Nier: Automata received a notably poor reception when it arrived on PC in 2019, due to a port with enough problems that fans stepped in to fix some themselves. A new Xbox Game Pass PC port appears to be an entirely new version, with many of those issues fixed - but fans are upset that those improvements seem to have bypassed Steam. Nier: Automata arrived on Xbox Game Pass today, and PC fans quickly discovered that the Windows Store version of the game is an updated Become As Gods edition, rather than the 'vanilla' Steam release. IGN tested both versions and discovered that, unlike the Steam version, the Windows 10 edition boots to a Borderless Windowed mode, doesn't stretch its image, and is noticeably sharper (image comparison below). [widget path="global/page/imagecomparison" parameters="comparisons=%7B%22comparisons%22%3A%5B%7B%22caption%22%3A%22%22%2C%22images%22%3A%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%2260537850e4b0539dd111eed8%22%2C%22label%22%3A%22Nier%3A%20Automata%20-%20Steam%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%2260537810e4b07e1466dfb07e%22%2C%22label%22%3A%22Nier%3A%20Automata%20-%20Xbox%20Game%20Pass%22%7D%5D%7D%5D%7D"] Polish porting specialist QLOC has since revealed that it helped adjust the Xbox game for its newer PC release, and explained that it's added a borderless video setting, FidelityFX options, HDR and 4K UI textures. The game does still cap at 60 FPS, which was a common complaint about the original Steam release, and we've not yet been able to test extensively to rule out any performance issues. The question remaining is whether those that already paid for the game on Steam will see any of the same improvements – and many fans are vocally unhappy at the unexpected new release. "Soooo... they left the steam version broken and made a new port? Why?" wrote Pancracio17 on ResetEra. "RIP my Steam version," wrote neoak. "BRB downloading Game Pass version to 100% like the XBO version." On QLOC's Facebook page, others implored the port studio to improve the Steam version (although that is almost certainly out of the developer's hands). "Will these new updates come to the Steam version too?", wrote CJ Melendez. "Fans have had to use mods to get the PC working correctly for years. It would be unfair to fix those issues for the Windows Store version only." We asked publisher Square Enix about whether the new upgrades will be released for Steam players at some point, but received no comment. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/03/06/nier-automata-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Nier: Automata received a notably poor reception when it arrived on PC in 2019, due to a port with enough problems that fans stepped in to fix some themselves. A new Xbox Game Pass PC port appears to be an entirely new version, with many of those issues fixed - but fans are upset that those improvements seem to have bypassed Steam. Nier: Automata arrived on Xbox Game Pass today, and PC fans quickly discovered that the Windows Store version of the game is an updated Become As Gods edition, rather than the 'vanilla' Steam release. IGN tested both versions and discovered that, unlike the Steam version, the Windows 10 edition boots to a Borderless Windowed mode, doesn't stretch its image, and is noticeably sharper (image comparison below). [widget path="global/page/imagecomparison" parameters="comparisons=%7B%22comparisons%22%3A%5B%7B%22caption%22%3A%22%22%2C%22images%22%3A%5B%7B%22id%22%3A%2260537850e4b0539dd111eed8%22%2C%22label%22%3A%22Nier%3A%20Automata%20-%20Steam%22%7D%2C%7B%22id%22%3A%2260537810e4b07e1466dfb07e%22%2C%22label%22%3A%22Nier%3A%20Automata%20-%20Xbox%20Game%20Pass%22%7D%5D%7D%5D%7D"] Polish porting specialist QLOC has since revealed that it helped adjust the Xbox game for its newer PC release, and explained that it's added a borderless video setting, FidelityFX options, HDR and 4K UI textures. The game does still cap at 60 FPS, which was a common complaint about the original Steam release, and we've not yet been able to test extensively to rule out any performance issues. The question remaining is whether those that already paid for the game on Steam will see any of the same improvements – and many fans are vocally unhappy at the unexpected new release. "Soooo... they left the steam version broken and made a new port? Why?" wrote Pancracio17 on ResetEra. "RIP my Steam version," wrote neoak. "BRB downloading Game Pass version to 100% like the XBO version." On QLOC's Facebook page, others implored the port studio to improve the Steam version (although that is almost certainly out of the developer's hands). "Will these new updates come to the Steam version too?", wrote CJ Melendez. "Fans have had to use mods to get the PC working correctly for years. It would be unfair to fix those issues for the Windows Store version only." We asked publisher Square Enix about whether the new upgrades will be released for Steam players at some point, but received no comment. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2017/03/06/nier-automata-review"] [poilib element="accentDivider"] Joe Skrebels is IGN's Executive Editor of News. Follow him on Twitter. Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com.

