Category: IGN

Xbox chief consumer sales officer Ami Silverman provided IGN with a statement on the matter, explaining that Xbox devices remain available in Saudi Arabia. You can see the statement in full below.

“Xbox devices are available in all current Xbox hardware supported countries, including Saudi Arabia,” Silverman’s said. “Console availability may vary by country but Xbox games can be played on consoles, PCs, and on phones, tablets or TVs where Xbox Cloud Gaming is available. Players can visit xbox.com/regions to learn more about how to play with Xbox.”

While the statement suggests no new plans are in place, Microsoft’s gaming endeavors have seen a number of major shakeups in the last year alone. This includes widespread layoffs, which affected 1,900 staff in January and another 650 staff just last month. In May, the company announced plans to shut down Redfall developer Arkane Austin and Hi-Fi Rush developer Tango Gameworks (the latter was eventually saved by PUBG publisher Krafton). While the foundation of Xbox moves underneath its feet, Microsoft has pushed for other major changes to its gaming strategy, including bringing some exclusive titles to other platforms like PlayStation 5.

Still, Microsoft seems uninterested in pulling Xbox consoles out of Saudi Arabia for now. For more on Microsoft’s future, you can check out a recent change to the Halo franchise that will see all future titles created in Unreal Engine as series developer 343 Industries morphs into Halo Studios. You can also learn more about the upcoming updated Xbox Series X | S models, which go on sale October 15, 2024.

Michael Cripe is a freelance contributor with IGN. He started writing in the industry in 2017 and is best known for his work at outlets such as The Pitch, The Escapist, OnlySP, and Gameranx.

Be sure to give him a follow on Twitter @MikeCripe.

Rockstar finally announced earlier this week that the PC version will arrive on October 29, a full 14 years after Red Dead Redemption first launched on PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 back in 2010. In addition to the aforementioned content, it’ll also include the following features:

• Native 4K resolution and beyond at up to 144hz on supported hardware
• Monitor support for both Ultrawide (21:9) and Super Ultrawide (32:9)
• Full keyboard and mouse support
• Upscaling technologies support for Nvidia DLSS 3.7 and AMD FSR 3.0
• Nvidia DLSS Frame Generation
• Adjustable draw distances, shadow quality settings, and more

The long-requested PC version was developed by Double Eleven, which also worked on Red Dead Redemption’s PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch ports. Before this week’s official announcement, it was long-rumored and all but confirmed after the PlayStation Store bizarrely claimed in August that the game was “now on PC,” following evidence of a port being unearthed by datamines of Rockstar’s website.

We don’t need to tell you that Rockstar’s Wild West epic is a modern classic, but if you are looking for more while you wait for it to hit PC, check out IGN’s 2010 Red Dead Redemption review. We handed it a 9.7/10, calling it “one of the deepest, most fun, and most gorgeous games around.”

Alex Stedman is a Senior News Editor with IGN, overseeing entertainment reporting. When she’s not writing or editing, you can find her reading fantasy novels or playing Dungeons & Dragons.

“The Disruptive Behavior team knows that hype and passion is part of Call of Duty’s DNA,” Activision said in a fresh progress update. “Voice and text-based moderation tools in Call of Duty don’t target our competitive spirit – it enforces against behavior identified in the Call of Duty franchise Code of Conduct, targeting harassment and derogatory language.

“Similar to Modern Warfare 3, the Call of Duty Code of Conduct will be visible during the initial in-game flow when players first launch core multiplayer modes in Black Ops 6, asking players to acknowledge the Code of Conduct pillars.”

Since rolling out an improved voice chat enforcement in June, Call of Duty has seen a combined 67% reduction in repeat offenders of voice-chat based offenses in Modern Warfare 3 and Warzone, Activision added. In July 2024, 80% of players that were issued a voice chat enforcement since launch did not re-offend. Overall exposure to disruptive voice chat continues to fall, Activision said, dropping by 43% since January. At launch, Black Ops 6 will expand its voice moderation to French and German, in addition to English, Spanish, and Portuguese.

