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Category: Xbox
Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast: Everything Announced, Including the Forza Horizon 6 Setting
The Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast just wrapped up, bringing you a fresh look at what’s coming to players around the world this year and next from our creative teams, our incredible partners across Asia, and beyond.
From Xbox Game Studios, Forza Horizon 6 is coming in 2026 with Japan as the setting, we offered a deep-dive into the difficulty settings coming to Ninja Gaiden 4 (developed by Team Ninja and PlatinumGames), announced that a Japan World Update arrives in Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024today, and revealed new gameplay for Age of Mythology’s Japan-inspired Heavenly Spear expansion, which launches next week. Activision revealed Japan-set maps for Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and Bethesda showed off some of the best Japanese-created C.A.M.P.s built for Fallout 76 following its recent updates.
Our partners across Asia and the rest of the world brought even more. We saw a world premiere for Gungrave Gore: Blood Heat, Square Enix surprise-released RPG Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven for Xbox, and Capcom showed off more of Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection – along with the news that the first two games in the series are on their way to Xbox. IO Interactive brought star power, with the reveal of a lead character in 007 First Light, as well as a Bruce Lee-themed mission in Hitman: World of Assassination. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg, with 25 different games included in the show.
Several games featured in the broadcast will be available for Game Pass subscribers, including Terminull Brigade, Winter Burrow, and show-closer Forza Horizon 6. Game Pass continues to deliver unmatched quality, with many new releases making up Metacritic’s best reviewed games of 2025 so far, including three of the current top five: Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, and Hollow Knight: Silksong. And the momentum isn’t slowing down. Still to come to Game Pass subscribers this year, in order of release: Keeper, Ninja Gaiden 4, The Outer Worlds 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, and much more.
And the majority of titles in the show also have Xbox Play Anywhere support, empowering people to play the games they want, wherever they are, and with whatever device they’re using. That includes on-the-go, with the ROG Xbox Ally handhelds arriving on October 16 – and playable on the showfloor at Tokyo Game Show.
But you want to know everything, right? Read on to learn about everything announced:
Games from Our Creative Teams
Age of Mythology: Heavenly Spear Offers a New Look Ahead of Launch Next Week
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – also available on Steam, PlayStation 5
Age of Mythology: Retold’s next expansion, Heavenly Spear takes players to Japan, where they’ll encounter new gods, new monsters, new powers, a new story, and more. The brand-new 12 mission campaign focuses on Yasuko, a farmer’s daughter who takes on a new destiny when she discovers a magical spear. As war looms and chaos spreads across the land, Yasuko must uncover the relic’s secrets and prevent it from falling into the hands of Kagemasa, a ruthless warlord who seeks to imprison the sun goddess Amaterasu and claim godhood for himself.
Heavenly Spear launches on September 30, with preorders open now on most platforms. Those who purchase the Age of Mythology: Retold – Premium Edition will receive Heavenly Spear upon launch.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Introduces Japan-Set Multiplayer Maps
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, or play it day one on Game Pass – also available on Battle.net, Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
The teams from Treyarch and Beenox made an appearance to offer a first look at a few Multiplayer maps set in Japan, coming to Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.
Toshin offers a look at 2035 Tokyo, combining well-defined lanes and some really fun set pieces – including a cat cafe, a karaoke bar, and a crashed train. Den offers a different vibe – set in the countryside outside Tokyo, this map centers around a Japanese castle that’s been repurposed as a Guild base.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 launches on November 14, with the Early Access Beta beginning on October 2, and the Open Beta from October 5.
Fallout 76 Developers Thank the Japanese Community
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Game Pass – also available on Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4
It’s been a busy year in Appalachia. This year, Fallout 76 has seen the release of The Ghoul Within (which allowed players to play as Ghouls for the first time), Gone Fission (which introduced brand new fishing mechanics and quests), and, most recently, C.A.M.P. Revamp, which added newfound flexibility to building tools in the game.
Fallout 76‘s developers made an appearance in the show to thank Japanese players for embracing each new update, and even showed off some of the most impressive Japanese-made C.A.M.P.s created so far.
Forza Horizon 6 Will Take Us to Japan in 2026
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, or play it day one with Game Pass – also available on Steam. Coming to PlayStation 5 post-launch
Forza Horizon 6 closed the show by announcing that the beloved open world racing series will return in 2026, this time taking players to the breathtaking landscapes of Japan. A teaser trailer gave us callbacks to each of the previous games, before giving us a taste of the gorgeous new world we’ll be exploring – with Mount Fuji dominating a landscape that includes serene waters and urban environments, as cherry blossoms flutter on the breeze.
Forza Horizon 6 will arrive in 2026, and you can learn more right now on Xbox Wire – we interviewed the developers to answer some of the biggest questions about moving the series to Japan.
