Xbox Game Pass Users Can Easily Earn 500 Microsoft Rewards Points—Don’t Miss Out!

Gamers with a Microsoft account can currently earn 500 Microsoft Rewards Points by downloading and signing into the “Outlook for Windows” app. These points can be utilized to pay for services like Xbox Game Pass. However, this promotional offer is limited to users residing in the United States.

Microsoft Rewards has gained popularity among Xbox gamers as it allows them to accumulate points through simple activities, such as playing games or making purchases on the Microsoft Store. These points accumulate in the user’s account and can be redeemed for new games or services, including Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. Between June 27 and July 27, Microsoft has introduced a new opportunity for gamers to earn these 500 Microsoft Rewards Points.

According to Pure Xbox, the process is straightforward—users simply need to download and install the “Outlook for Windows” app on their PCs, sign in with their Microsoft account, and use the app. After about 20 days post-completion of the offer, users will receive an email from Microsoft Rewards with instructions on how to claim their points. Notably, there is no requirement to continue using the app after claiming the points.

To participate, users can follow these steps:
1. Download the Outlook for Windows app on your PC. 2.

Open the app and sign in with your Microsoft account. 3. Wait for the email from Microsoft Rewards about 20 days after the offer ends.

4. Claim the 500 points. While the offer is exclusive to U.S. users, Game Pass subscribers may find increased value in their points.

Microsoft has reinstated the option to redeem 35,000 points for three months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for Level 2 members, or 42,000 points for standard members. Despite these rewards, changes earlier this year led to complaints from gamers about limitations on points earned through Bing searches, aimed at reducing spam. To maximize benefits from Microsoft Rewards, users should stay informed about changes to the program.

Highly Anticipated Co-Op Game May Be Released on PS5 and Xbox Consoles Soon

Peak, the latest offering from indie studios Aggro Crab and Landfall Games, has seen remarkable success since its release on Steam last week, selling two million copies in just nine days. Initially conceived as a small “game jam” project earlier this year, it quickly evolved into a full game that invites up to four players on an adventure to scale a perilous mountain filled with obstacles. This year has already seen a notable co-op title in Hazelight Studios’ Split Fiction, following up the success of 2021’s Game of the Year, It Takes Two. Split Fiction tells the story of two writer friends who specialize in sci-fi and fantasy and boasts a commendable score of 90 on OpenCritic.

Another title, Out of Words, showcased intriguing handcrafted claymation style during Summer Game Fest. Meanwhile, Cairn, set for release later this year, will offer a more solitary climbing experience, focusing on realistic mechanics similar to the recently released Jusant by Don’t Nod. Customization is a key feature in Peak, allowing players to express themselves through a variety of character cosmetics. Developers have actively engaged with fans via the official Peak Discord, providing an FAQ that touches on the game’s future availability.

While Peak is currently available only on Steam, the team hints at potential support for other platforms down the line. There is speculation that Aggro Crab and Landfall might expand to other PC storefronts, but console gamers on Xbox, PlayStation, and even the upcoming Switch 2 are eagerly awaiting news. Given the strong early sales performance, a console release could be feasible sooner rather than later. For updates, interested players can follow the studios on Twitter and keep an eye on the Peak Discord server for the latest information.

Grow a Garden Unveils Exciting New Mega Summer Update for Players

The popular Roblox game, Grow a Garden, has rolled out its exciting “Mega Summer” update, expanding the game’s offerings with new plants, pets, and random events for players to explore. With millions of players engaging in the farming simulation, Grow a Garden has established itself as one of the leading games on the Roblox platform.

The update adds a variety of activities, allowing players to cultivate crops and nurture an assortment of pets. In recent months, Grow a Garden has kept players entertained with substantial updates.

Notably, the “Bizzy Bees” update launched at the end of May, introducing honey and bees along with new crops such as Sunflowers and Nectarines. This update led to a surge in player participation, with over 11 million users logging into Roblox to experience the new features.

Now, with the arrival of the Mega Summer update, players can anticipate even more engaging content. Among the new features is the introduction of traveling merchants, who appear every four hours for a 30-minute window, offering exclusive items.

