Me, I’m a simple sort. All I want from my flight simulators is an unerringly accurate recreation of dozens of aircraft, a perfect physics model that includes the spectacle of relevant weather events, and a complete, photorealistic and 1:1 scale depiction of the entire planet earth.
You, you might be one of those fancy types, you might want to be able to get a job in your flight simulator, like crop duster or fire waterer. That’s what Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is adding to the package when it launches in November. We now know its system requirements.
If I took my kid to a dinosaur museum and the gift shop and hallways were full of Sonic merchandise, I think I’d be kind of confused. I think that makes the inclusion of such items as pre-order bonuses for Two Point Museum – alongside Knuckles staff costumes and Sonic-themed interactive exhibits – a pretty strong extra incentive not to pre-order.
But hey, at least the next management game in the growing 2.universe now has a release date: March 4th, 2025.
Microsoft has announced that it will soon phase out its Xbox Ambassadors program after 13 years of operations.
The company announced the news on its website today, saying that it will wind down the branch of its community efforts starting today. The Xbox Ambassador website will then shut down October 15, giving all current members of the service until then to claim any leftover codes and rewards.
Microsoft says Xbox Ambassadors “represent what a healthy gaming community is all about: Inclusivity, safety, and fun.” Participants accepted into the program to represent the Xbox umbrella by supporting the gamers under it, with the company’s goal being to use these knowledgeable players to maintain positivity among all its fans. Xbox Ambassadors are not employees but were required to meet a number of requirements in order join, including having at least 1,500 Gamerscore and being at least 17 years old. Standout members were rewarded with physical and digital goodies as well as editorial spotlights and sweepstakes opportunities.
Microsoft says it has “learned so much from this passionate group” but is choosing to shutter the program because of how the Xbox brand has evolved through the last decade. Seasonal Ambassador Quests will be phased out today, with the company promising to offer additional updates on how it plans to “expand” its Rewards with Xbox and Xbox Research offerings “soon.” The statement adds that players will soon have a “new, more global way to share feedback directly with” the company, teasing that select fans will have fresh ways to explore early access for new games and features.
“…we believe that now is the right moment to bring the learnings and values of the Ambassador community into all of our player engagement programs.”
“Players are finding more value in engaging with us in other ways that allow them to live our community values of making Xbox a place where everyone can have fun—including programs like Fanfest, Xbox Insider Program, and Rewards with Xbox,” today’s statement says. “Thanks to the work of this group, the chance for players to experience the joy of gaming is more global and inclusive than ever—and we believe that now is the right moment to bring the learnings and values of the Ambassador community into all of our player engagement programs.”
To help ease Xbox Ambassadors into a new era of Xbox, expect to see weekly sweepstakes for those looking to spend their tickets before the closure arrives mid-October. Ambassador badges will also be updated with “a special legacy design,” and those who remain active for this final season will receive “a special thank you” that will be detailed in the rewards page.
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.
You may have noticed that Grand Theft Auto V is no longer verified on Steam Deck. That’s seemingly because of the BattlEye new anti-cheat software for GTA Online, which rolled out earlier this week.
As Rockstar explains in its official FAQ, BattlEye is a kernel level anti-cheat intended to address some of the cheating problems in GTA Online. A side effect of this new software is that it apparently breaks GTA’s compatibility with Steam Deck, which Rockstar blames on Valve.
“Steam Deck does not support BattlEye for GTA Online. You will be able to play GTA V Story Mode but unable to play GTA Online,” Rockstar writes. “GTA V and GTA Online are not officially supported on Steam Deck and all technical support questions should be directed to Valve’s Steam Deck support content and community.”
What’s interesting is that Steam Deck does actually seem to support BattlEye. As The Verge pointed out, Valve has previously said that enabling BattlEye support on Steam Deck is seemingly a matter of reaching out and asking for them to effectively flip a switch.
One way or another, it’s a loss for both Valve and fans of the Steam Deck, as GTA V has consistently been one of the platform’s most popular games. We called it one of the 10 best games on the Steam Deck, eclipsed only by Elden Ring, writing, “In many ways, the sandbox world of violence and crime it offers is well suited for on-the-go gaming. It’s easy to lose yourself in the many distractions Los Santos offers, and passing time on a real city bus while you hijack a GTA city bus is a rare level of portable-gaming inception.”
IGN has reached out to Valve and Rockstar for additional comment.
In the meantime, you’ll still be able to enjoy GTA V’s story on Steam Deck, which definitely still holds up even more than a decade later. You just won’t be able to pull off portable heists online. Alas.
Kat Bailey is IGN’s News Director as well as co-host of Nintendo Voice Chat. Have a tip? Send her a DM at @the_katbot.
Famed Square Enix developer Tetsuya Nomura is known for his wild villains, from Sephiroth to Genesis, most of whom are clad in leather trenchcoats and have way, way too many belts.