Today, Square Enix is launching its new digital showcase dedicated to bringing fans the latest news, announcements, updates, and previews of its games. Officially named Square Enix Presents, this new event will take the form of a series that Square Enix intends to host regularly, much like Nintendo Direct, Inside Xbox, and Sony State of Play. IGN is carrying the stream and as usual, this watch guide will provide you with everything you need to know to watch the show, including when it starts, a list of places you can watch it with us, and what you can expect to see at the show. Make sure to keep an eye out for our Square Enix Presents news roundup, which will include all of the announcements and reveals from the show. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/square-enix-presents-livestream-spring-2021"]

Square Enix Presents Date and Start Time

The first-ever Square Enix Presents event will take place on March 18, 2021. The stream is scheduled to start at 10am PST/1pm EST/6pm BST and will be about 40 minutes long.

How to Watch Square Enix Presents March 2021

IGN plans to carry the Square Enix Presents stream which means we'll have it available on a variety of platforms. Here’s the full list of places you can watch the Square Enix event with us:

• IGN.com (homepage)
• IGN's Facebook Channel
• IGN’s Twitter
• IGN's Twitch Channel
• IGN’s Youtube Channel
• IGN's iOS App
• IGN's Android App
• IGN's PlayStation 4 App
• IGN's Xbox One App
• Roku
• IGN App for Android TV
• IGN for Amazon Fire TV
• Apple TV
• IGN 1 on Samsung TV Plus
• Pluto TV
• Plex Live TV

What Games to Expect at Square Enix Presents March 2021

The event will be hosted by well-known Dungeon Master of Critical Role, Matthew Mercer. As for the content, Square Enix hasn’t been shy about teasing what games it plans to include in the show. The lineup includes Outriders, Marvel’s Avengers, Tomb Raider 25th Anniversary, Just Cause Mobile, Balan Wonderworld, and new Square Enix Montreal games. The headliner, however, is a world premiere of a new and upcoming Life is Strange game, which Square Enix has confirmed will have “a brand new cast, power, and story.” In our coverage of the Square Enix Presents announcement, we pointed out that it falls just two weeks shy of the Outriders release date (April 1). It also airs on the same day Marvel Avengers comes to the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, and launches Hawkeye DLC. We could hear more about both of these events at the show. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/16/marvels-avengers-operation-hawkeye-future-imperfect-trailer"] As for Balan Wonderworld, it’s due to launch this month on March 26 so it’s possible we’ll hear some news related to that. Square Enix recently published a blog post announcing Balan Wonderworld will have a day one patch that adjusts camera movement, controls, and balances difficulty. It also revealed a little bit about the game’s first three worlds. There will be some mobile game news based on the inclusion of Just Cause Mobile and “new Square Enix Montreal games." If you’re unfamiliar, Square Enix Montreal is the mobile game developer behind Lara Croft Go, Deux Ex Go, Hitman Sniper, and more. [widget path="global/article/imagegallery" parameters="albumSlug=every-ign-tomb-raider-review-ever&captions=true"] Last but certainly not least, is the Tomb Raider 25th Anniversary, which Square Enix previously launched a dedicated site for and revealed would be getting a year long celebration with various looks back at some Tomb Raider games. It’s possible we’ll hear more about what Square Enix has in store for that, as well. Those are only the game Square Enix has teased. It's very possible we'll get some surprises, too! [poilib element="accentDivider"] Felicia Miranda is SEO Editor at IGN. You can find her gushing about Final Fantasy games at @FeliciaVagabond on Twitter.

