We’re excited to share that a half-dozen Xbox first-party titles (plus one movie) have been nominated for awards across multiple categories – voting is now open on The Game Awards official site.
You can play many of the nominees announced today with Xbox Game Pass, including top nominee Clair Obscur: Expedition 33,Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, DOOM: The Dark Ages,South of Midnight, and Hollow Knight: Silksong.
Tune into The Game Awards on December 11 to see if your favorite games from 2025 take home an award.
The Game Awards has officially revealed the full list of nominees for the year, and we’re thrilled to see such a wide range of unique titles being recognized for their contributions to gaming. Even better, many of these nominees can be played today across Xbox consoles, Xbox on PC, ROG Xbox Ally handhelds, Cloud, and with Xbox Game Pass!
This year our first-party studios received nominations for Avowed, DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Ninja Gaiden 4, South of Midnight, and The Outer Worlds 2. Troy Baker’s pitch-perfect performance as Indiana Jones was recognized with a Best Performance nomination, and ‘A Minecraft Movie’, one of the biggest hits at the box office in 2025, was nominated for Best Adaptation.
We’re also equally excited to see that many of our third-party partners have been nominated across a wide range of categories – many of which can be played with Game Pass. Ball x Pit, Blue Prince, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Hollow Knight: Silksong, and Rematch are all up for awards this year, and playable across devices as Xbox Play Anywhere titles. Additionally, Game Pass subscribers receive incredible benefits for nominees League of Legends, Valorant, and – starting tomorrow – Fortnite.
Congratulations to all this year’s amazing nominees – and don’t forget, these nominations join titles on Xbox nominated across the Golden Joysticks, and even the Grammys!
Remember, you can vote for your favorites right now over at TheGameAwards.com. See below for the full list of nominees that you can play today.
For many RPG fans, Final Fantasy Tactics is not just a game – it’s the game.
The game’s an undisputed crown jewel. A legendary game that stands tall as one of the most revered in the RPG genre. It’s regularly featured in top 100 lists in publications like Famitsu, EGM, and IGN, GameSpot, and it’s one of the most frequently requested games by Square Enix fans on social media. It is, in other words, a Very Good Game.
Now it’s coming back as Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles, launching September 30, 2025, for Xbox Series X|S. This version enhances the already superb original with a host of improvements, including full voice acting, a new user interface, and loads of quality-of-life additions.
For some of you, this will be the first time you’ve been introduced to this tactical masterpiece. For others who played the original, you’re probably desperate to know: what’s new? Don’t worry, we can answer both of you. Simply skip to the relevant section to find the answers you seek!
I’m a new player! What’s Final Fantasy Tactics?
Let’s start with the basics. This is a tactical RPG set in the kingdom of Ivalice. It is a time of great political turmoil — the death the king triggers a succession crisis that seems destined to drag the land into war.
It’s a standalone story that focuses on two childhood friends who find themselves pulled into the conflict: Ramza, third son of House Beoulve, and Delita, a commoner raised among nobles. As they try to chart their course through this turbulent age, they’re dragged closer to the abyss.
As you follow their story, you’ll command them and their forces in exciting turn-based tactical battles. These are satisfyingly strategic clashes where you’ll issue orders to multiple units, taking advantage of the terrain and their abilities to outwit the enemy and claim victory.
Each new battle tests your tactical skills in new and exciting ways, especially when combined with the phenomenally flexible character customization. Your units can be assigned jobs – roles that determine their roles and abilities in combat.
For example, they can cast devastating elemental spells as a black mage, get up close and personal as a knight, bring help onto the field as a summoner, jump into action as an agile dragoon and many more.
There are more than 20 jobs to discover in the game, you can even equip abilities from one job while using another! It makes for all kinds of tactical possibilities and there’s a lot of fun to be had exploring the different setups and strategies available.
What’s so good about Final Fantasy Tactics?
