Samuel Tolbert
Samuel Tolbert is a freelance writer covering gaming news, previews, reviews, interviews and different aspects of the gaming industry, specifically focusing on Xbox and PC gaming on Windows Central. You can find him on Twitter @SamuelTolbert.
Latest articles by Samuel Tolbert
![Apex Legends: Shockwave akimbo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/umcctQsqvEyCdhRWYumTva-320-80.jpg)
Apex Legends: Shockwave is introducing a cyberpunk-themed map and one big new feature
By Samuel Tolbert published
Akimbo Apex Legends: Shockwave brings a new cyberpunk-themed map and Akimbo pistols for players to unleash.
![Destiny 2 The Final Shape Guardians](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/zgwMuJfYAeQUHFAMjLLxGg-320-80.jpg)
Sony-owned Bungie is laying off hundreds of employees as it integrates further into PlayStation
By Samuel Tolbert published
Ugh Bungie is laying off another 220 employees, with others leaving the company to join new roles across PlayStation.
![Xbox sky cipher controller hero image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/A6pfChqwvPvtnp3qDg8Vz8-320-80.jpg)
This new Xbox controller doesn't have Deadpool's thickness, but brings some retro transparent style instead
By Samuel Tolbert published
🌊 The latest Xbox controller is the Sky Cipher Special Edition, bringing cool blue transparent tech to the existing lineup of Xbox controllers.
![Halo Infinite Headhunter image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LjAkJNEgj7VHjFAkv8ecgG-320-80.jpg)
Halo Infinite's latest Operation is bringing back a mode from Halo: Reach and an iconic weapon feature
By Samuel Tolbert published
💀 Halo Infinite's latest Operation, Fleetcom, brings back the iconic grenade jumping ability, while the Headhunter mode is being added in the near future.
![New Xbox Logo](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/WdXNdRJtBVjPNTSdRaf9Na-320-80.jpg)
Xbox FY24 Q4 gaming revenue up 44% year-over-year, mostly thanks to the Activision Blizzard acquisition
By Samuel Tolbert published
💸 Microsoft shared its financial results for FY24 Q4, revealing that gaming revenue is up 44% year-over-year thanks to the acquisition of Activision Blizzard King.
![Call Of Duty Warzone Pacific Season One Lagoon](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xPib5dgQoEpoAN8dVqxagh-320-80.jpg)
Activision releases open source data for one of Call of Duty: Warzone's biggest maps — here's why it matters
By Samuel Tolbert published
Open source Activision is sharing open source data for the Call of Duty: Warzone map Caldera, allowing game developers and researchers access for collaboration and technical analysis.
![Diablo 4 Season 5 key art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t6Jqee4JXA2GznnMFiuhKb-320-80.jpg)
Diablo 4: Season of the Infernal Hordes is on the way, bringing 50 new Uniques and more
By Samuel Tolbert published
Hellfire Diablo 4's Season 5 is on the way, and the Season of the Infernal Hordes is bringing 50 new Uniques to acquire, new threats to tackle, and more.
![Fallout TV series Power Armor high-res](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KTqrQFnVboBDWzJTnz2AU9-320-80.jpg)
Fallout TV series Season 2 FAQ: News, timeline, and everything you need to know
By Samuel Tolbert last updated
FAQ The Fallout TV series is getting a second season. Here are the answers to frequently asked questions and everything you need to know.
![Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader Void Shadows key art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/kkFvuqJjchG4wiFnsrNA3F-320-80.jpg)
"We do the things that we do because we feel they are important": Owlcat Games talks bug fixes and Void Shadows expansion for Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader
By Samuel Tolbert published
Interview Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader developer Owlcat Games talks about fixing bugs, learning from the experience, and what's to come in the Void Shadows expansion.
![Fable Troll 2024 trailer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/L8YEkhBBK28NWpZmRwvXE6-320-80.jpg)
The developers of Forza Horizon and Fable at Xbox appear to be getting a third studio, but for what?
By Samuel Tolbert published
Hmm Playground Games, the Xbox game developer behind Forza Horizon and the upcoming Fable, has seemingly opened a third studio.
![Xbox Insider Program coming soon image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CnAAxvZgYazvi8MNuDDeV8-320-80.jpg)
Xbox Mobile Store for games may be launching soon
By Samuel Tolbert published
Going mobile The Xbox Mobile Store for games might be launching soon, per a new web page that thanks players for signing up for the Xbox Insiders program.
![Mortal Kombat 1 Khaos Reigns characters](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jyWzCrqwfwQNwqPm94Az5U-320-80.jpg)
Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns brings story DLC and new characters — here's when you can play it
By Samuel Tolbert published
Khaos Mortal Kombat 1: Khaos Reigns is bringing new characters like Ghostface and Noob Saibot, as well as story DLC and more.
