This Anker PowerCore 737 25,6000mAh Power Bank Deal Includes a PD Wall Charger

Amazon is offering Amazon Prime members an older generation Anker PowerCore 737 25,600mAh USB Power Bank, which also includes a 65W USB PD wall charger for only $79.99 shipped. That’s a nearly 40% price drop from its original $130 MSRP. This is close to the highest capacity power bank you’re allowed to bring on airplane carry-on, and it also boasts 60W of USB power delivery to charge your Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, or ASUS ROG Ally gaming handheld.

Anker PowerCore 737 25,600mAh Power Bank for $79.99

Includes a 65W USB PD wall charger

The Anker PowerCore 737 can be used like any other power bank; it does a fine job of charging any of your standard mobile electronics. It has two USB Type-A ports and one USB Type-C port. This is one of the largest capacity power banks that can be brought onto an airplane as carry-on. It can charge a Nintendo Switch OLED over 5 times, iPhone 15 Pro Max over 5 times, Steam Deck over 4 times, and an ASUS ROG Ally over 9 times. The power bank is physically larger than smaller capacity ones and weighs in at 1.3 pounds.

The USB Type-C port supports up to 60W Power Delivery. That’s enough to charge the Steam Deck (35W) and Nintendo Switch (18W) at their maximum charging speed. It’s also very close to the maximum charging speed of the ASUS ROG Ally, which caps at 65W. The two USB Type-A ports support up to 18W of total charging, which is enough to fast charge a Nintendo Switch.

What’s unique about this deal compared to some other similar deals we’ve posted is that this one also comes with a USB Type-C wall charger that supports 65W of Power Delivery. There’s no need to buy another wall charger or scavenge one from another power bank you might have sitting around.

The Anker 737 is our pick for best Steam Deck / ASUS ROG Ally charger

We picked the newer Anker 737 as our favorite portable charger for the Steam Deck and ASUS ROG Ally portable gaming handhelds. Both the ROG Ally and Steam Deck suffer from a short battery life when gaming on the go. For instance, when playing most games at 60 FPS, you’re likely looking at four hours of battery life, at most. We even found games like God of War or Spider-Man would tap out in under 2 hours on the Steam Deck. At the end of the day, you’ll never get the full potential out of your Steam Deck or ROG Ally if you’re not equipped with a decent portable charger.

PlayStation Stars Campaigns and Digital Collectibles for May 2024

Welcome to May, PlayStation Stars members. With a new month upon us, we’re ready to introduce new Campaigns and Digital Collectibles. Get ready to immerse yourself in thrilling challenges, unlock rewards, and enhance your digital collectible display case. Let’s dive right in to discover what awaits you this month.

Campaign: Road to Evo 2024 | Digital Collectible: Road to Evo 2024 Trophy
Available May 1

The Road to Evo is paved with perseverance. Start your path to victory by participating in any one of the tournaments listed below to earn a special Digital Collectible.

  • Guilty Gear -Strive- Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
  • The King of Fighters XV Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
  • Mortal Kombat 1 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament
  • Tekken 8 Road to EVO 2024 Tournament

Campaign: PlayStation Plus Game Catalog: Must-play this Month | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 1

Play any one of the below games from the PlayStation Plus Game Catalog to earn 50 Points.

  • Assetto Corsa Competizione
  • Dead By Daylight
  • Back 4 Blood
  • Riders Republic
  • Outriders
  • Wreckfest

Campaign: Role Player’s Guild | Digital Collectible: The Outlaw
Available May 2

Our journey to celebrate the RPG genre and its influence continues with The Outlaw. These characters defy law and order to fight for what they believe in. Play any one of these titles to get your Digital Collectible tarot card.

  • Cyberpunk 2077
  • Grand Theft Auto V
  • LIke a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
  • Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name
  • Red Dead Redemption 2
  • Payday 3

Campaign: Your PlayStation Plus Monthly Games Await | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 7   

Check out the new batch of PlayStation Plus Monthly Games. Play any one of these excellent additions to your library to get some Points.  

Campaign: PlayStation VR2 Showtime | Game Drop | Reward: 50 Points
Available May 9 

Try any one of these PS VR2 games below and earn 50 Points.