So that’s a basic overview, but you may be wondering: why is this game so acclaimed and beloved? Let us break it down for you as simply as possible:
It has one of the best stories in gaming – The game tells a mature tale where characters are painted in shades of grey rather than black and white. It’s a rich tapestry of political machinations, sinister plots and treacherous backstabbery, with a powerful emotional center. This game will make you feel things. Plus, there are plenty of exciting battles too, of course!
Tip: Some of your most powerful combatants will be recruits that join your party as you progress through the story.
The battles are super strategic and satisfying – Taking to the field of battle is always a thrill, thanks to challenging combat that forces you to think carefully about every move. With so many different scenarios in the game, it’s always giving you something new to think about. It adds up to an endlessly compelling gameplay loop where you always feel that urge for just one more battle.
Tip: Changing formations can impact battles. Don’t be afraid to experiment and change up your starting formation to get early leverage in battle.
The job system is one of the best in the series – The Final Fantasy series is famed for its job system, and Final Fantasy Tacticsis one of its most impressive examples. The sheer number of options you have in how you customize your troops is remarkable – yet it never feels confusing or overwhelming. Basically, it’s easy to understand, and yet incredibly deep – a killer combo.
Tip: Leveling up a variety of jobs is essential for unlocking the more advanced jobs, and you’ll need to pull abilities from multiple jobs when forming a strategy for taking on certain bosses.
That’s barely scraping the surface, of course. We could talk about the memorable characters or brilliant soundtrack, for example, but we think you get the point.
As we said earlier, it is a Very Good Game.
I’ve played Final Fantasy Tactics before. What’s new in The Ivalice Chronicles?
So, what if you played Final Fantasy Tactics before? You’ll be excited to discover that Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles adds a host of enhancements to make this Very Good Game even better.
Here’s what you can expect:
* A brand-new user interface – The game’s UI has been completely overhauled to make the game more approachable. The tactical depth hasn’t changed – but it’s quicker and more intuitive to command and customize your units.
* Updated visuals – The 3D battlegrounds and detailed pixel art of Final Fantasy Tacticshave been reworked for The Ivalice Chronicles. The team has taken great care to capture the same charming visuals of the original game – but now they look great on modern displays.
* Full voice acting – The full story is now fully voiced in English and Japanese by a talented cast of actors. The original Final Fantasy Tacticswas a text-only affair, so these new performances make its powerful story hit even harder than before.
* Tactical View – This new feature gives you a birds-eye view of the battlefield, making it easier to get the lay of the land and develop strategies.
* Battle speed – You can now speed up battles to make them go faster. It’s great for when you have an easy encounter, or you want to play around with different strategies and party setups.
* New difficulty levels – Do you want to full tactical challenge, or are you just in it for the story? New difficulty levels let you adjust the game to your playstyle!
* Classic version – What if you want to experience the game with the same feel as the original release? A classic version of the game is included – this reflects the original 1997 experience, but with some modern conveniences, such as the acclaimed script from Final Fantasy Tactics: War of the Lions and autosave.
As you can see, there’s a lot to be excited about with Final Fantasy Tactics – The Ivalice Chronicles – whether you’re about to step into the tactical trenches for the first time, or a returning Final Fantasy fan.
You’ll get to experience it for yourselves from September 30, 2025, when the game releases for Xbox Series X|S. It’s available to preorder now.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles Deluxe Edition
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$59.99
Ivalice—a kingdom blessed by the light of the gods and ruled by the Two-headed Lion. A year after her defeat to Ordallia in the Fifty Years’ War, the king succumbed to malady, leaving a mere boy of two to ascend the throne.
Whoever was named regent would rule in truth, and thus emerged two rival candidates: dukes Goltanna and Larg, whose deeds during the war had earned them great renown. Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion were destined to clash, and the resulting conflict would come to be known as the War of the Lions.