This is well-timed, given one new feature for Black Ops 6 that’s sure to test Call of Duty’s AI voice chat moderation to its limit. Black Ops 6 has a new Body Shield feature in multiplayer that lets you grab an enemy and hold them in front of you to soak up bullets while firing off a few rounds of your own. But that’s not all: it also enables voice chat between the attacker and the victim, which players certainly had fun with during the game’s beta weekends.

Call of Duty’s text moderation tech, meanwhile, which analyzes text chat traffic in “near” real-time, has blocked over 45 million text-based messages in violation of the Call of Duty Code of Conduct since November 2023. Activision said Call of Duty has also implemented a new analysis system for username reports “to enhance efficiency and accuracy, surfacing critical reports to our moderation team for investigation and action.”

Activision has used research from the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) to improve its approach here, and worked with researchers from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business to work out ways to better identify and combat disruptive behavior. Activision said it’s “actively engaged” in research surrounding disruptive behavior and prosocial activities in gaming.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

October 2024 Prime Gaming lineup in full:

• Now Available Hive Jump 2: Survivors [GOG Code] – Hive Jump 2: Survivors is a sci-fi, action-packed, bullet heaven roguelike. After a squad of intrepid jetpack Jumpers are decimated in an intergalactic ambush, a lone survivor sets out for vengeance while fending off endless waves of killer insects.
• Now Available SCARF [Amazon Games App] – Scarf is an atmospheric and emotional journey about what it means to be a hero. An adventure game mixing puzzles and 3D platforms.
• Now Available Tomb Raider: Legend [GOG Code] – Follow Lara Croft down a path of discovery as she travels the globe to remote, exotic locales in search of one of history’s greatest artifacts that unleashes unwelcome figures from Lara’s mysterious past.
• Now Available The Eternal Cylinder [Epic Games Store] – Control a herd of strange creatures called Trebhums and explore an unforgettable alien world filled with exotic lifeforms and surreal environments. Discover dozens of mutations and evolve to reach new areas, overcome puzzles and survive a dangerous world.
• Now Available Spirit of the North [Epic Games Store] – Spirit of the North is a single-player 3rd-person adventure game inspired by the breathtaking and mysterious landscapes of Iceland. Play as an ordinary red fox whose story becomes entwined with the guardian of the Northern Lights, a female spirit fox.
• Now Available No Straight Roads [Epic Games Store] – Start a rock band and end the EDM empire in No Straight Roads, a rockin’ action-adventure that mashes together rhythm-infused third-person combat with a kick-ass soundtrack!
• Now Available BioShock Remastered [GOG Code] – BioShock is a shooter unlike any you’ve ever played, loaded with weapons and tactics never seen. You’ll have a complete arsenal at your disposal from simple revolvers to grenade launchers and chemical throwers, but you’ll also be forced to genetically modify your DNA to create an even more deadly weapon: you.
• Now Available DOOM Eternal [PC via Microsoft Store Code] – Hell’s armies have invaded Earth. Become the Slayer in an epic single-player campaign to conquer demons across dimensions and stop the final destruction of humanity. The only thing they fear… is you.

○ Please note: The DOOM Eternal offer is available only in Prime Gaming regions where the Microsoft Store is also available. Prime Gaming offers may sometimes vary by region. See primegaming.com for more details.