Speaking to Young Jump and translated by Automaton, Nomura, who was most recently creative director on Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth but has worked in lead roles on myriad Square Enix projects, said a friend in high school expressed frustration at playing as an unattractive protagonist and this shaped his perspective for creating characters going forward.
“When I was in high school, a classmate was playing a game where the main character wasn’t good looking,” he explained. “They said, ‘Why do I have to be ugly in the game world too?’ Which really left a strong impression on me.”
Nomura therefore designed the characters for the likes of Final Fantasy 7, Final Fantasy 10, and Kingdom Hearts to be especially cool and interesting looking, though admitted he doesn’t go all out with player characters because it makes them too hard to relate to.
“If you go out of your way to make them unconventional, you will end up with a character who is too distinct and hard to empathize with,” Nomura said. His wildest ideas therefore go into antagonists like Sephiroth, when players are expected to dislike them.
The Final Fantasy series is full of over the top characters, of course, with even the more reserved ones, by Nomura’s standards, still standing out amongst the crowd. Final Fantasy 7 protagonist Cloud, for example, has giant spiky blonde hair and a six foot long sword on his back.
Epic Mickey! The Plucky Squire! Beyond Galaxyland!
The latest Nintendo Download update for North America has arrived, and it’s bringing new games galore to the eShop in your region. As always, be sure to drop a vote in our poll and comment down below with your potential picks for the week. Enjoy!
Switch eShop – Highlights
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed(THQ Nordic, 24th Sep, $59.99) – Join Mickey Mouse on a colorful adventure as he traverses Wasteland, a world inspired by Disney classic stories. Play the 2010 classic with a variety of upgrades in this enhanced remake of the action-adventure 3D platformer originally released on the Wii system. Along with updated graphics and other improvements, Mickey Mouse’s abilities have been improved with a whole new set of skills and more!
GTA Online is no longer officially supported by Steam Deck, thanks to the introduction of some anti-cheat software which can, in fact, be made compatible with Steam Deck. Say what now?
The 505 Games Publisher sale is now live! Not only can you enjoy huge discounts across several titles in their portfolio, but Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can check out a selection of their games for free as part of Free Play Days.
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, Terraria, Crime Boss: Rockay City, Stray Blade, Miasma Chronicles, Assetto Corsa Competizione, Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night and Portal Knights are available this weekend for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play from Thursday September 19 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 22 at 11:59 p.m. PDT.
Additionally, Ghostrunner 2 is free for all Xbox members to try from Thursday September 19 at 12:01 a.m. PDT until Sunday, September 22 at 11:59 p.m. PDT. (Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate not required) with a 3-hour limited trial. Additionally, Control is free for all Xbox users to try until Sunday, September 22, with Free Play Days for All!
How To Start Playing
Find and install the games on each of the individual game details page on Xbox.com. Clicking through will send you to the Microsoft Store, where you must be signed in to see the option to install with your Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate membership. To download on console, click on the Subscriptions tab in the Xbox Store and navigate down to the Free Play Days collection on your Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.
Keep The Fun Going
Purchase the game and other editions at a limited time discount and continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned during the event! Please note that discounts, percentages, and title availability may vary by title and region.
Ghostrunner 2 Experience the adrenaline-pumping postapocalyptic cyberpunk action of Ghostrunner 2 by developer One More Level. Nominated for Best Action Game at the 2023 Game Awards, prepare for a mind-blowing dystopia where speed and precision are key. Test your reflexes and strategy in a world where one wrong move could be your last! You will race across neon-lit landscapes, dodge bullets, and slash enemies with your arsenal of katanas. This sequel amps up the intense parkour mechanics and introduces new enemies, environments, and abilities. The ultimate challenge awaits—can you save Dharma tower?
Control Director, get ready to discover a world unknown in Control, the award-winning action-adventure game from the talented team at Remedy Entertainment. A corruptive presence has taken over the Federal Bureau of Control and it’s down to you to find out what’s going on (and to stop it!) So, what are you waiting for? Go grab your Service Weapon and head deep into the Oldest House.
Free Play Days (Xbox Game Pass Core or Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Required)
Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes Discover the rich world of Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, where your decisions shape the fate of over 100 companions. Developed by Rabbit & Bear Studios, this 2.5D JRPG blends classic turn-based combat with modern storytelling and an intricate town-building system. Beyond the battlefield, take on the role of a leader, managing your own fortress. Cultivate resources, upgrade your headquarters, and unlock hidden advantages that can turn the tide of war as you expand your influence across the land. Unveil a dynamic narrative as you set off on a tale that spans nations, where ancient magic and political intrigue collide, challenging you to navigate the delicate balance between war and peace. Traverse stunning environments, build alliances, and battle fierce enemies in this unforgettable adventure.
