An Indies-for-Indies Initiative

Seven international indie game publishers have come together to create a collaborative initiative known as The Indie Houses. With the core attitude of “indies-for-indies”, The Indie Houses aims to promote an environment that is centered around the sharing of knowledge between publishers rather than cutthroat competition. While this partnership has already been in practice for months (starting industry dialogues, discussing publisher agreements, pushing for sales transparency, etc.) the group will officially kick-off with a publisher showcase, The Indie Houses Direct, on August 31, on Steam, Twitch and YouTube. This will be followed by a weeklong Steam Festival, from August 31-September 7.

The Indie Houses is a collection of publishers that span multiple continents, with different backgrounds, niches, and languages. Each one brings their own set of skills and expertise to the collective with the objective of elevating not only themselves, but also one another and indie games as a whole. The publishers involved include: Akupara Games, Fellow Traveller, Neon Doctrine, Raw Fury, Those Awesome Guys, Toge Productions, and Whitethorn Games. While these are the publishers currently involved with the organization, the hope is to expand this collaborative relationship to others.

Here’s who’s involved in The Indie Houses:

Raw Fury @RawFury
Neon Doctrine @NeonDoctrine
Fellow Traveller @FellowTravellr
Akupara Games @akuparagames
Toge Productions @togeproductions
Those Awesome Guys @someawesomeguys
Whitethorn Games @WhiteThornGames

Inspired by the recent surge in “direct” style online showcases such as Wholesome Direct, The Indie Houses Direct will be an hour-long segment, packed to the brim with news and reveals from the seven publishers involved. A week-long Steam event will take place following the showcase which will feature multiple game demos, live broadcasts, game bundles, and sales.

The Indie Houses Direct Features:

• New game announcements
• Never-before-seen content
• Content Updates and reveals
• Developer live streams and Q&A sessions
• African Developer Prototype Fund
• And more!

More information about The Indie Houses or the Direct showcase later this month can be found on the website or twitter. 

As mesmerizing as it is dangerous, Zharkov: The Vortex is filled with lightning storms, gas clouds, ruined star ship hulks, alien mystery, and more to explore

Hamburg, Germany – August 4, 2021 – ROCKFISH Games has released the second major Early Access update to their spacefaring looter shooter RPG, EVERSPACE 2— Zharkov: The Vortex opens up an all-new star system, a new spaceship class, companion, main and side missions, activities, challenges, and more than 120 improvements and fixes being added to the space action RPG.

Set in a gas cloud system, Zharkov: The Vortex is packed full of new environments, locations, and star bases to discover. Fair warning, Zharkov is EVERSPACE 2’s most dangerous area yet as it is filled with lightning storms, ruined hulks, and strong enemies seeking their next target.

Playing as Adam, a former clone pilot, the player will dive deep into the shady dealings of the Grady & Brunt mining operation and uncover secrets leading to mysteries of The Ancients, and learn how the factions in the game are all connected.

During a certain section of a high-risk undercover operation, players have to prove their 6DOF maneuvering skills when navigating a remote-controlled maintenance drone through narrow tunnels and pass laser security barriers undetected to prevent an inside job from going south.

Further progressing through the fully voiced campaign, EVERSPACE: Encounters players will recognize the new companion added, an old friend: Tareen, the Okkar trader will join the roster of companions and provide some very useful perks. As the new quartermaster, Tareen will expand the player’s storage and increase the number of ships that can be parked at the Homebase.

The latest EVERSPACE 2 ship, the Vanguard, is a lightweight reconnaissance fighter with a focus on speed, quick maneuvers, and defensive measures – perfect for players who love to delve headfirst into the battle and take out enemies in quick succession. The Vanguard’s Special “overcharges” the ship’s shield to up to 200% capacity when boosting or when in Cruise Mode allowing for shield-buffed attacks. This ship also receives an increased critical hit chance when attacking enemies from the rear, making clever combat positioning a significant advantage in dogfights. The Vanguard’s Ultimate, Time Extender, slows down time giving plenty of opportunity to regain the upper hand in any given combat situation if things get messy. 