The update adds eight new flowers—including Rafflesias and Aloe Vera—and new pets like Fennec Foxes and Sand Snakes. Players can also participate in special events, such as the Mega Harvest, which provides extra crops, and experience stunning visuals like the Aurora Borealis.

This latest update aims to entice fans with special bonuses and exciting events. Each event offers unique effects on crops, with the Tropical Rain and Aurora Borealis enhancing growth rates.

There are also newly added mutation sprays and unique plant mutations to discover. Looking ahead, the developers have hinted at another smaller update set to arrive on July 5, promising even more reasons for players to return to their gardens.

The Mega Summer update brings a wealth of new content, ensuring that fans of Grow a Garden have plenty to look forward to as they immerse themselves in their farming adventures.

Quality Mode Unnecessary for Death Stranding 2: Here’s Why

Death Stranding 2: On the Beach, the highly anticipated sequel to the original Death Stranding, launched on June 26, 2025, after a brief early access for premium edition purchasers. This title inherits the option for players to choose between Quality and Performance modes, a trend that has become standard for AAA games since the eighth console generation. Recent analysis by Digital Foundry highlights that the Quality mode may be unnecessary, particularly for players on the PS5 Pro. Most gamers are recommended to opt for Performance mode to achieve a better experience.

While the base PS5 maintains a stable frame rate, supporting 30fps in Performance mode and 60fps in Quality, the visual trade-offs noted were rather minimal. Key differences included lower anti-aliasing quality and minor sub-pixel instability, which manifests as shimmering or flickering due to fine visual details misaligning with the screen’s pixel grid. These issues were reported to be more evident on the base model than on the PS5 Pro, which also reported a slightly higher resolution, though the overall improvements were marginal and hard to quantify. The question arises whether the slight visual enhancement in Quality mode is worth sacrificing the smoother 60fps frame rate.

On the PS5 Pro, the verdict is clear: Quality mode does not provide a significant advantage over Performance mode, making it largely redundant. This situation aligns with Sony’s messaging regarding the PS5 Pro, which was designed for those who want the benefits of both high fidelity and high performance, negating the need to compromise on either aspect.

Leaker Insists Leon Will Star in ‘Resident Evil Requiem,’ Claims 100% Certainty on the Character

In a recent buzz surrounding Resident Evil Requiem, a prominent leaker has declared that Leon S. Kennedy is set to be the main character. This announcement comes on the heels of the game’s reveal during the Summer Game Fest in 2025, which suggested that the protagonist would be Grace Ashcroft. However, various rumors and leaks indicate that Capcom may have a different plan in store for fans, with Leon Kennedy taking center stage once again. Leon has long been a beloved character in the Resident Evil franchise, making his debut in Resident Evil 2 and later becoming the star of Resident Evil 4.

This particular title is often hailed not only as one of the best games in the series but also as one of the greatest video games ever created. His journey continued through Resident Evil 6, along with remakes of Resident Evil 2 and 4, and he has been featured in several CG movies associated with the series. Recent developments unveiled at the Capcom Spotlight event saw game director Koshi Nakanishi addressing the speculation surrounding Leon’s involvement in Requiem. Nakanishi indicated that while the team had considered making Leon the lead character, they ultimately felt he might not be the best fit for the horror aspect of the game.

However, leaker AestheticGamer, also known as Dusk Golem, remains adamant that Leon is indeed the protagonist and asserts that Capcom is intentionally misleading fans with this declaration. Resident Evil Requiem is described as a mix of horror and high-stakes cinematic action, suggesting that if Leon is the main character, then Grace Ashcroft may feature prominently in the game’s horror-driven segments. Interestingly, Capcom’s acknowledgment of the Leon rumors—and their unexpected comment on the open-world speculation—could indicate some truth to these claims. As Gamescom 2025 approaches in August and the game is set for a February release, fans can anticipate more details regarding Resident Evil Requiem soon.

One of 2023’s Top Games is Launching on the Nintendo Switch 2 Soon!

Dave the Diver is set to receive a free upgrade for the Nintendo Switch 2, as recently confirmed by developer Mintrocket. This pixel-art deep-sea adventure and restaurant management game achieved remarkable success in 2023 after launching on PC, followed by a release on the Switch in October.

