Like many people at companies preoccupied with discovering the next "goose that lays the golden egg", Half-Life 2 and Portal writer Erik Wolpaw has been "poking around" with generative AI. He and a small team at Valve have been testing out different applications, in what Wolpaw assures us isn't a "concerted" effort at implementing the soul-regurgitating, workforce-abrading gadgetry in any particular new game.
Wolpaw's current feeling is that generative AI isn't very good at anything "creative", like cracking jokes. But he does think Large Language Models could make for entertaining NPC voice reactions in games such as Grand Theft Auto and, indeed, Wolpaw's own Left 4 Dead, because AI is marvellous at being a fawning little gopher. It is fantastic at "going along with whatever insane thing you say and kind of adjusting to the flow of that".
Xbox and Fanta Team Up for a Special-Edition Collection – With Prizes and In-Game Rewards to be Claimed
Marcos Waltenberg, GM, Xbox Global Partnerships & Consumer Products
Summary
To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary, Xbox and Fanta have partnered to launch a delicious special-edition collection of Fanta bottles and cans inspired by iconic Xbox franchises.
This special-edition collection features characters from Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Forza Horizon 6, and Diablo IV.
Fans can scan QR codes on the packaging starting April 6 to unlock interactive challenges and chances to win Xbox prizes and redeem in-game rewards.
To celebrate Xbox’s 25th anniversary, Xbox and Fanta are teaming up for a collaboration that not only features the games you love but also rewards you with brand new in-game content for those same titles. Starting in April, fans will be able to purchase a special-edition collection of Fanta cans and bottles, featuring packaging inspired by some of gaming’s most legendary franchises.
Each can or bottle in the collection is taken over by fan-favorite characters from Halo, Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Forza Horizon 6, and Diablo IV, turning them into a vibrant collectible for fans of both gaming and Fanta.
But the collaboration doesn’t stop there. Alongside the collection, Fanta is introducing a brand-new special edition flavor, Fanta Crimson.
Turn Every Fanta into an Xbox Adventure
Starting in April, fans can scan the QR codes on the special-edition Fanta packaging to unlock Xbox-themed interactive challenges.
Players will have the chance to jump into three never-before-played Fanta Rewards Chest challenges: Extract the Cargo, Survive the Sweep, and Shatter the Spell. By completing these challenges, fans can enter to win prizes – like a ROG Xbox Ally, Xbox Series S – 1TB, Xbox Wireless Controller and one month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate (new subscribers only). Players can also redeem Xbox in-game rewards, including items like:
Halo: Campaign Evolved – The Master Chief’s Fantastic Spartan Armor [Redeemable beginning at launch]
World of Warcraft – Fantastical Goblin Waveshredder Mount and more WoW rewards
Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 – Tactical Orange Calling Card and 1-Hour 2XP Level Token
Diablo IV – Citron Whirl Town Portal
Forza Horizon 6– 1966 Toyota Sports 800 Fanta Edition [Redeemable beginning at launch]
Xbox and Fanta Bring an Immersive Diablo IV Fan Experience to Los Angeles
From May 22–25, Xbox and Fanta are transforming the AMC at The Grove in Los Angeles into an interactive experience, inspired by the world of Sanctuary. Upon entering, players will find themselves face-to-face with Mephisto, who has cast a spell over the Fanta Rewards Chest, locking away the prizes.
Fans will have the chance to win prizes, including:
A BlizzCon experience in Anaheim, California
A prize package featuring an Xbox Series S console, Xbox Wireless Controllers, and more
A ROG Xbox Ally
Downloadable game codes
A Celebration of Gaming and Flavor
With legendary characters taking over Fanta packaging and interactive challenges waiting behind every QR code, the collaboration asks fans how far they will go for the delicious taste of Fanta.
Whether you’re racing through Tokyo City in Forza Horizon 6, dungeon crawling in Diablo IV, exploring Azeroth in World of Warcraft, dropping into the action in Call of Duty, or suiting up with the Master Chief in Halo, the special-edition collection celebrates the passion players share for gaming.
The collection will be available at retailers worldwide and online while supplies last, so grab a can, scan the code, and get ready to play. Wanta Fanta? Come and get it.
It’s time for another look at the future of gaming – Xbox Games Showcase 2026 will air on Sunday, June 7, starting at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK time. It will be followed immediately by a deep-dive into the return of one of Xbox’s most legendary franchises in the form of Gears of War: E-Day Direct.