Microsoft Flight Simulator: Japan World Update and New Local Legend Revealed
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, Game Pass – also available on Steam
Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update 20: Japan is massive! This latest free update adds 23 new photogrammetry areas to the simulator, covering over 20,000 square kilometres.
The regions included add major Japanese cities like Hiroshima, Kyoto, Osaka, Sapporo, Tokyo, as well as five new highly-detailed, handcrafted airports, and 67 new points of interest, including Osaka Castle, one of the most important historical locations in Japan, Fukuoka Tower, the tallest seaside tower in Japan, and more.
In addition to World Update 20: Japan, we also saw a new Local Legend, the famous Nihon Aircraft Manufacturing Corporation (NAMC) YS-11.
World Update 20: Japan is a free content update for all Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 simmers and the NAMC YS-11 is available now in the in-sim marketplace for $19.99. The sky is calling!
Ninja Gaiden 4 Challenges You to Become a Master Ninja
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, or play it day one with Game Pass – also available on Steam, PlayStation 5
Team Ninja and PlatinumGames unveiled a first look at the difficulty design in Ninja Gaiden 4, showcasing dynamic enemy placement and aggressive AI that scale with difficulty levels. The game stays true to its punishing roots, while introducing a new hero mode and adjustable assists that can ease newcomers into its signature high-speed combat. A stand-alone training mode – a first in the series – lets players sharpen their skills before diving into battle. You can read more on Xbox Wire now.
Also revealed ahead of the show were two sword-inspired creations. First, Ryu Hayabusa’s Dragon Sword and new protagonist Yakumo’s Takeminakata were forged and brought to life by master swordsmith Yuya Nakanishi. Then, the exciting new Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox Design Lab standard and Elite Series 2 controllers were made available for purchase. Ninja Gaiden 4 launches October 21. Preorder now to unlock the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch, and grab the Deluxe Edition for bonus cosmetics, in-game items, and access to future gameplay content: The Two Masters.
Games from Our Partners
007 First Light: Gemma Chan Joins the Ensemble Cast
Xbox Series X|S – see developer website for other platforms
British actress Gemma Chan (‘Eternals’, ‘Crazy Rich Asians’, ‘The Creator’) makes her video game debut as Selina Tan, MI6’s Head of Tactical Simulation, in 007 First Light. Selina Tan is a senior MI6 official who leads Tactical Simulations, a program to train elite recruits. Formerly a psychology and strategy academic turned immersive tech expert, she now applies scientific precision and strategic insight to British Intelligence.
In 007 First Light, play as James Bond, a young, resourceful, and sometimes reckless recruit in MI6’s training program, and discover a new standalone, re-imagined origin story of the world’s most famous spy. Find out more on Xbox Wire.
Aniimo: Meet Even More Creatures
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Highly-anticipated creature-catching ARPG Aniimo introduced a number of the fascinating creatures who inhabit the world of Idyll. The TGS trailer gave players a first look at how a number of Aniimo interact with each other and their environment to create totally unique opportunities for discovery and gameplay! Get more details on the new creatures on Xbox Wire.
Double Dragon Revive Offers a Deeper Look Into ‘Extra Mode’
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One – see developer website for other platforms
New details are here for Double Dragon Revive! Beyond the main Story Mode, today we showcased the challenging Extra Mode. This mode will test your skills with over 50 missions. Clear them to unlock character-specific episodes, offering new story perspectives. Join forces with a friend in two-player co-op, online or locally! Double Dragon Revive launches October 23, 2025. Pre-order today!
Dragon Quest I & II 2D-HD Remake: A Brand-new Area, Ocean Floor Revealed
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake isn’t just offering a new way to play these timeless RPGs – it’s also opening up an entirely new area to explore. Producer Hayasaka Masaaki guided viewers through Ocean Floor, showing the player’s party meeting a mermaid, and being invited to save the area. You’ll explore the desecrated underwater town of Mersea, battle a multitude of monsters, and solve the mystery of what’s befallen this hidden region. Dragon Quest I & II HD Remake arrives on October 30, 2025.
Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake – A Beautiful Revival of the Classic Horror Experience
Xbox Series X|S – see developer website for other platforms
Koei Tecmo’s classic is reborn, more beautiful and horrifying than ever in Fatal Frame II: Crimson Butterfly Remake!
Fatal Frame Series Director Makoto Shibata, talked about the remake’s improvements over the original, including graphical and audio enhancements to help turn up the fright, while bringing the Japanese horror classic to a whole new audience. He also touched on how the Camera Obscura has evolved, and new action additions to help players battle the evil spirits haunting a village of never-ending night. Coming early 2026, wishlist now!
