the Pillars of Eternity series, and introduces players to a world where choices in dialogue, character build, and combat directly affect the narrative and gameplay outcome. The studio's motto, "Your Worlds, Your Way," encapsulates this philosophy, emphasizing how player decisions can shape the environment and characters around them.

According to the Xbox Wire article, the combat system in Avowed is designed to be dynamic and flexible. Players can wield an array of weapons, from swords to magic wands, including the unique ability to dual-wield for creative and strategic combat scenarios. The game's design allows for quick loadout changes during encounters, adapting to the diverse enemies players might face in the rich landscapes of Eora.

The article describes a hands-on experience where the port city of Paradis in Dawnshore serves as the first open zone, filled with character and interactive elements that immediately immerse players in the game's vibrant world. Here, even the smallest actions, like climbing a bell tower for a better view, can lead to unexpected discoveries, like finding gold coins in a bird's nest, showcasing the game's attention to detail and player interaction.

Moreover, the combat system isn't just about the physical act of fighting but is deeply intertwined with the narrative. Choices made in combat can have long-lasting effects on the story, encouraging players to think critically about their approach. This integration of combat and narrative choice reflects Obsidian's commitment to a player-centric gaming experience.

The anticipation for Avowed is palpable among the gaming community, with pre-orders now open and the game slated for inclusion in the Xbox Game Pass from day one. This approach to combat, where every choice matters, is expected to resonate well with gamers who enjoy RPGs that offer both freedom and consequence in gameplay. 

Celebrating Two Years of Bazzite Linux: A Milestone in Gaming and Innovation

 

On this significant day, we celebrate the 2nd anniversary of Bazzite Linux, an operating system that has reshaped the landscape of Linux gaming. Launched with the ambitious goal of bringing the best of Linux gaming to a wide array of devices, Bazzite has grown from a promising project into a robust, community-driven platform.

The Journey of Bazzite

Bazzite Linux, built upon Fedora Atomic Desktops, was conceived to deliver a cloud-native, gaming-focused experience. From its inception, Bazzite aimed to provide users with an operating system that not only supports gaming but enhances it through modern technologies and user-centric design. Over the last two years, the project has seen numerous updates, enhancements, and a growing community of users and contributors.

• Innovation in Gaming: Bazzite has introduced features like automatic updates, seamless integration with Steam’s Game Mode on handheld devices, and support for a variety of hardware from desktops to handheld consoles like the Steam Deck.
• Community and Collaboration: The project thrives on open-source principles, with contributions from developers, gamers, and hardware enthusiasts worldwide. This collaborative spirit is evident in its integration with projects like Podman, the Fedora Project, and contributions from developers like GloriousEggroll from the Nobara Project.

Key Milestones and Developments

• User Experience Enhancements: Bazzite has focused on making the transition from traditional OSes to Linux gaming as smooth as possible. With features like pre-installed NVIDIA drivers, enhanced support for HDR, and tools for performance tuning, Bazzite has become a go-to choice for gamers looking for stability and performance.
• Handheld Gaming: Perhaps one of the most notable advancements has been in the realm of handheld gaming. Bazzite’s support for devices like the Steam Deck, ASUS ROG Ally, and Lenovo Legion Go has allowed these devices to run with optimized performance, often surpassing their native OS in terms of game compatibility and user experience.
• Security and Stability: Being built on Fedora Atomic Desktops, Bazzite inherits a strong foundation in security with SELinux enabled by default, alongside support for Secure Boot and disk encryption, ensuring users’ data is secure while gaming or computing.

Community Celebrations

The Bazzite community has taken to various platforms to celebrate this milestone:

• Discourse Forums: The official thread celebrating Bazzite’s 2nd birthday is filled with user testimonials, shared experiences, and discussions on the future roadmap. Users have expressed appreciation for the project’s commitment to user feedback and continuous improvement.📷
• Official Website: Bazzite’s website reflects the evolution of the project, offering detailed guides for installation, contributing, and getting involved in community events. The site also showcases the project’s philosophy of making Linux gaming accessible and enjoyable.📷

Looking Forward

As Bazzite enters its third year, the focus remains on expanding hardware support, enhancing gaming functionalities, and ensuring that the platform remains at the forefront of Linux gaming. Future plans include better integration with more handheld devices, further optimization of gaming performance, and expanding the reach of its community-driven development model.

Conclusion

Bazzite Linux’s two-year journey is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together around a shared passion for gaming and open-source software. It stands as a beacon for those looking to experience Linux in a new, gaming-focused light, proving that with dedication and innovation, Linux can be a powerhouse for gamers across various platforms. Here’s to many more years of innovation, gaming, and community growth with Bazzite Linux.

Mesa Graphics Library Sees Significant Update with New Merge Request

 January 3, 2025

By: Vet

The open-source graphics driver project, Mesa, hosted on GitLab at Freedesktop.org, has recently seen a pivotal merge request that could shape its future development. Merge Request 32829 proposes a series of changes aimed at enhancing the functionality and efficiency of the Mesa 3D graphics library, a cornerstone for open-source graphics on Linux systems.

Mesa 3D, known for its support for various graphics APIs like OpenGL and Vulkan, is crucial for developers and users seeking to leverage the full potential of their graphics hardware. This merge request, numbered 32829, focuses on refining the library’s core components, addressing both performance issues and expanding compatibility with newer hardware standards.

Key Changes in the Merge Request:

• IO Intrinsics in Passes and Non-GLSL Shader Generators: The proposal includes using IO intrinsics in passes and non-GLSL shader generators, which is expected to streamline the process from shader compilation to execution, potentially reducing overhead and improving shader performance.
• Removal of IO Variable Code from Passes: By removing certain IO variable codes from passes, this update aims at simplifying the codebase, making it easier to maintain and less prone to bugs.
• Cleanup and Optimization: Several cleanup tasks are part of this merge request, which not only declutters the codebase but also optimizes for speed and resource usage, critical for systems ranging from lightweight laptops to high-end workstations.

The merge request has sparked significant discussion within the community, with developers weighing in on the implications of these changes. “This move towards using IO intrinsics could set a new standard for how shader resources are managed in Mesa,” commented one contributor on the platform, emphasizing the potential for these changes to influence broader graphics programming practices.

However, the proposal isn’t without its critics. Concerns have been raised about the complexity added to the codebase, which could complicate future debugging or maintenance efforts. “While the performance benefits are clear, we need to ensure that these changes don’t make Mesa less accessible to new contributors,” another developer argued, highlighting the balance between innovation and community involvement.

Due to an influx of spam, new accounts on the GitLab platform face restrictions, which has been a point of contention for those wanting to engage with or contribute to such significant updates. Potential contributors are directed to a wiki page for guidance on gaining full permissions, ensuring that the project remains an open and collaborative space.

The Mesa project, with its continuous development, reflects the broader landscape of open-source software where community input drives innovation. This merge request, if accepted, could pave the way for more efficient graphics processing on Linux, benefiting not just developers but also end-users who rely on the stability and performance of open-source graphics solutions.

About Mesa 3D Graphics Library:

Mesa is an open-source implementation of the OpenGL and Vulkan specifications, developed under the umbrella of Freedesktop.org. It supports multiple hardware vendors and is integral in providing graphics acceleration for Linux-based systems. The project thrives on a vibrant community of developers from around the globe, contributing to its ongoing evolution and support for the latest graphics standards.

For more details on contributing to Mesa or to follow the progress of this merge request, visit the Mesa GitLab repository.