Xbox Game Pass Ultimate continues to impress in 2025, further cementing its position as one of the most valuable gaming subscription services. In May alone, the service has added Tales of Kenzera: Zau, a critically acclaimed new metroidvania title, marking the 13th new game released this month and the 57th since the start of the year. This flurry of additions not only offers players an expansive catalog but also sets a new monthly record for Xbox Game Pass releases in 2025.

Tales of Kenzera: Zau — A Personal, Emotional Metroidvania Journey

The newest addition, Tales of Kenzera: Zau, is the debut video game from Surgent Studios, a British company founded by actor Abubakar Salim. Fans may recognize Salim as the voice of Bayek in the popular Assassin’s Creed Origins series. His influence is deeply embedded in the game’s narrative, which tells the story of Zau, a young shaman embarking on a spiritual quest to reclaim his late father’s spirit. Salim has openly shared that the game’s themes of grief and loss are inspired by his own experience losing his father, lending the story an emotional depth rare in many modern games.

Since its initial release in April 2024, Tales of Kenzera: Zau has garnered strong critical acclaim, earning a 76 average score on OpenCritic. Player feedback is equally positive, with “Very Positive” reviews on Steam and a 4.5-star rating on the Xbox Store. The game’s engaging metroidvania gameplay, combined with its heartfelt story, has resonated with a broad audience, making it a standout title in the indie gaming scene.

Availability and Subscription Details

While Tales of Kenzera: Zau is not a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, it became available on May 22, 2025. It is exclusive to the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC tiers due to its publisher, Electronic Arts. This means it is only accessible to subscribers who have the EA Play add-on — a perk included in these higher-tier subscriptions. Unfortunately, it is not available on the more affordable standard Xbox Game Pass tier.

For players, this means that Tales of Kenzera: Zau offers roughly eight hours of story-driven content, making it a perfect choice for those who like to dive deep into narrative-rich games while sampling a wide variety of titles within their subscription service.

May’s Surge in Xbox Game Pass Releases: Something for Everyone

May 2025 is shaping up to be a banner month for Xbox Game Pass subscribers. Along with Tales of Kenzera: Zau, several other high-profile titles have joined or are set to join the platform:

• On May 22, Creatures of Ava, a vibrant open-world action-adventure from Inverge Studios, became available to Standard tier subscribers. This game had been exclusive to the Ultimate tier since its August 2024 release, so this move broadens access. Also joining the Standard library on this date was the highly anticipated STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl, a post-apocalyptic shooter known for its atmospheric gameplay.
• Coming May 27, the popular tactical shooter Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 arrives for Ultimate, PC, and Standard tier users. Its inclusion brings one of Ubisoft’s top online multiplayer experiences to more players.
• The last days of May are packed with exciting day-one releases for Ultimate subscribers. To A T and Spray Paint Simulator both launch on May 28 and 29 respectively, bringing fresh, creative gameplay to the platform. Alongside them, Metaphor: ReFantazio, the latest JRPG from Atlus — known for its deep storytelling and engaging combat — also debuts on May 29.

Looking Ahead: June and Beyond

The release momentum doesn’t slow down after May. Xbox Game Pass Ultimate has lined up several more day-one releases and new arrivals through June and beyond, including:

• Crypt Custodian and Symphonia on June 3
• The Alters on June 13
• FBC: Firebreak and Rematch in mid-to-late June
• Against the Storm, a console day-one release on June 26, which has already been available on PC since 2021
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4, launching on July 11
• Wuchang: Fallen Feathers and Gears of War: Reloaded arriving in July and August respectively

This steady flow of new content ensures Xbox Game Pass remains one of the most dynamic subscription services available, catering to a wide range of gaming tastes — from casual players to hardcore fans.

Titles Leaving and What It Means for Subscribers

Xbox Game Pass will also see some games leave the service on May 31. While losing titles is always a downside for some players, this month’s overall net gain — with 17 new additions against 10 removals — is a clear win for subscribers.

These shifts are typical as licensing agreements and publisher deals evolve, but the overall trend for 2025 shows Xbox Game Pass expanding its offerings, giving players more reasons to stay subscribed.

What This Means for Xbox Game Pass’s Future

Xbox Game Pass’s aggressive content rollout strategy highlights Microsoft’s commitment to growing the service’s value. The inclusion of critically acclaimed indie games like Tales of Kenzera: Zau, alongside big-name franchises and day-one releases, reflects a balanced approach to appealing to all kinds of gamers.