  • Tiger Blade
  • Hubris
  • C-Smash VRS
  • Stilt

Campaign: PlayStation & You: PS4 | Digital Collectible: PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black
Available May 15 

PlayStation 4 Pro Console brought enhanced visuals to new and existing games via support for 4K resolution and HDR technology. Available only for registered owners of the PlayStation 4 Pro Console – Black – play any PS4 or PS5 game and unlock your limited edition Digital Collectible.

Campaign: Wind Down with PlayStation | Digital Collectible: Fuzzy Sheep Ottoman
Available May 15 

It’s cozy game time. Come relax with us by starting any one of the games below to unlock your Digital Collectible.

  • Open Roads
  • Melatonin
  • Ikonei Island: An Earthlock Adventure
  • Mystic Pillars – Remastered

Head to PlayStation App to see all PlayStation Stars Campaigns throughout the month. Learn more about PlayStation Stars here.

Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth Sales Are Fine, but It’s No Dragon’s Dogma 2

It’s natural that everyone’s been a little antsy about Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth lately. For weeks, analysts and fans have been discussing the game’s potential underperformance compared to its predecessor, Remake, amid worries this might impact the future of the 7 Remake trilogy. Today, we got a little more data on what’s really going on here – though the jury is still out on how publisher Square Enix is looking at the numbers.

Today, Circana published its monthly video game consumer spending report for March, which offers insight on the U.S. market calculated by dollar sales. One of the more notable games in the rankings this month was Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth, which reports have suggested isn’t selling as well as Square Enix would like despite critical acclaim. Without actual sales figures, it’s difficult to tell, and our analysis a few weeks ago indicated that it’s doing….eh, fine, just not gangbusters.

Today’s Circana report paints a similarly perplexing picture. Rebirth is still the fourth best-selling game this year so far, but it’s also the 14th best-selling Final Fantasy game ever – well behind Final Fantasy 15 in first place, Final Fantasy 7: Remake in second, and the original Final Fantasy 7 in third place. Granted, it’s only had two months on the market on a single platform while the others have had multiple years on multiple platforms, so we can give it some grace there.

We asked Circana analyst Mat Piscatella for a bit more context on what’s going on with Rebirth’s U.S. sales. He told us that Rebirth sales in the U.S. are down a double-digit percentage when compared to both Remake and Final Fantasy 16 over the same time in market – so that’s not great. But he also noted, again, that Remake launched “at basically the best time to launch a video game in history, and on a different installed base, with all that built up anticipation.” And he called the game’s performance “not amazing, but also nowhere near terrible.” Which is roughly what other experts have described to us before, and what U.K. sales numbers seem to suggest as well.

Still, it’s impossible to say whether “not terrible” will be enough for Square Enix. The publisher has announced it’s preparing to take a $140 million hit in “content abandonment losses” due to canceled games in the last fiscal year, and it remains unclear how much of this will impact Final Fantasy 7’s remake trilogy, if it will at all. And it’s admittedly a little jarring to see Rebirth in light of Circana’s reported sales for fellow action RPG Dragon’s Dogma 2, which pulled 11x the amount of dollar sales the original Dragon’s Dogma did, and has already surpassed the combined life-to-date sales of both Dragon’s Dogma and Dragon’s Dogma: Dark Arisen combined. It’s only been out for a month, and it’s the second-best-selling game of the year in the US. That’s a pretty stark difference…but again, Dragon’s Dogma 2 released across three platforms: PC, Xbox, and PS5. Final Fantasy 7: Rebirth is PS5 exclusive.

As for the rest of the month in video games, Helldivers 2 is still the best-selling game of the year so far and is the 7th best-selling Sony-published game of all time, after just two months. Dragon’s Dogma 2 was the best-selling game of March, followe dby Helldivers 2, MLB The Show 24, Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2, and Rise of the Ronin in order. Princess Peach: Showtime! debuted at No.6 (digital sales excluded as usual), Unicorn Overlord debuted at No.8, and WWE 2K24 debuted at No.9 (digital sales excluded). Also notably, Horizon 2: Forbidden West saw a massive jump in March from the No.107 best-selling game in February to No.14, likely thanks to its launch on PC. Stardew Valley on PC and Sifu on PS5 also saw significant player spikes in March.

In total, video game sales were up 4% year-over-year largely thanks to mobile content, while hardware sales dropped 32% year-over-year with all console platform spending down 30% or more. The PS5 remained the best-selling console in both unit and dollar sales.

Rebekah Valentine is a senior reporter for IGN. Got a story tip? Send it to rvalentine@ign.com.

