Alexander Cope
Alexander Cope is a gaming veteran of 30-plus years, primarily covering PC and Xbox games here on Windows Central. Gaming since the 8-bit era, Alexander's expertise revolves around gaming guides and news, with a particular focus on Japanese titles from the likes of Elden Ring to Final Fantasy. Alexander is always on deck to help our readers conquer the industry's most difficult games — when he can pry himself away from Monster Hunter that is!
Latest articles by Alexander Cope
![Palworld promotional screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/ZEWX6dffrHSmSrBVru3989-320-80.jpg)
Palworld roadmap revealed: Xbox and Steam PC cross-play, PvP, raids, and much more
By Alexander Cope published
Palworld roadmap Pocketpair has announced its plans for Palworld with an Early Access content roadmap. They are planning to implement bug fixes, new content, and more.
![Palworld promotional screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/iJJxcyB5giF5PTJoDnGf9A-320-80.jpg)
Palworld on Xbox doesn't have dedicated servers and won't for the foreseeable future
By Alexander Cope published
Palworld server woes The community manager of Palworld, a recently released Pokémon-like survival game, has made a statement as to why the game doesn't support dedicated servers on Xbox consoles.
![Promotional screenshot for Final Fantasy XIV: Shadowbringers](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Z2JMTXFXfMeujonQ5suEpV-320-80.jpg)
Microsoft erroneously announces Final Fantasy XIV's Xbox Open beta was available early
By Alexander Cope published
Where's the beta? Microsoft has briefly announced then retracted that Final Fantasy XIV's Xbox Open Beta was now available
![Activision characters, by @Klobrille on Twitter (X).](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/NmH56zSTAGHRjMySfajNHR-320-80.jpeg)
Full list of upcoming Xbox first-party games: The full Microsoft Xbox Series X|S, One, and Windows PC gaming roadmap
By Alexander Cope last updated
The future Microsoft's vast legion of Xbox studios is working on a mountain of games.
![Promotional photo of initial design for Hyperkin DuchesS Xbox controller](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/UB5XaDAP7PqMdDzLPZaMZj-320-80.jpg)
Hyperkin announces new retro-styled Xbox controller with Hall Effect triggers and analog sticks
By Alexander Cope published
Retro Controller Hyperkin has announced they are recreating the original Xbox's "Controller S" for modern Xbox consoles and upgrading it with modern Hall Effect components.
![Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood Omega Raid](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/rDu3iUED9496wVzcWPNz9M-320-80.jpg)
Square Enix offers a timeline for when to expect Final Fantasy XIV open beta on Xbox Series X|S
By Alexander Cope last updated
FFXIV Open-Beta Get your Xbox Series X|S ready as the open beta for Final Fantasy XIV on Xbox shall begin during FFXIV Endwalker's Patch 6.5x cycle.
![Final Fantasy XIV Dawntrail full CG trailer screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VwS87nWkWVbwpy5FipgeYT-320-80.jpg)
Final Fantasy XIV gets a new Xbox open beta date window, alongside new Job announcements, playable races, and more
By Alexander Cope published
FFXIV Fanfest Japan Pictomancer and Beastmaster Jobs, female Hrothgar, a new start date for the Xbox Open Beta test, and more have been announced at 2024's Final Fantasy XIV FanFest in Japan
![Monster Hunter: World Rathalos fight](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/yopSdFCNvHeXmsjaduKpfg-320-80.jpg)
Over 150,000 players have returned to play Monster Hunter: World on Steam in the last 24 hours — here's why
By Alexander Cope last updated
Return to MHW Monster Hunter: World, one of Capcom's most successful videogames in recent memory, is witnessing a gigantic surge of players returning to hunt on Steam.
![World of Warcraft: Dragonflight reveal trailer screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tkMmnLFbtnXbncZPxQ8zs9-320-80.jpg)
World of Warcraft: Dragonflight — Seeds of Renewal update coming mid-January
By Alexander Cope published
Seeds of Renewal Blizzard has announced that World of Warcraft: Dragonflight's Seeds of Renewal update will go live on January 16, 2024.
![Minecraft Best Xbox Kids Games](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/2wZXHacSB74ijUgr7eiCZR-320-80.jpg)
Best Xbox Kids Games 2024
By Alexander Cope last updated
Xbox Kids Games Looking for the best Xbox games for kids to introduce yours to gaming? We’ve got you covered as we have rounded up the best titles for your kids to enjoy on all Xbox platforms.