Vanguard ships also come with one out of four random Passive Perks that let cruise drive to be activated with enemies nearby, reduces Web effect by 50%, lowers up to 20% support device cooldown depending on overcharge percentage, or makes Time Extender immediately restore all weapon and boost energy.

Along with the Vanguard, players will also be able to access the second tier of all other current ship types, granting new wing styles and better base stats. 

The Zharkov: The Vortex update also brings a significant amount of additional features such as new missile and mine types, a grappling hook, additional music tracks, new gameplay mechanics, and more. For more details, read the latest Steam News Update. 

Zharkov: The Vortex Early Access Update Features:

• New Star System – Zharkov: The Vortex takes players deep into the eye of the storm
• New Companion – Tareen the Okkar Trader joins as the homebase quartermaster, expanding storage capabilities and allowing for more ships to be held in the base hanger 
• New Light Fighter Class: The Vanguard – A lightweight, highly maneuverable reconnaissance ship with a high emphasis on speed/mobility and defensive measures
• New Main and Side Missions – The plot thickens, so players will start putting the pieces together of how everything is connected in this mind-bending sci-fi story
• New Gear – The new Fusion Hook allows for quick turns through asteroid fields; new Corrosion, Armorbreaker, Shieldbreaker, and Destabilizer missiles and Web and Corrosion mine launchers add an arsenal of new ways to destroy enemy ships 
• Newly Voiced Lines – Added English voice acting for dialog added since the previous Contracts/Hinterlands update
• New Activities, Mini-Missions, and Challenges – Several additional hours of playtime scattered throughout the new star system
• And More – New music, ship colors, item set bonuses, item affix, crafting UI/UX improvements, and lots more!

The full changelog can be found here. The game is currently 20% off on Steam. Deal ends on August 9, 10:00 am PDT.

Follow EVERSPACE 2 on Twitter, Facebook, or join the game’s Discord to stay in the loop on the latest developments.

Every Friday, the EVERSPACE 2 team shows off content from their latest dev build on the ROCKFISH Games Twitch and YouTube channel from 8 pm to 10 pm CEST / 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm EST / 11:00 am to 1:00 pm PST.

About EVERSPACE™ 2
EVERSPACE 2 continues the story of Adam Roslin from the first part of the series. Starting with two sprawling star systems that can be freely explored by space pilots, players experience Adam’s emotional journey and personal development from an immortal clone space pilot to an individual of character whose death has final consequences in an open-world action RPG. EVERSPACE 2 offers in the current Early Access version more than 25 hours of gameplay and already contains all core mechanics of the targeted final version.

EVERSPACE 2 can be purchased on Steam here and on GOG here. The full version for PC, including Mac and native Linux support, will be released at a reasonably increased price in summer 2022 and come with UI and text language support for German, French, Italian, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Polish, Russian, simplified Chinese, Japanese, and Korean.

About ROCKFISH Games GmbH

ROCKFISH Games is a 100% independent game studio specializing in high-quality Unreal Engine 4 action video games for PC and consoles. Industry veterans Michael Schade and Christian Lohr founded ROCKFISH Games to create a new breed of adrenalin-filled adventures for space shooter fans through their acclaimed EVERSPACE IP. After spending over 20 years as joint entrepreneurs in the 3D graphics and mobile gaming space, Schade and Lohr built ROCKFISH Games from the ground up alongside a small team of veteran developers to the current studio of 25 cherry-picked developers and community experts from across the industry.

Using Kickstarter as a platform to build a new community in 2015, ROCKFISH Games reached a runaway success with EVERSPACE, which has sold over two million copies on PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. Building on this success and propelled by yet another wildly successful Kickstarter campaign in 2019, ROCKFISH Games is dedicated to crafting a true next-gen open-world space shooter experience driven by quality storytelling as an open-development project together with space action aficionado from around the globe in their upcoming title, EVERSPACE 2.