Nintendo Switch 2 Handheld Mode Said to be Clocked ‘Crazy Low’ for Better Battery Life – Rumor

Nintendo’s next console, dubbed the Switch 2 by fans, will feature some changes to potentially improve its battery life if new rumors are to be believed.

The latest details regarding how the Mario company might tackle its next console generation comes from a conversation between YouTube channel Moore’s Law Is Dead and content creator The Phawx on the Broken Silicon podcast. When explaining that they anticipate Xbox Series S-level ray-tracing functionality on the new tech, Moore’s Law Is Dead teased that they’ve heard that the Switch 2 will be “clocked faster than we expect” in docked mode but “undocked it’s going to be clocked crazy low.”

They add that the goal with this strategy is to give players longer battery life when playing on the go, one complaint more than a few Nintendo fans had with the original Switch. The Phawx expands on this potential strategy further, guessing that Nintendo is interested in both extended battery life as well as a low RPM fan.

Though Nintendo has its fair share of adult followers, the Switch has proven to be extremely popular among younger audiences, and we’ll likely see the same trend with the Switch 2. It’s because of this that Nintendo might be creating a device that doesn’t overheat too easily when kids leave the console lying around.

What this means for gaming fans is that, like the original Switch, games will look and run better when running in docked mode. Undocked, things might not be quite as impressive, but you’ll at least be able to enjoy Nintendo’s experiences for a longer amount of time.

For reference, in 2018, we noted that the original Switch offered about 2.5 to 6 hours of battery life undocked. That life was extended to up to 9 hours with the release of new models in 2019, with the OLED model lasting around the same amount of time before needing a recharge.

Details on the power of the Switch 2 aren’t the first rumors to spread about Nintendo’s new console. Other allegedly leaked details have suggested that the device will feature magnetic versions of the Joy-Cons and maybe even allow players to use their old controllers, too. If these recent rumors are to be believed, you’ll also be able to enjoy your physical and digital games on the Switch 2.

Keep in mind that it’s best to keep expectations at a minimum until Nintendo is ready to reveal official information on its next console. For more on what may eventually become the Switch 2, you can read everything else we know about the company’s next console.

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.

Starfield’s biggest update yet fixes its rubbish maps, adds custom difficulty and expands ship decoration

Starfield’s biggest update since the Bethesda space game came out last year (remember that?) is arriving in a couple of weeks – with its Steam beta already live now, if you’re interested in poking around. The chunky patch finally tidies up the game’s oft-complained about surface maps to make them easier to navigate, as well as introducing new difficulty options, a decoration mode for the inside of ships and a bunch of other tweaks and fixes.

Read more

Hasbro Ambitious Post-Baldur’s Gate 3 Plans Include More Than $1 Billion in Internal Game Development

Hasbro has already invested over $1 billion in its internal studios as part of an ambitious long-term strategy, according to Wizards of the Coast head of game studios and publishing Dan Ayoub.

“Video games are an integral part of Hasbro’s strategy going into the next 100 years and we have to make sure that everything that comes out is top quality, is authentic, and is something we can build upon,” explained Ayoub in an interview with gamesindustry.biz at the Game Developer’s Conference in March. “Because we’re talking about a couple studios and a couple games right now, but we have much larger ambitions for that.”

Hasbro’s IP licensing strategy has been extremely profitable for the toy-maker in recent years, with Larian Studio’s runaway hit Baldur’s Gate 3 netting the company an impressive $90 million on its own following its 2023 release. Despite this success, the multi-national conglomerate has invested huge amounts of money to establish a clutch of internal game development studios with which to handle its many IPs, and create entirely new ones.

“The biggest thing to takeaway, which is honestly a little surprise to a lot of people, is that Hasbro is in fact making video games,” explained Ayoub. “And we have a considerable investment in our studio structure, we’ve got over $1 billion in games right now being developed.”

According to the industry veteran, Hasbro’s $1 billion investment in its four existing AAA studios is part of a “very, very deliberate plan”, which would incorporate facets of the company beyond game development.

It’s not just Dungeons & Dragons

Hasbro’s current AAA stable includes the North Carolina-based studio Atomic Arcade, which is developing a G.I. Joe Snake Eyes game, and Invoke Studios, which is working on another title anchored in the Dungeons & Dragons universe. Skeleton Key, and Texas-based studio Archetype Entertainment round out the quartet, the latter of which is developing a brand new IP starring Matthew McConaughey called Exodus, which draws inspiration from both Mass Effect, and Knights of the Old Republic.

