Halo 5 won't be coming to the PC at all, and here's why

Jeff Williams | Gaming | Mar 31, 2016 7:31 AM CDT

Phil Spencer has previously made clear that a significant amount of future games that will most certainly be making it to both of Microsoft's gaming platforms, but some will be still be reserved for one or the other. Halo 5 might be one of the few games that won't be making an appearance on both platforms, says Phil Spencer himself.

The reasons are quite clear, though, given that the game, while a successful one on consoles, is the perfect recipe for a PC game. Phil said that "Halo 5 was shipped as a console game, If we're going to [bring Halo to PC] moving forward then we're going to plan on both platforms." He doesn't think it prudent to port the game or any game but wants to instead look to bringing development together for future games. That means we'll most likely see Halo 6 (or whatever is in store for the franchise) on the PC, but it won't be something necessarily looked at for past games. It's a natural fit for an FPS game with a competitive multiplayer element.

He does, and it makes sense from a certain point of view, think that some games are naturally suited for a particular platform. That something could be enjoyed better in front of a TV as opposed to sitting at a desk in front of your PC. It's entirely possible to have your PC be in your living-room, however, and Microsoft has acknowledged is important with previous Media Center functionality. Games are best played on the platform that we choose, and it would be best if that choice also included the PC and Windows (or Linux even). When the underlying hardware and even software is so similar, especially with the advent of the UWP, it shouldn't be a problem going forward, which it won't be according to Spencer. It just means that past games may not make the jump, but going forward we'll have a massive cross-playable library.

Continue reading: Halo 5 won't be coming to the PC at all, and here's why (full post)

Acer's new Predator Z850 is a gaming projector, with 1920x720 @ $4999

Anthony Garreffa | Displays & Projectors | Mar 31, 2016 6:17 AM CDT

Acer has just released a new member of its Predator gaming products, with a new gaming projector known as the Predator Z850. Acer's new Predator Z850 projector is something Acer says is the world's first ultra-wide HD laser projector designed specifically for gaming.

The new Acer Predator Z850 boasts an interesting 24:9 aspect ratio, with a resolution of 1920x720 - yeah, that's not a typo. This is much wider than the traditional 16:9 format, and even wider than the 21:9 format offered by UltraWide displays with 2560x1080 and 3440x1440 resolutions. The laser diode inside of the Predator Z850 is good for 30,000 hours and offers images up to 3,000 lumens, with a great 100,000 contrast ratio.

Acer includes a top-mounted lens and mirrorless ultra-short-throw technology that makes the Predator Z850 capable of blasting 120 inches of screen - at a minimum distance of only 18.5 inches. This is great for rooms that might be too small for a traditional projector setup, such as your gaming room or smaller lounge room. Something that's quite unique, is that the Predator Z850 can be packed up and moved immediately after use, without needing time to cool down. On the back, we have a slew of connectivity and even an optional wireless kit that will provide 1080p lossless streaming without the cables needing to be connected to your PC.

Continue reading: Acer's new Predator Z850 is a gaming projector, with 1920x720 @ $4999 (full post)

Forza developer says its future games coming to Windows 10 and Xbox

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Mar 31, 2016 2:28 AM CDT

Forza Motorsport developer Turn 10 has said that all of their future games will be coming to both the PC through Windows 10, and Xbox.

This means that all future Forza games will be on Windows 10 and Xbox, which will have Forza fans more than pleased. In a video, Turn 10 said: "Moving forward, all of our games are going to be shipping on Windows 10 (PC) and Xbox".

The developer is knee deep in the development of Forza Motorsport 6: Apex for the PC, which will be a free game that will include new race modes that are designed to show off the excitement of Forza Motorsport 6, with 4K resolution support. Forza Motorsport 6: Apex is coming to Windows 10 later this year.

Continue reading: Forza developer says its future games coming to Windows 10 and Xbox (full post)

Battleborn won't have support for 4K or off-sized displays at launch

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Mar 31, 2016 12:09 AM CDT

Well, 2K Games has just revealed the PC requirements for its upcoming game Battleborn - where 4K is an afterthought and won't be supported at launch. Neither will off-sized displays.

In a blog post, 2K explained the features on Battleborn, and that it'll include a repeatable story mode, that can be enjoyed on your own or with friends in cooperative mode. Hardcore mode will be available for those who don't like it easy, and there'll also be multiple competitive multiplayer modes. As for the PC requirements:

Minimum System Requirements:

Continue reading: Battleborn won't have support for 4K or off-sized displays at launch (full post)

Noctis' car doubles as an airship in Final Fantasy 15

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 30, 2016 11:38 PM CDT

Every Final Fantasy game has to have an airship--it's a significant staple of the series that allows players to navigate the map. But Square Enix has something special in store for Final Fantasy 15 fans.

Noctis' car doubles as an airship in Final Fantasy 15

As it turns out, the airship in Final Fantasy 15 isn't really an airship--it's actually Noctis' car. That's right, Noctis' svelte black speedster transforms into a fully-functioning sky-flier right before our eyes. Although I'm a huge fan of those majestic floating skyships that Square Enix cooks up, I think this is absolutely awesome.