Gungrave Gore Blood Heat Revealed
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Fans got their first look at Gungrave Gore Blood Heat – this world premiere showed off the cult classic action game, rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, showcasing explosive new action. The demo highlighted Grave’s iconic dual-gun shootouts enhanced with brutal close-quarters combat and a revamped stylish action system. Players also witnessed newly designed enemy characters and explosive interactions that elevate the battlefield intensity. Find out more about the project on Xbox Wire.
Hitman: World of Assassination – Martial Arts Legend Bruce Lee Joins Agent 47 in a New Mission
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud – see developer website for other platforms
Set in the dazzling arena of an international martial arts tournament at the Himmapan Hotel in Bangkok, this mission introduces a high-stakes twist: Agent 47 must protect the undercover Agent Lee, who has infiltrated the tournament that doubles as a recruitment tool and cover for leadership meetings of Concord Union.
Lee must not only win but also earn the final prize: a duel with the Union’s elusive leader – The Dragon Head. Play for free from September 25 to November 20. Find out more on Xbox Wire.
Hotel Barcelona Reveals Multiplayer Modes Ahead of Release Tomorrow
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
The legendary creators of Hotel Barcelona, Hidetaka “Swery” Suehiro and Goichi “Suda51” Suda, made an appearance to unveil the game’s multiplayer options – and it’s more than just a bolt-on, crowdpleaser mode. The game will offer up to three-player co-op, introducing new layers of complexity and strategy. There will also be a PvP invasion system: invaders step into someone else’s run and become adversarial doppelgängers, locked in mortal combat until one player falls – with rewards given to the victor.
Hotel Barcelona arrives tomorrow, September 26 – and you can find out more in an interview feature on Xbox Wire.
Mistfall Hunter Unveils Its Second Map
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Mistfall Hunter premiered an exclusive developer update introducing Solemn Needles, the game’s second map, confirmed for launch. Set within a bleached and sacred forest, Solemn Needles highlights the Divine Anchor – a relic whose lingering power draws enemies – alongside Hastine’s Fall, where the corpse of a giant still radiates divine strength, and the shadowed Witchery Woods, dense with secrets.
The video underscored that the hunt is far from over—sharpen your blades, ready your gear, and prepare to step back into the Gyldenmist soon.
Monster Hunter Stories – The Whole Series, Coming to Xbox
Monster Hunter Stories 3 available on Xbox Series X|S, Monster Hunter Stories 1 and 2 available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One – see developer website for other platforms
Monster Hunter Stories is a turn-based RPG series where you hatch, raise, and train Monsters.
The latest entry in the series, Monster Hunter Stories 3: Twisted Reflection, will be available on March 13, 2026. In a surprise announcement, we also say the announcement that the first entry, Monster Hunter Stories, and its sequel, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, will both be available on Xbox from November 14, 2025. Pre-order begins today with a limited-time discount!
Project Evilbane Shows Off Its 4-Player Action-RPG Combat
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Project Evilbane has unveiled its second trailer! After fierce battles and hard-won victories, the heroes now face the ultimate enemy with the power to destroy the world. The trailer hints at relentless combat and new challenges ahead, promising epic moments and strategic action.
Players can already experience the game through a pre-alpha test available via the Xbox Insider Program. Project Evilbane is a dynamic 4-player co-op action RPG where teamwork, skill customization, and intense boss battles will shape the fate of a shattered world. The fight for humanity has just begun!
Rhythm Doctor On Call From December 6
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Thanks to its robust toolset and 7th Beat’s unique gameplay design ethos, Rhythm Doctor is one of the only games in existence able to act as a video editor for its own trailer. Everything in the spot is a single shot without any cuts or splices; all the effects, layered shots, and jumps between different songs are achieved in-game, set to a mashup of songs that represent less than half of the game’s total tracklist. And you’ll be able to play Rhythm Doctor on December 6.
Romancing Saga 2: Revenge of the Seven – Out Now for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
The Seven Heroes of legend are back seeking revenge, this time on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox on PC! Signature Saga franchise systems like Glimmers and Formations were shown in action as well as Surprise Attack and United Attack – new additions for this remake. Experience the key freeform scenario system, where your choices and actions change the way the story unfolds. Inherit stats and abilities from previous Emperors, continue to grow stronger, and put an end to the Seven Heroes once and for all.
Starsand Island Gets a First-Ever CG Trailer
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Play Anywhere – see developer website for other platforms
Starsand Island unveiled its first-ever CG trailer, highlighting the game’s cozy, heartwarming island setting and key features like open-ended farming and creative DIY building. The footage also ended with a subtle tease of multiplayer elements, sparking excitement for future cooperative experiences.