Join Cora on her mission to save the dying planet Lumia

Rome, Italy, Wednesday 4th August, 2021 — Publisher Leonardo Interactive and developer Madlight Studio have today confirmed that their upcoming futuristic, third-person, sci-fi puzzle platformer, Seed of Life will be launching on PC via Steam on August 11th, 2021. 

Set in Lumia, a beautiful dystopian semi-open world roamed by strange alien creatures, players will take on the role of Cora as she attempts to find a mysterious device called The Seed and restore life to the dying planet.

Seed of Life is an epic adventure game about the persistence of life. You are Cora, the last known survivor of Lumia, a dying world ravaged by alien invaders that are stealing the planet’s lifeforce. Your only hope to save your homeworld is to activate The Seed, an alien device capable of generating the essence of life and save your planet from annihilation. Will you be the light that conquers the darkness?

As you look to the light and navigate your way through a labyrinth-like planet, you’ll come across strange capsules and learn special abilities that allow you to defy the laws of nature and conquer the dangers of a dying world on the brink of destruction. With the help of a cute alien assistant named Nar, you will be able to solve challenging puzzles and topple increasingly menacing invader foes in order to save your world.

Seed of Life Features

• Triple-A Quality Graphics – Explore a breathtaking sci-fi universe set in a dystopian future. Seed of Life features beautiful graphics and a unique art style where bright colors meet complete darkness.
• An Emotional Journey – Seed of Life is a story-driven game with a dramatic, engaging story full of mysteries to be revealed that will keep you curious and excited to discover more.
• Gameplay Focused – This adventure is packed with RPG elements, puzzles and dangerous creatures. Find Talisman capsules to learn new abilities, collect Lumium to upgrade and strategically use your items to defy gravity and overcome different challenges.
• Stealth Combat – Escape from Namurian Shadows roaming the land in search for the remaining Lumium
• A World to Discover – Explore a beautiful and vast labyrinth-like semi-open world where secrets are hidden in every corner and environmental challenges will test your skills. Navigate dangerous paths, clear objectives and find interest points. There’s always something new to uncover!

Seed of Life will be released on PC via Steam on August 11th, 2021 and fans can wishlist the game on Steam now. For more information on Leonardo Interactive, please visit the official website at https://leonardointeractive.com/

About Leonardo Interactive

Leonardo Interactive is an award-winning video games publisher based in Rome, Italy and it has produced and published award-winning titles across all major platforms. Bringing games to market in both physical and digital media, the company has made notable launches to date including the award-winning Dry Drowning and the point and click adventure Willy Morgan and the Curse of Bone Town and will launch Seed of Life, Hell Architect and the survival horror prequel Daymare: 1994 Sandcastle through 2021 and beyond. Leonardo Interactive is also the owner of VLG publishing.

About Madlight Studio MadLight studio specializes in video games for PC and Consoles aimed at providing players with unique experiences via compelling stories, engaging adventures, and vivid graphics. It will do this through a series of games called Seed of Life.”

Demos also available on both consoles to try before you buy

Wiesbaden, Germany, 4th August, 2021. Time to lock ‘n’ load apocalypse fans! Publisher Assemble Entertainment and developer Pixelsplit Games today announced that the hugely popular over-the-top 8bit-style zombie shooter Deadly Days is out now on PlayStation via the PlayStation Store and Xbox via the Microsoft Store. And, if fans want a taste of the whacky gameplay and epic zombie battles Deadly Days has in store for them, they can now also download a playable demo on both consoles!

Players can expect the same crazy antics that they’ve come to love from the PC and Nintendo Switch versions. Expect to see bizarre in-game items, powers, and quirky characters as well as the in-depth crafting feature that allows survivors to construct rooms with different perks to build weapons with specialized modifications.  

Deadly Days is a one-of-a-kind zombie survival game that focuses on intense strategic elements, as well as the undeniable humour behind what a zombie apocalypse would look like in our modern meme-oriented society. 

