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Is a blizzardy Skyrim return persuading me to retry Elder Scrolls Online? Not really, but naval combat and underwater exploration might

I'll be honest right off the bat. As a single player Elder Scroller, the Elder Scrolls Online's never managed to hook me for more than a few hours. I've given it a couple of goes, usually during periods when it's gone free to play, but have always bounced off its vast MMOiness. Might the slew of fresh additions coming across the next couple of years be able to change that and finally convince me to spend significant time with ESO in the same way I have Fallout 76 in the past few years? The answer could be yes, if the naval combat and underwater exploration Zenimax have just revealed are as fun as they sound on paper.

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The Long Dark comes to an end today, except it's not "the end" only "an end"

Well, the time has finally come. After releasing almost a decade ago, The Long Dark finally wraps things up today with today's release of Wintermute's fifth and final episode, The Light at the End of All Things. It's been a long time coming (the free episode update was originally slated for the end of 2025), but it marks the end of a tough, cold journey. Sorry, what's that? It's "not the end, but also an end"? Oh, my mistake!

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Ubisoft sued for shutting down The Crew's servers by major French consumer group backed by Stop Killing Games

A major French consumers group is taking Ubisoft to court over the publisher's ending of online support for The Crew in March 2024, rendering the notionally singleplayer-friendly open world racer unplayable. They're acting with the backing of the Stop Killing Games movement, who want publishers at large to stop yanking servers and taking games offline.

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Deus Ex: Mankind Divided developers Eidos Montreal lay off 124 staff, as well as "parting ways" with long-time studio head

Eidos Montreal, developers of the most recent two Deus Ex entries, have laid off 124 staff. At the same time, they've announced that they're "parting ways" with veteran studio head David Anfossi, who'd been in that post for just under 13 years.

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Skyblivion devs are "on the hunt" for some "final, vital" veteran hands to get the Oblivion remake mod over the line this year

With the first few months of its latest target release year drawing to a close, the modders behind Skyblivion are looking to make some "final" and "vital" veteran additions to their team in order to get the ambitious remake of Oblivion in Skyrim's engine over the line. This comes after a delay late last year, which saw Skyblivion's arrival pushed to 2026, following some accusations from a former dev that it was being rushed out of the door.

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"0.63 is the perfect default delay": Bungie, Respawn and Firaxis game developers talk NPC barks, grenade timing and other questions of craft

Much of the time, using social media is like fondling a wasp's nest, but sometimes, sometimes, social media is Nice. For example, Firaxis narrative director Cat Manning recently started a Bluesky thread "of small practical pieces of advice developers just starting out or unfamiliar with a genre might not know". The replies and quote-posts include thoughts from people with credits on fairly big games.

Inevitably, they run the gamut of approachability. At one end of the spectrum, you have Apex Legends engineer Jay Stevens jauntily observing that "a navmesh is a very handy thing to have, even in a multiplayer game without NPCs", which I maybe half-understand, and sounds like it could be the opening to a Broadway song of some kind. More digestibly, you have former Marvel's Avengers and current Legacy of Orsinium developer Keano Raubun commenting that the "biggest bang for buck in (open world RPG) game writing will always be NPCs having funny ambient conversations amongst themselves".

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Epic's mass layoffs left a programmer with terminal brain cancer without life insurance, but Tim Sweeney says the company will "solve" the problem

Epic Games' mass layoffs led a programmer with terminal brain cancer to lose his life insurance, leaving him and his family struggling to find new coverage. Following news of the situation breaking, Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has said the company have reached out to the programmer - Mike Prinke - and that they "will solve the insurance".

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What are we all playing this weekend?

There is a significant danger that this article will have aged terribly. You see, I asked everyone what they were playing this weekend on Thursday, rather than the usual post-lunch scramble on a Friday. You see, I took Friday off to travel to Wales to spend a long weekend with my family. Who knows what happened between my polling of the team on Thursday and Friday? Perhaps Valve surprise released Half-Life 3 and everyone is playing that instead. Maybe they all went off videogames in the interim.

I can only hope they thought to go into the CMS and update the article accordingly. Otherwise, I'll look like a right plonker.

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Only a "skeletal crew" are left working on Fallout: London, and the massive mod's next DLC will miss a planned April release window

Around the turn of the new year, Fallout: London developers Team FOLON teased plans to drop the second of the brilliantly British Fallout 4 mod's second DLC in early 2026, assuming no hiccups got in the way of those plans. Sadly, it seems that's exactly what's happened, necessitating the "skeletal crew" still working on the mod to push Last Orders beyond a projected April release window.

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Following Epic's mass layoffs, a bunch of Fortnite modes are going offline and arcade racer Horizon Chase Turbo's downloads will be pulled

Epic Games have announced that they're laying off over 1000 staff today, March 24th. In the wake of that news, the publishers have announced that three Fortnite modes are being permanently sunsetted. Meanwhile, one of the studios Epic own - Horizon Chase developers Aquiris - have announced plans to pull downloads for the first two games in their arcade racing series offline later this year.

