Xbox Games Showcase (Full Recap) | 06.09.24
Microsoft was firing on all cylinders with the Xbox Games Showcase – held on June 9th, 2024 which included over 30 titles including a jaw dropping cinematic for Gears of War: E-Day as well as my personal favourite Winter Burrow from Pine Creek Games who made their world premiere. Every single trailer has been compiled in one convenient place and you can watch the entire broadcast below or individual snippets at your leisure; total runtime with Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Direct is under two hours:
Xbox Games Showcase – Full Presentation
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
Set in the early 90’s – Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 features a mind-bending narrative where a shadowy figure has infiltrated the U.S. government, branding anyone who resists as a traitor, forcing players into a rogue mission against their former command. Multiplayer returns with sixteen brand new maps available at launch along with an Omnimovement mechanic whereby players can sprint, slide and dive in any direction. Oh, and Zombies, Theatre Mode, and Classic Prestige are back again!
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 launches on October 25th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
DOOM: The Dark Ages
Hot off the heels of that Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 reveal, DOOM: The Dark Ages thrusts players into a medieval nightmare with sawblade shields, nefarious demons, and dragon riding. The narrative serves as a prequel to DOOM (2016) and DOOM Eternal (2021) with hard-hitting combat and over-the-top weapons driving this thrilling single-player experience. Developed by id Software – DOOM: The Dark Ages uses the latest idTech engine to masterfully engulf players in copious amounts of carnage.
DOOM: The Dark Ages launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
State of Decay 3
State of Decay 3 propels the narrative years into the apocalypse – an evolving threat looming on the horizon. Players must fight to reclaim lost ground whilst building and sustaining their own communities with permadeath being more impactful this time around than ever before. Undead Labs has been cooperatively engaging with The Coalition (Gears of War) to help them harness the technological marvel of Unreal Engine 5 – Blind Squirrel Entertainment and Wushu Studios provide their expertise too.
State of Decay 3 will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC – date yet to be announced.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
Formally titled Dreadwolf – Dragon Age: The Veilguard see players returning to the vibrant land of Thedas with a new cohort of companions including fan-favourite Varric and his beloved Bianca in hand to combat a pair of corrupt ancient gods hellbent on destroying the world. Being a staple of the franchise, players will learn everything about their companions deep backstories and histories through meaningful conversation which could potentially end in romantic scenarios if explored.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard launches Fall 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Starfield: Shattered Space – Expansion
The first major expansion for Starfield – Shattered Space – centres on House Va’ruun who worship a deity called the Great Serpent somewhere in unknown star system territory. An uncharted station leads players to discover that something is not right and further investigation leads them to the Va’ruun homeworld where a religious cult resides. The Trackers Alliance questline, bounty hunting features, and melee weapon improvements are included as part of the exciting June 2024 update.
Starfield: Shattered Space is scheduled to launch in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Fallout 76 – Skyline Valley Expansion
Vault Dwellers can explore Skyline Valley in Fallout 76‘s first-ever map expansion – opening up the southern region of Appalachia called Shenandoah National Park where shocking discoveries are waiting to be found. Venture down to Vault 63 where enigmatic overseer Hugo Stolz resides with players picking up a rather shocking new questline involving a unique type of Ghoul lurking inside. This update also includes fresh Public Events, Dangerous Pastimes, and a new region boss.
Fallout 76 – Skyline Valley Expansion launches on June 12th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque – Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a turn-based RPG with players embarking on an impossible quest through a vast and beautiful fantasy world. Lumière – the last city of humanity holds a troubling ritual whereby every year a number is inscribed on a monolith which depicting the age group of people selected to be permanently erased. Every member of the Expedition possesses a distinct playstyle with customization options and expansive skill trees designed to help fine-tune your strategies. Mastering enemy patterns will be key to ensuring your victory.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
South of Midnight
South of Midnight – developed by Compulsion Games – is a third-person action-adventure game that follows heroine Hazel through the deep south. She has been gifted with a magical ability called Weaving which helps her rework reality and repair what was once broken. Players will engage in non-lethal combat against creatures known as Haints with the goal of healing their trauma derived from negative energy around it. The message of South of Midnight is about doing things differently.
South of Midnight launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
World of Warcraft: The War Within
Blizzard Entertainment is dropping their 10th expansion for World of Warcraft titled The War Within which kicks off The Worldsoul Saga – a three-part epic narrative encompassing twenty years of mythos that will captivate new and veteran players. The expansion features a new Earthen Allied Race of characters whom are made entirely of living stone. Players can conquer eight new Dungeons and soar to new heights with dynamic skyriding abilities first established in the Dragonflight expansion.
World of Warcraft: The War Within launches on August 26th, 2024 exclusively for Windows PC.
Metal Gear Solid (Delta) Δ: Snake Eater
Metal Gear Solid (Delta) Δ: Snake Eater canonically takes place before Metal Gear Solid (1998) and the sequel Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty (2001) respectively. The game has been rebuilt albeit with story elements and game world remaining untouched – retrofitted to take full advantage of cutting-edge graphics as well as 3D sound which enhances the atmosphere of the jungle environment. David Hayter returns as the voice Naked Snake with original performances being utilized and additional dialogue having been recorded to help circumvent outdated and irrelevant control instructions.