• Now Available DreadOut 2 [Amazon Games App] – A third-person horror adventure that draws inspiration from Indonesian urban legend. Play as Linda, a high school student with the ability to sense and see ghosts. This spine-chilling sequel expands on the cult hit original, making DreadOut 2 another terrifying addition to the horror genre.
• Now Available Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed Ecto Edition [Epic Games Store] – Hunting or haunting! The choice is yours in the upcoming asymmetrical Ghostbusters game from IllFonic, Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed. Play with up to four friends or solo on multiple platforms.
• Now Available Priest Simulator: Vampire Show [Epic Games Store] – A mockumental action game. Go forth and rock in the absolute weirdest and most messed up simulator in the history of sandbox shooters. Fully unprofessional English language version. This dub will have you in stitches.
• Now Available The Gap [Amazon Games App] – Driven by a rare neurological affliction plaguing his family, Joshua has to recover his memories by exploring parallel realities through déjà vu. Facing the innermost depths of his past – moments both joyous and painful – seems to be the only way to get his life and family back together.
• October 17 Mystery Box: Hidden Secrets [Legacy Games Code] – Solve intriguing puzzles in different boxes to discover mysterious stories about popular inventions!
• October 17 Vlad Circus: Descend Into Madness [Amazon Games App] – Vlad Circus: Descend into Madness puts your sanity to the test, challenging you to escape a labyrinth of nightmares and torment. Test your mind against a slow burn of puzzles, light survival mechanics, and methodical action.
• October 17 Through the Darkest of Times [Amazon Games App] – Berlin 1933. “Adolf Hitler is chancellor!” We all know the consequences this message bore. Unspeakable horrors and suffering would sweep across the world. Few would stand and fight the monstrosity that was the German Reich. Will you? Lead an underground resistance group Through the Darkest of Times.
• October 17 Killing Floor 2 [Epic Games Store] – In KILLING FLOOR 2, players descend into continental Europe after it has been overrun by horrific, murderous clones called Zeds that were created by rogue elements of the Horzine Corporation. 6-player Co-Op & 12-player VS Zed-slaughtering mayhem.
• October 17 Zombies Ate My Neighbors and Ghoul Patrol [Amazon Games App] – Enjoy 16-bit console gaming with the cult classic Zombies Ate My Neighbors and its sequel, Ghoul Patrol. Join Zeke & Julia on their adventures as they save people from Zombies, Chainsaw Maniacs, Mummies, Evil Dolls, Lizard Men, Blobs, Vampires, Giant Ants, Martians, Garbage Can Ghosts, Ninja Spirits, zombified historic dudes, and more.
• October 24 Pumpkin Jack [GOG Code] – Pumpkin Jack is a Spooky Scary 3D platformer in which you embody Jack, the Mythical Pumpkin Lord! Dive into an Epic Adventure through otherworldly landscapes and help the Evil annihilate the Good!
• October 24 The Gunk [GOG Code] – The Gunk stars Rani, part of our duo of gritty space haulers, struggling to make a buck as they chance upon an untouched planet brimming with life. They came in search of valuable resources, and it looks like they’ve hit the jackpot.
• October 24 STASIS: BONE TOTEM [Epic Games Store] – Get ready for a thrilling underwater adventure with classic point-and-click gameplay. Explore with three characters simultaneously. Featuring atmospheric isometric graphics, rendered video, and a soundtrack by Mark Morgan.
• October 24 Gargoyles Remastered [Amazon Games App] – Gargoyles Remastered is an artfully crafted revival of the ‘90s classic 16-bit side-scrolling platform adventure. Relive the epic journey of Goliath and the Gargoyles featuring enhanced visuals, animations, and SFX, all inspired by the acclaimed animated series.
• October 24 Monster Train [GOG Code] – Monster Train is a strategic roguelike deck building game with a twist. Set on a train to hell, you’ll use tactical decision making to defend multiple vertical battlegrounds. With real time competitive multiplayer and endless replayability, Monster Train is always on time.
• October 24 Morbid: The Seven Acolytes [Epic Games Store] – Morbid: The Seven Acolytes is a Horrorpunk Action RPG filled with Lovecraftian horrors and Cronenbergian gore, making it the most gruesome take on the isometric Souls-like genre yet!
• October 31 A Plague Tale: Innocence [GOG Code] – Follow the grim tale of young Amicia and her little brother Hugo, in a heartrending journey through the darkest hours of history. Hunted by Inquisition soldiers and surrounded by unstoppable swarms of rats, Amicia and Hugo will come to know and trust each other. As they struggle to survive against overwhelming odds, they will fight to find purpose in this brutal, unforgiving world.
• October 31 Death’s Door [Epic Games Store] – Reaping souls of the dead and punching a clock might get monotonous but it’s honest work for a Crow. The job gets lively when your assigned soul is stolen and you must track down a desperate thief to a realm untouched by death.
• October 31 Haunted Hotel: Personal Nightmare Collector’s Edition [Amazon Games App] – After 20 years, you receive a letter about your missing mom and sister. Answers are waiting at the Freedom Hotel, but nothing there is quite as it seems. Can you overcome your deepest fears and save your family in time?
• October 31 Scorn [GOG Code] – Scorn is an atmospheric first-person horror adventure game set in a nightmarish universe of odd forms and somber tapestry.
• October 31 Coromon [GOG Code] – The sun begins to dawn on Velua, a new day for the world and a new day for you, a freshly minted Battle Researcher of the global research society known as Lux Solis. It’s your first day and everything goes smoothly until a mysterious force attacks your latest workplace. Build up a squad of Coromon, track down the invaders, and grapple with a rising threat that endangers everyone on Velua!

