xboxgamestudios
Latest
'Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition' arrives this fall
Microsoft revealed at its E3 event that Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will arrive this fall. As with the updated Age of Empires, this version of the classic RTS includes 4K support and remastered audio, as well as a brand-new campaign called The Last Khans. Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition will be available on Xbox Game Pass for PC, while signups for the beta are now open.
'Halo: The Master Chief Collection' heads to PC with 'Reach' included
After years of waiting and more than a few hiccups, Halo: The Master Chief Collection is coming to the PC. Microsoft and 343 Industries have unveiled plans to release the whole anthology one game at a time on both the Microsoft Store and Steam, starting with the prequel that has been conspicuously absent in the MCC since its debut: Halo: Reach. This may prove to be slightly tortuous if you're a fan of the main story, but it will give you a chance to play the title while taking greater advantage of modern hardware.
'Crackdown 3' multiplayer test begins February 7th on Xbox and PC
You won't have to wait until February 15th to see if Crackdown 3 is worth its protracted development process, although you might want to temper your expectations. Microsoft is launching a stress test for the game's Wrecking Zone mode at 3PM Eastern on February 7th (installations are available at 12PM) to see how well its cloud-based destruction fares in real-world conditions. It's "not a beta," Microsoft emphasized -- this is about collecting data and feedback based on a slice of the finished game. You'll be limited to the Agent Hunter mode on one map, but there will be multiple play sessions, including two on the 7th and others on the weekend.
Microsoft Studios is dead, long live Xbox Game Studios
Microsoft has rebranded its game-development business, just slightly, from Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios. This new name comprises all 13 game studios and publishing organizations that Microsoft has gobbled up over the years, including Fallout: New Vegas developer Obsidian Entertainment, Halo house 343 Industries, Gears of War studio The Coalition, Hellblade creator NInja Theory and Wasteland 2 company inXile Entertainment.