Metal Gear Solid (Delta) Δ: Snake Eater will launch on Xbox Series X|S – date yet to be announced.
Sea of Thieves – Season 13
Avast! Sea of Thieves sets sail with a fiery trailer for Season 13 which sees the return of the notorious Captain Flameheart and his Burning Blade flagship. A new World Event allows players to commandeer the menacing vessel – becoming a villain in their own right. The Burning Blade has a front-facing cannon that unleashes devastating fireball projectiles upon unsuspecting sailors. Seasonal Updates are available to all players for FREE with monetization coming from in-game character cosmetics.
Sea of Thieves – Season 13 launches on July 25th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a thrilling action RPG set in the besieged world of Kian where players control Nor Vanek on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that invaded her world. The game uses familiar elements from traditional “Souls” games and mixes it with rapid mobility to create a rhythmic dance akin to action-oriented gameplay. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will be demanding of players and combat mastery won’t come easy; Possessed difficulty mode will not be for the faint of heart either.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn launches on July 18th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Age of Mythology: Retold
Taking the best elements from Age of Mythology (2002) – Age of Mythology: Retold is bringing modern real-time strategy design, visuals, and gameplay to the party. God Powers are now rechargeable in this iteration and an additional age – Wonder Age – allows players to unleash the wrath of the Gods like never before; pure unadulterated chaos will ensue. Each of the five Pantheons (factions) has their own distinct biome and architecture: golden sands for Egypt and snowy mountains for Norse mythology which makes a chosen setting feel that much more authentic and respectful to the period.
Age of Mythology: Retold launches on September 4th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Perfect Dark
Joanna Dark is back with Perfect Dark – the highly anticipated reboot from The Initiative with players hunting down Daniel Carrington to uncover the mysteries behind the technological breakthroughs that could threaten the lives of millions of people. Perfect Dark is a first-person, single-player experience drawing inspiration from Perfect Dark (2000) and Perfect Dark Zero (2005) to craft this rebooted universe with Crystal Dynamics working collaboratively on the project. Players can tackle objectives utilizing stealth, gunplay, and gadgets. Alix Wilton Regan (Cyberpunk 2077) is voicing Joanna Dark too!
Perfect Dark will launch on Xbox Series X|S – date yet to be announced.
Diablo IV – Vessel of Hatred Expansion
Dropping pure nightmare fuel – Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred introduces players to the Spiritborn class which harnesses mystical jungle spirits for swift and devastating attacks. Explore the Nahantu region to clear out new Dungeons and Strongholds or squad up and participate in a challenging PvE co-op activity that dishes out promising rewards to fearless travelers. Players can recruit Mercenaries to join their quest and take advantage of their unique abilities as their powers progress over time.
Diablo IV – Vessel of Hatred Expansion launches on October 8th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Fable
What does it mean to be a Hero? British comedian Matt King (Rick and Morty) is asking that very question as players gear up to officially return to Albion next year. A dark threat is looming and your reputation precedes you – choices made will change the future of Albion forever.
Fable launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
FragPunk
FragPunk is a frantic, squad-based, 5v5 hero shooter that uses Shard Cards to change the rules of engagement for each round. Players can choose between ten different heroes and equip their loadouts using fourteen weapon varieties across four gameplay maps. Each round only lasts 2.5 minutes and that guarantees things stay fresh and exciting – players are divided into teams of five players.
FragPunk launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Winter Burrow
Our personal favourite – Winter Burrow merges cozy gameplay elements with approachable survival mechanics. Players take the role of a tiny woodland mouse as they adventure through environments to gather up enough resources to help them survive the harsh winter. Craft harvesting tools and make cute decorations for your burrow – turn it into a cozy homestead and knit clothing for warmth. Art style is inspired by Mouse Guard with Don’t Starve and Animal Crossing also shaping the project.
Winter Burrow launches Early 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Mixtape
Nothing but the hits! Mixtape is an immersive experience curated by a playlist filled with some of the greatest songs that defined our generation. The story is told through comedic and joyful gameplay with animation similar to Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem driven by a unique, vignette-style structure. Musical artists featured: DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and more! Mixtape underlines some of the most meaningful parts of adolescent friendship from the first kiss to the last dance; pivotal moments that shaped them.
Mixtape launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
The next installment in the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise promises to be the most ambitious consumer flight simulator on the market. Players will have the opportunity to pilot the largest and most diversely detailed fleet of aircraft against the backdrop of visually stunning real-world environments including Paris, Dubai, Rio De Janeiro, and more! Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is more than just a flight simulator, it allows players to go beyond the aircraft itself and explore a plethora of aviation careers from commercial flights and air ambulance to aerial advertising and agricultural aviation.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 launches on November 19th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Gold Road Expansion
Bethesda is celebrating ten years of The Elder Scrolls Online with the Gold Road update. Players can investigate the return of Ithelia – Daedric Prince – and uncover the malevolent schemes from her most devoted followers. Explore the West Weald region or participate in the Mirrormoor Incursion world event with over 24 million players worldwide. Customize your character with Skill Styling – change how an abilities’ emissive channel and visual aesthetic is presented when casting in battle.
