There comes a time in the life of most early access releases that they most abandon that moniker in favour of a fully fledged 1.0 launch. And it appears said time is arriving for Enshrouded, the fantasy survival game that comes with a whole lot of building options, as developer Keen Games GmbH have locked in a 1.0 release date.
**Xbox Console Price Increases: A Persistent Trend**
In an unexpected yet expected decision, Xbox has revealed its third price hike for consoles, effective August 1, 2026. This adjustment involves a significant increase for both the 512 GB and 1 TB models, amidst escalating concerns about the surging costs of components and storage.
### **Price Changes Overview**
The revised pricing structure is as follows:
– **Xbox Series X – 1TB with disc drive**: $800 (previously $650)
– **Xbox Series X – 1TB all digital**: $750 (previously $600)
– **Xbox Series S – 512GB**: $500 (previously $400)
– **Xbox Series S – 1TB**: $600 (previously $450)
Alongside the price increases, Xbox has also announced its plan to phase out the 2TB model, which was formerly priced at $800.
### **Reasons Behind the Price Hike**
Microsoft links this price adjustment to the notable surge in the costs of console storage and memory, which have allegedly risen by 2.5 times since the previous price increase in October. The company foresees additional hikes, predicting that these costs could double by fall 2027.
The entire consumer electronics sector is currently contending with difficulties due to a components crisis, impacting consoles more severely than other consumer devices such as smartphones and computers. Unlike these gadgets, video game consoles are frequently sold at a loss, making their pricing structures more susceptible to increases when costs rise.
### **New Payment Options for Consumers**
In light of the pricing adjustments, Xbox has rolled out a new “Buy Now, Pay Later” service, enabling consumers to acquire consoles through their official stores with interest-free installment payments. Additionally, Amazon is providing financing options for up to 12 months with flexible monthly payments. Xbox is also investigating collaborations with retailers to offer pre-owned and certified refurbished systems on the Microsoft Store, broadening purchasing options for consumers.
### **Historical Context of Price Increases**
This recent price adjustment continues a trend initiated in 2025. The first price increase took place in May of that year, driven by speculations surrounding newly imposed tariffs during President Trump’s administration. A second hike followed in September of the same year, with Microsoft attributing it to “changes in the macroeconomic environment.” The discontinuation of the 2TB model follows its previous price point of $800 during the last increase.
### **Conclusion**
As the gaming industry adjusts to tough economic conditions and escalating production costs, the latest price increase from Xbox underscores the ongoing challenges faced by console manufacturers. Consumers will need to evaluate their options judiciously as they navigate these new pricing structures and seize the flexible payment plans emerging in the marketplace.
Back in May, Bungie announced that their long running shooter MMO Destiny 2 would be getting its final ever big update in June. At the time there were rumours that layoffs would follow not long after the update arrived. Now, a little over two weeks since the update dropped, Bungie have confirmed that layoffs are taking place.
**Star Fox: A Revamped Version for the Switch 2**
The legendary space shooter, *Star Fox*, has made its comeback with a revamped version of the cherished *Star Fox 64* for the Nintendo Switch 2, debuting today. This refreshed edition adheres to the original game’s design, offering a gameplay experience tailored for both nostalgic enthusiasts and new players while introducing an innovative twist. The game is receiving acclaim for respecting what fans cherish, without making significant alterations to its fundamental mechanics.
A key highlight of this remake is the addition of an Avatar system that enables players to assume the roles of Fox McCloud and his friends through a virtual interface. By leveraging advanced camera technology, players can VTube as their favorite characters, adding a new dimension of interactivity that harmonizes with the vast universe of *Star Fox*. With the game having just released, fans are already engaging with this feature for delightfully creative endeavors.
The Avatar feature allows players to swap faces with a variety of characters from *Star Fox*. Whether it’s Fox, Falco, or any of his narrative allies, players can effortlessly mimic facial expressions, including playful actions like sticking out tongues and puffing cheeks. This entertaining capability has quickly charmed fans, as demonstrated by social media reactions showing users experimenting with the avatars in humorous ways.
