Latest news with #GearsofWar
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
What impact will Helldivers 2 coming to Xbox have on the future of console wars
In a recent announcement stream, the devs of Helldivers 2 announced that it will be released on Xbox Series X|S on August 26th, 2025. Also releasing for PlayStation 5 on that day is Gears of War: Reloaded, which is a flagship Xbox title. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Yes, you read that right. A PlayStation game is coming to Xbox, and an Xbox game is coming to PlayStation. If that doesn't feel like a truce in the so-called console wars, I don't know what does. Is This the End of the Console Wars? It kind of feels like it. For years, Sony and Microsoft have competed for players by locking big games behind their platforms. PlayStation had God of War, Spider-Man, and The Last of Us. Xbox had Halo, Forza, and Gears of War. Those exclusives weren't just games; they were reasons to buy a console. But now, that's changing. Helldivers 2 and Gears of War crossing over isn't just surprising. It could mark the beginning of a more open gaming world. Why This Is a Smart Move Both of these games are built around multiplayer. Helldivers 2 especially depends on co-op gameplay and an active community. Bringing it to Xbox means more players, faster matchmaking, and a longer lifespan for the game. At the same time, the Xbox release of Gears of War: Reloaded on PlayStation shows that Microsoft is thinking beyond just selling consoles. They're focused on making Xbox a platform that reaches players wherever they are — on PC, in the cloud, or now even on a rival console. This feels less like a battle and more like a smart partnership. Players Are the Real Winners The best part of all this? Players win. No more missing out on a great game just because you picked the "wrong" console. No more frustration when your friends are playing something you can't access. With moves like this, gaming becomes more inclusive and connected. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now People are already celebrating the news. On Reddit and gaming forums, players are saying things like: 'I don't care who wins the console war. Just let everyone play the games.' 'Feet first into hell, even if you're on Xbox.' That's the mood right now. And honestly, it's a great shift. A little rivalry can even be fun. But the harsh, isolating version of the console wars is fading. What we're getting instead is a more player-friendly future where it's about the games, not the platforms. Final Thought The fact that Helldivers 2 and Gears of War: Reloaded are launching on opposite platforms, on the same day, isn't just a fun surprise. It's a big deal. It shows that the walls are coming down and that gaming is becoming more open, more connected, and more about what matters is the players. And honestly, it's about time.
Tom's Guide
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 reasons I still love my Xbox — even if the hardware is 'dead'
Laura Fryer, one of Xbox's founding members, recently declared that "Xbox hardware is dead." As someone who helped create the original Xbox and produced Gears of War, her words carry weight. She argues that Microsoft is slowly exiting the hardware business, pushing everyone toward Game Pass while partnerships like the ROG Ally Xbox edition signal a retreat from traditional consoles. I get it. The writing seems to be on the wall, and Microsoft's strategy does appear focused on services over hardware. But here's the thing — I still love my Xbox, and I'm not ready to declare its hardware dead just yet. While the future might be uncertain, there are compelling reasons why my Xbox remains an essential part of my gaming setup, regardless of what corporate strategies suggest. Yes, Microsoft wants everyone on Game Pass, and Fryer acknowledges the service has "a lot of value." That's an understatement. Game Pass has fundamentally changed how I discover and play games. Instead of agonizing over $70 purchases, I can try dozens of games I'd never have risked buying. I've discovered indie gems, played day-one releases of major titles, and revisited classics all for one monthly fee. The service makes gaming feel more experimental and less precious. When I'm not invested financially in each individual game, I'm more willing to try different genres, give weird indie titles a shot, or jump into multiplayer games with friends. Whether this is Microsoft's master plan or not, the end result is that I'm playing more diverse games than ever before, and that's genuinely valuable regardless of hardware politics. Microsoft's push toward "Xbox Anywhere" might feel like marketing fluff, but the practical benefits are real. I can start a game on my Xbox, continue it on my PC, and even pick it up on my phone through cloud gaming. My saves sync automatically, my achievements carry over, and my friends list spans every device I own. This isn't theoretical convenience, it's something I use regularly. When someone else wants the TV, I can seamlessly switch to my laptop. When I'm traveling, I can continue my progress through cloud gaming. The ecosystem integration that Microsoft has built works so well that going back to platform-locked gaming feels antiquated. Even if the Xbox hardware disappears tomorrow, this foundation makes the platform valuable. Voted the best budget headset in our gaming headsets buying guide, the Arctis 1 Wireless costs less than $100 boasts excellent wireless connectivity, and sound quality is way better than you'd expect at this price. Hardware might be "dead" according to industry insiders, but the Xbox controller represents decades of refinement that's hard to replicate. The build quality, ergonomics, and button layout feel perfect after years of iteration. The triggers have just the right resistance, the analog sticks hit the sweet spot between precision and comfort, and the overall weight