![SAG-AFTRA gaming strike hero image](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/9fnAsuD7m5FjXmYEQhzCsb-320-80.jpg)
SAG-AFTRA video game actors go on strike, citing AI concerns
By Samuel Tolbert published
STRIKE SAG-AFTRA calls a strike for video game actors, citing companies' unwillingness to forge a deal for AI protections.
![S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl in-game screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/AtT4ximScvurvjDzyGamB8-320-80.jpg)
Xbox console exclusive STALKER 2 gets another delay — here's when you can play it
By Samuel Tolbert published
☢️ STALKER 2: Heart of Chornobyl is catching one more delay, pushing the game into November 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
![World of Warcraft Classic Cataclysm concept art](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/j87Q9RSM2boPqjLPG4hpLB-320-80.jpg)
Blizzard Entertainment's World of Warcraft employees form another union under Microsoft
By Samuel Tolbert published
Union strong Employees that work on World of Warcraft at Blizzard Entertainment are unionizing, joining other unions at Microsoft-owned game studios like Bethesda Game Studios.
![Dungeons of Hinterberg scarecrow](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/msAMWjMFy4vRf83uArwRgB-320-80.jpg)
Dungeons of Hinterberg review: This action-RPG is a well-written story filled with plentiful puzzles
By Samuel Tolbert published
REVIEW Dungeons of Hinterberg is a well-written story that takes a look at everything a fantastical, puzzle-filled vacation can be. Here's my review.
![Fallout TV series Lucy close-up](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Hg3Ad4okcoqCB5uFp4SZy8-320-80.jpg)
Bethesda and Prime Video's Fallout TV series gets 16 Emmy nominations — here are the categories it might win
By Samuel Tolbert published
Emmy Bethesda and Prime Video's Fallout TV series has scored 17 nominations for the 2024 Emmys, including for Lead Actor in a Drama Series.
![Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap castle attack](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/LV9fenZeSPEdGue3XbCC5c-320-80.jpg)
Xbox just landed a new console exclusive in this hit co-op tower defense franchise
By Samuel Tolbert published
Orcs! Orcs Must Die! Deathtrap is bringing improved combat, roguelite elements, and four-player co-op to the tower defense series, and it's coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC in 2025.
![Xbox PowerA Play and Charge Kit Amazon Prime Day](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/t3TPzLMnJpE52wa3T7c8cT-320-80.jpg)
Spend money to save money on this must-have Xbox controller battery
By Samuel Tolbert published
🔋 Deal The PowerA Play and Charge Kit for Xbox is discounted for Amazon Prime Day, meaning it's the perfect time to snag some rechargeable kits and say goodbye to single-use batteries.
![Xbox gift card Amazon Prime Day Deal](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/XFe4C8GmFSepH8Kr5Mw7U4-320-80.jpg)
These Xbox gift cards also come with free money to buy anything you want on Amazon, so act fast
By Samuel Tolbert published
🎁 DEAL For Amazon Prime Day 2024, you can grab an Xbox gift card and get Amazon credit towards another purchase.
![Baldur's Gate 3 Shadowheart dialogue cinematic](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KvvWG2mDv5jYq59brNqRBG-320-80.jpg)
Baldur's Gate 3 official mod tools and Patch 7 have a release window — here's what you need to know
By Samuel Tolbert published
Mods! The next big update for Baldur's Gate 3 is on the way, with modding tools finally arriving in September 2024.
![Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max + Xbox controller + 1 month Xbox Game Pass Ultimate](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/W5CCNPQcjjiQitAuVBY4LL-320-80.jpg)
Today is the day to get this Amazon Fire TV Stick Xbox Game Pass combo. Here's why.
By Samuel Tolbert published
🔥 DEAL Get over $40 off an Xbox controller, Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max, and a month of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate with this limited-time offer.
![Xbox Series X|S Seagate Storage Expansion Card](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/DXgtWgBN7kVPKSMXdu4mxJ-320-80.jpg)
I use the 2TB Seagate Expansion Card with my Xbox and so should you now that it's on sale at an unbeatable price
By Samuel Tolbert published
DEAL The Seagate Expansion Card for Xbox Series X|S SSDs is now heavily discounted, making it the perfect time to snag one and greatly expand your Xbox console storage.
![Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 gas mask soldier](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/xqcAjzuMApAsqRLToPUQo4-320-80.jpg)
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 beta dates have been confirmed — here's when you can play it
By Samuel Tolbert published
Beta The beta dates for Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 have seemingly leaked, with preorders and Xbox Game Pass users getting access in August, while the open beta begins in September.
![The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road evening](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/dYSf7WPQojNi9hKWV4iJHj-320-80.jpg)
Elder Scrolls Online's new Gold Road chapter delivers fun Daedric adventures and a solid conclusion to its story arc
By Samuel Tolbert published
Review While not every beat lands perfectly, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road delivers a solid conclusion to a two-year story arc that began with Necrom.
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