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"I'm sorry we're here again," says Epic Games CEO as Fortnite maker lays off over 1000 employees

Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite and the Unreal Engine, have announced plans to lay off more than 1000 staff. In a company-wide letter, CEO Tim Sweeney blamed both "industry-wide challenges" and "challenges unique to Epic", including a downturn in Fortnite's popularity.

In addition to the layoffs, the company have made more than $500m in cuts by reducing contracting, marketing, and closing open roles. Sweenet says this puts the company "in a more stable place."

Sweeney, a strong advocate of AI, says the layoffs "aren't related to AI".

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"All was well until it wasn't" is a summary of both freshly revealed Minecraft Dungeons 2 and pretty much every story ever told

Diablo-ish Minecraft spin-off Minecraft Dungeons has a sequel, and said sequel's coming out at some point in 2026. What's it about? Well, Mojang say, "all was well until it wasn't". Wait, lads, that's pretty much the setup for every sequel and arguably story humanity's ever produced. Aye, Mojang say, but the mild-mannered villagers are on fire, so you'd better get your diamond sword polished.

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Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 30 to April 4

Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 30 to April 4

Super Meat Boy 3D

Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance

Crystal Dynamics

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$19.99

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Legacy of Kain: Ascendance is a fast, 2D action platformer built around vertical movement, fluid combat, and skill-driven play. Nosgoth’s dark fantasy world is brought to life through animated cut scenes and beautifully crafted pixel art gameplay. Each level filled with environmental challenges and puzzles that flow seamlessly into combat. Fly, fight, and unravel the past in a world of collapsing kingdoms, haunted ruins, and shattered timelines.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Super Meat Boy 3D

Headup

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$24.99
PC Game Pass
Xbox Game Pass

Super Meat Boy 3D – March 31
Game Pass / Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

Super Meat Boy 3D is a tough as nails platformer where you play as an animated cube of meat who’s trying to save his girlfriend (who happens to be made of bandages) from an evil fetus in a jar wearing a tux – IN 3D! Our meaty hero will leap from walls, over seas of buzz saws, through crumbling caves and pools of old trash sacrificing his own well-being to save his damsel in distress


Darwin's Paradox!

KONAMI

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$24.99

Darwin’s Paradox – April 2

Embark on a grand adventure worthy of a true animated movie with Darwin, an octopus as charming as he is clever, ripped from the ocean and trapped in a massive and mysterious industrial complex. With his extraordinary intelligence and incredible abilities – swimming, camouflage, and many other fascinating skills – help him overcome the most formidable traps and dangers in this captivating platformer, adventure, and puzzle game. Pre-order Darwin’s Paradox! today and unlock two exclusive skinsβ€”Psyched and Dottedβ€”available only as a pre-order bonus. Suit up in style as Darwin sets off to save the world!


GRIME II

Kwalee

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$27.99 $23.79

Grime II – March 31
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Become a stealer of forms in Grime II, the sequel to 2021’s acclaimed action-adventure metroidvania. You are a Formless – an art mimic, absorbing creatures and summoning molds in their shape. Venture into a new and mysterious land in the Grime universe, where danger and wonder await around every corner. Use your surroundings in tandem with your summoned molds to overcome deadly enemies and epic bosses, all the while exploring a deep world full of diverse cultures and characters.


JokerJack

Stardom Game Studios

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$9.99

JokerJack – March 31

JokerJack is a hypnotically additive deckbuilder that takes the classic game of 21 and cranks it to the breaking point. Forget everything you know about playing it safe; here, β€œbusting” is just a missed opportunity for a massive multiplier. Combine the fundamentals of Blackjack with a growing collection of over 60 unique Joker cards to create game-breaking synergies. Whether you’re adding flat chips for every Face card played or triggering an exponential Multiplier for hitting exactly 21, your goal is simple: reach the target score, survive the Blind, and keep the run alive.


NubiaPhobia

Sometimes You – FZCO

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$9.99 $7.99
Xbox One X Enhanced

NubiaPhobia – March 31

Solve the wacky point & click puzzles filled with horror and humor. Break the witch’s curse on your home as you explore five distinct regions, each hiding a sacred key to unlock the village chest.


Zoo Orbs (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

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Zoo Orbs – April 1
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

In Zoo Orbs, adorable animals gently fall into containers full of personality, waiting for the perfect fusion. Combine two identical little creatures to create bigger and even more charming versions, advancing step by step until you reach the impressive Whale. With relaxing physics-based gameplay, each level invites you to slow down, plan every drop, and discover delightful combinations. Containers change shape, challenges become more engaging, and every decision influences the final outcome.


Xbox Play Anywhere

Clean Up Earth

Magic Pockets SAS

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Clean Up Earth – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Xbox Play Anywhere

A relaxing co-op restoration game where you vacuum waste, rebuild ecosystems, and watch nature return in real time. Play solo, with friends, or in online multiplayer sessions with up to 25 players. Community gameplay can help support real environmental initiatives with no extra spending required.