distribution feels natural during long gaming sessions. More importantly, Xbox controller compatibility extends far beyond Xbox consoles. It works seamlessly with PC games, cloud gaming services, and even mobile gaming. If Microsoft's future really is hardware-agnostic, then perfecting the controller was smart long-term thinking. A sophisticated yet affordable pad that has rear paddles, hall effect sensors and hair triggers and ll for less than $50. It looks fantastic and has a long cable to accommodate for couchplay. Its lightweight design also feels great. While other platforms focus on remasters and re-releases, Xbox has quietly built the most comprehensive backward compatibility program in gaming. I can play original Xbox games from 2001 on my current console, often with enhanced performance and visual improvements. My digital library stretches back over two decades, and it all works on current hardware. This backward compatibility represents real value that transcends hardware generations. Even if Microsoft moves away from traditional consoles, they've demonstrated a commitment to preserving gaming history that makes me confident my game library will remain accessible. That's not something you can say about every platform, and it makes my Xbox feel less like a disposable device and more like a long-term investment. Despite all the industry drama and strategic pivots, my Xbox still does what I bought it for: it plays games really well. Load times are fast, performance is consistent, and the user interface gets out of the way. I can jump into multiplayer matches quickly, browse my massive Game Pass library efficiently, and switch between games without frustration. Whether Microsoft views Xbox as a hardware business or a services business doesn't change the fact that my current console provides an excellent gaming experience. The games look great, run smoothly, and the overall system feels polished and responsive. Until that changes, I'm not particularly concerned about corporate strategy or industry predictions. Laura Fryer might be right about Xbox hardware's long-term prospects, and Microsoft's shift toward services over consoles seems undeniable. But from where I'm sitting, my Xbox continues to provide exceptional value through Game Pass, seamless ecosystem integration, and a gaming experience that works exactly as advertised. Maybe the future of Xbox doesn't include dedicated hardware. Maybe we're all heading toward a streaming-first, device-agnostic gaming world. But right now, in 2025, my Xbox delivers on its promises. Whether that makes me nostalgic for a dying platform or an early adopter of Microsoft's real vision, I honestly don't care. I'm having too much fun gaming to worry about it.
Time of India
13-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Gears of War Reloaded: How to access the beta, price, and more
The classic shooter game Gears of War is returning in a brand new form. Gears of War: Reloaded is not just a remaster. It is a full upgrade that brings the gritty action back to life with better visuals, smoother gameplay, and richer sound. Players across all platforms can now get an early taste through the beta. This version includes upgrades like 4K resolution, improved shadows, no loading screens, and spatial sound that makes each gunshot feel real. Here is everything you need to know about Gears of War: Reloaded before its full release. How to access the Gears of War: Reloaded beta Welcome back to the army, Gears of War: Reloaded to lock into back-to-back Multiplayer Beta weekends, starting this Friday. The beta is available right now, but not for everyone. To get access, you need to complete at least one of the following: Pre-order the game Be an Xbox Game Pass subscriber Own a digital copy of Gears of War: Ultimate Edition (bought before June 5) Once you meet any of these conditions, you can join the beta on Xbox Series X|S, PC or cloud. The beta gives a feel of the gameplay changes and new visuals before the official launch. All the platforms and full release details The iconic original returns. Gears of War: Reloaded comes to Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, PlayStation 5 and Steam on August 26th.Read more here: Gears of War: Reloaded will be available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and cloud streaming. The best part is that it will arrive on Xbox Game Pass from day one. If you have Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass, you will get access to the game without any extra cost. This means many players can enjoy the full experience without buying it separately, as long as their subscription is active. Price of Gears of War: Reloaded For players who want to own the game, Gears of War: Reloaded is priced at $69.99 globally. In India, it is priced at Rs. 2,599. It will be available to purchase digitally through the Xbox Store and Steam. There is no word yet on a physical edition or special bundles, but digital pre-orders are already live. All the upgrades in Gears of War: Reloaded This version is packed with upgrades that take advantage of new-gen hardware. Here is a look at what's new: 4K resolution and high-resolution textures for sharper visuals 60 FPS in Campaign mode for a smooth single-player experience Up to 120 FPS in Multiplayer for competitive gameplay High Dynamic Range (HDR) and Dolby Vision support for better lighting Dolby Atmos and 7.1 3D Spatial Audio for immersive sound Zero loading screens during the Campaign, which keeps the action flowing Improved shadows and reflections for realism Super resolution with anti-aliasing to make movement cleaner Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) support for less screen tearing Everything in the game is meant to look better, sound richer, and play smoother than the original. Whether you are playing solo or with friends, these changes aim to bring a fresh experience while keeping the core gameplay intact.