Terraria With over 59 million copies sold globally, Terraria offers an expansive 2D sandbox world where your imagination is the only limit. Join developer Re-Logic on a timeless experience exploring vast underground caverns, fighting against powerful bosses, and building elaborate constructions using thousands of unique items. Engage in massive multiplayer sessions, where you can collaborate with friends or compete in thrilling PvP combat to see who reigns supreme in the sandbox. As you embrace this pixelated paradise, uncover floating islands in the sky, mysterious temples, and ancient artifacts that hold the key to transforming your world. With continuous updates, Terraria keeps evolving, adding new dimensions to its already rich gameplay, ensuring there’s always a reason to return.
Crime Boss: Rockay City Play Crime Boss: Rockay City for FREE! This co-operative, organized heisting game can be played either solo in the single-player campaign or with friends in multiplayer. Start levelling up and earning rewards in the latest progression system and enjoy tons of new content from our recent updates. Add Crime Boss: Rockay City to your library and save up to 30%.
Stray Blade Forge your path in Stray Blade, an action-adventure developed by Point Blank Games that puts you in the role of a skilled explorer in the Lost Valley of Acrea. Every step you take in this ever-changing world could reveal hidden passageways or forgotten relics. Master an intricate combat system and face deadly creatures as you unravel the mysteries of the realm. Prepare for a Soulslike challenge alongside your magical companion Boji in a rich narrative that transcends death itself. Overcome beautiful yet dangerous landscapes, discover ancient secrets, and shape the future of Acrea with your choices. From the ruins of ancient god-kings to the mysterious artifacts scattered across the valley, your journey uncovers not only treasure but the lost legacies of fallen rulers.
Miasma Chronicles From the creators of Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden comes Miasma Chronicles, a beautifully crafted tactical, turn-based adventure. Join Elvis and Diggs as they battle their way through New America to find Elvis’ mother and uncover the secrets of Elvis’ glove. Take on battle oversized frogs, rebellious robots and overcome the mystery entity, known only as the ‘Miasma’. In this turn-based tactical adventure, you will need all your wits and cunning to uncover the secrets of these brothers.
Assetto Corsa Competizione Experience the adrenaline-fueled world of competitive racing like never before! Immerse yourself in the intense realism of Assetto Corsa Competizione (the Official GT World Series game) on Xbox Series X/S. Unleash your inner racer and conquer the tracks with precision and skill and get ready to ignite your passion for speed. Enjoying the game? You can continue racing by purchasing the game at 70% off for a limited time only. Keen to expand your experience? Be sure to check out all the available DLC.
Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is an exploration-focused, side-scroller action RPG packing all the best features you’ve come to know and love from the metroidvania genre into a single, content-packed game. Experience Bloodstained FREE for a limited time only!
Portal Knights Become the ultimate Portal Knight in this cooperative, 3D sandbox action RPG from the team at Keen Games. After the Fracture, the world has split apart, and the Hollow King aims to rule Elysia. Only you and your band of adventurers can save the day! Explore a wide range of islands, take on inhabitant’s quests and gather useful resources to craft powerful items. Between defeating your foes and helping others out, why not also build a place to store your treasures and call home. Elysia needs a hero, are you ready?
Don’t miss out on these exciting Free Play Days for Xbox Game Pass Core and Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members! Learn more about Free Play Days here and stay tuned to Xbox Wire to find out about future Free Play Days and all the latest Xbox gaming news.
BioWare’s lore-rich fantasy RPG series makes its long-awaited return when Dragon Age: The Veilguard comes to PS5 on October 31, after nearly a decade since the last installment. The Veilguard takes place across the northern region of Thedas, giving players a chance to finally explore the magical city of Tevinter. As a first-time visitor to Thedas’ world of magic, my recent hands-on with the game was an enlightening introduction to the deep storytelling of the series grounded by the game’s intuitive real-time combat and enchanting visuals.
Customize everything
My hands-on journey began by thoroughly exploring The Veilguard’s extensive character creator, following an opening animation highlighting where the story left off in Dragon Age: Inquisition. The Dragon Age series is known to offer highly detailed character customization, but I was surprised to see just how in-depth The Veilguard went with options to customize nearly every physical aspect of your character, from diverse head and body shapes to tattoos (options for face and full body), make-up, and facial scars. In particular, the various hair textures shown in the selection of close to 100 hairstyles look so detailed and realistic that you can see the care developers put into each hair follicle.
Once I finished customizing my character for nearly half an hour (I could have spent hours on this), I played around with the new lighting preview feature. The new feature allows you to see your character in up to four different lighting settings to ensure your creation is faithful to your vision before you commence your journey through Thedas.