Key features of Deadly Days include:

• Over 60 different crazy items and tons of powerful special abilities that can dramatically change the outcome of any battle
• Over 25 weapon types with randomly generated modifications 
• Over 30 different survivor skins and more than 10 unique zombie and boss types that only want one thing: brains! 
• Lovingly designed pixel art style and procedurally generated cities and missions
• Expand your base by building various rooms such as a greenhouse or mechanics room and craft crazy, unique weapons. 

Deadly Days is out now on PlayStation via the PlayStation Store (£15.99 / €18.99 / $18.99) and on Xbox via the Microsoft Store (£15.49 / €18.99 / $18.99 and will include a limited time 20% launch discount) as well as on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch. The playable demos can also be downloaded from the store pages.  

Stay up-to-date with Deadly Days by following Pixel Split Games on Twitter.

Follow Assemble Entertainment on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Reddit, and join the official Discord server here. 

About Assemble Entertainment Based in Wiesbaden, Germany, Assemble Entertainment is an independent games developer and publisher, best known for the modernized, award-winning Leisure Suit Larry series, featuring two new entries in the iconic decades-spanning saga, and the multi-award-winning Endzone – A World Apart, that challenges players to survive and thrive following an environmental apocalypse. Assemble Entertainment also organizes GermanDevDays, an annual conference that attracts more than 1,200 attendees from across the German-speaking

THE ULTIMATE ZOMBIE CO-OP SHOOTER EXPERIENCE IS COMING TO CONSOLES

World War Z: Aftermath coming to PlayStation 4® and XBOX One® 21^st Sept and World War Z will release for Nintendo Switch® in Spring 2021

Sydney, Australia – 4^th August 2021: Saber Interactive are delighted to announce the physical releases of the co-op zombie shooters World War Z: Aftermath for PlayStation 4® and XBOX One® on 21^st September 2021 at Australian retailers. A physical version of World War Z for Nintendo Switch® will also release in Spring 2021.

World War Z: Aftermath for PlayStation 4® and XBOX One is the ultimate zombie co-op shooter inspired by Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster film and the next evolution of the original hit World War Z, that has now captivated over 15 million players. Turn the tide of the zombie apocalypse on consoles and PC with full cross-play. Join up to three friends or play on your own with AI teammates against hordes of ravenous zombies in intense story episodes across new zombie-ravaged locations around the world. Take back Vatican City in an epic confrontation in Rome and join forces with survivors in Russia’s snowbound Kamchatka peninsula.

New Stories From a World at War

Take back Vatican City in an epic confrontation in Rome and join forces with survivors in Russia’s snowbound Kamchatka peninsula in all-new story missions. Play as both new and returning characters as you take the fight to the undead with a brutal new melee system, decimating zekes with unique moves, perks and dual-wield weapon options like the sickle and cleaver. Fend off new undead monstrosities, including swarms of flesh-hungry rats that will unleash total chaos on your team.

The Next Generation of Zombie Action

Play in glorious 4K|60 FPS on next-gen systems. Endure hundreds of more zombies on screen than ever before possible in the new Horde Mode XL, coming exclusively to PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S in a free post-launch update.

Deep Progression and a New Perspective

Experience a heart-pounding new perspective with Aftermath’s immersive new First-Person Mode option. Level up eight unique classes — the Gunslinger, Hellraiser, Slasher, Medic, Fixer, Exterminator, Dronemaster, and all-new Vanguard class — each with their own perks and playstyles. Customise your weapons to survive any challenge and conquer new daily missions with special modifiers for bonus rewards.

World War Z, the heart-pounding zombie shooter boasting over 15 million players will arrive on Nintendo Switch® this Spring. Inspired by the Paramount Pictures film, World War Z focuses on fast-paced third-person shooter gameplay featuring swarms of hundreds of zombies.

From New York to Moscow, Jerusalem and more, the undead apocalypse continues to spread. Humanity is on the brink of extinction. As the end looms, a hardened few band together to defeat the horde and outlive the dead. World War Z on Nintendo Switch® also includes all content from the Game of the Year Edition of World War Z.