– Product Description
The Deluxe Edition includes the following bonuses:
・ Weapon: Akademy Blade (Raises a unit’s speed attribute slightly while equipped)
・ Headwear: Akademy Beret (Prevents the Charmed status while equipped)
・ Combat Garb: Akademy Tunic (Grants Shell while equipped)
・ Accessory: Ring of Aptitude (Boosts JP earned while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: Phoenix Down x10
・ Black Equipment for Ramza
・ Red Equipment for Ramza
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
—
Pre-order Bonuses
By pre-ordering FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, you will receive the following bonuses:
・ White Equipment for Ramza
・ Weapon: Mythril Knife
・ Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit’s Jump attribute while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: High Potion x10
・ Consumable items: Ether x10
*These bonuses can be obtained by pre-ordering the game, and will not be included with purchases made on or after the game’s release date.
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles
SQUARE ENIX
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$49.99
– Story
Ivalice—a kingdom blessed by the light of the gods and ruled by the Two-headed Lion. A year after her defeat to Ordallia in the Fifty Years’ War, the king succumbed to malady, leaving a mere boy of two to ascend the throne.
Whoever was named regent would rule in truth, and thus emerged two rival candidates: dukes Goltanna and Larg, whose deeds during the war had earned them great renown. Goltanna the Black Lion and Larg the White Lion were destined to clash, and the resulting conflict would come to be known as the War of the Lions.
Against this backdrop appear Ramza, third son of House Beoulve, one of Ivalice’s leading military families, and his childhood companion Delita, a commoner raised amongst nobles. As they endeavor to chart a course through this tumultuous age, a mighty current draws them ever closer to the abyss.
– Combat
Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. Use the varied terrain of 3D battlefields to your advantage, skillfully manipulate the turn order, and victory will be yours for the taking.
– Character Growth and Customization
Combine a wide variety of jobs and abilities to craft your very own strategies.
As your party members grow, they will gain access to more jobs, each with its own unique abilities. Once learned, abilities can be used even after changing to another job. With over 20 jobs to master—including white mage, black mage, dragoon, and many others from the FINAL FANTASY series—and hundreds of abilities to learn, you have the freedom to experiment and discover the combinations that best suit your party. Chocobos and other creatures can also be tamed and led into battle.
– Two Versions: Enhanced and Classic
With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. Along with the fine-tuning of several features and battle mechanics, the inclusion of the more accessible “Squire” difficulty setting makes the enhanced version an excellent starting point for first-time players.
The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
—
Pre-order Bonuses
By pre-ordering FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles, you will receive the following bonuses:
・ White Equipment for Ramza
・ Weapon: Mythril Knife
・ Accessory: Spiked Boots (Increase a unit’s Jump attribute while equipped)
・ Consumable Items: High Potion x10
・ Consumable items: Ether x10
*These bonuses can be obtained by pre-ordering the game, and will not be included with purchases made on or after the game’s release date.
*An internet connection is required to receive the bonuses.
*Bonuses can be obtained from the Options section of the main menu once it becomes available after starting a new game.
*Ramza’s alternate equipment colors can be applied from his status screen under the Units section of the main menu.
*Certain bonuses can also be obtained by playing through the game.
*Bonuses may be distributed to players or made available for purchase at a later date.
Welcome to Next Week on Xbox! In this weekly feature we cover all the games coming soon to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Xbox on PC, and Game Pass! Get more details on these upcoming games below and click their profiles for further info (release dates subject to change). Let’s jump in!
FINAL FANTASY TACTICS – The Ivalice Chronicles Deluxe Edition
The Kingdom of Ivalice has fallen into civil war. Lead your party in exhilarating encounters where strategic positioning and forward planning determine the outcome. With improved graphics, fully voiced dialogue, and refined gameplay, the enhanced version provides the perfect way to immerse yourself in the world of Ivalice. The classic version unites the graphics and gameplay of the original 1997 version with the renowned War of the Lions translation for a unique way to experience this beloved title.
Play as rogue Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks in the terrifying first chapter of a two-part saga set between the “Alien” and “Aliens” films. Sent to investigate a distress call on the remote planet Purdan, Zula uncovers a secret Weyland-Yutani blacksite overrun by deadly Xenomorphs. Pre-order now and get a cosmetic “Alien: Romulus” themed armor skin and weapon skin.