For players, this means access to an ever-expanding library that offers both nostalgic hits and fresh, innovative experiences. For developers, Game Pass provides a valuable platform to reach new audiences.

As Microsoft continues to build this service, it’s clear that Xbox Game Pass Ultimate is more than just a subscription — it’s becoming the future of gaming, blending convenience, variety, and quality into one package.

Source: GameRant – Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Adds 2024 Game With ‘Very Positive’ Reviews

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The wait for Grand Theft Auto VI just got even longer. Take-Two Interactive announced on Friday that the game’s release has been pushed back to May 2026, nearly a year later than its original Fall 2025 target. The delay immediately rattled investors, sending Take-Two shares down 8% in early trading.

Developed by Rockstar Games, GTA VI is shaping up to be one of the most eagerly awaited video game releases in history. Fans have been waiting over a decade for the next installment in the franchise. Its predecessor, Grand Theft Auto V, launched back in 2013 and went on to sell more than 200 million copies, cementing its place among the best-selling games of all time.

Take-Two CEO Strauss Zelnick said the company supports Rockstar’s decision to take extra time, emphasizing that the studio is committed to delivering a “groundbreaking blockbuster entertainment experience.”

Delays like this have become more common in the gaming world, as studios face increasing demands for high-quality, bug-free launches—and skyrocketing development costs.

The new release window also pushes GTA VI outside of Take-Two’s fiscal 2026 projections, landing instead in fiscal 2027. While this shift could dampen short-term financial expectations, the company still expects sequential growth in net bookings across both fiscal years.

Even with GTA VI delayed, Take-Two has a few major titles in the pipeline for the next year, including:

• Borderlands 4
• Mafia: The Old Country

Both are anticipated to drive strong engagement and sales. Analysts, such as D.A. Davidson’s Wyatt Swanson, suggest the company’s overall outlook remains strong, noting that Take-Two has reaffirmed expectations for record-level net bookings in both FY 2026 and FY 2027.

Rockstar gave fans a first look at GTA VI back in December 2023 with a trailer that exploded online—over 100 million views in 24 hours. The game returns to Vice City, a fictional Miami-inspired setting, and introduces Lucia, the series’ first-ever female protagonist. The teaser hinted at a high-stakes, modern-day Bonnie-and-Clyde storyline.

Unsurprisingly, the delay sparked mixed reactions. While some fans expressed frustration over the extended wait, others welcomed the news, hoping the added time results in a more polished final product.

The delay may also have broader implications. GTA VI was expected to be a major growth driver for the gaming sector, especially at a time when U.S. tariffs have pushed up console prices and softened consumer spending.

More details on Take-Two’s updated outlook are expected when the company releases its fourth-quarter earnings report on May 15.

Source: CNN – ‘Grand Theft Auto VI’ delayed to May 2026, extending wait for gaming’s most anticipated title

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The wait is almost over for Nintendo fans. Starting April 24, 2025, U.S. retailers will open pre-orders for the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2 — and yes, pricing remains just as announced earlier this month.

Nintendo has confirmed that launch pricing for the Switch 2 and its major bundles and titles will stay put:

• Nintendo Switch 2: $449.99
• Switch 2 + Mario Kart World Bundle: $499.99
• Mario Kart World (Physical & Digital): $79.99
• Donkey Kong Bananza: $69.99

Both games will be available at launch and are already generating buzz among fans.

While the console and games remain unchanged, Nintendo has made price adjustments to several Switch 2 accessories, citing recent market shifts. Here’s the updated pricing as of April 18, 2025:

• Pro Controller: $84.99
• Joy-Con 2 Pair: $94.99
• Joy-Con 2 Charging Grip: $39.99
• Joy-Con 2 Strap: $13.99
• Joy-Con 2 Wheel Set: $24.99
• Switch 2 Camera: $54.99
• Dock Set: $119.99
• Carrying Case & Screen Protector: $39.99
• All-In-One Carrying Case: $84.99
• AC Adapter: $34.99
• Samsung microSD Express Card (256GB): $59.99

Nintendo notes that future pricing changes are still possible, depending on evolving market conditions.

Nintendo addressed a slight delay in opening pre-orders, originally expected sooner. In a statement, the company apologized and acknowledged the frustration fans may have felt. They hope this updated timeline brings some clarity and excitement as launch day approaches.