We’ll begin the day with our annual Xbox Games Showcase, including first gameplay looks and huge news on upcoming titles from our first-party studios across the Xbox family, as well as our third-party partners around the globe – from the biggest franchises to soon-to-be indie darlings.
Immediately following Showcase, we’ll go even deeper on one of the games coming later this year, directly from the team behind the Gears franchise, The Coalition Studio. Gears of War: E-Day Direct will take players into the start of Emergence Day, offering new details, gameplay and insights about the hugely anticipated origin story to the Gears of War saga.
To help celebrate the Xbox 25th anniversary, we’re excited to bring back Xbox FanFest at Showcase. This year’s experience will include a look back at the last 25 years, alongside a forward view of what’s next. Enter for your chance to win free tickets to attend here: https://www.xbox.com/fanfest (No purchase necessary. Open to legal U.S. residents 18+. Ends 4/12/26. Official Rules).
You’ll be able to enjoy our June 7 double feature through a variety of outlets, in over 40 languages, as well as American Sign Language, British Sign Language and English Audio Descriptions. These include (but won’t be limited to):
Airtime for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct in local time zones:
PDT: June 7, 10am
EDT: June 7, 1pm
BST: June 7, 6pm
CEST: June 7, 7pm
JST: June 8, 2am
AEST: June 8, 3am
The double feature also kicks off a week’s worth of coverage here on Xbox Wire, the Official Xbox Podcast, and the Xbox YouTube channel, featuring updates, extra details, and deep-dives on many of the games you’ll see in the show.
Join us on June 7 for the Xbox Games Showcase followed by Gears of War: E-Day Direct. Be sure to check back here on Xbox Wire for more information and tune-in details ahead of the show.
The Evil Clown Psychology: How Birthday Boy Bridges Generational Horror
Baris Tarimcioglu, Developer, Playstige
What makes a clown terrifying isn’t the makeup or the maniacal laugh. It’s the shattered trust between child and protector. I’m really happy that ID@Xbox has welcomed Birthday Boy because I’m excited at the idea of mixing the experience of horror that taps into this primal fear while speaking to both seasoned horror veterans and a generation raised on recent years “viral” scares and cinematic interactive nightmares of this sub-genre called “monster horror”.
The Universal Language of Fear
While studying at the university, I’ve also did my best to take classes from the psychology department, and old-school psychiatrists like Freud, and one of his students, Wilhelm Reich, specifically influenced my thinking about human psyche.
It always felt natural for me to develop games with “psychological” themes.
Birthday Boy‘s central revelation that the protagonist’s childhood tormentor was his own father in clown disguise strikes at fears that transcend generations. This isn’t about supernatural entities or elaborate horror mythologies. It’s about the devastating moment when a child realizes their protector has become their predator. That universal dread forms the emotional backbone of an experience designed to resonate across different horror preferences.
Something Sinister for Everyone
Rather than chasing every horror trend, I did my best to weave together elements that speak to distinct audiences while maintaining narrative coherence and designing the core mechanics of Birthday Boy. Classic horror enthusiasts will recognize the psychological depth reminiscent of films like “The Shining”, which also happens to be “almost” my all time favorite “psychological horror movie”. The slow burn revelation of family dysfunction masked by seemingly innocent settings, that, I believe is a universal remark in horror settings of all sorts. The evil circus atmosphere channels decades of carnival based horror, which is also a very “safe-haven” setting for this kind of horror game.
Meanwhile, players discovering horror through modern gaming will find familiar elements that feel fresh in this context. Plush toy horror, a phenomenon that exploded across TikTok and YouTube, takes on new meaning when these corrupted comfort objects represent twisted childhood memories rather than arbitrary scares.
We wanted the toy destruction to feel cathartic and fun. And simple enough to keep it addictive.
When you’re using physics to tear apart these possessed stuffed animals, you’re literally dismantling traumatic associations.
The game’s animatronics serve as a bridge between classic mechanical horror and contemporary tech anxiety. These aren’t just jump scare mechanisms. They’re manifestations of how childhood wonder becomes corrupted when trust is broken. Players who grew up fearing mechanical figures in dark rides will feel that familiar dread, while younger audiences accustomed to viral animatronic content will encounter something more psychologically complex.
Physics Powered Catharsis
What sets Birthday Boy apart is how it transforms horror tropes into meaningful interaction. The physics-based gameplay isn’t just about spectacle. It’s about agency. You aren’t helplessly running from threats. You’re actively confronting and destroying representations of your trauma. This is what I believe can be called “therapeutic horror”, where the act of playing becomes part of processing difficult emotions.