Sudden Strike 5: Coming 2026
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC – see developer website for other platforms
In this Xbox-exclusive trailer, witness the return of strategic WWII combat in Sudden Strike 5! Harness the tactical brilliance of authentic Generals from each faction, combining their strengths with your own in an enhanced Doctrine System. Tackle difficult secondary objectives to secure the advantage, or charge straight towards your primary target with overwhelming force, secure your position and prepare to advance in Sudden Strike 5, coming 2026!
Terminull Brigade Brings the Nullverse to Xbox with Neon Genesis Evangelion Crossover
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Xbox Play Anywhere, or play it day one with Game Pass – see developer website for other platforms
Terminull Brigade invited fans back to the Nullverse with a CG trailer featuring the Rogueteers defending their digital realm. The showcase teased a Neon Genesis Evangelion collaboration, giving fans a glimpse of the crossover content. The trailer concluded with the announcement of Terminull Brigade launching for consoles and Xbox on PC, expanding the game to new platforms. Find out more about this unique game on Xbox Wire.
Winter Burrow, A Cozy Woodland Survival Game, Debuts Release Date Trailer
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, Xbox Play Anywhere, or play it day one with Game Pass – see developer website for other platforms
Winter Burrow’s new trailer tells the story of a young city mouse returning to the harsh winter wilderness. Narrated by a wise, unseen elder mouse through a whimsical nursery rhyme, we see the mouse face hunger, cold, and other perils. Each verse of the rhyme offers guidance, from cooking stews to knitting sweaters and braving the forest.
Along the way, new friends lend their support as the mouse learns to survive. The trailer ends with the burrow transformed into a safe haven, a refuge against the cold, and with the reveal of the release date: November 12, 2025.
The post Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2025 Broadcast: Everything Announced, Including the Forza Horizon 6 Setting appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Japanese Developers Bring Their Legendary Craftsmanship to a New Xbox Device
The post Japanese Developers Bring Their Legendary Craftsmanship to a New Xbox Device appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Soars Onto PlayStation 5 This December
The post Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 Soars Onto PlayStation 5 This December appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Xbox Insiders – We’re Looking for Users Interested in New User Research Opportunities
As we continue to look for new ways for Xbox Insiders to provide feedback to Team Xbox, we’re looking for users interested in future user research opportunities in addition to what’s currently available in the Xbox Insider Program.
Please take a few minutes now to take the Microsoft Games User Research Survey and let us know if you’re interested in these upcoming user research opportunities. Please note that by taking this survey, you will be joining a panel of users that are interested in games user research with Microsoft. This could mean receiving invitations and incentives (when applicable) to take part in onsite or remote research studies.
How to Get Xbox Insider Support and Share Your Feedback
We want to thank all the Xbox Insiders for the feedback you share with us. Your feedback is a key part of our process. If you’re an Xbox Insider looking for support, please join our community on the Xbox Insider subreddit. Official Xbox staff, moderators, and fellow Xbox Insiders are there to help. We recommend adding to threads with the same topic before posting a brand new one. This helps us support you the best we can!
If you aren’t part of the Xbox Insider Program yet and want to help create the future of Xbox and get early access to new features, join the Program today by downloading the Xbox Insider Hub for Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One or Windows PC. For more information on the Xbox Insider Program, follow us on Twitter at @XboxInsider and keep an eye on this blog for all the latest news.
Other resources:
For more information: follow us on X/Twitter at @XboxInsider and this blog for announcements and more. And feel free to interact with the community on the Xbox Insider SubReddit.
The post Xbox Insiders – We’re Looking for Users Interested in New User Research Opportunities appeared first on Xbox Wire.
How Version 2.0 Brings Ara: History Untold into a New Age of Strategy Gaming
Summary
- The Revolutions v2.0 Update for Ara: History Untold is available starting today.
- It features a wealth of new features and updates, including a new culture and influence system, Adaptive AI, unique leader and nation traits, a new map generator, and more.
- Ara: History Untold is available for Xbox on PC, Steam, and with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
The launch of Ara: History Untold was only the beginning. From day one, we envisioned a deeper, more expansive experience for our historical, turn-based strategy game — developed by Oxide Games in partnership with Xbox Game Studios and Stardock Entertainment. Over the past year we’ve listened closely to you, our players, and transformed some of these bold ideas into reality. Today, we’re excited to announce the release of a massive update for Ara: History Untold: the Revolutions v2.0 Update.
We’re also celebrating the one-year anniversary of the game’s 2024 release by announcing a lower price for the base game and the availability of two DLCs, the Deluxe Leader Pack and the Official Game Soundtrack, that includes the digital art book.
Our goal with Version 2.0 is to bring you a strategy game that is both fun to play and unique to the genre. The team has been hard at work taking your feedback and molding them with our own innovations to keep Ara’s strengths, while improving nearly every area of the game. In many ways, it feels like a whole new experience.