Game director Hajime Tabata said that once we saw the airship, we'd think "this is the kind of airship that should be in Final Fantasy 15". I have to agree with him on this one. Let's just hope Noctis' jet-car isn't just limited to low flying zones, and we can soar in the heavens above the clouds. Also, I hope that we can actually drive the car once it's airborne, as the in-game footage seemed to show driving as an on-rails experience.

Continue reading: Noctis' car doubles as an airship in Final Fantasy 15 (full post)

Final Fantasy 15's deluxe and ultimate collector's editions revealed

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 30, 2016 10:36 PM CDT

UPDATE: Pricing info for the two collector's editions has been revealed. The Final Fantasy 15 Deluxe Edition will cost $89.99, whereas the Ultimate Collector's Edition will cost a whopping $269.99. Original story as follows.

Square Enix has officially revealed two collector's edition sets for Final Fantasy 15, showing off some awesome extras.

At the Final Fantasy Uncovered event, Square Enix showed off some snazzy special editions for Final Fantasy 15. First up we have the FF15 Deluxe Edition, which comes with:

Continue reading: Final Fantasy 15's deluxe and ultimate collector's editions revealed (full post)

Far Cry Primal's new update adds 4K textures, Survival Mode for the PC

Anthony Garreffa | Gaming | Mar 30, 2016 10:16 PM CDT

Ubisoft has just detailed its new update for Far Cry Primal, which is a free update that adds the awesome Survival Mode and 4K textures to the PC version of the game - which will be released on April 12. The company has confirmed the upcoming free update will also include 4K textures for the PC, which is exciting. We'll report back when the update has been pushed back to see what differences we've noticed.

Ubisoft explains the new Survival Mode as: "The biggest such option is the addition of permadeath. If you felt the stakes weren't high enough before, you can now turn on full permadeath, which means your game is over the first time you die (except in vision missions, which aren't "real"). If that seems too abrupt, there's also a second-chance option that gives you one backup life, which is then replenished at certain completion points".

"Permadeath is only the beginning. Survivor mode adds a stamina gauge, making protagonist Takkar slower and weaker when it runs out, and forcing him to sleep in order to replenish it", continues Ubisoft. Finishing off Survival Mode, the developer adds: "The minimap is now turned off by default, pushing you to pay more attention to your surroundings, and the fog of war has been strengthened, lessening the amount of the map you reveal as you explore. You'll encounter humans and animals less often as you explore, which means hunting takes a little more patience. Even fast travel is a little tougher, as it now consumes stamina and food".

Continue reading: Far Cry Primal's new update adds 4K textures, Survival Mode for the PC (full post)

Final Fantasy 15 is getting its own CGI movie and anime series

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 30, 2016 9:53 PM CDT

Square Enix just announced that Final Fantasy 15 is getting its own full-length CGI movie and anime series.

Final Fantasy 15 is getting its own CGI movie and anime series

During its official FInal Fantasy Uncovered event, Square Enix revealed that Final Fantasy 15 is getting extra content outside of the game--including an anime series and a full CGI movie. The movie will be called Kingsglaive, and gives important backstory on King Regis and the events that led up to the game. Kingsglaive features major actors like Aaron Paul and Sean Bean and has been in production for the past three years.

The anime series is called Brotherhood, and consists of five 10-minute episodes. Brotherhood sheds important light on the friendship between Noctis, Gladio, Prompto and Ignis. The first episode of Brotherhood will be available soon on the official FF15 YouTube channel, and Kingsglaive will be out before Final Fantasy 15's official release.

Continue reading: Final Fantasy 15 is getting its own CGI movie and anime series (full post)

Microsoft's new Windows 10 app converter is a big game-changer

Derek Strickland | Software & Apps | Mar 30, 2016 9:09 PM CDT

Microsoft's new desktop app converter ensures that tons of legacy programs will now be folded into the Windows 10 UWP platform.

Microsoft's new Windows 10 app converter is a big game-changer

At its Build 2016 conference, Microsoft unveiled a new tool that will change everything. The "Project Centennial" app converter allows developers to easily convert legacy Win32 programs into Windows 10 compatible apps. This means that .exe and even .msi files used on older OS like Windows 7 can be seamlessly transformed into the AppX format used by Windows 10, and then be put on the Windows Store.

This is Microsoft's answer to essentially bringing over existing apps to the Windows Store, ensuring the storefront continues to grow. It's also a means of building up the Universal Windows Platform and solidifying Redmond's plan for a unified ecosystem. Microsoft didn't reveal an official release date for the Centennial App Converter, but it'll be available soon to members of the Windows Developer Preview Program.

Continue reading: Microsoft's new Windows 10 app converter is a big game-changer (full post)

Watch the Final Fantasy Uncovered event live here

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 30, 2016 8:29 PM CDT

After nearly a decade of waiting, Final Fantasy 15 is finally ready for its big event. Check out the official Final Fantasy Uncovered event with the stream below.

Watch the Final Fantasy Uncovered event live here

The Final Fantasy Uncovered event is already underway in Los Angeles, but there's just a bit of filler going on right now and the main event isn't yet live. Expect Square Enix to unveil lots of new tidbits on Noctis and co.'s new adventure, including fresh footage, announcements, and all kinds of awesome surprises.

Although the Final Fantasy 15 release date has already been leaked ahead of schedule, you should still check the show out. Square Enix still deserves your views, and there's always a chance the GameSpot footage could be wrong!

Continue reading: Watch the Final Fantasy Uncovered event live here (full post)

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