The biggest upcoming games of 2025 makes 2024 look like an even slower year for new releases. It seems to be a trend: as the average development time for games continues to grow, more and more major titles are dropping in batches during select years. Like 2023 before it, 2025 is going to be one of those years.While the upcoming year will rightfully be defined by the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the fact of the matter is that Rockstars next game could slip into 2026 and youd still be left with an absolutely stacked year for new releases. That said, we apologize for putting that thought out into the world.Here are the biggest games you need to keep an eye on in 2025!Assassins Creed ShadowsPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 14While its delay left many fans wondering about the state of Assassins Creed Shadows, and whether itd be able to meet expectations, we remain optimistic about this latest chapter in the series. As the Assassins Creed franchises long-awaited trip to feudal Japan, Shadows looks to make good on what many feel is the series most promising historical setting. Expectations are certainly high, but Shadows fascinating two-protagonist system and enhanced combat, stealth, and traversal mechanics suggest it could offer an ideal blend of classic gameplay with more modern flourishes.AtomfallPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneRelease Date: MarchAnother survival game? In this economy? Yes, though keep in mind that Atomfall has several tricks up its sleeve that instantly make it more appealing than the countless craft some cheese genre titles out there.Developed by Rebellion, the team behind the exceptional Sniper Elite series, Atomfall places far more emphasis on worldbuilding and storytelling than the average survival title. Set in a fictional version of Northern England following a nuclear disaster, it tasks you with discovering the truth behind this twisted world as you fight to stay alive. Rebellion has suggested that Atomfall is closer to something like BioShock than Rust, which should be enough to excite even the most survival-wary out there.AvowedPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 13The phrase new Obsidian RPG is more than enough to get a title on any respectable list of anticipated upcoming games. Obsidian Entertainment is one of the greatest RPG studios of all time, and their recent efforts demonstrate their willingness to keep pushing the envelope.In some ways, Avowed feels like the culmination of Obsidians efforts to create the ideal modern RPG experience. Its an action-packed real-time experience filled with the kind of character-building, role-playing decisions, and clever writing that Obsidian is known for. While our preview of Avowed raised some unanswered questions about the games depth, the allure of its classic fantasy world is pretty powerful.Borderlands 4Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe recently revealedbut long-rumoredfourth major Borderlands entry will try to get the series back on track after Borderlands 3 proved to be a somewhat surprising meh entry into the largely celebrated franchise.However, the surprising success of Tiny Tinas Wonderlands and the Borderlands 4 teams early promise to go bigger and better in every way with this game certainly suggests that they are aware of this franchises need to grow (and perhaps change a little bit).Civilization 7Platforms: Windows PCRelease Date: February 11The announcement of a new Civilization game inspires equally powerful feelings of joy and dread. Yay, I get to lose myself in one of the finest strategy series ever created. Oh no, Ill lose hours of my life to the game that famously makes players say one more turn until the cruel light of the rising sun invades the perimeters of their vision.Still, a new Civilization game feels like mostly good news. We know little about this title (a strange theme for the coming year), though Firaxis Games guiding hand and the promised ability to mix and match large chunks of history certainly feels like a winning combo for this franchise that has rarely steered us wrong.Death Stranding 2: On The BeachPlatforms: PlayStation 5Love it or hate it (opinions only seem to go one way or the other), Hideo Kojimas Death Stranding remains one of the most fascinating games of the last five years. The first significant project of Kojimas post-Konami era featured all the eerily accurate social commentary, divisive gameplay, and bombastic storytelling weve come to expected from one of gamings few true auteurs, and the second installment promises to dive even deeper into the weirdness of this post-apocalyptic world.Though we know relatively little about Death Stranding 2, the games star-studded cast, Kojimas creative presence, and the original titles fascinating concepts are enough reasons to consider this one of 2025s most highly-anticipated new releases. Its doubtful this sequel will make many efforts to appease those turned off by the originals methodical gameplay, but Death Stranding 2s confirmed meditations on the impact of post-COVID society should certainly cause a stir.Doom: The Dark AgesPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCWith 2016s Doom and 2020s Doom Eternal, developer id Software did so much more than bring the grandfather of FPS franchises into the modern age. Those games effectively set a new standard for single-player FPS titles that very few other games have been able to match.At worst, Doom: The Dark Ages figures to be a victory lap for a studio making the most audaciously entertaining FPS games on the market. It looks to be so much more than that, though. Dark Ages almost Painkiller-esque weapons, style, and gameplay pacing suggest id has somehow found yet another gear and isnt taking their foot off the gas as they boldly navigate new territory once again.Elden Ring NightreignPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneFew expected FromSoftware to return to Elden Ring so quickly, and nobody expected them to deliver something like Nightreign. This spin-off of the Elden Ring series is essentially a co-op roguelike dungeon crawler with several Elden Ring-flavored twists. Picture Dark Alliance with more Elden Ring-like gameplay andwell, that still