Summer Game Fest 2023 continues. This time though, it’s Xbox’s turn to take the floor. It’s quite a packed showcase once again, with plenty of hyped and unique releases either revealed or confirmed to be right around the corner. So sit tight. We’re running through everything announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023.
A New Fable is on the Way
The I.T. Crowd actor Richard Ayoade joins the newest iteration of Fable as Dave, the vegetable enthusiast. The trailer looks visually stunning and is packed with enough action and humour to have us interested. But it’s only when Dave’s character is revealed to be a giant, as the protagonist bobs and weaves between his swatting outbursts, that things take a dramatic turn. Even then, there’s a subtle wink and dramatic cut to the title. Fable is back.
Avowed Finally gets a Release Window
Avowed has admittedly gone missing for a while. But thanks to a new and cinematic look at some gameplay, we also got a peek at a 2024 release window. While we can’t wait to see more, we’re just glad it’s still on the way. It will be coming to Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Starfield Gets Awesome New Deep Dive and Some Fancy Collector’s Editions
We’re really hesitant to use the word ‘revolutionary’ to describe Starfield. But thanks to this deep dive trailer, we’re lacking a better word. From incredibly detailed character and ship customisation to wide-open worlds and engaging combat, this is something that has to be seen to be believed. The Constellation Explorer’s Watch, which is seen in-game, will also be coming with the game’s Collector’s Edition, which is fully functional and connects to your phone. A new Starfield custom and limited-edition controller and Xbox Headset have also been announced, and they look absolutely gorgeous.
The deep dive definitely got a little more breathing room compared to the rest of the announcements, but it’s well worth the watch.
Star Wars Outlaws has been Revealed as Ubisoft’s New Open-World Star Wars Story
This one had been on our minds for a while. But today, we were finally given the goods. Set between The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi, Star Wars Outlaws will follow protagonist Kay Vess, on what seems to be one Hell of a heist. We can’t wait to see more at Ubisoft Forward’s upcoming 2023 showcase.
A Black Xbox Series S is on the Way
This Carbon Black Xbox Series S will also come with 1TB of SSD storage, making it the perfect reason to jump on board if you’re only really using the system for Game Pass. That being said, it looks gorgeous.
Forza Motorsport Nails Down a Release Date
While we knew this was coming, we now know it’s dropping on the 10th of October, 2023. There’s not really much else to say here. It looks incredibly polished, and the developers at Turn 10 have enough experience under their belt to push the franchise forward yet again. We can’t wait.
Clockwork Revolution Looks Incredibly Stylish
For a second there, I thought they had accidentally mixed Bioshock Infinite’s trailer into the show. While it bears a striking resemblance to Columbia visually, it seems as though you’ll get the chance to mess around with time in unique ways. While there’s mn official release date or windows at the time of writing, we’re hoping it’s late 2024.
South of Midnight Revealed
That stop-motion animation style is all the rage at the moment, but this looks visually incredible nonetheless. Unfortunately, this is another game with no official release date or window as of yet.
We Got Another Look at Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II
The first Hellblade is, in my opinion, one of the most underrated games of the last generation. The tone has been set early, for this creepy sequel to follow up with something truly impressive, thanks to Melina Juergens’ fantastic and nuanced portrayal of Senua. This one is dropping sometime in 2024.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is on the Way
The wildly popular experience returns once again, with some nifty additions like helicopter rescues, skydiving aviation, and air races. It’s already so damn good, we’re just happy that’s expanding in general. We can’t wait to hop on board next year.
Dune’s Ornithopter is Also Coming to Microsoft Flight Sim
Dune’s Ornithopter is so cool, and I’m glad that Microsoft Flight Sim thinks so too. It will launch in line with Dune: Part 2 on the 3rd of November, 2023.
33 Immortals Really Wants You to Play Cooperatively
This is madness. But it’s also gorgeous. With a whopping 33 players able to jump on board cooperatively, this is shaping up to be one mighty party game. It’s launching sometime in 2024.
Towerborne is Coming in 2024
Tower defence? Side-scrolling beat em’ up? It’s unclear what this is, but we’re all in for Towerborne when it launches sometime in 2024. It’s also coming to Game Pass on day one.