Tom's Guide
19-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Netflix's latest video game adaptations finally got some updates — and my nerves are officially kicking in
'Bioshock' and 'Gears of War' are easily in my top three favorite video game franchises of all time. Nothing can ever quite dethrone 'The Last of Us' from the No. 1 spot, but these two dystopian worlds have stuck with me and I find myself replaying them more than just about anything else. So when I first heard Netflix was adapting them into movies, I couldn't help but feel excited (even if my expectations were... cautiously low). For a while, though, updates were scarce, and months of radio silence had me wondering if the projects had been quietly shelved. Thankfully, both titles have gotten some encouraging news in the past few days. Director Francis Lawrence recently told IGN: 'Bioshock is still in development. I just actually just got a draft. We have a meeting with the writer [Justin Rhodes], so that's definitely a very strong possibility as well.' He also acknowledged the uphill battle in adapting the game: 'It's a tricky adaptation, so there's lots of things to figure out and to get right. There's regime changes at Netflix, and so things stall out and get re-energized and stall out and get re-energized, and I think we're in a pretty good place, honestly.' Meanwhile, The Hollywood Reporter shared that 'David Leitch is in negotiations to helm Gears of War.' Leitch, who is best known for 'The Fall Guy,' 'Atomic Blonde,' and 'Bullet Train', has a knack for slick, stylized action, which makes him a solid pick for the franchise. Netflix hasn't commented on the deal just yet, but Leitch and his wife/producing partner Kelly McCormick are also expected to produce the movie alongside The Coalition. These aren't massive updates, but they confirm one crucial thing: both adaptations are still alive and moving forward. And being such a huge fan of 'Bioshock' and 'Gears of War,' I can't deny that my excitement is growing. I think most of us can agree that video game adaptations are usually hit or miss. Just look at movies like 'Tomb Raider,' 'Warcraft,' and the recent 'Until Dawn' — more often than not, they just don't land. And there are plenty more where those came from, but we'd be here all day if I tried to list them all. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. On the flip side, 'The Last of Us,' 'Fallout,' 'The Witcher,' and even 'Halo' have actually done really well. What do they all have in common? They're TV shows. I've said for a while now that video game adaptations tend to fare better in a show format as there's simply more time to flesh out the world and dive deep into the characters. That's a big reason why blockbuster versions often fail. Which is exactly why I'm a little nervous about 'Bioshock' and 'Gears of War' getting the Netflix movie treatment. It's not that I don't believe in the talent behind these projects, because they're more than capable of telling great stories. It's just that the worlds in these games are so massive and detailed, I can see how tough it would be to translate them to live-action. The underwater city of Rapture and the fictional planet Sera are practically characters themselves. Their scale and intricate lore would be incredibly difficult (if not impossible) to fully capture in live-action without losing what makes them special. Honestly, maybe some games just aren't meant for that format. I'd be just as happy seeing them adapted as adult animated series instead. Since Netflix first confirmed a 'Bioshock' movie back in 2022, quite a few things have changed, and that includes the budget. During a panel at San Diego Comic-Con, producer Roy Lee said: 'The new regime has lowered the budgets. So we're doing a much smaller version. It's going to be a more personal point of view, as opposed to a grander, big project.' The limited budget does have me a bit concerned that it could limit the movie's ability to fully bring this world to life, possibly making it feel less immersive. Still, I'm holding onto some hope, especially knowing that Lawrence has drawn inspiration from 'The Shining' for this 'BioShock' adaptation. As I mentioned earlier, TV shows clearly tend to work better. And while Netflix is adapting 'Gears of War' into a movie, it's also developing an animated series which I'm much more optimistic about. There aren't any details yet, but I'm confident the show will do a lot better than the live-action take. All that said, I'm still genuinely excited for these movies, even if I'm a little hesitant because these games are some of my absolute favorites. Honestly, I'd rather wait a few more years if it means they get the focus and polish they deserve. Netflix, I just have one wish: Would you kindly do these video game adaptations justice?
Canada Standard
16-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Canada Standard
David Leitch in talks to direct 'Gears Of War' movie
Washington [US], May 16 (ANI): Filmmaker David Leitch is in talks to direct a feature adaptation of the hit video game 'Gears of War' for Netflix. Jon Spaihts is writing the script for the feature for which Netflix has partnered with The Coalition Studio, the Canadian game developer behind the franchise, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Leitch and his wife and producing partner, Kelly McCormick, will produce the feature via their 87North banner along with The Coalition. The game is set on a planet on the brink of societal collapse when a monstrous threat in the form of underground creatures known as the Locust takes humanity to the verge of extinction, as per The Hollywood Reporter. He made his directorial debut on the action film John Wick (2014) with Chad Stahelski, though only Stahelski was credited. He later also directed the films Atomic Blonde (2017), Deadpool 2 (2018), Hobbs & Shaw (2019), Bullet Train (2022), and The Fall Guy (2024). Leitch, who established himself as a major action filmmaker with films like 'Bullet Train', 'Deadpool 2', and 'Atomic Blonde'. Now, he is gearing up for his next project, 'How To Rob a Bank', which stars Nicholas Hoult, Pete Davidson, and Anna Sawai, has a plot that's largely under wraps, but it involves smart bank robbers who share their heists on social media while evading police. The film Leitch is directing will be released in theatres on September 4, 2026. (ANI)
