Key Note Gaming

Now Xbox has a new boss, what happens next? In a new interview, Asha Sharma, a Microsoft executive who previously oversaw some of the firm's AI initiatives, kept things frustratingly vague, but did indicate that nothing is off the table when it comes to big decisions about recent controversial policies. Last week, Microsoft sent shockwaves throughout the video game industry when it confirmed Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond were leaving Xbox , with Sharma in place as new CEO of its gaming business. Fans are split, with some choosing to believe in the promised "return to Xbox," others expressing concern about the future of Microsoft's gaming business. Even the ‘father of Xbox’ is worried about what happens next . One of the big questions fans have for Sharma is whether Microsoft will reverse some of its recent policies, many of which have alienated the core Xbox fanbase. Fans have criticized Microsoft for leaving Xbox game exclusivity behind in favor of a multiplatform ...

The Arc Raiders Shrouded Sky update is here, but instead of Hurricanes and new cosmetics, all players can talk about are how it nerfs one of the best grenades for PvE. Fans expected to see details about all of the new content when developer Embark Studios published lengthy patch notes for update version 1.17.0 earlier today. Information about playable pianos and beard cosmetics was all there, but what they also found was that the studio behind the massively popular multiplayer game had upped the crafting requirements for one of its most iconic tools: the Wolfpack. As outlined in Shrouded Sky’s accompanying patch notes, the Wolfpack, a throwable equipment that showers Arc enemies with homing explosives, now requires one Rocketeer Driver to craft. Now, players will need the component, as well as two Arc motion cores and an explosive compound, to make just one Wolfpack. The changes fall in line with a series of new adjustments to resource requirements, which see Arc components al...

Forza Horizon 6 comes out in May for PC (later for PS5), so why not get ready with this excellent deal on a popular racing wheel? For a limited time, Amazon is offering the Logitech G29 Racing Wheel and Pedal Set for just $179.99 with free shipping after you clip the coupon on the product page. That's a hefty 45% off and the lowest price I've seen on a brand new Logitech racing wheel so far this year. The G29 is compatible with both PlayStation 5 and PC. Logitech G29 Racing Wheel and Pedals for $179.99 If you're a big fan of racing games like Gran Turismo or Forza Horizon 5 and you've been using a DualSense controller or gamepad this entire time, then this price drop might be the excuse for you to step up your immersion to the next level. The G29 was already one of the best racing wheels under $300, and definitely the best racing wheel under $200. Standout features include a gorgeous hand-stitched leather steering wheel with 900 degrees of rotation, sturdy me...

Looking for a PS5 game deal in the PlayStation Direct Store sale that’s full of action? You could do a lot worse than Stellar Blade. Shift Up’s popular 2024 title is just $39.99 right now , a clean $10 off of its Black Friday pricing from last year. That’s a great deal, and Target is even matching it if you prefer to buy from there, netting you 43% off whichever way you slice it (get it? Because it’s a blade? Never mind). As far as technical showcases for the PlayStation 5 (or its pricier Pro sibling) go, Stellar Blade is certainly up there. This character action title puts players in the cyber-shoes of EVE, pitting her against waves of foes and challenging boss fights, but giving her some of the flashiest combat skills in this console generation. Our reviewer Mitchell Saltzman gave the game 7 out of 10 in his review for IGN, saying “Stellar Blade is great in all of the most important ways for an action game, but dull characters, a lackluster story, and several frustrating e...

Bungie has issued a warning to anything thinking of cheating in Marathon : you will be permanently banned from the game, and there are no second chances. In a blog post , the Sony-owned studio said anyone found to be cheating in its extraction shooter will be permabanned from playing Marathon forever, “no second chances.” However, Bungie acknowledged there may be flaws in its system, as there are in all systems, and so will have an appeals process in place to help with detection issues. “Tau Ceti IV is a dangerous world where death is certain,” Bungie began. “That said, we want you to know your deaths are due to your own mistakes or enemy outplays — not because your run was compromised by network issues, cheaters, or the hardware hosting your connection to the world. “No network or security model can guarantee perfection, but we are committed to protecting the Marathon competitive experience and ensuring everyone has their fair chance at exfiltrating with a backpack full of swee...

PlayStation’s Direct store is holding a huge sale on PS5 games , accessories, and more, helping you fill out the gaps in your collection, and one of the big beneficiaries of this is Kratos himself. God of War’s latest mainline entry, God of War Ragnarok , has been discounted by a whopping 71% at PlayStation Direct , dropping to just $19.99, while Best Buy is matching the price as well. That's $50 in savings, and well worth picking up over playing via PlayStation Plus (at least in my opinion), especially if you want to take your sweet time with what is a genuine masterpiece. The game picks up after the events of the 2018 reboot of the series, which took Kratos from Greek mythology to his new life, where he’s raising his son, Atreus. After revelations about the place of both in the wider pantheon, Ragnarok is packed with unforgettable moments. In our review, Simon Cardy awarded the game a 10/10 , calling it an “enthralling spectacle to behold”. “Impeccable writing, pitch-per...

Resident Evil 2 's director and famed developer, Hideki Kamiya, has opened up on his thoughts about leaks and spoilers, suggesting those who revel in ruining surprises for others "deserve a thousand deaths" and "be cursed to never be able to play games again." His thoughts come as Resident Evil Requiem spoilers flood the internet, even though Capcom has promised "firm action" against those responsible . The developer said it believed the "large number of gameplay videos" now floating around the internet — some of which contain huge spoilers and clips of the game's finale , which IGN verified as legitimate — originated from copies obtained "through illegal means." Now, in a message posted to Twitter/X and translated by machine (which means there may be some inaccuracies or missing nuance), Kamiya reflected on how spoilers also impacted the release of Resident Evil 2. "I'm sure the final developments of [Resident ...