I realized that giving players the power to fight back changes the entire psychological dynamic. Instead of feeling victimized by the horror, you’re working through it with the support of your in-game psychiatrist.
After testing it many many times, I can safely say that Birthday Boy can show that horror games can simultaneously deliver genuine scares, viral worthy moments, and meaningful commentary on real world issues like mental health.
Whether you’re drawn to psychological thrillers that explore family dynamics, action horror featuring physics-based combat, or atmospheric experiences that build dread through environmental storytelling, Birthday Boy offers entry points for different horror preferences without diluting its core vision.
As you prepare to confront your worst childhood fears today, Birthday Boy stands as proof that the most effective horror often comes not from elaborate monsters, but from the terrifying possibility that those meant to protect us might be the very source of our nightmares. Sometimes, the most powerful way to overcome that fear is to face it head on. Even if it means returning to the most twisted birthday party ever thrown.
Also, let’s admit: Tossing around animatronics, balloons and plush toys is simply fun.
Birthday Boy: A First-Person Psychological Horror Experience
In Birthday Boy, players delve into the haunting psychological landscape of "Brian," a successful Manhattan investor who is forced to confront the traumatic memories of his past. The game explores the dark corners of his childhood, dominated by his father, Jo, a disturbed engineer with a penchant for dressing as a clown. Jo's eccentricity masked a sinister nature, leading to a tragic family history culminating in the murder of Brian's mother and Jo's own suicide.
Brian’s father had a twisted obsession with performing as a clown, complete with garish makeup and a sadistic sense of humor. Birthdays, meant to be joyous occasions, became nightmares for Brian, marked by his father's cruel antics and physical abuse whenever Brian failed to laugh at his jokes.
As an adult, Brian appears to have moved on, residing in a luxurious Manhattan apartment and running a successful investment firm. However, beneath the polished exterior lies a man still haunted by his past. His home, adorned with perpetual birthday decorations and unopened gifts, reveals his ongoing struggle to cope with childhood horrors.
Birthday Boy offers an immersive journey through Brian's mind as he attempts to bury his trauma with material excess. Dr. Hannah, Brian’s psychiatrist, is convinced that true healing can only come from facing these memories head-on. She urges Brian to return to his dilapidated family home, the place where his nightmares began, to confront the ghosts of his past.
Join Brian on this terrifying journey as he navigates the eerie remnants of his childhood, uncovering buried secrets and battling his inner demons. Birthday Boy challenges players to explore the thin line between memory and reality in this gripping psychological horror experience.
New GigaBash DLC Adds New Maps, Original Characters, and Story Chapter
Muhammad Hazim Azri Narrative Designer, Passion Republic Games
Prelude
Murmurs in the audience. The air, electric with anticipation. A spotlight pierces the dark. Behold, the biggest, most ambitious addition to GigaBash thus far! Taking the stage as the newest DLC for the kaiju fighting game, the GigaBash – Final AscensionDLC introduces two original characters, two brand new maps, new music, and a whole new Story Mode chapter as the main event.
The Curtains Rise
GigaBash returns! This newest DLC marks our third original piece of content after the Mighty Warriors DLC and the free MechaJuras DLC released last year. This time, we’re striking while the iron is molten hot. There has been a true resurgence of kaiju and tokusatsu media in recent times, and as a game made first and foremost to celebrate this genre, what better way than for GigaBash to go all out?! The GigaBash – Final Ascension DLC is our biggest and most ambitious DLC yet. We’re treading on never-before trod ground (for us) here!
Stars Alight
Let us take a moment to gaze at the newest stars to grace our stage! See them in motion, showing off their dazzling and devastating movesets that are sure to impress.
Gaya Gigaman
The Champion of Justice, reborn in flames of hope! Gigaman returns in a new form, empowered by his inner fire made external. Star light, star bright; he’s ready for any fight! Witness as he blitzes through space, punching faster than his enemies can even perceive.
Taking inspiration from our own mythology, Gaya Gigaman’s design calls into mind the image of those deities of the sun and sky and justice. Sharp, sleek, dare we say avian? Every bit of this new form is meant to evoke speed and power. Gaya Gigaman is also inspired by celestial objects and phenomena like nebulae, supernovae, and solar flares. After all, he is the “star” of the show!
Not fast enough? How about so fast, even his afterimages can punch?! Blueshift!