One of the great things we took from the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that people really, really like a great, well-executed D&D game

“What we’re trying to do there is have the tail wag the dog a little bit and have things going the other direction for the company, which would be something new, where we can create a new IP through video games and then take advantage of the size and scale of Hasbro to do other things with it as well,” said Ayoub.

He also made a point of highlighting Hasbro’s emphasis on quality and authenticity when it comes to its game development approach, while lauding the example set by Larian Studios’ hit RPG Baldur’s Gate 3.

“One of the great things we took from the success of Baldur’s Gate 3 is that people really, really like a great, well-executed D&D game, so we’ve got something like that,” said Ayoub. “And with Snake Eyes, while it’s not a new IP, it’s hopefully going to be a shot in the arm to the G.I. Joe franchise and we can do some new things and express it in different ways in video games than we have traditionally.”

Back in March Larian founder Swen Vincke made the shock announcement that the developer had no plans to release expansions or DLC for Baldur’s Gate 3, and that it was instead moving on from the D & D setting to explore something new. With Larian out of the picture, Hasbro is patiently searching for new partners with whom to shape the future of the franchise.

In the recent G.I.Biz interview, Ayoub highlighted Hasbro’s deep well of IPs, which “goes much, much larger than anything we’re talking about right now”, and ensured that games developed by internal studios wouldn’t be rushed, and that “everything is going to stay in the oven as long as it needs to”.

In December last year Hasbro announced a mass layoff that affected over 1,000 staff, accounting for around 20 percent of its total workforce, while citing the need to “modernize” the company, and make it “leaner” in order to position it for future growth. The redundancies came as Hasbro sought to save $300 million annually up to the year 2025, as it pivots to focus on “fewer, bigger brands”.

Anthony is a freelance contributor covering science and video gaming news for IGN. He has over eight years experience of covering breaking developments in multiple scientific fields and absolutely no time for your shenanigans. Follow him on Twitter @BeardConGamer

Funko Pop’s co-op shooter lets you blast the heads off dead-eyed dolls from Hot Fuzz, Battlestar Galactica and more this September

Your feelings on Funko Pop probably fall into one of two categories: you either hate the black-eyed, copy-paste figures modelled on pop-culture characters with a burning passion, or you own enough of them to construct a small fortress and defend your newfounded Funko nation from the government. Either way, it looks like the first video game starring the ubiquitous toy collectables might somehow scratch your itch.

Read more

Xbox Empowers Asian and Pacific Islander Communities with GameTan and NEEL

Xbox Empowers Asian and Pacific Islander Communities with GameTan and NEEL

Xbox sphere styled in recognition of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month featuring water, fire, and two characters from the Ramayana, Sukhrip and Madchanu on a stage with embroidered curtains.

Summary

  • Learn how Xbox is partnering with GameTan and NEEL.
  • Explore games curated by the Asian and Pacific Islander communities.
  • Discover how the Ramayana inspired the Xbox logo redesign.

The Asian and Pacific Islander communities have long been a vibrant and integral part of the global gaming ecosystem. Building upon the foundations laid in the early days of video game development, Xbox is proud to innovate in gaming spaces and champion beloved game titles thanks to the incredible work of developers and artists who identify as part of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. The rich storytelling traditions, innovative technology, and unique artistic perspectives from these regions continue to enrich the gaming world, offering players a wide array of experiences that challenge, entertain, and inspire.

Developers often draw upon their lived experiences to help inform elements of their games. This is also true for many developers within the Asian and Pacific community, who will sometimes feature traditional folklore, art, and philosophy in games. This not only introduces gamers to new narratives and aesthetics but also promotes a greater understanding and appreciation of these cultures. Moreover, the rise of competitive gaming, or esports, has seen players from these communities rise to the top, showcasing their skills on the world stage and inspiring a new generation of gamers. We are also partnering with two nonprofits who live these values. They share our goal of sharing the joy of play and community across the globe and providing opportunities to students and those interested in the industry to learn and gain experience in the world of esports, technology, and game design.