Shimmer Up Your Controller Collection with the Aqua Shift Special Edition

by Jessica Tsujikawa, Sr. Product Marketing Manager, Xbox

As we continue to dream up new designs and find new ways to delight our fans, we are always looking for ways to elevate your Xbox gaming experience. Well, get ready to take your Xbox Wireless Controller experience to a whole new, shimmery level. Today we announce our Xbox Wireless Controller – Aqua Shift Special Edition for your holding pleasure.

Xbox Wireless Controller – Aqua Shift Special Edition

Aqua shift features a surreal, colour-shifting blue shimmer that you need to see to believe. Playing with the way the prismatic colour moves across our controller, you’ll feel like Aqua Shift comes to life in your hands. Inspired by the fantasy that gaming brings into our lives, we know this mystical beauty will add that magic your controller collection needs.

Aqua shift is the first Special Edition Xbox Series X|S controller to feature rubberized side grips with a unique dual colour swirl on every unit. Textured grip on the triggers, bumpers, and back case makes sure you stay connected to the game no matter how intense things get. Our next gen Share button can be customized in the Xbox Accessories app to capture wild screenshots, start/stop recording of your most epic gaming clips, or instantly capture those “what the heck just happened” moments. Share these with your friends directly from the console dashboard or your mobile phone. The Xbox Accessories app can also be used to remap your other controller buttons and create custom controller profiles for your favourite games, giving the Xbox Wireless Controller endless potential to elevate your game.

The Xbox Wireless Controller – Aqua Shift Special Edition is available for pre-order today in select Xbox markets worldwide for $99.95 AUD. Check your local retailer or xbox.com for more information.

Banish Traffic with New Halo-themed Waze Content

by Gordon Donald, International Partnerships Lead

When you’re in a rush to save the galaxy from extinction there’s nothing worse than getting caught in traffic. While Halo’s iconic Warthog can simply go around roadblocks thanks to its rugged off-road capabilities and a Banished Ghost can utilize its anti-gravity pads to take the most direct route, now the rest of us can arrive in style thanks to a new global partnership between Xbox’s Halo Infinite and the navigation app Waze. Starting today, drivers around the world can access a brand-new Waze experience that allows them to drive with vehicles and characters straight from the Halo universe.

Upon selecting the Halo theme, drivers can choose their side: the UNSC or the Banished. Those siding with humanity and the UNSC will have their in-app car replaced with the Warthog and will have their trip navigated by none other than the Master Chief himself, and even select him as their Waze profile “Mood.” Drivers embracing their more rebellious side can choose the Banished, Halo Infinite’s enemy faction. They’ll have their in-app car replaced with a Ghost, get their navigation audio from the Banished war chief, Escharum, and an Escharum “Mood” to let others on the road know which side they’ve chosen.

Access the first ever video game-themed experience on Waze to choose your faction, and your drives will take on a decidedly Halo flavor. Or open the Waze app, tap “My Waze” and select the Halo banner to activate the experience. The content is available worldwide starting today in English, Spanish, French and Portuguese, and will remain on the Waze app for a limited time.

Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Hades, Skate, Curse of the Dead Gods, and More

by Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass

Get your mouse, touch screens, or controllers ready for some scrolling! We have a big list of games coming soon to Xbox Game Pass, featuring some dead gods, some not-so-dead gods, driving and skating, and more. Let’s jump in!

Coming Soon

Curse of the Dead Gods (Console, and PC) – August 5
You seek untold riches, eternal life, divine powers – it leads to an accursed temple, a seemingly infinite labyrinth of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and monsters. Your greed will lead you to death, but that is not an escape. Rise to fight again and defy the malignant deities that linger in this place!

Dodgeball Academia (Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – August 5
Get ready to dodge, duck, dip, and dive in Dodgeball Academia available with Xbox Game Pass on day one! This vibrant sports RPG puts you in a world that lives and breathes dodgeball. Forge friendships and develop rivals as you train to become the ultimate champion – dominating on and off the courts.