Similar to past games in the series the character creator is where you choose your combatant’s race and class. Additionally, The Veilguard adds a feature to pick between six Factions, including options for Grey Wardens, Veil Jumpers, Shadow Dragons, Lords of Fortune, the Mourn Watch, and Antivan Crows. Be sure to select carefully as a chosen Faction directly influences a character’s unique backstory and even future dialogue choices.
Combat with companions
The fast-paced and intuitive combat in Dragon Age: The Veilguard was the cherry on top of my experience with the game. As a self-described beginner when it comes to most game genres, the combat controls were easy enough to pick up while providing a high ceiling for the more advanced players to put together combo attacks with companions.
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In Dragon Age: The Veilguard you control your companion’s abilities through the new Ability Wheel, as opposed to switching between and fully controlling your party members like you could in Dragon Age: Inquisition. Pulling up the Ability Wheel halts the action and lets you trigger your personal and companions’ abilities. Switching between real-time combat and the Ability Wheel felt natural and served as a quick break from all-out action, giving me a chance to plan combo attacks with companions or trigger my own abilities. Punctuating combo attacks by unleashing an Ultimate ability served as one of the more satisfying tenets of the gameplay experience, though it was rare I was able to pull off such a feat.
Trek through Thedas
Stepping foot in Minrathous, the capital of Tevinter, players are met with vivid colors and an impressively expansive depth of field. From the finely tuned details of raindrops splashing into puddles and broken-up concrete, to the sky-high architecture and statues seen from a distance, the visual fidelity of The Veilguard is truly immersive and encourages exploring freely.
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The graphics especially shine when you’re tasked to travel through the Arlathan Forest to find missing Veil Jumpers. The contrast in color of the shadow-casting trees is highlighted by sunlight peering through their branches, showing the attention to detail paid by the developers in terms of lighting and photorealism in varied environments.
Friends help friends
Each companion I met on my voyage through Thedas made an impression and drew me deeper into the story, though my limited playing time didn’t allow me to meet the whole cast.
“The companions are really the stars of the show just as much as anyone else,” John Epler, Creative Director, BioWare.
Early on you’ll meet Neve Gallus, the self-assured private investigator who helps locate Solas to prevent a major catastrophe from ensuing in the game’s prologue. Born and raised in Minrathous, Neve’s confident demeanor helps guide the team through Tevinter early in the game, and her Ice Breaker ability that rains down shards of ice on foes was a joy to activate.
There’s so much to chew on when it comes to the depth of the character creator, RPG elements, and real-time combat in The Veilguard, but being able to quickly grasp the action basics allowed me to immerse in the world. The Veil between Thedas and the Fade lifts this Halloween, when Dragon Age: The Veilguard releases October 31 on PS5.
Believe it or not, the early signs of the holiday shopping season have already arrived. To that effect, like clockwork, Nintendo has brought back the annual Black Friday bundle it has released each year for what seems like all of human history. However, this time there’s a new edition! You can now purchase a Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundle for $299.99 (see it at Best Buy), or a version with the Switch OLED for $349.99 (see it at Best Buy). For those keeping track, the OLED bundle is new for Black Friday 2024. Let’s look at the details.
Where to Buy the Nintendo Switch: Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Bundles
These bundles offer a $79.98 discount versus buying all of the items individually at regular price. That’s a great deal for anyone in the market for a Switch.
What Comes in the Switch Bundles?
Nintendo Switch or Switch OLED Model
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe (digital code)
12-Month Individual Nintendo Switch Online Membership
Buy either of the bundles, and you’ll get a Nintendo Switch or Nintendo Switch OLED console. You’ll also get a digital download code for Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, which, despite its age (the original version came out on the Wii U in 2014), remains one of the best racing games ever made in my opinion.
What’s the Difference Between the Standard Switch and Switch OLED?
The only difference between the bundles is the model of Switch that’s included. If you’re wondering which one to get, the quick and easy advice is this: if you plan to play games in handheld mode often, get the OLED. If not, go with the standard Switch.
The OLED model is better in a number of ways, but they’re all related to playing games in handheld mode. At 7 inches, it has a larger display than the standard model’s 6.2 inch screen. The OLED display is noticeably brighter and offers much richer colors than the standard model. It also has true blacks, with no backlight shining through. And the kickstand on the OLED model is much sturdier.
What About the Nintendo Switch 2?
If you’re hesitant to buy a Switch while rumors of the next Nintendo console swirl, you have good reason to hold off. It’s possible the Switch successor will be backwards compatible, letting you play all of your original Switch games. However, Nintendo has signaled the Switch 2 won’t come out until April 2025 at the earliest.
So if you want to play Nintendo games before then, you’ll need a Switch. And these bundles are the best deals you’re likely to find on current-generation hardware.
Chris Reed is a commerce editor and deals expert for IGN. He also runs IGN’s board game and LEGO coverage. You can follow him on Threads.