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.

The pyramid head does remain, however, but comes across more like a bold fashion choice for Thomas as opposed to the focal point of a horrific monster. “As the mod prophecy once foretold, thou shalt always put Thomas into moddable games,” ZombieAli said.

The trend seemingly began with The Elder Scrolls 5: Skyrim, when a modder replaced the mighty dragon Alduin with the mighty tank engine Thomas. It’s been a thing ever since, with modders sticking Thomas into myriad games.

But the beloved children’s cartoon character, originating from a TV show about talking trains who go on adventures and teach wholesome life lessons, has perhaps been most prominent in horror games. Thomas the Tank Engine has replaced the stalking xenomorph in Alien: Isolation, smashed through walls when replacing Mr X in Resident Evil 2, and even taken on the guise of Lady Dimitrescu in Resident Evil Villlage.

The Thomas the Tank engine mod is only one of many to hit the Silent Hill 2 Remake, with other mods removing things like hair sheen and the fog, and one even turning the game into Sunny Hills.

Ryan Dinsdale is an IGN freelance reporter. He’ll talk about The Witcher all day.

Now, we have the Konami and FIFA collaboration, which will see eFootball used for this year’s FIFAe World Cup on both console and mobile (EA Sports’ FIFA games were used in previous years). It should be noted that this is not an agreement for Konami to take on the FIFA video game series, or rebrand eFootball to FIFA, but it’s a notable shift in the ever-evolving dynamic between video game makers and those who hold the keys to real world football.

Clearly, EA will be watching developments with great interest. In July, EA Sports welcomed the potential for genuine competition in the football video game space amid rumors of a new FIFA game entering the market.

In May, FIFA president Gianni Infantino confirmed a new FIFA game was in the works, saying: “We will develop a new e-game, because (the) football simulation game is called FIFA. For hundreds of millions of children around the world, when they play (a) football simulation game, they play FIFA. It cannot be named something else.

“We are developing with new partners a new game which obviously, as everything we do, will be the best. So get ready for the new FIFA e-game.”

If 2K does take on FIFA, perhaps it will relaunch as FIFA 2K, similar to 2K’s already successful annualized sports games such as NBA 2K. If it goes with Konami, maybe eFIFA? Pro Evolution FIFA? Or, perhaps more likely, the simple return of FIFA with the year popped on the end.

Wesley is the UK News Editor for IGN. Find him on Twitter at @wyp100. You can reach Wesley at wesley_yinpoole@ign.com or confidentially at wyp100@proton.me.