Zachary Boddy
Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft.
For years, Zachary has developed their skills to become more adept at researching, interviewing, reviewing, and writing to always deliver industry-leading content and information to Windows Central readers. Zachary has worked closely with major video games industry members such as Mojang Studios, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games, and even Microsoft itself on interviews, reviews, and breaking news, has led site-wide coverage on important titles like Minecraft and Forza Horizon 5, and continues to provide unique editorial content on a variety of topics that can only be found on Windows Central. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.
Latest articles by Zachary Boddy
I can't review a game if I can't finish it, and Still Wakes the Deep is broken because of this bug
By Zachary Boddy published
Bug Bug During my review playthrough of Still Wakes the Deep, I encountered a game-breaking bug that prevents me from finishing the game — and reviewing it.
Minecraft inches closer to true next-gen versions with PlayStation 5 preview, but don't get your hopes up for ray tracing
By Zachary Boddy published
Next-Gen Mojang Studios has released a preview of a native PlayStation 5 version of Minecraft, which users can now test. However, this version doesn't really change much.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl hands-on preview — Making something special takes time
By Zachary Boddy published
Preview I got a chance to play S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl following its Xbox Games Showcase appearance, and I'm officially interested.
HP EliteBook Ultra G1q hands-on review: An impressive first offering for enterprise
By Zachary Boddy published
Not yet ratedHands-on HP has jumped on the Snapdragon X series and Copilot+ bandwagon with the EliteBook Ultra G1q, an impressively slim and fast laptop. Here are my first impressions.
Valorant for Xbox hands-on preview: No right being this good
By Zachary Boddy published
Preview Riot Games is porting Valorant to console, and after playing for several hours in the closed console beta, I'm shocked by how good this port is.
Head to Jurassic Park or Back to the Future with the latest Forza Horizon 5 update, which also includes a dark horse
By Zachary Boddy published
Universal Cars Playground Games has detailed the next Forza Horizon 5 update, which includes a combined 10 new cars spread across the 2020s and Universal Studios classics.
State of Decay 3 FAQ: Platforms, gameplay, news, trailers, release window, and other questions answered
By Zachary Boddy last updated
FAQ Undead Labs and Xbox Game Studios are working on State of Decay 3, the long-awaited sequel to the MMO-like zombie survival game. Here's everything we know.
Capcom's upcoming Xbox Game Pass release is what I wanted Minecraft Legends to be — "We want players to really understand and feel the merge of action and strategy"
By Zachary Boddy published
Preview During Summer Game Fest 2024, I was able to play Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess for nearly an entire hour, and it's what Minecraft Legends could've been.
RPG fans ate very well during the Xbox Games Showcase, but do we expect any less from Xbox at this point?
By Zachary Boddy published
RPG Showcase The Xbox Games Showcase featured around 10 RPGs — a third of the total lineup — proving once again that Xbox is one of the best homes for RPG fans.
Minecraft 1.21 'Tricky Trials Update' FAQ: Release date, features, mobs, snapshots, and other questions answered
By Zachary Boddy last updated
FAQ Minecraft 1.21 'Tricky Trials' brought new features, content, and mobs to Minecraft later this year. Here's everything you need to know.
The long wait is over — The Minecraft 1.21 'Tricky Trials' update is now available to download with new mobs, the mace, and more
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Summer Update After months of development, players can down download the Minecraft 1.21 'Tricky Trials' update beginning today with new features, mobs, and more.
Annapurna continues to show Xbox Game Pass love with new upcoming games, and I went hands-on with a few
By Zachary Boddy published
AnnaPass Annapurna Interactive made an appearance at Summer Game Fest Play Days and the Xbox Games Showcase, with several titles confirmed for Game Pass.
I loved seeing a new State of Decay 3 trailer, but no release window makes me more impatient than ever
By Zachary Boddy published
State of Mind State of Decay 3 finally got a brand-new trailer at Xbox Games Showcase 2024 that shows just how far the franchise has come, but we don't have any release window.
The next DOOM game goes medieval in official reveal, and it's still coming to PlayStation
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Dark Ages During the Xbox Games Showcase, DOOM: The Dark Ages from id Software and Bethesda Softworks was officially announced, and it's making the series medieval.
Microsoft somehow made its Flight Simulator look even better, and the next-gen sim finally has a release date
By Zachary Boddy published
Take to the Skies During the Xbox Games Showcase 2024, the official release date for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 was finally unveiled. The next-gen sim arrives this November.
I never expected this popular PC esports shooter to come to Xbox, and I couldn't be more excited
By Zachary Boddy published
Valor on Xbox Riot Games announced Valorant's console release during Summer Game Fest 2024, and it actually managed to become my favorite announcement of the show.
Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7440) review: Great performance and battery life, even without Snapdragon
By Zachary Boddy published
Review The Dell Inspiron 14 Plus (7440) impressed me with its excellent performance and battery life for the price, even in its Intel Core Ultra configuration.
Lenovo Legion Pro 5i (Gen 9) review: A great gaming laptop, but stay close to the charger
By Zachary Boddy published
Review The Legion Pro 5i (Gen 9) features more powerful hardware and a cleaner design than its predecessor and continues to succeed at offering a great all-around mid-range PC gaming experience.
X-Chair X-Tech Ultimate Executive Chair review: The definition of luxury, but is it worth it?
By Zachary Boddy published
Review X-Chair makes some very high-end ergonomic office chairs, and its Ultimate Executive Chair sits at the top. I've been using it for weeks to bring you my thoughts.
Logitech Astro A50 X review: A multiplatform headset for the hardcore gamer
By Zachary Boddy published
Review I've been using the Logitech Astro A50 X for a few weeks, and it's clear that Logitech set out to create the best multiplatform wireless gaming headset... But did it succeed?
Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9) review: Small changes make it better than ever (and it was already great)
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Review The updated Lenovo Legion Pro 7i (Gen 9) is barely changed from its predecessor, but all the improvements make this laptop one of the best you can buy.
When does the Minecraft 1.21 'Tricky Trials' update release?
By Zachary Boddy last updated
Next Update Minecraft is always getting regular updates. Here's when you can expect the next major content update, with constant updates as we learn more.
Minecraft is collaborating with Netflix on an original animated series from the creators of Sonic Prime and Carmen Sandiego
By Zachary Boddy published
Minecraft on TV Mojang Studios and Netflix have announced a new Minecraft animated series, debuting exclusively on Netflix in the future with new characters and an original story.
You can go on a real-world Minecraft adventure later this year to celebrate 15 years of Minecraft, and tickets go on sale soon
By Zachary Boddy last updated
15 Years Minecraft's first public release was in May 2009, and Mojang Studios and Xbox are celebrating 15 years with a 15-day celebration, with free gifts and more.