The contributions of the Asian and Pacific Islander communities are not just limited to content creation. The community is also full of avid gamers, forming a significant portion of the player base and actively participating in online communities. Their feedback and engagement are crucial in shaping the development of games, ensuring they remain relevant and enjoyable for a global audience. Xbox is committed to supporting and celebrating the diversity within our community, recognizing that it is the blend of different cultures and ideas that drives innovation and makes the gaming world so dynamic and exciting.  After all, games allow players to feel seen, and can also be a tool for empathy and provide insights into underrepresented communities’ experiences. Here’s how we are supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities this year:

GIVE

Xbox is Partnering with GameTan and Nevada Esports Education League

This year, Xbox is excited to announce our collaboration with two exceptional nonprofit organizations dedicated to enriching their communities through the power of gaming and esports education. These partnerships are a testament to our commitment to increasing representation and building empathy through the power of play. By working closely with these nonprofits, we aim to create inclusive spaces where the thrill of competition and the spirit of teamwork can thrive through the lens of Asian and Pacific Islander communities.

These nonprofits embody our core mission: to spread the joy of gaming far and wide, and to build strong, supportive networks of gamers within the Asian and Pacific Islander communities. This work is pivotal in unlocking new possibilities, as they expand gaming from mere entertainment into a pathway for educational and professional opportunities. Through these partnerships, we are opening doors to new experiences, empowering individuals with the skills and confidence to explore the dynamic world of esports and gaming, and fostering a community that celebrates underrepresented communities and inclusion. Read more about each organization below:

GameTan (Within HauTutū)Based in New Zealand, and working within the nonprofit HauTutu, GameTan provides kids the opportunity to learn and step into the world of gaming, esports, and technology. Through various events, and projects, they allow students to step into leadership roles and gain experience at a young age. They also host game clubs where they provide a space for the community to come together through food and video games. These game clubs also allow GameTan to help homeless children get a meal, build community, and also learn about opportunities within the gaming, esports, and tech industries. This year, Xbox will be providing a donation to support GameTan in furthering their mission and programs.

GameTan’s mission has 4 main pillars: 

  • “In order for our kids to change the future, we as teachers must change our approach.” 

Me aro ngā kaiako i ngā wawata o ngā tauira, kia mārama ngā tauira i te anamata 

  • Game-Led Learning: Where Fun Meets Future Skills 

Ako Ātea : Te tūtakitanga a tākaro me pūkenga ki te anamata 

  • Whānau-Centered Innovation: Tech for All 

Te auahatanga o te whānau: Mō te ao katoa te hangarau. 

  • Creating Career Pathways: From Local Talent to Global Leaders 

Whaohia te ara ki tua o paerangi: Ngā rangatira o te kainga, Ngā rangatira o te ao 

GameTan, where culture meets technology, and innovation knows no bounds. Together, we’re not just playing games; we’re changing the game. 

Nevada Esports Education League (NEEL)The Nevada Esports Education League (NEEL), Nevada’s sole nonprofit dedicated to Esports, pioneers programs for youth focusing on career development, STEM outreach, and community engagement. From organizing charity Twitch streams to volunteering at Esports conventions, and hosting community tournaments and boot camps, NEEL actively engages youth and cultivates inclusive communities, particularly among Asian American Pacific Islander and Native Hawaiian Pacific Islander (AAPINHPI) groups. This year Xbox will be providing a donation that NEEL will leverage to prioritize mental health awareness initiatives tailored for AAPINHPI gamers, champion diversity and inclusion in esports, and celebrate cultural heritage through gaming events. Collaborating with Xbox, NEEL is committed to empowering AAPINHPI youth and fostering positive change within the esports industry, highlighting gaming’s potential as a platform for social impact and community involvement.

Gaming and Impact with Microsoft Rewards

Rewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting Asian and Pacific Islander communities with Xbox. The organizations below will be available on the Rewards hub: 

  • Asian Americans Advancing Justice | AAJC AAJC works through strategic policy advocacy, active community education, and impactful litigation to advance the civil and human rights of Asian Americans and to build and promote a fair and equitable society for all.
  • AAPI Equity Alliance – AAPI Equity Alliance (AAPI Equity) is dedicated to improving the lives of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders through civic engagement, capacity building, and policy advocacy.
  • Stop AAPI Hate – Stop AAPI Hate advances equity & justice by dismantling systemic racism & building a multiracial movement to end anti-Asian American & Pacific Islander hate through community empowerment, solidarity & advocacy for comprehensive solutions.