Fans were captivated by its unique mix of quirky humor, charming characters, and engaging gameplay. Mintrocket was previously a subsidiary of Nexon, and this affiliation garnered mixed reactions when Dave the Diver was nominated as an indie game at the 2023 Game Awards.

Although the studio has since parted ways with Nexon, it continues to operate as a subsidiary. The game holds an “Overwhelmingly Positive” rating on Steam, having sold over 5 million units within its first seven months.

The studio has been proactive in providing multiple updates, downloadable content (DLC), and crossovers, showcasing their commitment to supporting the game post-launch. The reviews for the Switch version have been exceptionally positive, paving the way for the anticipated Switch 2 upgrade.

In addition to the upgrade, Dave the Diver will also see new DLC inspired by the Like A Dragon series. However, the specifics of the upgrade remain unclear.

Mintrocket’s official account mentioned in a YouTube comment that a free Switch 2 upgrade is on the way, but no detailed information has been shared through their social media or website. The announcement coincided with the game’s 2-year anniversary celebration, although the video lacked further details about the upgrade.

While no official release date for the upgrade has been provided, it suggests that development is currently underway, possibly aiming for release this year. Players can look forward to visual enhancements and hopefully a smoother experience with native 60 FPS due to the improved hardware.

Moreover, the delayed “In the Jungle” DLC could launch alongside this upgrade, potentially attracting new players. However, this would mean the upgrade won’t arrive before early 2026, as confirmed by Mintrocket’s lead director regarding the DLC timeline.

GTA 6 Screenshot Edit Provides Fans Enhanced View of Vice City Landscape

Recent edits of a Grand Theft Auto 6 screenshot have sparked excitement within the gaming community, highlighting the vastness of the anticipated open-world game. Although fans are aware that GTA 6 will be sizable, uncertainty persists regarding the true scale of the game world. The game was officially unveiled in December 2023 with a highly successful trailer that introduced players to the vibrant Vice City alongside its central characters, Jason and Lucia. However, disappointment struck when it was revealed last month that the launch date has been postponed until May 2026, dashing the hopes of many eager for an early exploration of Vice City.

Some gamers speculate that Grand Theft Auto 6 may soon face competition in terms of visual quality from other recent game releases, as they believe these titles exhibit superior graphics. In this context, user FrozenFrost2000 took the initiative to share edited screenshots from the latest GTA 6 trailer, giving credit to fellow gamer Jaxrud. Their four edited images displayed the Leonida Keys, a southern part of Vice City, and provided fans with a clearer view of the region’s intricate details. The vastness of the map caught the attention of the community, with FrozenFrost2000 emphasizing regions that might represent rivers or canals.

Feedback in the comments reflected a sense of thrill, given the map’s size—even though it only showcased a fraction of what could be the whole Leonida area. This enthusiasm represents just one of many community efforts to grasp the enormity of GTA 6. In 2024, a modder even attempted to recreate the Leonida geography to give fans a sneak peek of the potential game aesthetic. As gamers anticipate the final release of GTA 6, rumors continue to circulate about development challenges and cut content.

Despite the uncertainty, one hope remains: that there won’t be further delays, allowing fans to uncover the game world within a year.

The Closing Chapter: The Finality of Half-Life 3’s Journey

Recent insights from a Valve insider have raised questions about the potential announcement of Half-Life 3 in the near future. The rumors surrounding this much-anticipated sequel have intensified recently, leading many to speculate that it might finally be revealed this year. However, Valve remains tight-lipped about any developments concerning the game. Half-Life 3, which would serve as a sequel to the acclaimed 2004 title Half-Life 2, has been a long-held dream for gamers ever since Valve abandoned the project over a decade ago.

Hopes were rekindled in 2020 with the release of the VR spin-off, Half-Life: Alyx, indicating that Valve still has an interest in the franchise. Furthermore, recent data mining and speculation point to a new project under the codename HLX, believed by many to be indicative of Half-Life 3. Despite being one of the most iconic first-person shooter franchises for nearly 30 years, Half-Life has a history that includes more games than most realize. Some dataminers have suggested that an announcement for Half-Life 3 could happen “any day” due to HLX entering its development polishing and playtesting phase.