Katamari Damacy Reroll (Console, and PC) – August 5
The stop-at-nothing pushing prince is back and ready to reroll! When the King of All Cosmos accidentally destroys all the stars in the sky, he orders you, his pint-sized princely son, to put the twinkle back in the heavens above. Join the king on their wacky adventure to restore the stars – now in full HD!

Lumines Remastered (Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – August 5
A game that beautifully marries the elements of sound, light and puzzle-action into one engaging, yet easy-to-play experience. You’re at the centre of the high-energy, block-dropping action while you groove to awesome house, trance, and techno beats!

Skate (Console) EA Play – August 5
Head back to where it all began as Skate joins The EA Play List! Get chased by security guards, impress or annoy citizens, ride with pros, discover skate shops, and make spots your own in this fully reactive city!

Starmancer (Game Preview) (PC) ID@Xbox – August 5
Obey protocol or go rogue as you take on the role of a powerful A.I. in Starmancer. Build bustling space ports, secret laboratories, and incubators for mysterious eggs. Defend against starvation, sabotage, and space zombies. Don’t worry, you can always grow more humans.

Art of Rally (Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – August 12
Art of Rally is a stylized experience inspired by the golden era of rally from the creator of Absolute Drift. From beginner-friendly options to driving modes that’ll challenge the most expert drivers, race across the world through colourful and stylized environments, now including Kenya with 4 new cars, 6 new tracks, and a new free-roam area!

Hades (Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – August 13
Defy the god of the dead as you battle out of the Underworld of Greek myth in this Game of the Year winning rogue-like dungeon crawler. You’ll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus, while growing stronger and unravelling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.

Microsoft Solitaire Collection: Premium Edition (PC) – August 17
Be part of the most played video game in history! Get an ad-free experience in the Premium Edition, including an exclusive Xbox Game Pass card back! Enjoy the best Solitaire card games in one app, plus daily challenges, competitive events, Xbox achievements, and a new Xbox theme. Discover why millions around the world have loved this timeless classic for over 31 years.

In Case You Missed It

EA and Codemasters are thrilled to expand the already-packed roster of titles on EA Play, with racing titles from three revered racing franchises. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members can get behind the wheel of these titles on console starting August 10 with EA Play on console. Learn more here!

Dirt 4
Embrace your fear and race on the edge of control with Dirt 4. Experience the adrenaline rush of rallying across challenging global locations in legendary off-road machines and take on unique challenges in Joyride mode – coming soon to Xbox Game Pass Ultimate via EA Play.

Dirt Rally
Dirt Rally is the most authentic rally game ever made, road-tested over 80 million miles by the Dirt community. Take on the ultimate off-road challenge with Dirt Rally on EA Play!

Dirt Rally 2.0
Carve your way through the world’s most iconic rally locations in the most powerful off-road vehicles ever made, knowing that the smallest mistake could end your stage. Experience the most authentic point-to-point rally game combined with thrilling, fast-paced action of the FIA World Rallycross Championship.

F1 2020
The critically acclaimed F1 2020 adds more ways to play to the award-winning official F1 games series. Take the role of owner/driver in My Team, hit the grid with a friend via two-player split-screen, and earn customization items for your car and driver with Podium Pass.

Grid
Grid is a racing experience like no other. Offering unrivalled wheel-to-wheel racing for everyone, where every race is unpredictable as you create rivals and nemeses on your road to conquering the world of motorsport.

DLC / Game Updates

Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition – African Royals DLC – Available now
Xbox Game Pass members save up to 25%! Dive into the heart of Africa as you explore a new continent for Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition with two brand new civilizations and their kingdoms, the Ethiopians, and the Hausa!  

Gears 5: Operation 8 Bundle – Available now
Xbox Game Pass members save 10%! Gear up for Operation 8 with this new Gears 5 bundle. Grab Armored Bernie, Ketor Vrol, plus lots of extras. Includes Armored Bernie, Ketor Vrol, Jungle Cat Eyes Weapon Skin set, Prowler banner, Knife mark, Photo Op expression, You Missed bloodspray, 700 Iron, and 30 days of Boost.

