MICROSOFT is about to let gamers enjoy more than 60 brand new games completely free of charge.
It’s part of a major virtual event in late July called the Xbox Summer Game Fest.
Usually, summer is filled with real-world gaming events that let players get hands-on with new titles.
But the global health crisis means many events were cancelled – leaving gamers in the lurch.
To make up for that, Microsoft is releasing more than 60 brand new game demos, available free of charge.
You’ll have to log on between July 21 and 27 to access the demos.
To find them, look for the special Game Fest Demo tile on your Xbox One Dashboard.
Microsoft says many of these games are still very early in development, so expect some bugs.
“Typically, the demos you see in our Demo channel are created after the game is completed (or nearly completed) and represent the final version,” said Xbox’s Glenn Gregory.
“Many of these demos are early, and some are for games that won’t be out for quite some time.
“We’ve never done this before; what that means is that you’ll get to experience these games early – some way early – which is awesome, but you should also note that these games will continue to evolve and be polished as they near release.”
The demos will only be available on the Xbox Dashboard for a week, after which they’ll disappear completely.
And Microsoft says there might be even more games available – between 75 and 100 – by the time the Summer Game Fest actually rolls around.
The full list of Game Fest Demo titles will be published on or around July 21.
Microsoft has confirmed a few games so far, including…
- Cris Tales: A gorgeous, indie love letter to classic JRPGs with a new perspective. Peer into the past, act in the present, and watch as your choices dynamically change the future — all on one screen as you play!
- Destroy All Humans!: The cult-classic returns! Terrorize the people of 1950’s Earth in the role of the evil alien Crypto-137. Use an assortment of alien weaponry and psychic abilities in the remake of the legendary alien invasion action adventure. Reduce cities to rubble with your flying Saucer! One giant step on mankind!
- Haven: Share the journey of two lovers escaped to a lost planet in a desperate attempt to stay together. You play as Yu and Kay, gliding over the grasslands of a shattered planet. The demo will give you a glimpse of the beginning of the adventure.
- Hellpoint: An intense action RPG taking place on Irid Novo, a derelict space station soaked in an intoxicating dark sci fi atmosphere. Fight dreadful creatures, face the Cosmic Gods and unravel their twisted story. Should the challenge be too great, play with a friend in local or online co-op.
- Skatebird: Grind on bendy straws, kick-flip over staplers, and carve killer lines through cardboard and sticky tape parks. Above all else, skate birds try their best!
- The Vale: Shadow of the Crown: An audio based, action-adventure game that unlocks the full potential of 3D spatial sound. The Vale sets out to breathe new life into medieval combat and provide a truly novel experience for visually impaired and sighted gamers alike.
- Raji: An Ancient Epic: An action-adventure game set in ancient India. A young girl named Raji has been chosen by the gods to stand against the demonic invasion of the human realm. Her destiny? To rescue her younger brother and face the demon lord Mahabalasura.
- Welcome to Elk: A biographical adventure set on an island like no other, where every character you encounter has a story to tell. From the weird and wonderful to the dark and desperate, all the tales told on Elk are based on true stories of life on the road less traveled.
Some of the games available during the Game Fest week are likely to be available on the upcoming Xbox Series X too, when they eventually release.
In other news, Microsoft is expected to unveil a second new Xbox in August.
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