doesnt quite paint the picture.Yet, between Nightreigns pre-set characters, generally lowered difficulty level, and much faster gameplay, its hard not to be intrigued by what FromSoftware is cooking. Are they testing the waters for a big new concept, or is this simply a standalone passion project?FablePlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe Fable franchise is one of gamings oddest beasts. It has historically fallen short of expectations, in large part due to the outrageous promises that have come to define the series creator, Peter Molyneux. Yet, those original games also offered a rather unique genre experience that many crave due to a lack of proper alternatives.With their reboot of the franchise (sans Molyneux), developer Playground Games looks to recapture the series unique charms while inching Fable closer to its full potential. Its a tall task, but the Fable footage released so far demonstrates Playgrounds understanding of the humor and whimsy that have long made Fable one of the most enjoyable fantasy franchises to lose yourself in.Ghost of YoteiPlatforms: PlayStation 5With 2020s Ghost of Tsushima, developer Sucker Punch Productions delivered the rare modern open-world title that felt both comfortably familiar and creatively inventive. Ghost of Tsushima didnt break the genre mold so much as it used its historical setting as the basis of one of the most stunning and engaging open-world experiences this side of a Rockstar Games production. It is also arguably the best samurai title ever made.As the standalone sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, Ghost of Yotei obviously wont be able to ride the wave of surprising delights that helped elevate Tsushima among those who went into it with modest expectations. Yet, the Yotei teams promise to emphasize an underdog of vengeance story and the romance and beauty of feudal Japan should be more than enough to get you excited about the opportunity to dive back into this world where every pixel is a painting.Grand Theft Auto 6Platforms: PlayStation 5; Xbox Series X/SGrand Theft Auto 6 may be the most anticipated release in video game history. Its not just the 10+ years since the release of GTA 5, the absurdly high standards of this series, and the ways GTA has reached even the most casual modern gamers. Theres a strong argument to be made that the success or failure of GTA 6 could alter the fate of an industry that is increasingly dependent on its biggest blockbusters. Well, there is no blockbuster bigger than GTA 6.Mind you, we still know relatively little about the game itself. With only one official trailerand quite a few leaksto go on, we can tell you that the next Grand Theft Auto will take us to a fictional version of Florida and focus on two lovers on the run from the law. Everything else will be a surprise, it seems. Thats actually kind of nice. Of course, itd be a lot nicer if we could just finally play the damn game.Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: February 42018s Kingdom Come: Deliverance boasts one of the strangest success stories in modern gaming. Following a Kickstarter campaign that seemed to be built on unrealistic promises, Deliverance launched with quite a few bugs and several controversies. And yet, a few patches and a little distance revealed Deliverance to be one of the best attempts to recapture those old Elder Scrolls feelings and a pretty incredible medieval RPG in its own right.With Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2, developer Warhorse Studios looks to make the most of the lessons they learned from the first game. Set shortly after the original, Deliverance 2 looks far smoother than its predecessor ever was yet has lost none of that outside-the-box ambition that made the original feel so special.Mafia: The Old CountryPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Hangar 13 gets to continue what they started in the underrated Mafia III with the upcoming Mafia: The Old Country. As the name suggests, this game will take the franchise back to its relative roots (early 1900s Sicily) and serve as a kind of origin story for the series.The setting is unique relative to other crime games, and Hangar 13 has already shown that they can maintain and elevate this series standard for excellent storytelling, characters, and environments. Its not ideal that this game is coming out the same year as GTA 6, but Old Countrys likely release date head start and distinct style should help it distinguish itself as a worthwhile alternative.Marvel 1943: Rise of HydraPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThe relative lack of Marvel games during the MCU era of entertainment was always a shock. Conventional corporate wisdom tells us that we should be swimming in games that adapt and go beyond MCU movies and shows. Yet, weve been left with slim pickings so far. Thankfully, Marvel 1943 looks to help fill that considerable void.Set in Paris during World War II, this action/adventure game will follow Captain America, Black Panther, and their military allies as they battle Hydra and the Axis forces. On paper, thats the exact kind of familiar, yet distinct approach to Marvel gaming that helped make Insomniacs Spider-Man titles such a success.Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCThat siren youve been hearing is the warning sound that accompanied the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater and has been trailing the game throughout its development. Simply put, the prospect of Konami approving a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater following their infamous split with creator Hideo Kojima felt perilous at best and insulting at worst.But the success of 2024s Silent Hill 2 remake has a lot of people feeling much more excited about this next remake. Granted, they are different games being developed by different studios, but suddenly the prospect of a remake of a beloved Konami game delivering a worthwhile experience without the help of their original creators doesnt seem quite so far-fetched.Metroid Prime 4: BeyondPlatforms: Nintendo SwitchGiven that it was revealed around the time that the Nintendo Switch was released, we once thought that Metroid Prime 4 was going to be one of the titles that Nintendo used to