Microsoft rolls out Arena and more new Xbox One features to Preview members

Xbox One S and Xbox wireless controller
Xbox One S and Xbox wireless controller (Image credit: Windows Central)

Microsoft is rolling out a number of new features for its Xbox One console to members of the Xbox Preview program. They include the new Arena tournament features, along with Achievement Rarity, and more features and improvements.

Arena

By far, the biggest new feature rolling out to Xbox Preview users is Arena. which Microsoft first announced at E3 in June and will allow Xbox One owners to create and manage their own online tournaments. Here's the breakdown of what Preview members can expect:

Beginning today, Arena launches to Preview on Xbox One with the pilot title and legendary fighting game, Killer Instinct. During Preview, you can look forward to competing in daily Killer Instinct tournaments across Xbox One and the Xbox app (beta) on Windows 10 PC. For the initial roll out, Arena will only be accessible to Preview members through practice tournaments on Xbox One in the U.S., with plans to add additional features and expand to the broader Preview audience later in To start competing, all you have to do is register on the Tournament tab in the Killer Instinct Game Hub. We're really excited about the potential of Arena and eager to hear your thoughts as we evolve it and make eSports more accessible for gamers everywhere, regardless of skill-level.

Microsoft is adding new Looking For Group improvements for Preview members today as well:

Starting today, you will be able to create LFG posts for future gaming sessions – up to seven days in advance! Additionally, based on your feedback, you can now create LFG posts directly in a Club and control who sees them: just members of the Club or everyone on Xbox Live. When creating LFG posts, you can also note what language the party will be speaking and filter your LFG searches based on the language.

Last week, Microsoft added Group Messaging to Xbox Preview members, and it also included the Achievement Rarity feature:

Now, you'll be able to discover just how unique an Achievement is among players of a given game and celebrate the Achievement itself with a special notification and diamond icon highlighting it. Unlock one today and let us know how you like the new animation!

All of these new additions will be rolled out for all Xbox One owners in the near future.

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John Callaham