Culture & Influence
Art, music, language, and traditions feed the game’s Quality of Life system with a new Culture stat that generates Influence. You can spend Influence in the all-new Culture shop to buy Claims for your Cities and new Cultural Traits for your nation.
Unique Units Per Nation
Each nation now has its own unique unit. For example, the Mongols gain Mangudai (elite horse archers), while the Aztecs gain Jaguar Warriors. Leader abilities reward specific playstyles. Genghis Khan has a leader feature that rewards having units in combat and for taking cities. Harun al-Rashid uses his leader traits to gain an advantage by building relationships and gaining an advantage through research and paragons. Benito Juarez can steal the game through taking care of his cities and accentuating strong buffs with golden ages.
Quotas & Priorities
Based on player feedback, we have streamlined crafting and greatly reduced micromanagement from crafting queues. In Version 2.0, you can simply set quotas and priorities. The player maintains total control without having to micromanage their economy. Players can ensure their production pipelines are created and distributed in an efficient way without having to micromanage each building or crafting queue.
Cultural Conquest
With the new Revolutions tech, you can unlock the Agitator who can incite rebellions in foreign regions. Imagine a city that has strategic improvements and key strategic resources. Send the Agitator to incite rebellion and claim their resources as your own.
This region prevents the nation from being contiguous. Capturing it creates a land connection.
Unique Leader and Nation Traits
Each leader and nation gets unique traits that change how that nation plays. A host of new leader traits have been added or adjusted to make each one feel and play more distinctive. The units give nations a truly distinct feel and character and provide access to tactics and strengths other nations won’t have.
Adaptive AI
We revamped the entire AI system to be smarter and added a game option called Adaptive AI so it can stay competitive. When Adaptive AI is on, the AI checks multiple game stats and adjusts its difficulty level in each specific area, making the game better adapt to your skill.
AI Shop Owners
In Version 2.0, you can let the AI Shop Owner – workshop, factory, or weaver for example – run the shop for you, including setting up priorities and quotas. This is handy when you conquer a massive city that has a dozen city improvements. Rather than managing multiple shops, you simply press a button and let the AI handle it.
New Map Generator
We changed the way resources are distributed to reflect more natural geography. Horses and zebras won’t exist in the same ecosystem, for example. Other resources, like coffee, are only found in clusters.
We also made extensive changes to the map system, introducing new map styles that allow you to create random maps with unique shapes, varied ecosystems, and multiple style options to choose from.
And Much More!
These are just some of the improvements delivered in Version 2.0. You will also find improvements in rendering, UI, and performance. You can read here on the official site all the new features available with this massive update. The Revolutions v2.0 Update is our boldest update to Ara: History Untold yet and we can’t wait for everyone to dive in!
Ara: History Untold is available on Xbox on PC, Steam, and with Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass.
Ara: History Untold
Xbox Game Studios
PC Game Pass
Build a nation and lead your people throughout history to the pinnacles of human achievement as you explore new lands, develop arts and culture, conduct diplomacy, and go head-to-head with your rivals to prove you are the greatest ruler ever known. It’s Your World Now.
Ara: History Untold is an evolution in historical grand strategy, featuring beloved classic PC strategy mechanics alongside innovative gameplay like a national crafting economy, true simultaneous turn resolution, a non-linear technology tree, and cloud-backed synchronous/asynchronous multiplayer – all with an expansive and vibrant presentation where you can zoom out from surveying the very edges of your empire all the way down to your citizens living their daily lives. In Ara, there are no pre-set paths to victory, leading to endless possibilities. Your choices will define the world you create, your experience, and your legacy.
Explore an Immersive Living World
Explore a dynamic living world filled with life and charm across sweeping landscapes ranging from tropical jungles to sand-swept deserts as you discover the resources you need to develop your nation. Witness the world come to life in vivid, realistic detail as citizens move throughout the world and react dynamically to times of health and sickness, war and peace, wealth and despair with unique biomes, cultures, and eras representing the diversity of human experience.
Build Your Nation
Serve your people and grow your prestige with numerous Improvements, from forges to libraries, citadels to cathedrals, public parks to industrial factories – as well as a global variety of the greatest architectural Triumphs ever conceived and built by human hands.
Guide your people through the eras of human discovery
Nurture your people’s brilliance and invention as you progress your Nation through twelve unique Technology Eras, making the hard choices about where to focus your Nation’s greatest minds. As you near the end of each Era, you’ll have to decide how fast to push your scientists along the path to the future – at the risk of the present.
