Games

Throughout the Xbox One’s lifespan, Microsoft worked hard to make older Xbox 360 games playable on the newer console. They consistently released updates that allowed access to a growing number of these games, whether you owned them digitally or on disc (though even disc versions needed a download to play). However, in November 2021, Microsoft stopped adding new backward-compatible games, explaining that licensing issues, legal hurdles, and technical limitations prevented them from adding more.

PlayStation Plus Extra members have enjoyed several highly-rated games recently. Earlier this year, they got access to Blue Prince, a praised puzzle/roguelike title. This summer brought co-op games FBC: Firebreak and Abiotic Factor as free additions. Players also explored the beautiful action/adventure game Sword of the Sea, featuring incredible scenery and a standout soundtrack.

Like the first two Avatar films, the third installment promises amazing storytelling and stunning visuals. It’s easy to see why people are so eager to see James Cameron’s latest work in theaters. Many fans are curious about how long Avatar: Fire and Ash will be, and that’s understandable – Avatar movies are known for being quite long!

Embark Studios announced on social media that Cold Snap will be released on all platforms soon, sharing the exact date with fans.

2025 hasn’t been a particularly strong year for Xbox, and the recent price increase for Game Pass wasn’t well-received. However, Xbox still has a large and active player community, and Xbox Wrapped – their year-end review – is likely to reveal some interesting insights into how people have been playing.

Honestly, 2025 was incredible for Game Pass. Yeah, the price increase for Ultimate stung a little, but the games they added more than made up for it. We’re talking absolute gems – indie titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 and the long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, alongside huge releases like Doom: The Dark Ages and Ninja Gaiden 4. It was just a non-stop stream of awesome games, and it really shows – fifteen Game Pass titles got nominated at The Game Awards! Seriously, a fantastic year for the service.

The latest season of Stranger Things began streaming on Netflix on November 26th, but only the first four episodes are currently available. The remaining episodes will be released in two parts: one on Christmas Day and the final episodes almost a week later on New Year’s Eve. While fans wait, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is offering a special experience, allowing them to virtually explore iconic locations from the show.

The Demonic Pickaxe is widely considered the best pickaxe in The Forge, but getting it requires a lot of effort. You’ll find it inside the Demon’s Hideout, in front of a mysterious altar. First, remember that you need to start the Demonic Pickaxe Quest. To do this, go to the Ruined Cave Mine on the Forgotten Kingdom map and talk to Skal – he’ll kick off the quest. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to obtain the Demonic Pickaxe in The Forge.

When the Nintendo Switch was first announced, Skyrim was among the initial games showcased, exciting players with the possibility of playing it on the go. It was a particularly strong choice for a third-party title, given its massive scope and the fact that it hadn’t previously appeared on a Nintendo console.

The first major reset for ARC Raiders, called an Expedition wipe, was pushed back from December 15th to December 17th. This suggests the new ‘Cold Snap’ update was also likely intended to launch around December 14th but faced a short delay. This delay could be a deliberate move to tie the update’s story and environmental changes – which will temporarily affect gameplay on each map – to the wipe, making it feel more immersive and connected to the game’s lore.