Xbox players can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply). Start earning today and redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on the Microsoft Rewards redeem page

PLAY

Explore Games Curated by Asian and Pacific Islander Communities at Microsoft

A compilation image featuring game box art for Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Mineko’s Night Market, Sword and Fairy: Together Forever, Thirsty Suitors, and Venba on a background including the Xbox sphere styled in recognition of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month featuring water, fire, and two characters from the Ramayana, Sukhrip and Madchanu on a stage with embroidered curtains.

Pacific Islander Heritage month featuring water, fire, and two characters from the Ramayana, Sukhrip and Madchanu on a stage with embroidered curtains.

Gaming would not be what it is today without the contributions, perspectives, and influence from Asian and Pacific Islander communities. Here at Xbox, we want to honor this richly diverse set of communities by providing engaging gaming experiences that represent a myriad of histories and heritage. ​

During May and beyond, check out a variety of game collections that reflect the vast diversity of East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands. These collections showcase creators, lead characters, and games inspired by these cultures. Available on the Microsoft Stores on Xbox and Windows, check out the collections of East, South, and Southeast Asian Community Games and Pacific Islander and Indigenous Community Games. These collections will exist year-round as part of our ongoing work to create more inclusive gaming ecosystems and elevate content that resonates with communities.​

Featured titles within the collections available with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass include:​

Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Japanese creators Yoshitaka Murayama and Junko Kawano designed this game to bring players a modern take on a classic JRPG experience. Lead up to 100+ playable characters through a war-torn world with diverse cultures and values that only you can save. ​

Mineko’s Night Market (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Play this cozy game as Mineko, a curious girl who has just arrived at her new home on a struggling Japanese-inspired island at the base of Mount Fugu. Mineko’s Night Market celebrates Japanese culture while introducing a heartwarming story about friendship, tradition, and many, many cats. The husband-and-wife team of Meowza Games, Brent and Brandi Kobayashi, incorporated inspiration from Studio Ghibli and the real-life cat island in Aoshima, Japan.​

Sword and Fairy: Together Forever (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Enter a realm based on ancient Chinese mythology and aesthetics in a real-time role-playing adventure from Taiwanese director, Yao Zhuangxian. Command a memorable party of characters, tame spirit creatures, play mini-games, and explore a vast world full of side quests to discover.​

Thirsty Suitors (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – A celebration of South Asian identity, Thirsty Suitors is a game about culture, intergenerational trauma, and expressing oneself. Follow Jala Jayaratne, a bisexual daughter of immigrants from India and Sri Lanka, in this story-driven adventure that unfolds through skateboarding, cooking, and turn-based battles against exes. Created by Outerloop Games, a minorityled indie game studio that aims to create accessible games with depth about underrepresented cultures and themes. ​

Venba (Available with Xbox Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) – Cook delicious South Indian cuisine and experience the journey of an immigrant Tamil family, from lead developer Abhi Swaminathan. Take on the role of a loving mother and restore lost recipes in this narrative cooking simulator about family, love, loss, and exploring new challenges that arise in day-to-day life.

DISCOVER

Discover the Inspiration Behind the Xbox Logo Design

Xbox sphere styled in recognition of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage month featuring water, fire, and two characters from the Ramayana, Sukhrip and Madchanu.

For Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, Xbox commissioned an artist from Thailand to redesign the Xbox logo. The artist was inspired by the Ramayana, an epic tale originally from India and has also influenced other Asian peoples, including those in Thailand, Cambodia, Indonesia, and Laos. In Thailand, the story of the Ramayana is told through Kohn, a traditional Thai dance.  Just as players create avatars to assume an identity in a game, Kohn performers wear masks to portray different characters.

The Xbox design features Sukhrip (Sugriva), the son of the sun, and Madchanu, the son of a mermaid.  The stage scene focuses on Songkran, the Thai New Year, which is celebrated in April. Traditionally, this celebration includes splashing with water to cool down from the hot sun. In this scene, Madchanu playfully splashes Sukhrip with water, while the Xbox logo represents the vibrant sun, capturing the festive spirit of Songkran.

The stage curtains include embroidered wild orchid flowers in the traditional style of Northern Thailand.  The pattern also includes fog and rivers, embodying the beautiful, mountainous landscape of the region.

Xbox Ambassadors Celebrate Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month 2024

White Xbox controller icon with white laurels surrounding it layered over a blurred rainbow background.