Get ready — the Nintendo Switch 2 officially launches June 5, 2025. Whether you’re upgrading from a previous model or diving in for the first time, the next chapter in Nintendo gaming is nearly here.

Source: Nintendo – Nintendo Maintains Nintendo Switch 2 Pricing, Retail Pre-Orders to Begin April 24 in U.S.

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Tequila Works, the Spanish game studio behind acclaimed titles like Rime, Gylt, and Deadlight, is auctioning off its intellectual property following its insolvency filing in 2024. The studio, which has been struggling under prolonged market challenges, has decided to put its valuable game rights and in-development projects up for sale on the auction platform Escrapalia.

Among the items up for grabs are some of Tequila Works’ most notable games, including:

• Deadlight – the studio’s first title, a side-scrolling survival horror game.
• Rime – an atmospheric adventure game that captivated players with its beautiful, open-world exploration.
• Gylt – a horror adventure game that has received praise for its eerie storytelling and unique art style.

In addition to these established titles, the auction also includes several in-progress projects:

• The Ancient Mariner
• Dungeon Tour
• Brawler Crawler

Tequila Works’ financial troubles have been brewing for some time. Despite success with Rime and Gylt, the studio struggled to stay afloat amid challenging market conditions. In 2024, they were forced to file for insolvency after facing significant financial difficulties.

The company’s troubles were compounded by its involvement with Riot Forge, the now-defunct publishing label under Riot Games. Tequila Works was behind Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story, one of the final releases under Riot Forge before the label was shut down in January 2024. This failure, combined with underperforming games from Riot Forge, played a role in Tequila Works’ downfall.

In 2022, Tencent acquired a controlling stake in Tequila Works, a move that seemed natural given Tencent’s stake in Riot Games. However, this connection hasn’t been enough to shield the studio from the broader contraction in the gaming industry. Factors such as the failure of Gylt—which originally launched as a Google Stadia exclusive—and the lackluster reception of other Riot Forge titles contributed to the studio’s current state.

As Tequila Works auctions off its game rights, the future of these beloved titles—and the potential for new ownership to carry them forward—remains uncertain. Fans and industry observers will be watching closely to see where these games and projects end up, and whether the studio’s iconic creations will find new life under fresh leadership.

Source: Engadget – The rights for Tequila Works’s games are up for auction after insolvency filing

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The long-awaited successor to the Nintendo Switch, the Nintendo Switch 2, is officially slated for release in 2025. Nintendo has unveiled a first-look trailer showcasing the cutting-edge hardware. Fans can watch the exciting “Nintendo Switch 2 – First-look trailer” and explore more details on the Nintendo Switch 2 website.

Backward Compatibility and New Exclusive Titles

The Nintendo Switch 2 will support exclusive games designed specifically for the new system. Additionally, it will be compatible with most physical and digital Nintendo Switch games. However, some titles may not be fully supported on the new console. Detailed compatibility information will be shared on the Nintendo website at a later date.

Mark Your Calendars: Nintendo Direct and Launch Events

To learn more about the Nintendo Switch 2, tune in to the “Nintendo Direct: Nintendo Switch 2” broadcast on April 2, 2025. This event will provide in-depth insights and updates.

Nintendo Switch 2 Experience Events

Nintendo is hosting hands-on experience events worldwide, allowing fans to test out the new console before its release. Here’s the list of cities and dates for the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience:

North America

• New York: April 4–6, 2025
• Los Angeles: April 11–13, 2025
• Dallas: April 25–27, 2025
• Toronto: April 25–27, 2025

Europe

• Paris: April 4–6, 2025
• London: April 11–13, 2025
• Milan: April 25–27, 2025
• Berlin: April 25–27, 2025
• Madrid: May 9–11, 2025
• Amsterdam: May 9–11, 2025

Oceania

• Melbourne: May 10–11, 2025

Asia

• Tokyo (Makuhari): April 26–27, 2025
• Seoul: May 31–June 1, 2025
• Hong Kong: To Be Announced
• Taipei: To Be Announced

How to Participate

A Nintendo Account is required to attend the Nintendo Switch 2 Experience events. Ticket registrations will open soon. For more details and to secure your spot, visit the official Nintendo Switch 2 Experience page.

Stay tuned for further updates as we count down to the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2—a revolutionary gaming experience awaits!

Source

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