ID@Xbox, Microsoft's indie games wing, is teaming up with Twitch to host its first Indie Showcase on March 26. Xbox is promising over 100 games at the event including new debut trailers and gameplay for titles like STALKER 2, Second Extinction, and more. The ID@Xbox Indie Showcase will premiere on Friday, March 26 at 9 am PT/12 pm ET and will be hosted exclusively on Twitch. Xbox is promising over 100 games total from indie developers worldwide, including from well-known developers like Devolver Digital, DrinkBox, Curve Digital, and more. Over 25 game reveals and gameplay trailers will also be at the event, though Xbox only names a handful like STALKER 2, Second Extinction, The Ascent, The Wild at Heart, Voidtrain, and Exo One. Though Xbox's promo image includes games like 12 Minutes. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/05/07/second-extinction-announcement-trailer"] This is an indie-focused event, and while some notable titles like STALKER 2 will be present, there will not likely be any reveals from Xbox Game Studios or the newly-acquired Bethesda here. Xbox confirmed there will be a summer event that will have more news from Bethesda, so hold tight. ID@Xbox is responsible for bringing some of Xbox's more beloved indie and AA titles to the platform including games like Outlast, Superhot, and Warframe. And with titles like STALKER 2 announced to be at the show, there could be some big surprises still. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt T.M. Kim is News Editor at IGN.

Alongside revealing that Scarlet Nexus will be released on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC on June 25, 2021, Bandai Namco has announced that there is currently a Scarlet Nexus anime in development as well. Bandai Namco shared a trailer focused on Kasane Randall with this news, which gives another glimpse at one of the two playable characters in Scarlet Nexus. As previously revealed, Kasane and the other protagonist, Yuito Sumeragi, will each have their own campaign that will let players experience the story from two different points of view. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/scarlet-nexus-kasane-trailer"] Kasane is a "mysterious scout whose power and skill has gained notoriety among the OSF," while Yuito is "an energetic recruit from a prestigious political family." The Scarlet Nexus anime is set to release worldwide this summer, and will feature both Yuito and Kasane. The series is being produced by Sunrise Inc. and will be broadcast in the US on Funimation. "Link your minds, unlock the future. In 2020 of the solar calendar, grotesque organisms called Others have begun eating people," The official description reads. "To take down this new enemy, the Other Suppression Force is formed. Saved by this elite team as a child, psychokinetic Yuito enlists, bravely withstanding the training. On the other hand, prodigy Kasane was scouted for her abilities. But Kasane’s dreams tell her strange things, dragging the two into an unavoidable fate." [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/03/18/scarlet-nexus-anime-announcement-teaser-trailer"] For more on Scarlet Nexus, check out our first-look preview and and how the game looks to use RPG elements alongside action. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Have a tip for us? Want to discuss a possible story? Please send an email to newstips@ign.com. Adam Bankhurst is a news writer for IGN. You can follow him on Twitter @AdamBankhurst and on Twitch.

Square Enix’s surprising side-step into the world of battle royale with Final Fantasy 7: The First Soldier is an effort to reach out to players who are not traditional fans of the JRPG series, says FF7 Remake creative director Tetsuya Nomura. Talking to Famitsu, Nomura said “the fan demographics for long running IP series do tend to become quite fixed, making it something of a challenge for us to appeal outside of that existing fan group.” “I think that many in the core audience for [the battle royale genre] will not know about FFVII or maybe even never have played a Final Fantasy game at all,” he continued. “I do want people to discover an interest in the world of FFVII from this game.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/25/final-fantasy-vii-the-first-soldier-teaser-trailer"] Nomura admits that Square Enix has no real experience in the battle royale field, but intends on ensuring that The First Soldier is done with “no half measures”. He notes that the project’s producer, Shoichi Ichikawa, is a big player of battle royale games and will provide the expertise, while Nomura himself will only provide “inexpert feedback”. “I can safely make my reckless proposals, knowing that [Ichikawa-san] is there to keep them in check,” he said. From Nomura’s perspective, the main focus of The First Soldier will be on gameplay and balance. While little is known of the details of how The First Soldier will play, Nomura reveals that it uses a Job system, influenced by classic Final Fantasy games. These job “styles” will provide unique skills and abilities, and so sound akin to the characters of Apex Legends. For more from Final Fantasy 7, check out Nomura’s latest comments on plans for FF7 Remake DLC, as well as the reveal of the PS5 version, Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer. 