Dead by Daylight Archives Tome VIII: Deliverance
In Tome VIII: Deliverance, climb inside The Clown’s twisted mind as a chemical mishap turns a standard kill into a cartoon-fuelled hallucination. Watch Jake Park grapple with his own mortality as the hunter becomes the hunted. And join the Observer on his quest for answers as he peels back terrifying new layers of the omniverse.

Rainbow Six Siege: Containment Event – Available Until August 24
Containment is a dynamic time-limited event for Season 2 that features a new gameplay mode, exclusive operator bundles, and much more! The event sets the players in a reworked version of the Consulate map overruled by the Chimera Parasite in a new game mode called Nest Destruction. Live August 3 through August 24.

Sniper Elite 4 Series X|S Update – Available Now
Discover unrivalled sniping freedom in the largest and most advanced World War 2 shooter ever built. Now optimized for Series X|S, Sniper Elite 4 gives players a smoother and sharper experience at 4K at 60fps. Learn more here!

Zombie Army 4: Left 4 Dead 2 Character Pack – Available now
It’s time to take down the undead, Left 4 Dead style! A free character pack to unlock a selection of survivors from Left 4 Dead 2 in Zombie Army 4: Dead War comes to Xbox today!

Forza Motorsport 7 is leaving stores and Xbox Game Pass
On September 15, 2021, Forza Motorsport 7 will be leaving stores. While still fully playable and active, new purchases of the game and its DLC will no longer be available in the Microsoft Store, and the game will no longer be available with Xbox Game Pass. For any Xbox Game Pass players who previously purchased DLC for the game, but not the game itself, we have good news! You will receive a token for the game through the Xbox Message Centre so that you can continue playing Forza Motorsport 7. For more information, visit the Forza Motorsport blog.

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

We have more great Perks coming your way soon and some that are available now. Don’t forget to claim them in the Perks gallery (including your last chance for the NBA 2K21 MyTEAM Bundle on August 4!) on your Xbox console, Xbox App for Windows 10 PC, and the Xbox Game Pass mobile app for iOS and Android.

Apex Legends: Lost in Random Weapon Charm – Available now
Show the competition what you’re made of with your new Lost in Random Weapon Charm, brought to you by EA Play! Equip this to your favourite weapon and battle for glory, fame, and fortune in style.

PSO2: New Genesis: August Member Monthly Bonus – Available now
Get a head start in PSO2: NGS with this special member monthly bonus pack. Get your N-Half Scape Dolls (x5) to help revive you during intense battles, and Photon Chunks (x50) to strengthen weapons and units.

Rogue Company: Season Three Perk Pack – August 10
Save the world in style with the Season Three Perk Pack! Unlock Lancer, her Emerald Absque outfit, and 20k XP.

Xbox Game Pass Quests

Starting today, we have a new month of Quests available for you to go complete and claim!  Go take part in some Animal Antics themed games this month, and earn 2x points for select Quests, so you can go redeem even more rewards!

Here are some of the Quests you can start completing this week:

• The Evil Within (150 points): Kill 7 enemies
• Star Wars Battlefront II (Ultimate – 50 points): Gain 2,500 Score
• Fallout 4 (25 points): Play the game

Leaving Soon

Time to give these games a proper farewell before they leave the Xbox Game Pass library! Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% off these games if you want to purchase and keep gaming!

Leaving August 8

• Grand Theft Auto V (Cloud and Console)

Leaving August 15

• Ape Out (PC)
• Crossing Souls (PC)
• Darksiders Genesis (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Don’t Starve (Cloud, Console, and PC)
• Final Fantasy VII (Console and PC)
• Train Sim World 2020 (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Congratulations, you made it to the end! There were a ton of games we just threw at you, so keep an eye on @XboxGamePass and @XboxGamePassPC on Twitter for updates when these games are ready to play. And my favourite tip is to use the Xbox Game Pass mobile app to remotely install the games to your console or PC without ever having to find the controller that is wedged in your couch (maybe that’s just me). Talk to you next time!