Prominent reactions on platforms such as Twitter underscore the impressive accuracy of the Avatar feature, with users conveying their amazement at how effectively the system captures their facial expressions. For instance, one user remarked, “holy shit it can tell when your tongue is out lmao,” highlighting the engaging quality of this new element.
Beyond simple facial expression mimicry, the viral potential of these Avatars lies in their capacity to perform skits or impersonate characters. Fans are already producing content that challenges the limits of what these characters can express, generating comedic scenarios that fuse *Star Fox* lore with contemporary cultural commentary. Particularly amusing was a user who depicted Falco in a scene with potentially provocative dialogue, illustrating the flexibility users have in shaping their stories.
While Nintendo has traditionally maintained tight control over its brand image, the allowance for such creative expression in the new *Star Fox* remake raises questions regarding the company’s strategy. The liberty to create and distribute potentially edgy content contrasts with earlier Nintendo games, like *Tomodachi Life*, which enforced restrictions on sharing features to uphold a controlled brand environment. Observers wonder if Nintendo anticipated this more permissive approach, expecting the humorous and less “brand safe” creations that are bound to arise.
As fans interact with *Star Fox* in fresh and entertaining manners, the remake exemplifies how classic titles can evolve while retaining the charm that rendered them timeless. The integration of the Avatar feature marks a transition toward interactive gaming experiences that promote player creativity, paving the way for a new chapter in the realm of beloved franchises. As the community starts to fully engage with the game, it promises an abundance of memorable moments as players traverse the stars with a sprinkle of whimsy.
The Steam Machine will get a comparable level of post-launch software support and feature updates to what the Steam Deck has enjoyed, according to a Valve hardware designer. In an RPS interview last week, just prior to the Machine’s launch and price confirmation, Lawrence Yang told me that Valve already have a wishlist of extra tricks and tools to add to their boxy lil’ PC, including some which weren’t quite ready in time for release.
Asked what future Steam Machine support will look like, Yang says that it’s “Pretty similar to what almost all of our hardware looks like. Whenever we ship something, we’re never like, ‘Okay, we’re moving on.’ We always continue shipping updates and improvements, especially in the first month or so.”
Sony is executing considerable layoffs at Bungie, potentially impacting hundreds of developers. This move follows the end of support for the well-known game, *Destiny 2*. In spite of these reductions, Hermen Hulst, the head of PlayStation Studios, has highlighted the company’s ongoing commitment to *Marathon*, an extraction shooter released earlier this year. Hulst characterized *Marathon* as a “significant” part of Sony’s gaming portfolio, vowing to back the development team as they expand on the achievements of Seasons 1 and 2 and work on new initiatives.
*Marathon* garnered a favorable response on both Steam and console platforms following its launch in March, receiving high acclaim from both players and reviewers. Nevertheless, the game has struggled to retain traction and draw in new players, experiencing waning interest as it progressed into its second season. To stimulate player involvement, Bungie rolled out new classes, maps, and modes, including a recent promotional week during which the game was available for free play.
To tackle the game’s issues, Bungie is preparing to introduce a PVE-only mode in July. This update will enable players to delve into the Cryo Archive, *Marathon*’s end-game dungeon, free from the pressures of PVP gameplay. While there are concerns that this transition might weaken the game’s fundamental appeal, it is hoped that the new mode could engage a wider audience.
Looking ahead, Bungie has been hinting at content for season 3 and has alluded to a long-term narrative strategy. Nonetheless, uncertainties persist regarding the future of *Marathon*, particularly following Sony’s recent actions concerning its live-service games, including the shutdown of *Destiny 2*. This raises questions regarding the company’s approach, especially considering their decision to keep investing in *Marathon* amid its difficulties.
Hulst has indicated that the *Marathon* team is also working on early development for new projects, implying that Sony is eager to leverage Bungie’s expertise for future undertakings. As the situation develops, it remains unclear how these layoffs and investments will affect the durability and success of *Marathon* and Bungie’s wider contributions to the gaming industry.