sell people on their strange new hardware. Now, Metroid Prime 4 is poised to be the swan song for one of the most successful gaming devices ever made. Hey, no pressure.Yes, its surprising that weve still seen so little of Metroid Prime 4. After all this time, though, the promise of more Metroid Prime is still enough to leave us impossibly excited about this project. At a time when the Metroidvania genre dominates the indie scene and is the DNA of many modern games, Metroid Prime 4 seems primed to finally earn this series the undeniable sales success it always deserved.Ninja Gaiden: RageboundPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, PlayStation 4, Windows PC, Xbox OneThe Ninja Gaiden franchise returns as a 2D sidescroller that will offer the classic lore and gameplay of the Tecmo-developed Ninja Gaiden series from the 8-bit era with the depth and intensity of the modern 3D entries. So, its not quite a throwback but rather a re-imagining of the franchises roots.The biggest reasons to be excited about this one, though, can be found on the back of the box (relatively speaking). Published by Dotemu, the team behind many of the best retro revivals in recent years, and developed by The Game Kitchen, the studio responsible for the exceptional Blasphemous, this one is almost guaranteed to rock.The Outer Worlds 2Platforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCAs the spiritual sequel toFallout: New Vegas, 2019sThe Outer Worldswas essentially a dream Obsidian Entertainment RPG. Along with fulfilling quite a fewFalloutfantasies,The Outer Worldsproved to be a compelling, enjoyable, genuinely funny, and surprisingly deep sci-fi role-playing experience in its own right.WithThe Outer Worlds 2, Obsidian has made it clear that they intend to pick up where they left off and simply go bigger with everything. On paper, its not the most ambitious goal for a sequel. However, given that you can attribute many ofThe Outer Worlds biggest flaws to its first-draft nature, the team doesnt have to go too far out of its way to make this one of 2025s most essential role-playing experiences.Pokmon Legends: Z-APlatforms: Nintendo SwitchThe Pokmon series has been on a surprisingly rough run in recent years. While theyre as successful as ever, the recent mainline Pokmon games have rightly been criticized for their relative lack of ambition and various technical issues. One of the franchises highlights during that era2022s Pokmon Legends: Arceusgarnered acclaim for taking the series in a relatively fresh open-world direction.Based on what we know, Pokmon Legends: Z-A looks to retain most of Arceus core concepts while exploring an era when Pokmon and humans were first learning to co-exist in shared environments. Its a fantastic setup that also seemingly features the return of the largely beloved Mega Evolutions concept.South of MidnightPlatforms: Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCDeveloper Compulsion Games has made quite a name for themselves in recent years. Their previous titlesCompulsion and We Happy Fewwere undeniably unique, yet each suggested that the studios best work was ahead of them. Well, South of Midnight may very well prove to be the developers masterpiece.Set in a dark fantasy version of the Deep South, South of Midnight blends several regions of folklore with original creations and sets the whole thing to a rocking Southern soundtrack. It looks and sounds great, but its the games almost Beyond Good and Evil-esque gameplay that leads us to believe it could be something truly special.Split FictionPlatforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/Series S, Windows PCRelease Date: March 6Split Fiction is the latest game from Hazelight Studios, the studio behind the exceptional co-op adventures A Way Out and It Takes Two. Like those games, Split Fiction will emphasize the value of unique teamwork throughout its entirely co-op campaign.Unlike those games, Split Fiction will explore a far wider variety of genres and gameplay concepts. Based on the idea that two writers have become stuck in their own creations, Split Fiction certainly looks like the most ambitious co-op game from a studio that is in a league of its own in that area.

Xbox is dedicated to bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet and that includes how we support those making the games. As part of that mission, were revealing Game Makers Journey, a new documentary focused on pioneering Nigerian videogame studio Dimension11 and its debut release, Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water.Were delighted to announce that Game Makers Journey will take us to Ile-Ife, Nigeria and tell us how Dimension11 is breaking new ground, transforming Nigerias rich history and the ancient Yoruba religion and into a dynamic and immersive gameplay experience.Watch the full documentary below:Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water is narrative action-RPG rooted in Nigerias Yoruba culture, and the immersive nature of gaming will allow players to experience and learn about it in an all-new way. Dimension11 are part of the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program. The programs mission is to empower underrepresented creators to bring their creativity, innovation, and originality to Xbox.We set out with a dream to tell African stories to a global audience and Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water was born out of that dream, says Dimension11 Creative Director Winston Ohunyon.Through the help of ID@Xboxs Developer Accelerator Program, this dream has become an achievable goal. I am immensely grateful for their support as well as the creative vision of the folks behind Game Makers Journey.When I first met the Dimension 11 team as part of Game Camp Africa, it was clear to me that this studio had immense talent, expertise, and passion, says James Lewis, Head of the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program. Dimension11 and Legends of Orisha: Blood and Water exemplify the type of teams and projects that we strive to support with the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program.Game Makers Journey: Dimension11 is available to watch now, and you can find more on the ID@Xbox Developer Acceleration Program here.