However, a notable development occurred when insider Gabe Follower reported that the original domain name for Half-Life 3 expired on June 28, 2025, and has not been renewed by Valve. This expiration raises concerns about the legitimacy of the rumors regarding the game’s imminent announcement. It is essential to highlight that the expired domain is currently in a grace period, allowing Valve the opportunity to reclaim it. While fans express anxiety over the loss of this key digital asset, many insiders maintain that the game is indeed in development.

The future remains uncertain, as it’s possible Valve might integrate Half-Life 3 into its existing website structure. Regardless, the coming months promise to be an exhilarating time for Half-Life enthusiasts.

New Speculation: Another Trailer for Elder Scrolls 6 Could Be Coming Soon

A recent insider report indicates that a new trailer for The Elder Scrolls 6 is circulating at Bethesda. While it is unclear if this trailer is destined for public release or still undergoing adjustments, the report implies that development on the game is advancing at a satisfactory pace.

June 10 marked the seventh anniversary of the official announcement of The Elder Scrolls 6, which was introduced through a brief teaser at E3 2018. The long-awaited sequel to Skyrim entered pre-production within the following five years, and Bethesda confirmed in August 2023 that active development commenced after completing the bulk of work on Starfield.

Since then, the company has been relatively quiet about the project’s details. The Elder Scrolls 6 has the potential to break a longstanding pattern that has affected the franchise since its inception over three decades ago.

The continued silence from Bethesda has led to speculation that the game’s development is on track. A recent report by Jez Corden mentioned a new internal trailer for TES 6, which reinforced the possibility that the game could make an appearance at the Xbox Games Showcase held on June 8.

Corden pointed out that the existence of a new trailer could mean one of two things: Bethesda is preparing for a formal reveal and gathering internal feedback or this trailer is intended solely for internal milestones, executive reviews, and other non-public purposes common in AAA game development. Nevertheless, the fact that the trailer exists suggests that the game’s progress is significant enough to warrant a visual update for company leadership.

Looking ahead, Corden noted that it is unlikely TES 6 will be showcased at the upcoming Gamescom in August, but if the game is still on track for a 2028 release, a formal reveal may be imminent. For context, Starfield was presented 15 months before its launch, though that title didn’t carry the same long wait associated with a sequel like TES 6.

Petition to Save Hytale Gathers Over 1,500 Supporters as Fans Rally for the Game’s Future

Fans of the canceled game Hytale are expressing their disappointment and seeking to revive the project through an online petition. This initiative has gained significant traction, amassing nearly 1,600 signatures. The petition targets publisher Riot Games and developer Hypixel Studios, as well as Hypixel founder Simon Collins-Laflamme, but so far, none of these parties have responded to the appeal. Hytale was first unveiled in late 2018 by a team of former Minecraft modders, captivating gamers with its blocky visuals reminiscent of Minecraft’s style.

The game promised innovative features such as a strong focus on role-playing and tools that would enable players to create custom in-game content. Unfortunately, excitement turned to disappointment earlier this week when Hypixel announced Hytale’s cancellation and the shutdown of the development studio. In light of this news, a fan created the Change.org petition in hopes of persuading Hypixel or Riot Games to release any playable version of the dropped game. Though the petition has gathered 1,582 signatures and is still growing, none of the developers have engaged with the fans’ requests.

The abrupt end to Hytale’s development has elicited a range of emotional responses. Some fans who had been eagerly anticipating the game’s release reported feeling disheartened by its cancellation, while others expressed sadness for the community that had formed around the game rather than for the game itself. However, it’s important to note that releasing an incomplete version of Hytale goes against the expressed intentions of the development team, who stated that altering the game’s scope would compromise their vision. Even if the petition bears fruit and fans get access to a playable build, it is highly unlikely that official development will continue.

Hypixel co-founder NoxyD acknowledged the challenges of game development and emphasized that Hytale was far from meeting the team’s ambitious goals after years of work.