Oversee a rich and detailed national economy
Harvest the bounty of the natural world and deploy the labor of your people with a depth-filled National Crafting system. Will you manufacture Amenities – like lavish feasts – to provide your cities and citizens with powerful benefits, or invest in the creation of Equipment – the weapons of war – to prepare your Armies to defend your nation or conquer your rivals? Whatever paths you choose you’ll need to carefully optimize your resources and production to achieve the most efficient systems if you want to outpace your rivals to fortune and lasting glory.
Rule Your Way
Choose from dozens of history’s most influential figures to embody as you reshape the world through your choices. The unique and varied global Leaders and Nations in Ara emphasize a wide variety of different playstyles. Experiment with gameplay-impacting Traits and powerful Leader Abilities drawn from the effect they had on world history. Whether friend or foe, each Leader has a distinct personality based on their historical background that informs their AI behaviors.
Experience True Simultaneous Turns
Every turn each nation’s actions and choices resolve simultaneously, leading to suspense, anticipation, unique outcomes, and surprising twists on the classic turn-based formula. The fate of your people will be determined by your decisions and your ability to predict your opponent’s next move, putting your skill as a leader to the ultimate test.
Defend your people by land, sea, and air
Warfare in Ara is presented in the Living World, as thousands of years of military conflict reflect the progress and martial prowess of your people. Develop technologies to advance your weaponry against your rivals, hone your wartime economy and industry to gain the edge, and outthink your opponent’s strategies as maneuvers resolve authentically at once thanks to the power of True Simultaneous Turns.
Prove Your Worth in Online Multiplayer
Combining the speed and surprise of True Simultaneous Turns with the power of the cloud – multiplayer in Ara is fast, seamless, and able to be enjoyed asynchronously with a wide range of options to tailor you and your friend’s experience to the way you want to play together.
The post How Version 2.0 Brings Ara: History Untold into a New Age of Strategy Gaming appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Hack and Slash with New Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox Design Lab Controllers
As the endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo, a young ninja prodigy, Yakumo, must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa to stop the ancient curse that brought this city to its knees.
Embark on a cutting-edge adventure in Ninja Gaiden 4 with Xbox Design Lab and the all-new Xbox Wireless Controller – Ninja Gaiden 4 and Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 – Ninja Gaiden 4.
These designs have something for veterans and newcomers alike, featuring both Ryu Hayabusa’s legendary Red Dragon Katana and new protagonist Yakumo’s blue handled katana. Within the manga print-inspired top case, you’ll also find Yakumo’s striking Oni mask. Both controllers are available now with Xbox Design Lab.
As you hack and slash through enemies, the Xbox Wireless Controller on Xbox Design Lab offers endless customization to help you play your way. Choose from a variety of button styles curated for your chosen Ninja Gaiden 4 color scheme, perfectly accenting the red and blue textured side grips.
You can adjust your controller further with upgrades like metallic triggers and D-Pad, rubberized side and back grips, and even free 3D printed adaptive thumbstick topper files. Take your Ninja Gaiden 4 controller with you on all your adventures – with Xbox Wireless and Bluetooth, it can connect to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PCs, and iOS, Android, and cloud devices. Share pictures and videos taken in the heat of combat with friends through the dedicated share button.
The Elite Series 2 version of this design comes with all the features you’ve come to love. This includes shorter hair trigger locks, wrap-around rubberized grips, and adjustable-tension thumbsticks for even more precise gameplay.
For further customization, you can add back paddles for even more input refinement. Just as you swap between characters in game, you can easily swap between different button profiles with the dedicated middle button on the controller. You can listen to the action-packed OST through the 3.5mm jack – just connect any compatible headset to get further immersed in Ninja Gaiden 4.
If you’re prepared for a legacy reborn, head over to Xbox Design Lab today to design yours. These controllers are available today, starting at MSRP $94.98 for the Xbox Wireless Controller and MSRP $184.98 for the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller exclusively here. Visit Xbox.com for more information.
Ninja Gaiden 4 arrives on October 21 – and is available for pre-order now. Coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox on PC, Xbox Cloud, Steam and PlayStation 5. Ninja Gaiden 4 is an Xbox Play Anywhere title, and you can play it day one with Game Pass.
The post Hack and Slash with New Ninja Gaiden 4 Xbox Design Lab Controllers appeared first on Xbox Wire.
Designing The Krasue: Dead by Daylight Brings Thai Folklore into the Fog
Dead by Daylight: Sinister Grace features a gruesome new Killer: The Krause.
Some may be familiar with the Krasue, a grotesque creature originating from Thai culture. For the unaware, a Krasue is a woman cursed with a terrible fate, doomed to spend her nights as a horrifying disembodied head. She floats through the air, entrails dragging beneath her, as she hunts to feed on its next victim.
There’s a haunting sense of duality surrounding The Krasue. For all you know, she could be walking among you, waiting to transform when the sun goes down. Such is the tragic nature of the curse, and it’s one of many aspects that initially drew the Dead by Daylight team down this folkloric rabbit hole.