Compete against your friends in wacky Challenge Zones and 60 hilarious minigames from across your favorite LEGO sets like LEGO Pirates, LEGO Space, LEGO Ninjago and more. Join your friends online no matter their platform, or get together for a LEGO Party game night. Pre-order LEGO Party! now and score 5 awesome minifigures. Let the party begin!
Expect the Unexpected in Train Sim World 6! Be ready for anything as you master formidable trains across 3 routes. Handle the unexpected with random events, signals may take longer to clear, or speed restrictions may be in place. With Conductor Mode, Free Roam, Creators Club, Photo Mode and more, embark on your own journey in your own way. Pick up the Deluxe and Special editions to start playing early on September 25.
Digimon Story Time Stranger Ultimate Edition Pre-Order
Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc.
☆☆☆☆☆
★★★★★
$119.99
Digimon Story Time Stranger Deluxe Edition Pre-Order
Digimon Story Time Stranger is an RPG with monster-taming elements that explores the deep bond between humans and Digimon in an epic story that unravels the mystery of the world’s collapse. Embark on an adventure that spans across the human world and Digital World, collecting and raising a diverse array of Digimon to fight in turn-based battles.
Nicktoons & The Dice of Destiny is a vibrant, universe-spanning mashup that brings iconic Nickelodeon heroes into a world of fantasy-style tropes and real-time RPG action. With the Deluxe Edition, unlock a whole new costume for every hero with the Wardrobe of Wonder Pack. Gear up, cast spells, and charge into chaos—your destiny has never looked this good!
The Grinch: Christmas Adventures – Merry & Mischievous Edition
Explore more of Who-ville in the Merry & Mischievous Edition of The Grinch: Christmas Adventures. Snowboard down from the Grinch’s Caves in Mount Crumpit, sleigh through the Forest, and even parachute through the Village, spreading Christmas cheer. If you’re feeling Grinchy, join the Grinch and Max on a sneaky mission to steal presents. Do you think you can help his heart grow three sizes?
Keep an eye on the time to ensure you make the most of your week in the psychospherical house of Mouthole. Solve puzzles and unravel mysteries to forge convoluted paths of discovery and exploration. Navigate quotidian existence. Crawl into your mouth. Brush your teeth?
Being architect is easy: explore the level, craft the necessary building materials, and order workers to build. You can play alone or with friends up to 4 players. Discover all the architectural secrets!
Follow the rainbow, find the gold! In Cloud to Gold, every puzzle is a magical mix of logic and charm. You play as a mischievous leprechaun on a quest to push clouds, fill holes, and create rainbow paths that lead straight to the legendary pot of gold.
A new life awaits you in Honeywood! After washing onto the island’s shores, you’ll find yourself the newly minted owner to a humble plot of land. Pull up your sleeves, grab your tools, and get to work building a farm that will last not only a lifetime, but span generations! Echoes of Plum Grove is a casual, cozy farm simulator where your decisions have consequences! What to plant, what to stock for the winter, and who to befriend will shape not only the town of Honeywood, but the island itself.
Do you ever feel alone? Like no matter what you do, it is not good enough? Follow the characters along their journey of fighting negative emotions and finding purpose. The game includes 8 unique mini game styled boss fights that take you through a story loop across 3 gradually increasing difficulty versions, for a total of 24 levels, all with a special twist. Navigate the surprises of frustration, the doubts of confusion, and the challenges of arrogance to make it to the other side of this compact narrative adventure.
The Demon Lord is attacking and it’s up to you to help Leena-senpai defend against devilish minions! Notice Me Leena-senpai! is a lighthearted tactical tower defense game with visual novel storytelling. As war breaks out between demons and humans, defend the All-Girls School of Magic with 28 unique towers across 10 worlds. Strategically place and upgrade units in grid lanes, earn gold for power-ups, and survive endless waves!
Embark on an epic adventure in Tiny Archer, a breathtaking 2D platformer set in a dangerous, slime-infested dungeon! As a nimble archer, fight through 20 treacherous levels filled with cunning slimes, each requiring clever tactics to defeat. Master wall-jumping to navigate deadly traps, collect crystals, and grab powerful quivers that unleash triple-shot barrages of devastating power. With precise controls and diverse enemies, Tiny Archer offers thrilling combat and exploration.