This week in GTA Online, claim double rewards in Special Vehicle Work, special login bonuses, tons of Arena War discounts, and more.

Koelnmesse has announced that Gamescom 2021 will be a hybrid event, with in-person and digital sections. The team behind the huge European gaming show asked the community what they wanted from this year's event, using feedback to inform how the Cologne convention would take shape in 2021. "In addition to the digital aspects, the possibility of trying out the latest games on-site and diving into the gaming world form an integral part of Gamescom," the release reads. "This is why Gamescom 2021 is going to be staged as a hybrid event and thus unite the best of both worlds, physical and digital." Gamescom 2021 will take place from the 25th to the 29th of August 2021 and feature an entertainment area similar to previous years, albeit with "a reduced amount of on-site visitors," where attendees will be able to test new games on-site. This will be complemented by a "digital queue management system" to control crowds. There will also be an event area that offers space to host esports competitions and cosplay contests, as well as an expanded business area to provide trade visitors with "optimal networking conditions" under current conditions. [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2020/08/27/gamescom-2020"] Gamescom's digital output will be "further developed" in tandem, with Koelnmesse looking to create "a central meeting point on the web for gaming fans all over the globe." Those exhibiting at the event will be able to "organize their participation flexibly," and Gamescom shows such as Opening Night Live will also return. The show is being built around a set of #B-SAFE4business construction, hygiene and social distancing measures to safeguard its attendees amid the COVID-19 pandemic. "In late summer, we are striving to make an on-site Gamescom event possible for the gaming fans again at last. We will hereby be placing a focus on the superfans and the on-site testing of the latest games this year," said Felix Falk, Co-Organizer of Gamescom. "At the same time, Gamescom 2021 will once again reach millions of people worldwide as a result of the further developed digital offers. The results of the community surveys confirm this concept, which we have developed in close cooperation with many of the most important exhibitors." Gamescom's approach is in contrast to E3 2021, which will be a digital-focused event, with a live event seemingly cancelled according to LA city documents. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Jordan Oloman is a freelance writer for IGN. Follow him on Twitter.

Final Fantasy 7 Remake creative director, Tetsuya Nomura, has said that Square Enix has no plans for FF7 DLC, and that the studio’s focus is on completing the next game in the series. Talking to Famitsu, Nomura said “We do not have any plans for DLC at this time. Sorting out the development environment on PS5 for FFVII Remake Intergrade, meant that moving on to developing the sequel was much smoother. We are now prioritizing the roadmap for completing the next game.” "If we do need to think about more DLC then it will probably come after [the sequel] is finished," he added. Furthermore, Nomura clarifies that the upcoming additional content for the PS5 version of FF7 Remake, which features returning original character Yuffie, is technically not considered DLC by the team. “Due to the nature of the upgrade system, it resulted in us having to label the new Yuffie sections as ‘DLC’,” Nomura said. “However, the original intent was to create a PS5 version of FFVII Remake and not to produce DLC.” [ignvideo url="https://www.ign.com/videos/2021/02/25/final-fantasy-7-remake-intergrade-reveal-trailer"] Those who play the Intergrade PS5 version of Final Fantasy 7 Remake when it releases on June 10 will find that the new Yuffie chapter features new materia and summons, that Nomura said are “just” for this episode. Additionally, while players will only be able to control Yuffie directly, they will be able to switch between two different modes for her companion, Sonon. By tapping L2, you will be able to make Sonon act independently with AI, or switch to a mode where he follows commands in unison with Yuffie. Together, the two characters are able to perform combination moves. For more, check out the news that Final Fantasy 7 Remake is now available with PS Plus, but that this version will not be upgradable to the PS5 Intergrade version. [poilib element="accentDivider"] Matt Purslow is IGN's UK News and Entertainment Writer.