Enter the Sinister Grace Chapter, which brings the fearsome yet fascinating creature into The Fog as a Killer. By day, Burong Sukapat was a beautiful and talented opera performer. By night, The Krasue’s curse awakened, plunging her into a nightmare of torn flesh, sopping blood, and insatiable hunger.
When the Killer Design team first learned they would be bringing The Krasue to life, Game Designer Louis Langlet got to work.
“I really like mythology and folklore in general, so I enjoyed researching the Krasue,” he explains. “What a horrifying creature.”
Maintaining the horror of her appearance was a pivotal part of the design process. In other words, the gore bar was about to be raised.
“We dedicated a lot of efforts to meeting the gore standard we wanted with this Chapter,” says Langlet. “The flesh shredding, the guts unrolling, the husk of your body taking a few last steps as it melts into blood. Elements were polished to really make the character feel disgusting. Not to mention that while in Head Form, you’ll have a great view of your fluttering organs.”
When you load into a Trial as The Krasue, you’ll be able to swap between two Forms to pursue your prey. Human Form – which can fire projectiles that infect and curse Survivors, slowing them down – and Floating Head form. While using the latter, you’ll move faster and gain the ability to strike with your appropriately named Intestinal Whip.
Having access to both forms, with the ability to freely swap between them, grants players freedom to approach the hunt in different ways, raising the skill ceiling and flexibility.
“When we begin the design process, we try to make it fun and engaging for Killer players without making it feel completely oppressive for Survivors,” he explains. “We realized early on that we wanted The Krasue to infect Survivors with a projectile, to create the feeling of a curse. We also wanted to ensure that using the Power felt dynamic, so we could avoid repetition for both sides. Of course, giving a Killer multiple abilities can present balance challenges, so we had to be careful.”
The team worked hard to ensure that both forms synergized effectively as a well-oiled machine, eventually finding the sweet spot. “One of her most effective tools is the Head Form’s mobility, which was balanced by adding a cooldown,” explains Langlet. “For instance, we didn’t want you to traverse in Head Form and instantly switch back to Body Form to attack a Survivor. It would have been too strong, and you’d never need to use the Intestine Whip. Everything has been tested and iterated at length.”
“While you ultimately have to hit a Survivor multiple times to down them, you have access to several tools that make that process feel intuitive and engaging.”
Beyond her forms, The Krasue can create pressure by forcing Survivors to engage with a unique side-objective: curing their infections with Glowing Fungus.
“The Fungus is an important piece of the balance puzzle,” says Langlet. “Survivors tend to beeline straight for Generators, so Killers can sometimes need an additional source of pressure. Ideally, an infected Survivor will feel the need to seek out Fungus rather than doing a Generator.”
As for newcomers looking to step into the nightmare as The Krasue, Langlet has a few tips to get you started.
“Think of the Body Form as a setup and use it to curse as many Survivors as you can. Remember, your projectile will splatter on the walls, which is the most efficient way to infect. Once Survivors are infected, you can really go wild in Head Form, using your mobility to catch up and damage them with your Intestinal Whip.”
Dead by Daylight: Sinister Grace is available today on Xbox, featuring the gruesome Krasue and energetic Vee Boonyasak.
Dead by Daylight
Behaviour Interactive Inc.
$29.99
$23.99
Xbox Game Pass
Trapped forever in a realm of eldritch evil where even death is not an escape, four determined Survivors face a bloodthirsty Killer in a vicious game of nerve and wits. Pick a side and step into a world of tension and terror with horror gaming’s best asymmetrical multiplayer.
Choose between playing an unstoppable Killer and one of 4 Survivors trying to evade a gruesome death. Each character has their own deep progression system and plenty of unlockables that can be customized to fit your personal strategy. Work together to escape, or stalk and sacrifice every Survivor.
This Edition of Dead by Daylight gives you access to a roster of 7 Killers (The Trapper, The Hillbilly, The Wraith, The Nurse, The Hag, The Huntress and The Doctor) and 9 Survivors (Meg Thomas, Claudette Morel, Jake Park, Dwight Fairfield, Ace Visconti, Nea Karlsson, Bill Overbeck, Feng Min and David King). It also includes two cosmetic add-ons packed with outfits for various characters.
The post Designing The Krasue: Dead by Daylight Brings Thai Folklore into the Fog appeared first on Xbox Wire.
How a Traditional Blacksmith Created Ninja Gaiden 4’s Swords in Real Life
When we set out to launch Ninja Gaiden 4, we asked ourselves: what if the blades of legend weren’t confined to the game? What if Ryu Hayabusa’s iconic Dragon Sword and new protagonist Yakumo’s Takeminakata — weapons rooted in centuries of lore — could be forged in the real world? That question brought us to Kyoto, Japan, where ancient swordsmithing traditions met the next chapter of Ninja Gaiden.