SummaryXbox Game Studios partners with Take This to help increase awareness of mental health stereotypes in gaming.Explore relaxing games on Xbox Game Pass.Artist Steve Wade shares his Starfield-inspired logo redesign in support of Mental WellnessFor some, the holidays can be a time of heightened stress and an increased need for self-care. Video games have emerged as a unique and effective sanctuary, offering players an escape from daily pressures through creative play and rewarding challenges. Beyond distraction, gaming provides a space where players can rewrite their narratives, finding accomplishment, control, and relaxation that may be elusive in daily life.This connection between gaming and well-being is increasingly supported by research. A recent study conducted by the University of Oxford in collaboration with PowerWash Simulator revealed that 72% of players reported improved moods after gaming sessions. Over 67,000 gaming sessions across 39 countries demonstrated a consistent boost in well-being within the first 15 minutes of play. These findings suggest that short-term gameplay can be a meaningful tool for positively impacting mood, reinforcing the idea that video games are more than entertainmenttheyre a potential resource for mental health support.As self-care becomes a more inclusive and accepted topic across social media platforms, workplaces, and schools, video games are emerging as a bridge that connects people across diverse backgrounds. When designed with intention, some games can foster positive emotional experiences and even inspire therapeutic outcomes. At Xbox, we embrace the power of play, not only as creators but as players ourselves.We celebrate the triumphs of individuals who press forward through challenges, finding joy and empowerment in their gaming experiences. Whether exploring fantastical realms or taking a few moments to unwind with a simulation game, players create their own adventures while reshaping their emotional landscapes.At Xbox, we are inspired by the resilience and creativity of the gaming community. Through the stories we tell and the experiences we build, we remain committed to making play a force for goodboth in and out of the game.PLAYPsychonauts 2s Insightful Take on Mental Wellness: Healing through PlayIn Psychonauts, Raz uses his psychic powers to jump into peoples minds, each one a unique world reflecting their thoughts and personality. For example, a bubbly person who likes to dance might have a mind full of vivid color and music, while a more stoic person might have a mind thats more organized and methodical. While the game is fun and comical, it also touches on themes of mental health sometimes through a fantastical lens, but quite often exploring characters inner struggles in a way that feels more realistic. This resonated with many players, and fans would often speak of finding unexpected reflections of themselves in certain characters, and how that helped them express feelings they hadnt voiced before.As we developed the sequel many years later, the world had changed, and with it our own awareness.We knew we needed to approach mental health more carefully, and so established guiding principles. For example: Raz always asks permission before entering minds, except in emergencies. He helps each character face their inner demons and clear up emotional baggage, but he doesnt fix themmental health challenges dont mean a person is broken, and they certainly dont make anyone a villain.We came to see designing with mental health in mind as a form of accessibility. We want our game to be welcoming to as many people as possible, with no one feeling excluded by being the butt of a joke. We want everyone to enjoy the experience, feeling supported by characters who are complex, relatable, and, most importantly, part of a story about healing and empathy.Never Fight Alone with Gears of WarThe Coalition continues to support its Never Fight Alone program, donating 1% of net revenue to support organizations working to prevent suicide and combat loneliness. Through their primary partners, Crisis Text Line, the program has already funded thousands of conversations for those in need. Fans can show their support by purchasing the 2024 artist-designed benefit tee and hoodie in the Xbox Gear Shop.For more information, go to Gears of War | Never Fight Alone.Senuas Saga: Hellblade II and Ninja Theorys Exploration of Psychosis in StorytellingWith the release of Hellblade: Senuas Sacrifice, developer Ninja Theory told the story of a Celtic warrior who experiences psychosis. Senuas unique perspective was brought to life with the help of Professor Paul Fletcher from the University of Cambridge and people with lived experience of psychosis. In the recently released sequel, Senuas Saga: Hellblade II, Ninja Theory once again worked with these key collaborators to ensure Senuas experiences were represented in a truthful way. This collaboration also led to Hellblade: A Journey of the Mind, a live conference held in Cambridge, UK, featuring the perspectives of those who have suffered the distress and stigma of psychosis, along with those who study and treat it. The conference is available to watch onNinja Theorys YouTube channeland serves as a great resource to better understand psychosis.Explore the next chapter of Senuas story here, available now with Game Pass.Explore Even More Xbox Games that promote Mental Wellness on the Microsoft StoreAs we mentioned the connection between gaming and