The Ascent Announced as Xbox Series X-Optimized Exclusive – IGN First

Think 'Diablo meets Judge Dredd'

The Ascent, a new action-RPG from startup developer Neon Giant and publisher Curve Digital, has been announced as an Xbox exclusive on Microsoft's first next-gen Inside Xbox broadcast as part of its Xbox 20/20 initiative.

The Ascent is due for release this fall as an Xbox Series X launch title and will be optimized for Microsoft's new next-gen console. It will also be playable on Xbox One, Xbox One S, or Xbox One X via Smart Delivery; users need only buy it once to run it on any Xbox. A PC version is also launching at the same time.

The Ascent is also our IGN First game for the month of May, meaning we'll be doing editorial deep-dives on it all May long, starting with a world-exclusive first look at extended gameplay tomorrow. For now, take a look at the announcement trailer below:

Neon Giant is a new Swedish developer comprised of AAA-game veterans. The Ascent is using the Unreal Engine. Stay tuned all May long to learn more, exclusively on IGN!

For more on Xbox Series X be sure to check out our wiki featuring a full list of rumored and confirmed Xbox Series X games and every game confirmed for Smart Delivery. Plus, a handy PS5 vs. Xbox Series X comparison chart.


Ryan McCaffrey is IGN’s Executive Editor of Previews. Follow him on Twitter at @DMC_Ryan, catch him on Unlocked, and drop-ship him Taylor Ham sandwiches from New Jersey whenever possible.