The Elder Scrolls Online – Gold Road Expansion launches on June 18th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure
Max Caulfield returns in Life is Strange: Double Exposure – set several years after the Arcadia Bay incident with Max now an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University. Following the death of her friend, Caulfield original time manipulation power evolves – allowing her to completely jump between timelines and players will get to explore two separate realities. In one reality, Safi is perfectly safe and Max must use this opportunity to figure out the identity of her would-be assailant.
Life is Strange: Double Exposure launches on October 29th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Mecha BREAK
Mecha Break – developed by Amazing Seasun – is a fast-paced multiplayer mech shooter which puts players behind the wheel of a towering mechanized warrior. Players will be able to fully customize their mechs for style and tactical purposes; building a close bond in the process. Mecha Break will feature three distinct game modes including 6v6 Battlefield mode, 3v3 Arena mode, and 60-player PvEvP when the full release drops next year. An upcoming closed beta test is scheduled to take place in August where players can try their hand at the two smaller modes – adrenaline-pumping battles.
Mecha BREAK launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
The secret is out – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle is coming soon with players donning the iconic fedora as the titular archeologist fights to uncover the truth behind one of history’s greatest mysteries whilst being pursued by various adversaries. Troy Baker is voicing Indiana Jones with Harrison Ford serving as the visual likeness for the character model. Gordy Haab is composing the soundtrack – works closely with Lucasfilm and previously scored Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order and Star Wars Jedi: Survivor respectively. The game looks to capture the same charm and tropes as the popular films.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle launches in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a souls-like action RPG set during the late Ming Dynasty – riddled with warring factions and an illness that’s turning humans into monstrous creatures. Players will explore the depths of Shu as Wechang as she pieces together her lost memories; choices made and secrets unearthed will lead to several different endings. Wuchang: Fallen Feathers is a non-linear experience and players can freely choose which direction they wish to pursue – navigating large interconnected open environments. Master the powerful double-handed axes or nimble dual one-handed blades!
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment is sending players to the uncharted wilds of the Living Lands – tumultuous frontier. Avowed is an action RPG where players take on the role of an Aedyran Empire envoy in charge of stopping the Dreamscourge – a mysterious plague of the soul. This incredible journey will take players to wonderous regions including the bustling port city of Paradis with four companions standing by your side. Navigating relationships within this world is vital to ultimately curing the plague.
Avowed launches in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Atomfall
The rolling landscape of the British countryside provides the idyllic backdrop for Atomfall – a single player survival-action game set in a post-war era. The narrative pays homage to speculative fiction with inspiration taken from real events including a 1957 nuclear disaster. Atomfall is fueled by Cold War paranoia, folk horror weirdness, and elements from classic British science fiction – Doctor Who – for an immersive and thrilling experience. Players will be exploring the quarantine zone roughly five years after the disaster, investigating Protocol and what exactly this response force is hiding.
Atomfall launches in 2025 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th Century Japan where they will control Naoe and Yasuke – the latter being Ubisoft’s first historically accurate playable character. Assassin’s Creed Shadows boasts some breathtaking graphics and feudal Japan is without a doubt one of the most requested backdrops in franchise history. Naoe is a skilled shinobi (ninja) whilst Yasuke (powerful samurai) strikes with brute force – together they differ yet compliment each other in equipment and abilities.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches on November 15th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is the next thrilling entry to the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. franchise developed by GSC Game World – a Ukrainian founded studio. The game takes place against an unforgiving landscape with boundless potential as players progress through the story in a non-linear fashion. Players will have an opportunity to play the game with Ukrainian voiceovers and subtitles in their native language.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl launches on September 5th, 2024 for Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC.
Xbox Series X|S Consoles
Microsoft has announced that three NEW Xbox Series X|S consoles are joining the lineup: a Special Edition 2TB Xbox Series X with Galaxy Black finish, an all-digital 1TB Xbox Series X in White, and a bigger 1TB Xbox Series S console which was previously available with a 512GB hard drive. Canadian price points are scheduled to be announced in the near future – pre-order information to follow.
NEW Xbox Series X|S consoles launch Holiday 2024 at participating retailers.
Gears of War: E-Day
Hello Marcus, my old friend! Gears of War: E-Day marks the return of Marcus Fenix and serves as a prequel to the original Gears of War trilogy – fourteen years. Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago square off against a new nightmare of a threat: the Locust Horde – grotesque and relentless subterranean monsters hellbent on laying siege to humanity without remorse. Players will recognize the iconic song “Mad World” melodically playing in the background which is a nice homage to the franchise’s origin during the Xbox 360 era nearly twenty years ago. This was a textbook mic drop moment.
Gears of War: E-Day will launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC – date yet to be announced.
SophistiGamer will provide updates on everything mentioned as they become available to us.