As part of Xbox’s celebration of Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, we connected with Xbox Ambassadors of Asian and Pacific Islander heritage about their favorite gaming experiences. They shared ways video games can highlight their heritage in positive and authentic ways. Hear more from Xbox Ambassadors in this Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month blog.

APIHM Dynamic Background and Wallpaper Available Now

The Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month Xbox design is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console – follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:

  • Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.
  • Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.

You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.

The post Xbox Empowers Asian and Pacific Islander Communities with GameTan and NEEL appeared first on Xbox Wire.

PlayStation Plus Monthly Games for May: EA Sports FC 24, Ghostrunner 2, Tunic, Destiny 2: Lightfall 

May 7 kicks off a new, oversized PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup! From that day* PlayStation Plus members will have four new titles available to add to their game libraries. Match up against the world’s best on the pitch of EA Sports FC 24, master the art of platforming precision with Ghostrunner 2, embark on an unforgettable puzzle adventure in Tunic, and continue your fight against the Darkness in Destiny 2: Lightfall. All these will be available from May 7**. 

Let’s take a closer look at each game.

EA Sports FC 24 Standard Edition | PS4, PS5

EA Sports FC 24 marks the beginning of the future of football. Built on innovation and authenticity, feel closer to the game in the most true-to-football experience yet with the best players from the biggest clubs, leagues, and competitions around the globe. Experience unparalleled realism in every match thanks to three cutting-edge technologies: HyperMotionV, PlayStyles optimized by Opta, and the enhanced Frostbite Engine. With more than 19,000 fully licensed players, 700 teams, and 30 leagues including the men’s and women’s UEFA Champions League, EA Sports FC 24 brings unrivalled authenticity to the pitch.

Ghostrunner 2 | PS5

Survive a post-apocalyptic cyberpunk future in this intense and immersive first-person experience, which builds on the fast-paced action of the original. As before, it’s a one-hit kill scenario: fight through enemies without taking damage yourself. But in this sequel, there are numerous combat improvements, non-linear levels with complex motorbike sections and exciting new modes. Your new skills allow you to be more creative and take on even the most demanding encounters with greater accessibility… however, your foes behave uniquely depending on the skills used on them, providing a fresh challenge with each encounter.

Tunic | PS4, PS5

Explore a hostile and intricately-connected world of shady forests, sprawling ruins, and labyrinthine catacombs in this stylish isometric adventure. Discover hidden treasures and secret techniques to help you on your way. Clash with colossal beasts and smaller enemies deep beneath the earth, high above the clouds and in places stranger still. All will test your knowledge of technical combat as you courageously dodge, block, parry and strike to conquer them. Collect the missing manual pages, bursting with hints and original full-color illustrations.

Destiny 2: Lightfall*** | PS4, PS5

This Destiny 2 expansion takes Guardians to Neptune to discover a neon metropolis unlike anything you’ve exploded in Destiny 2 before. Meet the Cloud Striders, join the fight against the Shadow Legion, and prevent devastation in the technologically advanced secret city of Neomuna. Arm yourself with new rewards and unlock new Dark powers with the new Strand subclass: flow through the city with newfound speed as you grapple from building to building. Every class can tap into this new element, but it’s up to you to create the perfect build.

The EA Sports FC 24 Ultimate Team Starter Pack

PlayStation Plus members can also kickstart their Football Ultimate Team experience or build up their existing squad with the PlayStation Plus Football Ultimate Team Starter Pack. This pack includes 11 untradeable players rated 82 or above, alongside one of football’s all-time greats as an ICON Loan Player Pick for seven games.

You’ll be able to find and download this bundle in addition to the PlayStation Plus Monthly Games line up on PlayStation Store. Download EA Sports FC 24 from PlayStation Store to access. Once downloaded, the bundle’s contents will be available in-game immediately.

Last chance to download April’s games

PlayStation members have until May 6 to add Immortals of Aveum, Minecraft Legends and Skul: The Hero Slayer to their game libraries.

*PlayStation Plus Game Catalog lineup may differ in certain regions. Please check the PlayStation Store on launch day for your region’s lineup.

**All four games will be available to PlayStation Plus members on May 7. Ghostrunner 2, Tunic and Destiny 2: Lightfall are available until June 3, and EA Sports FC 24 until June 17.

***Destiny 2 is required to play Destiny 2: Lightfall. Destiny 2 is available for download at no extra cost on PlayStation Store.