Microsoft stopped selling 12-month long subscriptions to the Xbox Live Gold service, so what does this mean for the future of it? And what could be coming in instead?

There are rumours that the Xbox Live Gold service could potentially be discontinued altogether, and instead, online multiplayer could be free. However, it is still very early and this could simply be conjecture and opinion. This would see Xbox Gold Live coming more into line with with services offered by PlayStation 4 and Switch, where free to play games do not need a subscription at all.

We will just have to wait and see what Microsoft’s plans are. If they do take this approach, Sony could feel the pressure to stop charging for online game play as well. But it all still hangs in the balance, as Microsoft could simply be changing the terms and service of the Xbox Gold Live option.

Halo Infinte is the sixth game in the popular Halo series, and it’s due to be released in Q4 2020 for Microsoft Windows, Xbox Series X and Xbox One. This game will stand out from the crowd, but what is so different about it and what makes it stand out from the Halo games that have gone before it?

Like other Halo games, this is a first person shooter. However, there are some fundamental differences that will make it better than ever, addressing some concerns from players of previous games and changing up the storyline.

The main focus of the game will be quite different, with it being described by some as more human. Master Chief will have a more important function, especially in comparison to the previous Halo game.

Again in contract to the last Halo game, Infinte will have split screen mode available, as too many people disliked this development.

Asterix & Obelix: The Crystal Menhir from Osome Studios is soon to be released on Nintendo Switch, PS4 and Xbox One – but what can you expect and will this be the game for you?

Imagine yourself in this world: it’s 50 B.C. and Gaul is occupied by the Romans. However, you are one of the heroes, in a small village that hasn’t been taken over. There is soon a serious threat to your people though, and a Menhir that needs to be revealed.

Does this sound like your kind of story? You can play the game in one person mode or co-op, and there are various different features, including stone menhir, ice menhir, fire menhir and magnetic menhir.

If you are keen to play, you can now order Asterix & Obelix: The Crystal Menhir from various video game retailers. It’s a game that very much caters to all ages, and people young and old can become immersed in the story.

Kingdom Hearts II is released today, for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It’s an eagerly anticipated game to start off the year, especially after being delayed in 2018. Many people who enjoyed the previous versions of Kingdom Hearts will be pleased at its eventual launch.

Just like its predecessors, Kingdom Heart III is capitalising on Disney’s characters, including Donald Duck, Wreck It Ralph, and Simba from the Lion King. The characters will have to search for the seven Guardians of Light and find the Key to Return Hearts.

You probably won’t notice a whole lot of difference in terms of gameplay, but the question is, how well is it going to translate to a more up-to-date console? The game once again uses hack and slash combat primarily, in much the same way as Kingdom Heart II did. You will recognise Sora as the protagonist once again, alongside Goofy, Donald Duck, and the option of another two players.

With the year coming to a close, people are reflecting on the best games they have played in the past year. There have been some incredible new releases, from adventure games like Sea of Thieves to giant action games like Shadow of the Colossus. Here are some of the top-rated games from 2018:

• Into the Breach. This popular game from Subset Games sees the player fighting off giant monsters, fighting for the good of the planet. It’s addictive and compelling playing.
• Monster Hunter: World. This series has come into the mainstream more recently, and with this latest addition, you will continue the fun with monster hunting. It is more polished and more slick, with plenty of wide appeal.
• Iconoclasts. If your thing is pixel art and a sense of nostalgia for games gone by, this could be the perfect option for you. It has a more thought out storyline now, and combines games, puzzles and combat.