Go! Go! Mister Chickums

Headup Games

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Go! Go! Mister Chickums – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Oh no! That sneaky Grabbo has stolen all of Mister Chickums’ precious eggs! This misdeed cannot remain unpunished: Get out there and help the poor chick to regain his rightful property and give the culprit a well-deserved spanking! And if you ever get stuck, invite your best friend to play the role of Fritz, Mister Chickums’ BFF, to assist you in the hunt for the lost eggs!


Morkull Ascend to the Gods

Pdpartid@games

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$14.99 $13.49

Morkull Ascend to the Gods – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Morkull Ascend to the Gods is a 2D action video game focused on boss battles, once again taking control of the charismatic God of Death: Morkull. Set in the original world of Morkull Ragast’s Rage, locked up and aware that he is in a new video game, you must help him escape so that he can carry out his evil plans for the world and rule by subjecting everyone to his will (yes, including you). You will feel the power and bear the weight of being the God of Death and Darkness. A select series of battles against other henchmen, minions, and Gods that make up the Olympus of the Kingdom of Midaldus await you.


PULMO (Xbox Series X|S)

Sometimes You – FZCO

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$9.99 $7.99

Pulmo – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Pulmo is the ideological continuation of Alveole and the second part in a trilogy about the human journey. Our project explores human behavior in a society where everyone will find their own meanings. Your goal is to change the environment around you to influence people’s behavior by solving spatial puzzles. The crowd in the game acts according to its own rules, sometimes helping, sometimes interfering, but always reacting to your actions.


Sunset Motel

RockGame S.A.

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Sunset Motel – April 2
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Step into the enchanting world of the Sunset Motel! A place where weary travelers find rest, joy, and unforgettable memories. In this unique simulation, you’ll breathe new life into neglected rooms and make sure every guest leaves with a smile.


Grab 50 Coins

Misc.261

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Grab 50 Coins – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Your goal is to Grab 50 Coins and reach the exit before the spikes crush you! The door will not reveal itself until you Grab 50 Coins! Time your movements correctly as you’ll face spikes, platforms, and holes in the level! Don’t worry if you miss a few – there are always more than 50 in each level!


Inkling Cats : Beneath the dreams

Brainium Games

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Inkling Cats: Beneath the Dreams – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Dive into Inkling Cats, an explosive and colorful roguelike RPG adventure where every game is unique. Play solo or with friends in local co-op mode with up to three players. You’ll venture through the pages of an enchanted book, battling a myriad of unique monsters and formidable bosses. Discover mysterious items, upgrades, and magical cards, combining them to unlock infinite synergies and unique powers every time you play. The precious ink drops you collect are key to your survival: use them wisely to trade, acquire extraordinary items, and upgrade your equipment. Every strategic decision could change the course of your adventure!


Manafinder

Ratalaika Games S.L.

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Manafinder – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S / Smart Delivery

Manafinder is a RPG with rich exploration, nostalgic turn-based combat, and original pixel art. In a vast and untapped world, powerful wild beasts roam the dangerous lands. A community of survivors known as the exiles depends on heroes like Lambda to obtain the power of manastones to keep their civilization safe. Fight your way against ferocious beasts and other enemies in the quest for manastones as you define the fate of the exiled!


Xbox Play Anywhere

Mini Trains

QubicGames S.A.

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Mini Trains – April 3
Xbox Play Anywhere

Mini Trains transports you to a cozy playroom with the best tabletop railway set ever, packed with 40 different layouts. You will be challenged to build tracks in situations that become increasingly puzzling. Use your logic, imagination, and engineering skills to safely lead the trains to their final destination. And of course, you get to sit in the driver’s cab and blow the whistle!


Owlen and the Whispering Woods

EpiXR Games

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$9.99

Owlen and the Whispering Woods – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Begin a heartfelt journey through enchanted forests where magic lingers in every branch and shadow. As a small owl guided by gentle spirits, you soar above glowing marshes, whispering trees, and ancient groves. Your purpose is to restore balance by flying through magical circles that awaken plants, revive wildlife, and breathe life back into forgotten woodlands.


To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields (Xbox Series)

Afil Games

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To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields – April 3
Optimized for Xbox Series X|S

Get ready to return to the farm in a relaxing puzzle that will win your heart. In To Farm Lands: Sowing Fields, adorable animals in unique shapes await your strategic touch to perfectly fill each grid. Explore 30 new levels across 3 charming biomes, where every stage brings a gentle and clever challenge. With no time limits and no pressure, you can play at your own pace, testing combinations, rotating pieces and finding the perfect fit in total calm.


Editor’s Note: Removed an erroneous title.

The post Next Week on Xbox: New Games for March 30 to April 4 appeared first on Xbox Wire.

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Elder Scrolls Online previews Season Zero, plus future seasons and a return to Skyrim

This afternoon, Elder Scrolls Online studio ZeniMax Online took the wraps off of more content coming over the course of 2026, including the Night Market.Β Ahead of the reveal today, we attended a press event to introduce more details for the upcoming Season 0, as well as tease a bit of what’s coming beyond that in […]
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