In association with master swordsmith Yuya Nakanishi and the Masahiro Tantoujou Sword Forge, we set out to create real-life versions of the Dragon Sword and the Takeminakata. These aren’t just props — they’re living, breathing testaments to craft, power, and story.
The Stories of the Swords
The Dragon Sword has always been more than steel. In-game, it’s the ancestral blade passed down through the Dragon Lineage for generations.,
Combined with the Eye of the Dragon, a sacred jewel granted to Ryu by his childhood friend Kureha, the blade now displays its full power, transforming into the “True Dragon Sword.” With this legendary blade in hand, Ryu has purged the encroaching forces of evil and saved the world time and time again.
Yakumo’s Takeminakata has also been passed down through generations of the Raven Clan, who have actively collected cursed blades to utilize with Bloodbind Ninjutsu. Yakumo uses Bloodbind Ninjutsu to share the life force of blood with Takeminakata and the accursed armaments to maximize their destructive potential.
The Creation Process
Creating these blades in real life took months. Hundreds of hours. And no compromises. Each artisan at Masahiro Tantoujou Sword Forge approached their part of the process with the same dedication Ryu and Yakumo bring to battle — patience, discipline, and unwavering focus.
The result? Two swords that don’t just mirror their in-game counterparts — they embody them. When you see the Dragon Sword’s gleam or the Takeminakata’s raven feather-imbued blade, you’re not just looking at steel. You’re looking at the legacy of the Dragon Clan and the Raven clan, and the Master Ninjas that define Ninja Gaiden 4.
This collaboration is more than a celebration of a game. It’s where story meets steel, and where fantasy becomes something you can hold in your hands. Because in Ninja Gaiden 4, legends aren’t imagined — they’re forged.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Deluxe Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$89.99
Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch
Experience a return to the intense, high-octane action of NINJA GAIDEN with the Deluxe Edition! The Deluxe Edition includes:
• NINJA GAIDEN 4 base game
• Future Gameplay Content “The Two Masters”*
• Traditional Dark Blue and Legendary Black Falcon Ryu Skins
• Blade of the Archfiend Ryu Weapon Skin
• Divine Chimera and Raven Master Yakumo Skins
• Divine Chimera Yakumo Weapon Set
• 50,000 Bonus NinjaCoin
• Additional In-Game Items such as Life Elixirs, Incense of Rebirth, Kongou Iron Brew, and more!
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
RETURN OF THE LEGEND
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
EPIC HACK AND SLASH COMBAT, EVOLVED
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
AN ANCIENT ENEMY RETURNS
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
*For release date when announced, see https://www.xbox.com/games/ninja-gaiden-4.
NINJA GAIDEN 4 Preorder Standard Edition
Xbox Game Studios
$69.99
Pre-order now to receive the Dark Dragon Descendant Yakumo Skin at launch
The definitive ninja hack & slash franchise returns with NINJA GAIDEN 4! Embark on a cutting-edge adventure where legacy meets innovation in this high-octane blend of style and no-holds-barred combat.
Return of the Legend
Experience a return to the intense, high-speed combat that established NINJA GAIDEN as a premier action game series. Prepare for a legacy reborn with captivating style for a new generation of players.
Epic Hack and Slash Combat, Evolved
NINJA GAIDEN 4 fuses Team NINJA’s tempered combat philosophy with the stylish, dynamic action gameplay of PlatinumGames. Engage in visually stunning combat that rewards precision and strategy. Use Bloodbind Ninjutsu to transform your weapons and unleash devastation upon your enemies, alongside legacy techniques like the Izuna Drop and Flying Swallow. The legendary Ryu Hayabusa also returns with a revamped yet familiar set of tools to master. With a customizable player experience, NINJA GAIDEN 4 will push action game veterans to their limits while allowing newcomers to enjoy a heart-pounding adventure full of twists and turns.
An Ancient Enemy Returns
An endless rain of miasma hangs over a near-future Tokyo in the wake of an ancient enemy’s resurrection. The fate of the city lies in the hands of young ninja prodigy, Yakumo. Fighting his way through cybernetic ninja soldiers and otherworldly creatures, Yakumo must reconcile a destiny he shares with the legendary Ryu Hayabusa himself and free Tokyo from the ancient curse that brought the city to its knees.
The post How a Traditional Blacksmith Created Ninja Gaiden 4’s Swords in Real Life appeared first on Xbox Wire.
OD – Knock: Watch the Teaser Trailer from Kojima Productions
The post OD – Knock: Watch the Teaser Trailer from Kojima Productions appeared first on Xbox Wire.