![Monster Hunter 20th Anniversary Wallpaper](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/67S3woPwdciiR5AkLJUboF-320-80.jpeg)
'Monster Hunter Wilds' wish list: 8 things I hope Capcom will fix to turn Wilds into the apex Monster Hunter game
By Alexander Cope last updated
Monster Hunter Wishes Join me as I present a wish list of aspects that I hope Monster Hunter Wilds improves over Monster Hunter: World and Monster Hunter Rise
![Sea of Stars in-game screenshot](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/BBuLLi6uwTMV4nhFdxAUDP-320-80.jpg)
The creators of Chrono Trigger love one of my favorite Xbox games of 2023
By Alexander Cope published
Old-school JRPGs Recently on a Japanese Radio Show, the creators of the iconic JRPG Chrono Trigger showed recognition for Sea of Stars, an indie JRPG inspired by classic 1990s JRPGs.
![Pre-rendered image of Lies of P](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/js6S7ixAWubFCsByrWKc8d-320-80.jpg)
Lies of P director praises Xbox Game Pass and its marketing efforts for supporting a new IP
By Alexander Cope published
Game Pass praise In an interview with Game Rant, the director of Lies of P, Ji Won Choi, praised Xbox Game Pass as a big contributing factor to the game's success.
![In-game screenshot of Sea of Stars](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/CeyrZhNJYPSnEwjdsy9VuB-320-80.jpg)
One of the best Xbox games I've ever played passed 4 million players in less than 4 months
By Alexander Cope published
Sea of Players Sea of Stars, the turn-based JRPG inspired by classic 16-bit-era titles, has now been played by over four million players since its launch.
![Promotional screenshot for World of Warcraft The War Within](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/Cky8cGy33b5hBdB8AkEdwa-320-80.jpg)
Blizzard announces World of Warcraft: The War Within 2024 roadmap
By Alexander Cope published
WoW 2024 Roadmap The road to World of Warcraft's The War Within expansion begins now with the newly announced roadmap
![Christmas deal header for Microsoft Surface Pro 9](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/VBT7UQkACMW9ymouMxhGLG-320-80.jpg)
Surface Pro 9 deal — SAVE $300 buying one of the best 2-in-1 laptops at Best Buy
By Alexander Cope published
Christmas deals The latest iteration of Microsoft's Surface Pro laptop products is on sale at Best Buy for a 28% discount. Read on to learn more about this deal and how you can save $300 when purchasing this laptop.
![Christmas deals header for Razer Wolverine V2 controller](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/7LJ7MZvFWLDBdESMGUVEa9-320-80.jpg)
"Arguably, it is one of the best Xbox controllers money can buy." My all-time favorite Xbox and PC controller has a HUGE 40% discount for Christmas
By Alexander Cope last updated
Deals Razer's Wolverine V2 Chroma controller is being sold for a massive 40% Christmas discount at several retailers.
![Promotional screenshot for World of Warcraft: The War Within](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/aAffQVHtkSaWgUSHjUgnTc-320-80.jpg)
Blizzard offers the first previews for World of Warcraft's new 'Hero Talents' in The War Within
By Alexander Cope published
Hero Talents Blizzard has uploaded an early look at the Hero Talent system that will be added to World of Warcraft's tenth expansion, The War Within.
![Green Monday header for Lenovo ThinkPhone](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FHArqMsoHWDDu3J5Zo6fnh-320-80.jpg)
Save $300 through this huge Christmas deal for Lenovo's ultimate alternative to Windows Phone
By Alexander Cope published
Christmas Deals Do you miss Windows Phone? Then grab this 50% Christmas discount deal for the best alternative option - the Lenovo ThinkPhone, now available for $399.99 at Lenovo's site.
![Screenshot from Monster Hunter Wilds reveal trailer](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/FkyZA8rtpE2HzyNn9RGQbf-320-80.jpg)
Monster Hunter Wilds trailer analysis: Details you might have missed as the series heads to the badlands
By Alexander Cope published
Analysis Monster Hunter Wilds, the long-awaited next-gen entry of the Monster Hunter franchise, will finally stampede onto consoles and PC in 2025.
![Xbox Game Pass at Gamescom 2018](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/uQpakKAGWNsFTZ6mPf4pHj-320-80.jpg)
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks for December 2023: Discord Nitro, Fallout 76, and all benefits
By Alexander Cope last updated
Perks Members of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate are granted a variety of special free Perks to enhance their online experience. So, we have cataloged every Perk currently available and where you can get them.
![Cyber Monday banner for HONGO Portable Monitor](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/38vNbm7qbJqUXjGovAGfhC-320-80.jpg)
Don't miss out on the cheapest portable monitor deal, ideal for a second screen for Discord while working or gaming
By Alexander Cope published
Deals Amazon is offering a special Cyber Monday deal for the Hongo 15.6" Portable Monitor.
![Cyber Monday banner for HyperX Pulsefire Haste](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/JycpFNnZSJqCiZ3pfAZCyd-320-80.jpg)
Grab these last-minute Cyber Monday deals while you can on one of the best budget gaming mice
By Alexander Cope published
Deals Multiple retailers are selling the HyperX Pulsefire Haste gaming mouse at a whopping 38% discount for Amazon. Here's why you should capitalize on this deal and grab on this mouse.