mental well-being isnt just an ideaits backed by research and the experiences of countless players. The Microsoft Store features a variety of games that promote mental wellness, from easing sadness and anxiety to supporting cognitive growth. Xbox partnered with Childs Play Charity, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of pediatric hospital patients through therapeutic games and technology, to identify games that have a meaningful impact.Curated from this list are standout titles such as PowerWash Simulator, Sonic Mania, and Rime. Each of these games offers unique experiences that support players mental well-being, whether by fostering a sense of calm, sparking joy, or encouraging focus and exploration. We spoke to Takashi Iizuka, Head of Sonic Team & VP of Product Development at Sega of America:How does it feel to see Sonic Mania recognized by Childs Play Charity as a game that helps children cope with sadness?I am glad that Sonic Mania is being recognized as a piece of entertainment that can provide a positive experience to children around the world who are coping with sadness, pain, or even boredom, shared Takashi Iizuka. The strength of the Sonic series lies in its ability to deliver a memorable experience full of colorful graphics, unforgettable music, and great adventures for people of all ages.Did you know how therapeutic the game would be during its development?When we developed Sonic Mania, our focus was to draw on all the positive moments from those early Sega Genesis years while creating something new. Bright, vivid colors, the joy of running fast, and the freshness of exploring new worlds were key, they explained. We didnt intentionally set out to create a therapeutic game, but reflecting on the joy these moments brought to us, its no surprise that players find comfort in them now.Looking forward, players can explore the Encore DLC Pack, which introduces Mighty the Armadillo and Ray the Flying Squirrel. Additionally, the Sonic franchise continues to expand with Sonic Superstars and the much-anticipated Sonic the Hedgehog 3 movie.And if you want to see what the team at Sonic Mania studio Evening Star are up to next, Design Director Brad Flick mentioned, Currently, we have a couple irons in the fire, but nothing that we can concretely announce yet! Earlier this year, we released Pennys Big Breakaway on Xbox Series X|S and PC. If you loved our work on Sonic Mania, we think you will also love our first foray into the 3D platformer genre. Thank you for your support of Evening Star!Xbox also had the pleasure of speaking to the team at Square Enix regarding Powerwash Simulator:How does it feel to see PowerWash Simulator recognized as helping children cope with cognitive impairment?Its truly special. Knowing that our game helps children in meaningful ways bolsters our enthusiasm for continuing to improve and expand, said the development team. Weve always aimed to create a relaxing and satisfying experience, and its wonderful to see those benefits extend to children in therapeutic contexts.Did you anticipate the games therapeutic impact during development?Our goal was to deliver a satisfying experience, but it was a pleasant surprise to see how therapeutic the gameplay became. Watching dirt disappear and creating pristine spaces gave players a focused, calming activity. By leaning into this satisfying gameplay, we inadvertently created a therapeutic space that were incredibly proud of.While the team couldnt share specifics, they confirmed exciting updates for PowerWash Simulator are on the way, promising more grimey therapy for players to enjoy.Check out these incredible games available now, and for an online guide of more games to explore that support Mental Wellness see Childs Play Charitys full list.Rime A land of discovery stretches out before you. Explore the beautiful yet rugged world of Rime, a single-player puzzle adventure. In Rime, you play as a young boy who has awakened on a mysterious island after a torrential storm. You see wild animals, long-forgotten ruins and a massive tower that beckons you to come closer. Armed with your wits and a will to overcomeand the guidance of a helpful foxyou must explore the enigmatic island, reach the towers peak, and unlock its closely guarded secrets.PowerWash Simulator(Available on Xbox Game Pass) Release the Pressure with PowerWash Simulator! Wash away your worries with the soothing sounds of high-pressure water. Fire up your power washer and blast away every speck of dirt and grime you can find. Build your own power-washing business and unlock new tools, upgrades and more all with the simple satisfaction of power-washing to a sparkling finish.Unwind with Relaxing Games Curated by Staff at MicrosoftWe all need ways to rest and reset regularly, and many games are designed with the opportunity to recharge in mind. During December and beyond, explore these relaxing Game Pass collections that provide a comforting escape from the trials of life and cultivate positive feelings.Check out a few highlights from the full Game Pass collection on Xbox and the full PC Game Pass collection on Windows:Botany Manor (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Feel free to stop and smell the roses in this peaceful puzzle game. Play as Arabella Greene, a retired botanist who resides in a gorgeous home in 19th century England. Explore your manor and gardens to figure out the ideal habitat for a collection of forgotten flora.Jusant (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Ascend an immeasurably tall tower, befriend a water companion, explore ruins of civilization, and restore nature in this meditative mountain-climbing game with no risk of injury or death. Play at your own pace as you take in the peaceful soundtrack and scenic atmosphere.Palworld (Game Preview) (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) In this game, you can peacefully live alongside mysterious creatures known as Pals. Collect all kinds of cute Pals to farm, build, and battle for you in this immensely popular multiplayer, open world survival and crafting game.Sea of Stars (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Director Thierry Boulanger designed this game around optimism, hope, and creating something new in the face of trauma. This story aims to modernize the classic RPG with turn-based combat, storytelling, exploration and interactions with the environment, while still offering a hearty slice of nostalgia and good old, simple fun.Spiritfarer: Farewell Edition (Available with Game Pass on Console, PC, and Cloud) Be a friendly ferry master to the dead in this cozy management game about grief. Farm, mine, fish, cook, and craft your way across mystical seas. This game has the option for two-player cooperative play and includes a meditation mechanic to help with the passing of time.DISCOVERExplore Steve Wades Starfield-Inspired Xbox Redesign for Mental Wellness AwarenessFor Mental Wellness Awareness, Xbox commissioned artist Steve Wade to redesign the Xbox logo. Growing up, Steve admits he struggled with his mental health. He had difficulty communicating how he felt or what he was thinking. He found both gaming and creating art as pathways to cope with stress and express himself. In Steves words, Gaming was a way I could escape what was going on in my mind for a few hours a day. I would get lost in a gaming world, which let me feel free of stress, anxiety, and worry for a while. Steve enjoyed that gaming allowed him more freedom to be able to start a conversation with another person in a way that was more comfortable for him.Steve reimagined the Xbox logo in a planetary landscape with a Starfield-inspired starship and crystalline structures within a dream-like frame. Steve drew inspiration from The Frontier, the first ship the player pilots in Starfield, because it is one of the games that allows him to escape into a place that brings him calm. The artwork I created was inspired by how gaming can improve your mental health, Steve says. Gaming is like stepping through a portal into a brand-new world of possibilities. You can become whoever you want to be and not worry what others think of you. You can be yourself and feel free in a gaming world.Check out more of Steves work at his website.GIVEXbox + Take This: Increasing Awareness around Mental Health StereotypesIn an effort to fight mental health stereotypes that can be found in gaming, Xbox is bringing in the support of nonprofit Take This, the industry experts championing for relatable and inclusive representation of mental health in gaming. They are creating a custom workshop training for Xbox Game Studios to help increase awareness of mental health tropes so our developers can lead the way in creating games that are inclusive and representative of people who experience mental illness.Gamingwith ImpactRewards members in the United States can earn and donate points to organizations supporting mental wellness with Xbox. The organizations below will be available on the Rewards hub:Crisis Text Line Crisis Text Line provides free, 24/7, confidential text-based mental health support in English and Spanish by empowering a community of more than 65,000 trained volunteers to support people in their moments of need. Text PAUSE to 741741 to be connected with a live volunteer Crisis Counselor or you can reach out via webchat. (US)Take ThisTake This is a mental health advocacy organization with a focus on the game industry and community. They provide resources, training, and support individuals and companies that help the gaming community improve its mental well-being and resilience. The organization addresses the underlying conditions that can create and perpetuate mental wellness challenges: stigma, harmful studio culture, harassment and toxicity, lack of diversity and accessibility, and problematic game and community design. Take This also runs the AFK Room Program at game conventions. (US)Lifeline Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24-hour crisis support and suicide prevention services. They are committed to empowering Australians to be suicide-safe through connection, compassion and hope. (AUS)Xbox players can earn Rewards points in various ways, such as playing games, completing Game Pass Quests, and purchasing games and other eligible items at the Microsoft Store (exclusions apply).Start earning for impact todayand redeem your points for great rewards. Donate your points on the Rewards hub or on theRewards redeem page.Wallpapers and Dynamic BackgroundsThe Mental Wellness Awareness Xbox design is available today as an Xbox wallpaper and dynamic background on console follow these steps to apply the dynamic background:Press the Xbox button on your controller to open the guide.Select Profile & system > Settings > General > Personalization > My background > Dynamic backgrounds.You can choose between Games, Xbox, or Abstract dynamic backgrounds. Choose the background art that you want with the A button.

