developers

Xbox Series X: See How The Console Uses Ray Tracing To Dramatically Improve Graphics

Microsoft has recently shared a lot of details about the Xbox Series X. This includes a fresh look at how the console's use of hardware accelerated DirectX ray tracing makes next-gen games look even better. Starting off with a definition: ray racing is essentially a technological framework that allows for improved lighting, shadows, and reflections. It also helps create more realistic-sounding audio. In short, it's a way for developers to create "more physically accurate worlds," according to Microsoft.Microsoft says the Xbox Series X is the first-ever console to feature this

One Of The Biggest Gaming Shows In The World Is Still Going Forward Despite COVID-19 Concerns

The Game Developers Conference was postponed. E3 2020 was canceled. But Gamescom 2020 is still planning to go forward on schedule in August despite ongoing concerns around COVID-19 (coronavirus), organizers have confirmed.The annual gaming show is held in Cologne, Germany every August. Just recently, the city of Cologne announced it was banning all major events with more than 1,000 participants, which would include Gamescom. This ban is scheduled to be lifted on April 10, so Gamescom is theoretically able to go forward.The situation surrounding the COVID-19 outbreak, which is now

Xbox Series X: More Details On Backwards Compatibility And Cross-Gen Multiplayer Revealed

Microsoft has shared even more details on Xbox Series X backwards compatibility and cross-generation multiplayer. In a blog post, Xbox's Jason Ronald said announcing backwards compatibility for Xbox 360 games on Xbox One was "one of the biggest highlights" for him at Xbox. For Xbox Series X, Microsoft wanted to "double down" and do even more for backwards compatibility.The new console will not only play "thousands" of Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Original Xbox games, but these games are said to "play even better" on the new console."The team came

Core Is Like Fortnite Mashed-Up With Dreams, And It’s Now In Open Alpha

Core, the new game/creation tool hybrid coming from Manticore Games, allows players to craft, share, and play within custom worlds designed around different experiences. Core is well situated within an already growing space populated by other games like Fortnite, Dreams, and Minecraft. However, as a free-to-play game on PC, Core does things differently by focusing more on the experience of exploring different player worlds, tying into a more extensive network that is essentially a multiverse of unique player-created landscapes.Out now in open alpha on PC, newcomers will be able to

Xbox Series X Requires Proprietary Cards For Storage Expansion

With both the Xbox Series X and the PlayStation 5 using proprietary SSD solutions for internal storage, there has been some question as to how players can expand the available space. For the Xbox Series X at least, Microsoft has a solution, and it's working with hard-drive manufacturer Seagate to do it.The Xbox Series X ships with a 1TB internal SSD, but can be expanded using proprietary SSDs encased in small metal cartridges. Microsoft explained to Digital Foundry how these small SSDs will work as part of their new "Velocity

Nintendo Direct: Indie World Showcase Stream Coming Tuesday

If you're stuck at home and are running out of games to play already, Nintendo has you covered. The latest Nintendo Indie World Showcase stream is coming tomorrow, and it's bringing plenty of information on upcoming Switch games.Steaming on March 17 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET, the Indie World Showcase will last approximately 20 minutes. Nintendo isn't detailing exactly what to expect during the video, but these events tend to feature rapid-fire announcements from acclaimed indie developers. We're likely to hear about ports of existing indie games

Xbox Series X: What’s the Deal with Latency?

Webster’s Dictionary defines ‘latency’ as “the quality or state of being present and capable of emerging or developing but not now visible, obvious, or active.” And now that I’ve finally gotten to use that hackneyed writing trope in my career, let’s dive into what latency means in the world of video games and how the engineers working on Xbox Series X are working to reduce it. In its most simple terms, latency is the measurement of how long it takes for a signal or piece of data to travel from

Defining the Next Generation: An Xbox Series X Technology Glossary

As we enter a new generation of console gaming with Xbox Series X, we’ve made a number of technology advancements across hardware and software that will take your gaming experience to the next level. We’ve created the below guide to help familiarize yourself with some of the new terms we’re introducing to describe the tech and functionality of Xbox Series X.   Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) – As part of commitment to responsiveness for the next generation of console gaming, Xbox Series X supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM)

Xbox Series X: A Closer Look at the Technology Powering the Next Generation

A few months ago, we revealed Xbox Series X, our fastest, most powerful console ever, designed for a console generation that has you, the player, at its center. When it is released this holiday season, Xbox Series X will set a new bar for performance, speed and compatibility, all while allowing you to bring your gaming legacy forward with you and play thousands of games from four generations. Recently, along with the tech experts Austin Evans and Digital Foundry, we had the chance to take a closer look at some

Baldur’s Gate 3 Devs Reveal How The Game Relates To Its Predecessors

Developers working on the highly anticipated RPG Baldur's Gate 3 have taken to Reddit to answer some burning questions about the upcoming game. Many of these regard the game's take on DnD 5th Edition, while other curious fans have sought clarity on how much Baldur's Gate 1 and Baldur's Gate 2 will impact the story.Creative director Swen Vincke has addressed fans' concerns that Baldur's Gate 3 would have little to do with the first two games, which were both developed by BioWare. "We really don’t want to spoil anything but