Climbing-Focused Game Jusant Looks Fantastic
So many games involve climbing as a mechanic, but how often are they about climbing? Jusant is here to rectify that, as we see our protagonist scale various large mountains, complete with their own unique environments and stunning vistas. It’s launching sometime toward the end of 2023, and you’ll be able to play it on day one via Game Pass.
City Skylines 2 is Around the Corner
This impressive in-game trailer shows off an impressive amount of moving parts. From buildings to streets and entire suburbs, you’ll be able to craft it all as you see fit. It’s launching on the 24th of October, and you’ll also be able to play this on day one via Game Pass.
We’re Getting Not One, but TWO New Persona Games
The Persona train just keeps on rolling. Persona 3 Reload acts as a reimagining of the original Persona 3, complete with new visuals and updated combat mechanics. Persona 5 Tactica however, feels like something else. Well, it’s basically a top-down tactical version of Persona 5, but we’re all here for it. Persona 5 Tactica will launch on the 17th of November 2023, while Persona 3 Reload is set to launch in early 2024. Both will be available on day one via Game Pass.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Looks Like a Bunch of Fun
Colourful, vibrant, energetic. Dungeons of Hinterberg sees you traversing multiple unique landscapes and switching between third-person exploitation and isometric combat. It’s coming sometime in 2024.
The Like a Dragon Franchise Returns with Infinite Wealth
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth loos about as bonkers as you would expect, as protagonist Ichiban Kasuga wakes up naked on a beach. We’ll just leave it there. It’s launching sometime in early 2024.
Still Wakes the Deep Looks Super Creepy
While we’ve seen plenty of announcements today, Still Wakes the Deep strikes me as one of the more interesting trailers. Set on what seems to be an abandoned oil rig, the pace and creepy tone is immediately set, even with little context. It’s arriving early in 2024.
Payday 3 Looks Great and is Coming Out Later This Year
Payday returns with some slick visuals and the same crazy action we’ve come to love over the years. It looks incredibly polished, and while this trailer set the mood, we can’t wait to see how this differs from Payday 2, which is still fantastic. It’s coming later this year on the 21st of September.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is Shaping up to be the Game we All Wanted Initially
Keanu Reeves returns as Jonny Silverhand, while Idris Elba is introduced as Solomon Reed. They each accompany the player on a wild spy adventure that feels both fast-paced and packed with action. We’re coming back to Night City. It drops later this year on the 26th of September.
Studio Zero is Bringing us Metaphor: Refantazio
The team behind Persona is shaking things up with something arguably crazier than anything Persona ever threw at us. And that’s saying something. The only issue we see here is that we’ll have to wait until 2024 to play this.
Overwatch 2: Invasion is Dropping in August
Overwatch 2’s latest expansion is bringing a new support character, new story missions, maps and modes. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with more Overwatch. It’s dropping later this year on the 10th of August.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom is Right Around the Corner
Launching on the 20th of June, the next chapter in The Elder Scrolls Online is looking incredibly fresh! While there’s a much to catch up on, it’s great to see this getting the love it deserves.
Sea of Thieves is Teaming up With Monkey Island
It’s happening! Guybrush Threepwood is actually in Sea of Thieves. This feels like the most natural collaboration, and we’re taking this as an additional chapter in the Monkey Island series either way. You’ll get to play this new story for free when it launches on the 20th of July.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is Capcom’s Next Action-Adventure
So you’re telling us that Capcom is bringing out RE Engine-powered, stylish action-adventure centred around magical Samurai warriors? Say less. While you’ll be able to play this on day one via Game Pass, there’s no release date at the time of writing.
Fallout 76 is Taking Things to Atlantic City
Pack your bags! Fallout 76 is taking us on a holiday, complete with new areas to explore and new quests to complete. It’s coming soon and will also launch on Game Pass.
And that’s a wrap! yes, it’s another long list of announcements, but it’s great to see Xbox providing gamers with a wealth of new and exclusive content. Game Pass is also getting heaps of love. Stay tuned for more as Summer Game Fest 2023 continues.