Listen to a recap of the top stories of the day from9to5Mac. 9to5Mac Daily is availableon iTunes and Apples Podcasts app,Stitcher,TuneIn,Google Play, or through ourdedicated RSS feedfor Overcast and other podcast players.Sponsored by CardPointers: The best way to maximize your credit card rewards. 9to5Mac Daily listeners can exclusively save 50%.New episodes of 9to5Mac Daily are recorded every weekday. Subscribe to our podcast in Apple Podcast or your favorite podcast player to guarantee new episodes are delivered as soon as theyre available.Stories discussed in this episode:Listen & Subscribe:Subscribe to support Chance directly with 9to5Mac Daily Plus and unlock:Ad-free versions of every episodeBonus contentodCatch up on 9to5Mac Daily episodes!Dont miss out on our other daily podcasts:Share your thoughts!Drop us a line at happyhour@9to5mac.com. You can also rate us in Apple Podcasts or recommend us in Overcast to help more people discover the show.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

With the launch of watchOS 11 in September, Apple announced that the latest Apple Watch models would get a new feature capable of detecting possible sleep apnea. The feature was launched in more than 150 countries, and now Brazil is joining that listApple Watch sleep apnea detection now available in BrazilAs confirmed by Apple on Tuesday, sleep apnea detection is now available for Apple Watch users in Brazil. The feature has been approved by ANVISA, Brazils health regulator. Health-related features must be approved by regulators from each country.As of today, a new Apple Watch feature that helps identify signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea arrives in Brazil. In order to enable it to offer the sleep apnea notification feature, Apple obtained a license for medical equipment from the National Health Surveillance Agency, the company told the press.Sleep apnea detection was introduced with watchOS 11 for Apple Watch Series 9, Apple Watch Series 10, and Apple Watch Ultra 2. The feature uses the Apple Watch accelerometer to detect potential breathing disturbances during sleep. Heres how Apple describes it:Sleep is an important area of health as it impacts a persons overall physical and mental wellbeing. Sleep apnea is a prevalent disorder in which breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. The condition is estimated to impact more than 1 billion people worldwide, and in most cases, goes undiagnosed. If left untreated, it can have important health consequences over time, including increased risk of hypertension, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac issues.Breathing Disturbances is an innovative new Apple Watch metric that uses the accelerometer to detect small movements at the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep. Every 30 days, Apple Watch will analyze breathing disturbance data and notify users if it shows consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnea so they can speak to their doctor about next steps, including potential diagnosis and treatment.Make sure that both your iPhone and Apple Watch are running iOS 18 and watchOS 11 to enable sleep apnea notifications. In addition to Brazil, the feature is also available in the U.S., Canada, Japan, South Africa, the U.K., the European Union, and many other regions.You can find the full list of supported countries and regions on the Apple website.Add 9to5Mac to your Google News feed. FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More.Youre reading 9to5Mac experts who break news about Apple and its surrounding ecosystem, day after day. Be sure to check out our homepage for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn to stay in the loop. Dont know where to start? Check out our exclusive stories, reviews, how-tos, and subscribe to our YouTube channel

"The technologists should not be the only ones making these decisions."Self-ImprovementEric Schmidt, the one-time head of Google, is warning that humans may have to "unplug" artificial intelligence before it's too late.In an interview withABC's George Stephanopoulos, Schmidt suggested that AI technology is innovating so rapidlythat it may pass us by before we recognize the dangers it poses."I've done this for 50 years [and] I've never seen innovation at this scale," the ex-Google CEO said. "This is literally a remarkable human achievement."Along with former Microsoft executive Greg Mundie and the late Henry Kissinger, Schmidt warned in a new book that along with the incredible benefits AI may bring to humanity, such as the rapid discovery of new medications, the technology will also become more self-sufficient."We're soon going to be able to have computers running on their own, deciding what they want to do," he said. "When the system can self-improve, we need to seriously think about unplugging it."Kill Switch EngageDuring the interview, Stephanopoulos asked, as anyone who's seen a sci-fi movie about killer AIs could imagine, whether a superintelligent AI would be capable of heading off any attempts to destroy it."Wouldn't that kind of system have the ability to counter our efforts to unplug it?" Stephanopoulos asked."Well, in theory, we better have somebody with the hand on the plug," Schmidt responded.And who should that unplugger be?"The future of intelligence... should not be left to people like me, right?" Schmidt said."The technologists should not be the only ones making these decisions," he said. "We need a consensus about how to put the right guardrails on these things to preserve human dignity. It's very important."Himself an AI investor, Schmidt suggested in a meta twist that AI itself may be able to act as a watchdog for the technology."Humans will not be able to police AI," he said, "but AI systems should be able to police AI."It's a pretty strange take for someone who has cowritten two whole books about the dangers posed by the technology but maybe that's just what Silicon Valley has done to his brain.More on Schmidt: Former Google CEO Alarmed by Teen Boys Falling in Love With AI GirlfriendsShare This Article