Forget anything that happened to twist Elden Ring‘s Lands Between into the shape the Tarnished finds them in during their wander from boss to boss. All of it pales in drama to the corporate battle currently going on behind-the-scenes at FromSoftware’s parent company Kadokawa. Their CEO, Takeshi Natsuno, has kept his job at the firm’s latest annual meeting, despite ongoing attempts to oust him by an activist investor group who claim Kadokawa haven’t wrung the maximum amount of cash out of Elden Ring’s success.
**Title: Sonic the Hedgehog’s 35th Anniversary Chaos Hunt: Controversy Surrounds AI Data Usage in Augmented Reality Game**
On June 23, the official Sonic the Hedgehog account ignited excitement and concern among fans with the unveiling of an augmented reality game (ARG) named “Chaos Hunt.” The mission? To gather the dispersed Chaos Emeralds before the infamous villain Dr. Eggman has the chance to seize them. This event aimed to commemorate the franchise’s 35th anniversary, but it quickly became a source of frustration for many fans due to the data privacy issues linked to participating in the game.
Participants aiming to join the Chaos Hunt must provide personal details, including their name, date of birth, zip code, and phone number. In doing so, players also agree to the terms of service and privacy policy set forth by SEGA. The fine print revealed concerning clauses regarding the use of user data for training artificial intelligence (AI), which sparked an uproar within the online community. Fans voiced their dissatisfaction, with many reacting negatively to the request for personal information in return for taking part in the game.
The terms of service clearly mention that user data might be utilized to enhance SEGA’s proprietary AI models, bolstering the functionality and security of their services. Additionally, the policy suggests that data could be gathered for future use, shared with third-party vendors, and kept even after the ARG concludes. This level of transparency regarding data usage has raised significant privacy concerns, particularly amid increasing skepticism about corporate data practices and the ethics surrounding AI development.
Though details about the ARG remain limited, it seems the game will involve scanning QR codes in diverse locations. Participants and fans are left pondering how the game will unfold and what implications it might have for future Sonic endeavors. The potential for AI technology, such as employing chatbots to communicate with fans or even having Sonic send customized voicemails, is apparent. However, this pioneering approach faces considerable backlash over the ethics of data privacy and AI training.
The initial announcement, which showcased Takashi Iizuka, head of SEGA’s Sonic Team, discussing the status of the Chaos Emeralds, was met with community backlash and has started to receive disapproval ratios on social media. Fans have expressed frustrations over the clear contradiction between Sonic’s legendary anti-establishment principles and SEGA’s current marketing tactics involving AI.
Alongside SEGA’s initiative, numerous gaming companies are experimenting with AI technology in their operations. According to SEGA technical directors Daishi Yokoshima and Atsuki Yagi, the company is investigating AI for several applications, including coding, image generation, and even crafting stories and dialogue. They recognize the unavoidable integration of AI into the gaming sector while stressing that initial implementations will be confined to internal trials.
As Sonic the Hedgehog marks a significant milestone in its history, the mixed reactions to the “Chaos Hunt” ARG illustrate the escalating tension between technological advancement and consumer privacy concerns. As the gaming community continues to navigate these changes, the balance between engagement and ethical issues remains a crucial topic of discussion.
Many years ago, Suzy Eddie Izzard did a stand-up routine about different makes of vacuum cleaner, including the immortal “Hodededededer” of undecided linguistic origin. Izzard also enjoys sending up cheesy horror movies. Now that I’ve played 7 Nights with Vroombi, which launches today on Steam, I’d love to see Izzard do a sketch about a robot vacuum cleaner stuck in a haunted house. Because that is what 7 Nights with Vroombi is about.
Each night, you emerge from your nook to ingest a certain quantity of dust particles, while contending with eerie phenomena. The furniture is in the habit of moving around of its own accord. There is moaning behind some of the doors. The dust lies in peculiarly ornate patterns. Worst of all, perhaps, are the scribbled notes and doodles left out for you by a child, Lily. These range from tips about your scanner button to worrying asides like “You can’t leave, can you, Mr Vroombi?” Right now, I’d say there’s a 55% chance that Lily is actually Satan.