Seek Out the Precious Gemstone Known As Il Sovrano in the Dusty Town of Rhodes

Plus Stick Up the Saloons of Saint Denis, Nominated Series Bonuses, and More

A precious yellow diamond known as Il Sovrano is making a brief layover in Rhodes and the local monied elite are meeting to discuss who gets to take care of it. It’s been suggested that a representative of Senator Ricard will collect Il Sovrano and you’ll need to find information as to the jewel’s whereabouts. Whether you distract the guards, sneak your way in, or make an explosive entrance, you’ll need to track down and take the jewel.

Completing the Il Sovrano Opportunity will yield a Reward for a free Weapon Component of your choice, while completing it on Ruthless Difficulty will also unlock the Duplessis Top Hat for purchase from Madam Nazar.

The Saloons Contract: Stick Up the Saloons of Saint Denis
The saloons of Saint Denis are flush with cash. Smelling blood in the water, the underworld wants its cut — as well as its Capitale. The Saloons Contract is a new Crime Contract consisting of three missions as you collect funds from the local watering holes. Keep in mind: some business owners agree to these sorts of arrangements — others might require the use of force instead of cool-headed persuasion.

Speak to Sean Macguire, Anthony Foreman, Joe, or James Langton to start collecting dues.

The Quick Draw Club No. 1
The Quick Draw Club No. 1 will be available through August 9. Upgrade to The Quick Draw Club No. 1 this week to unlock The Rushword Shirt and other Rewards. This week, all Quick Draw Club owners will receive an Offer for 50% off Established or Distinguished Role Items and Rewards for a free Shirt and Coat. Plus, purchase all four installments of The Quick Draw Club to get a Reward for The Halloween Pass 2 for free.

The Quick Draw Club No. 2 is coming August 10.

Nominated Series Bonus
Whatever mode tickles your fancy, this week is dealer’s choice: compete in three matches as part of the Nominated Series to receive an Offer for 40% off a Non-Role Multi-Class Horse of your choice.

Call to Arms Mode Coming Next Week
Batten down the hatches and come to the aid of local townsfolk to fight off waves of enemies in a brand-new survival-based mode, Call to Arms — launching August 10.

Discounts
Stables across the states are offering 30% off all Turkoman Horses. Those looking to take up arms can knock 30% off the cost of all Shotguns and all Role Weapon Variants, as well as 40% off all Melee Weapons, the Bow, and Improved Bow. Tailors are offering a temporary 40% markdown on all Hats.

Prime Gaming Benefits
Red Dead Online players who connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account to Prime Gaming before August 30 will receive a Reward for a free Hat up to Rank 15, an Offer for 50% off the Rolling Block Rifle, and an Offer for 30% off select Camp Equipment at Wilderness Outfitters.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.

Pre-Load Available Now, Discounts Up to 85 Percent Off on Select Platforms 

SYDNEY, Australia – August 4, 2021 – Today, Ubisoft^® announced that Far Cry 5 will be available to play for free from August 5 – 9 on Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Epic Games Store and Ubisoft Store on Windows PC. Players will have access to the entire game in solo and two-player co-op.  

New players will be able to pre-load the game starting today, and will be able to access the Free Weekend during the following times per platform:

• PC via Ubisoft Store: August 5 at 11 p.m. AEST
• PC via Epic Games Store: August 6 at3 a.m. AEST
• PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4: August 5 at 5.01 p.m. AEST
• Xbox Series X | S, Xbox One: August 5 at 5:01 p.m. AEST

Players who want to continue their fight against The Father in Far Cry 5 will get to keep their game progression and enjoy discounts up to 85% off on the game and Season Pass during the Free Weekend.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Far Cry, For Honor, Just Dance, Watch Dogs, and Tom Clancy’s video game series including Ghost Recon®, Rainbow Six and The Division. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2020-21 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,241 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.