Nope. Don't like that.Peeping BotEven after a revamp, Microsoft's AI-powered "Recall" tool, which quietly takes snapshots of your screen every few seconds, is still capturing your sensitive information.As an investigation by Tom's Hardware found, the Windows feature routinely captured credit card numbers, social security numbers, and other financial and personal data that was onscreen even when the new "filter sensitive information" setting was enabled.Ideally, this filter, which is now on by default, is supposed to prevent snapshots from being taken when such information is being displayed. But there are clearly still some glitches."When I entered a credit card number and a random username / password into a Windows Notepad window, Recall captured it, despite the fact that I had text such as 'Capital One Visa' right next to the numbers," wrote Avram Piltch, Tom's editor-in-chief."Similarly, when I filled out a loan application PDF in Microsoft Edge, entering a social security number, name and DOB, Recall captured that." The issue persisted when Piltch used his real information.Talking ShopAccording to Tom's testing, Microsoft's new feature only worked reliably when credit card info was being entered into online stores (specifically Pimoroni and Adafruit). That's good but not nearly good enough."What my experiment proves is that it's pretty much impossible for Microsoft's AI filter to identify every situation where sensitive information is on screen and avoid capturing it," Piltch wrote."My examples were designed to test the filter, but they're not fringe cases. Real people do put sensitive personal information into PDF forms," he added. "They write things down or copy and paste them into text files and then key them into websites that don't look like typical shopping sites."Unpopular DemandRecall was initially announced in May, when the plan was for it to be debuted in the first crop of "Copilot+ PCs," Microsoft's new line of AI-laden Windows 11 laptops. In theory, Recall is a nice idea: if you forgot something you looked at earlier, you can open the app and look at a visual history of your computer usage.But its launch was quickly reversed amidst overwhelming backlash to what many saw as a massive privacy risk not to mention a potential surveillance tool being woven into their operating system (a gripe with which longtime Windows users are by now very familiar). These fears were deepened when security researchers discovered that the tool's screenshots were unencrypted and could easily be hacked.So instead, Microsoft decided that the AI feature would only be made available to those part of its Windows Insider Program, before pulling it entirely. In effect: Recall got recalled.Roughly half a year later, it's now available again for certain Insiders with a Copilot PC running the correct hardware. While the screenshots are encrypted this time, it seems that its privacy measures are deficient overall if it's still screenshotting your social security number.For Microsoft to reassure people with a "filter sensitive information" setting that clearly doesn't work, then, is downright irresponsible though of course, Recall is a work in progress.Share This Article

A new phishing campaign has been observed employing tax-themed lures to deliver a stealthy backdoor payload as part of attacks targeting Pakistan.Cybersecurity company Securonix, which is tracking the activity under the name FLUX#CONSOLE, said it likely starts with a phishing email link or attachment, although it said it couldn't obtain the original email used to launch the attack."One of the more notable aspects of the campaign is how the threat actors leverage MSC (Microsoft Common Console Document) files to deploy a dual-purpose loader and dropper to deliver further malicious payloads," security researchers Den Iuzvyk and Tim Peck said.It's worth noting that the abuse of specially crafted management saved console (MSC) files to execute malicious code has been codenamed GrimResource by Elastic Security Labs.The starting point is a file with double extensions (.pdf.msc) that masquerades as a PDF file (if the setting to display file extensions is disabled) and is designed to execute an embedded JavaScript code when launched using the Microsoft Management Console (MMC).This code, in turn, is responsible for retrieving and displaying a decoy file, while also covertly loading a DLL file ("DismCore.dll") in the background. One such document used in the campaign is named "Tax Reductions, Rebates and Credits 2024," which is a legitimate document associated with Pakistan's Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)."In addition to delivering the payload from an embedded and obfuscated string, the .MSC file is able to execute additional code by reaching out to a remote HTML file which also accomplishes the same goal," the researchers said, adding that persistence is established using scheduled tasks.The main payload is a backdoor capable of setting up contact with a remote server and executing commands sent by it to exfiltrate data from compromised systems. Securonix said the attack was disrupted 24 hours after initial infection.It's currently not clear who is behind the malware campaign, although the threat actor known as Patchwork has been previously observed using a similar tax-related document from FBR in early December 2023."From the highly obfuscated JavaScript used in the initial stages to the deeply concealed malware code within the DLL, the entire attack chain exemplifies the complexities of detecting and analyzing contemporary malicious code," the researchers said."Another notable aspect of this campaign is the exploitation of MSC files as a potential evolution of the classic LNK file which has been popular with threat actors over the past few years. Like LNK files, they also allow for the execution of malicious code while blending into legitimate Windows administrative workflows."Found this article interesting? Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

Even the best companies with the most advanced tools can still get hacked. It's a frustrating reality: you've invested in the right solutions, trained your team, and strengthened your defenses. But breaches still happen.So, what's going wrong? The truth is, that attackers are constantly finding new ways to slip through cracks that often go unnoticedeven in well-prepared organizations. The good news? These cracks can be found and fixedif you know where to look.Join John Paul Cunningham, CISO at Silverfort, for a must-attend webinar that uncovers why breaches still happen and how to close the gaps in your security. John Paul will break down complex ideas into clear, actionable steps to help you protect your company.This webinar isn't about more toolsit's about seeing the risks you've missed and learning practical ways to address them before attackers take advantage.What You'll Learn:In this webinar, you'll discover:Why breaches still happen: How attackers bypass even strong security measures.What you might be missing: Hidden vulnerabilities that often go unnoticed.How to fix blind spots: Simple ways to find and address overlooked risks.Aligning security with business goals: How to get leadership buy-in and make security a priority.Why You Should AttendIf you're a cybersecurity professional, a leader, or anyone concerned about protecting your organization, this session will help you:Understand where modern attacks are coming from.Spot common gaps in your defenses and address them.Get clear, actionable steps to improve security right away.Don't wait until a breach exposes what you missed. Join us for this free, insightful session to strengthen your defenses.Register Now It's Free!Found this article interesting? This article is a contributed piece from one of our valued partners. Follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn to read more exclusive content we post.

The Irish Data Protection Commission (DPC) says the Facebook parent failed to report and document a 2018 breach that impacted 29 million users, including 3 million in the European Union.