Galacticon is a video game with the look and feel of early 1980s arcade machines, in the style of Williams classics such as Defender and Joust, with the gameplay of the legendary Jetpac, and with puzzle elements.
Compete in a co-op party platformer, pitting up to 4 players against official and community-built devious dungeons filled with puzzles to solve, challenges to traverse, and ridiculous monsters to fight. Progression is more fun with friends, but there can only be one name at the top of the leaderboards.
Leaving his home colony while tracking a mysterious glitch, an android finds himself in the midst of a vast and dangerous structure, completely hidden from his people’s knowledge. Unable to go back, you must keep going to find out where he is being led… and why he left in the first place.
Sharpen your axes and get ready to slide into adventure! You play as a bold viking whose mission is clear: gather every chest of gold the land has to offer. Whether you’re after a casual puzzle to relax with or a series of smart challenges to conquer, Slide Viking delivers a journey full of brains, treasure, and plenty of sliding fun.
How long can you play with Death? Death comes for everyone, and now it’s your turn — but you didn’t expect it to want to read your future. Play your cards the right way and keep your Karma balanced — the closer to zero, the better. Try to achieve the highest score possible in this roguelike!
As a Slavic warrior named Svaran, you must overcome not only magical creatures and lethal contraptions, but also a terrible curse that has turned your body to stone. You need to keep your kill streak going—otherwise your body will begin to disintegrate, eventually costing you limbs and the ability to wield weapons! Castle of Heart: Retold is a massively upgraded and expanded version of the original game, featuring significant enhancements across gameplay, story, visuals, and more.
Car Driving School Simulator offers the ultimate experience for mastering car driving, from basic skills to extreme maneuvers, transforming you into a highly skilled driver. Whether you’re passionate about car drive simulator games, enjoy the challenge of car parking games, or seek a realistic bus simulator experience—even aspiring to be a school bus driver—this game caters to every car enthusiast. Immerse yourself in a car simulator world, tackling exciting challenges.
Go Fight Fantastic is a 1-3 player hack-and-slash starring a crew of interstellar smugglers, led by their space-dog captain Bowie. When they stumble into an invasion during a mission to Bird Planet, they become the only hope of this once peaceful world. Team up in co-op (local and online) or switch between the different characters on-the-fly in solo play.
Unleash chaos and creativity in Castle Crumble! Journey through colorful worlds, from lush jungles to mysterious islands, and destroy mighty fortresses with explosive power. Every castle is a unique puzzle, built to challenge your tactics and imagination. Use cannons, bombs, magical rays and devastating boosters like meteors or shockwaves to bring down walls in glorious chain reactions. With over 300 levels across six worlds, Castle Crumble offers endless fun for players who love strategy, destruction, and spectacular physics.
Judero is an action/adventure game inspired by the rich folk history of the Scottish Borders. You play as Judero, a Celt who can establish a rapport with the nature around him. Travel with Judero through a handcrafted landscape as he discovers there is an evil at work manipulating the unguarded.
Wild fireballs have gone haywire, and you must shoot them down using your special hookshot. Gain access to various powerups, such as freezing movement, replenishing countdown time, faster shots, upgraded defenses, and more. Can you clear each level before time runs out without getting burned?
Dinosaurs went extinct once, don’t let it happen again! Runasaurus Rex: Origins is a thrilling endless runner where you take control of Rex, a fearless T-Rex on a desperate race for survival. Dash, jump, and dodge your way through dangerous terrain as you try to outrun extinction itself!
Rent a house for one night and find out why no one ever stays. In Stay Still, you play as Nam, trapped in a home scarred by a 2008 crime. Explore oppressive rooms, solve environmental puzzles, and avoid at all costs the spirits that stalk you. There’s no combat here—if you want to live to tell the tale, you’ll need to run, hide, and sharpen your ears.
