Microsoft will no longer implement Xbox Live price hike, adds free multiplayer for certain games

In case you missed the news, Microsoft was initially planning to increase the prices of its Xbox Live subscription. But after receiving backlash for its plans, the company backpedaled and will no longer raise prices. To appease its users, the company will soon make multiplayer access to some free-to-play games free for its users. These include titles like Fortnite, Apex Legends, and Halo Infinite. Fortnite has always been free on the PlayStation Network or PC, and now Xbox Live will handle it the same way.

The price hike would've doubled the annual price for an Xbox Live Gold subscription, but with added benefits that are mostly required for online multiplayer. Microsoft is pushing its Netflix-like Xbox Game Pass subscription, and the increase would've brought prices closer for new members. But it would make it more expensive to play on the Xbox. Thankfully, Microsoft knew it was time to listen to its users.

Source: Xbox | Via: Engadget

Vicarious Visions merges into Blizzard, reportedly working on 'Diablo 2' remake

Source: Activision

On Friday, game publisher Activision announced it was merging one of its oldest support studios into Blizzard. Vicarious Visions 200-member team all now work for Blizzard, where they will be "fully dedicated to existing Blizzard games and initiatives." The studio has worked on titles like Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 1+2 and Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy remasters. The company will still be working out of Albany, New York. 

One project the former studio will be working on is the remaster of Diablo 2, which is being called Diablo 2: Resurrected. That team is also expected to assist with Blizzard projects like World of Warcraft and Overwatch.

Source: Engadget + IGN

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Xbox consoles now support HDR on YouTube 

Xbox consoles now support HDR on YouTube

YouTube on the Xbox now supports HDR (Source: The Verge)

YouTube has finally updated its app for Microsoft's Xbox consoles to support HDR. So, as long as you have an Xbox One S or X or Xbox Series X or S and your TV or monitor can display HDR videos, it can automatically switch to output HDR content. The Xbox system has never supported HDR until now. It also still hasn't made its way to the PlayStation 5, but the PS4 does support HDR.

You can check if your Xbox is outputting HDR by enabling the "stats for nerds" panel. Now, we just need content to catch up. Here's to hoping more creators release their videos in HDR on YouTube. 

Source: The Verge