And through the burning spirit of a true hero, Gaya Gigaman can empower his moves with his Flare ability.
Zargorah
Behold the Emperor of Titans, the Devourer of Stars: Zargorah! He is chaos given form, ascending to his throne to rend the world asunder. His reign is unimpeachable – the skies and earth belong to him in their entirety.
A draconic chimera, Zargorah combines design elements from two of our characters, Rawa and Balzarr. This unity of form and purpose focuses the destructive power of the Extinction Dragon through the lens of the Hunter, sharpening it, the better to cleave the world in twain. Since our focus in this DLC is Gaya Gigaman, it was only natural that his enemy Rawa should also get an upgraded form.
Gouts of flame, a lance of pure annihilation. Let none escape the wrath of Zargorah!
And lo, the world shall tremble. Erupt jets of armageddon from the very crust of the Earth itself.
New Story
One of the most common requests and suggestions that we at Passion Republic Games get in regards to GigaBash is to add more chapters to the game’s Story Mode. For a long time, whenever we get a suggestion along those lines, we’ve always internally defaulted to “it would be nice,” and carried on. As it turns out, we were right: it is nice to do a proper story expansion this time around, and we’re incredibly excited for the fans to experience what we’ve been cooking up in the Final Ascension DLC.
The GigaBash roster is full of characters who are loving homages to kaiju and tokusatsu as a whole, but each one is also rich with personality and backstory that distinguishes them in their own right. When it came time to decide on which one to focus on for this DLC, we knew we wanted to tackle some big unanswered questions about the world of GigaBash.
Following that line of reasoning, the character Gigaman comes to mind. Here is someone who seemingly came out of nowhere, doesn’t quite fit into the existing Titan mold, and then mysteriously vanished for a long time before coming back. Who is he? Why is he? Gigaman was the natural choice, which is nice for many of our fans who have been asking to see his backstory. But that’s not to say the others won’t get a chance to shine! The new Story Mode chapter is meant to be a celebration of the entire GigaBash original roster, so keep an eye out for all of our Titans.
New Maps
To help deliver the story, we’ve made two brand new maps in locales both familiar and yet foreign.
Yefan City
An eclectic mix of modernity and tradition, Yefan City is our first map that takes place in China, based on the real-world city of Tianjin. A river bisects the map, each half bearing its own distinct architectural style. This map features a ton of verticality and interesting mechanics that make for one grand battle arena.
Fractured Earth
What manner of event could possibly have happened to this place? What cataclysm wrought this decidedly alien landscape, the likes of which have only ever been seen in the Earth’s core?! Play through the new Story Mode chapter and find out!
New Music
To score the new maps and to accentuate the new Story Mode chapter, we have some real head-boppers freshly composed by local talents. We’re taking the soundscape of GigaBash to its boundaries and beyond with this one.
GigaBash has always had this spirited, joyful sound to it, and it’s reflected in its soundtrack. This time though, the stakes have never been higher. Things are going into a darker, more grandiose direction, with new tracks to match. Keep an ear out!
Curtain Call
We are eager to release the GigaBash – Final Ascension DLC and let our fans sink their teeth into what we have in store for them. The players will no doubt be scouring for every last detail in the new Story Mode chapter and the accompanying lore pages, and there will be a lot for them to scour indeed. New characters to learn, new maps to explore, new tracks to S-Class to. Despite what the name might say, this isn’t the end for GigaBash! The year’s only just begun!
All the world’s a stage for the 28 playable characters in the GigaBash roster, and everyone’s ready to tear up some scenery. Come, take your measure! Are you Gaya Gigaman, the hero of everyone’s hopes and dreams, your fire burning bright even after a decade dimmed? Or are you the primordial rage of Zargorah, cosmic chaos unleashed, taking what is yours? What fate will you carve into the foundation of the world?
GigaBash combines the chaos and creativity of titles like Power Stone, Super Smash Bros Ultimate and War of Monsters with the jaw-dropping scale of the classic kaiju movies. Play as either a rampaging Titan or a Titan-hunting mecha; summon lightning from the heavens, use a radio tower as a baton, or roll a whole district (and your enemies) into a single massive snowball. Wreak enough havoc and you'll evolve into your final form, the terrifyingly titanic S-Class.
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!
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.
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
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 skins—Psyched and Dotted—available only as a pre-order bonus. Suit up in style as Darwin sets off to save the world!
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 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, “busting” 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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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!
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 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!
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!
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.
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.
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