### The Transient Essence of Totemic Recollections in *Star Fox 64*
*Star Fox 64*, a milestone in the gaming realm, commences with a vivid yet ephemeral sequence that encapsulates the essence of totemic recollections. In merely thirty seconds, the game conveys its premise, presenting players with four anthropomorphic aviators racing down a hangar corridor, motivated by a military dog’s urgent warning about a threatened planet. This swift scene functions not only as an introduction to the game’s story but also as a basis for player connection to its characters.
#### Character Introductions and Instant Affection
As the story progresses, the game rapidly showcases the characters, unveiling only their names: Slippy Toad, Peppy Hare, Falco Lombardi, and Fox McCloud. Each character symbolizes a distinct personality type, but for numerous players, including the author reflecting on personal experiences, one character immediately stands out. In this scenario, it’s Slippy Toad, who resembles a relatable peer rather than just a digital simulation. This immediate bond engages a fundamental human instinct: the innate affection we develop towards certain individuals or personas based on scant information.
This experience parallels our emotional reactions in the real world, where we may find ourselves inexplicably attracted to someone without fully comprehending why. Much like youthful infatuations with superheroes or animated characters, the initial draw to Slippy embodies a connection that, though simple, suggests deeper emotional stories poised to emerge.
#### The Role of Repetition in Building Intimacy
What distinguishes *Star Fox 64* is its construction that motivates players to interact with the game multiple times. Each playthrough not only permits exploration of various paths within the Lylat System, but also encourages players to cultivate familiarity with the characters. As Slippy calls for help and struggles throughout the journey, and Falco swings between arrogance and assistance, these exchanges evolve from mere superficial sketches to more nuanced representations that evoke genuine bond over time.
This idea resonates with a fundamental principle in narrative and gaming: intimacy is nurtured through repeated interaction. As players traverse different routes and observe the same exchanges in varied contexts, they begin to uncover hidden complexities within the seemingly straightforward personalities. Slippy, once simply a character pleading for assistance, evolves into a figure symbolizing vulnerability and sincerity, mirroring the player’s journey towards comprehension.
#### Learning from Repeated Engagement
The framework of *Star Fox 64* is predicated on the notion that knowledge shifts perception. Each level conquered through numerous playthroughs transforms from merely an obstacle; it evolves into a dynamic realm where familiarity fosters anticipation. Players start to discern patterns, forecast enemy actions, and devise strategies based on past encounters, altering their approach from instinctive responses to deliberate tactics.
For example, navigating through Corneria unveils previously ignored avenues for exploration and secret paths, enhancing the gameplay experience. This process reflects a more profound reality in both gaming and life: the significance of memory and experience in shaping our grasp of the world and the characters inhabiting it.
#### Revisiting and Rediscovering Favorites
As *Star Fox* continues to evolve with remakes and adaptations, the discourse regarding the significance of these experiences intensifies. Critics may debate the need for novel content, but the fundamental allure of *Star Fox 64* lies not in its story or individual level achievements but in the intricate relationships players foster through immersive engagement. Each new iteration of the game offers a chance to view cherished characters through fresh perspectives, akin to reconnecting with an old friend and uncovering new dimensions of their personality over coffee.
By reintroducing characters like Slippy Toad into the cultural dialogue, players are encouraged to reassess their recollections, relationships, and experiences. Even in a modernized format, the spirit of these totemic memories—the transient yet potent bonds established in a brief cinematic—stays true, guaranteeing that the journey of discovery is never quite finished.
As players gear up to explore Lylat once more, they embrace the notion that each interaction with Slippy Toad and his allies can yield newfound insights, nurturing excitement for the surprising memories yet to be formed. The dash to the Arwings may be momentary, but the importance of the emotional ties forged within those brief instances is profound.