Xbox Showcase 2023: Overview of the Latest Announcements
Xbox fans can now rejoice as the gaming giant has recently unveiled 25 new video games that will be coming in the months and years ahead. The event showcased 11 first-party games by Xbox, including Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Fable, and the highly anticipated Bethesda’s Starfield, alongside 14 other games from third-party studios.
Highlights of the Xbox Showcase:
Starfield
Starfield was one of the most talked-about games at the event. Its release date is set for September 6, and it will be available on Xbox Game Pass day one. The game will offer a ‘realistic’ space exploration experience, with lots of details provided during the 45-minute Starfield Direct. The exploration, combat, shipbuilding, quests, and character creation have been elaborately demonstrated, giving us an insight into the game’s mechanics. The hype for this game is real, and it is expected to lift the cloud hanging over Xbox’s head.
Fable
Fable, which opened the show, left fans excited with its comical trailer. The game series began back in 2004, and it has been a fan favourite ever since. Notably, Richard Ayoade, from The IT Crowd, features as the angry but somehow placid giant in the trailer. Xbox has made assurances that the game would be available on release day on Xbox Game Pass, though the game still has no specified release date.
South of Midnight
Set in the American Deep South, South of Midnight is a third-person fantasy action-adventure game from the creators of We Happy Few and Contrast. Although no gameplay footage was shown, the concept is giving off good vibes and is expected to release for Xbox next year.
Star Wars Outlaws
A new open-world Star Wars game is on the horizon, set between the events of The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. The game trailer gave us just a hint of what’s to come, with no gameplay shown. We can look forward to seeing more details about the game on Tuesday at Ubisoft Forward, but we do know the game will come to consoles and PCs next year.
Other Announcements from Xbox Showcase 2023:
Other new game announcements and updates from Xbox include:
- 33 Immortals
- Payday 3
- Persona 3 reload
- Sea of Thieves x The Legend of Monkey Island
- Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
- Fallout 76 Atlantic City
- Kunitsu Gami: Path of the Goddess
- Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom (already out on PC, coming to consoles on June 20)
- Overwatch 2: Invasion
- Persona 5 Jusant
- Still Wakes the Deep
- Dungeons of Hinterberg
- Cities Skylines II
- Metaphor: Re Fantazio
- Towerborne
- Clockwork Revolution
The Updated Xbox Series S
Xbox also announced an updated Xbox Series S console in carbon black colour, which will have increased 1TB of storage. It is expected to be released later this year.
Editorial and Philosophical Discussion
The Xbox Showcase 2023 was a significant moment for Xbox fans who have been longing for more exciting games. The gaming giant showed spectacular games, promises of others to come, and gave insight into the upcoming additions to various franchises. However, what is the point of having excellent games without having anyone to play them with?
As great as games can be, the predominant determinant of their value lies in one’s ability to play them with friends, family, and others who share an equal passion. This point continually reinforces the importance of building better communities in various video games. Communities built on shared passion for a game can lead to essential and life-long friendships.
Video games allow people to explore new worlds, perspectives and open up a diverse range of experiences. That’s what excites people about games. The beauty of discovering new things, experiencing numerous emotions throughout the gameplay, and sharing these experiences with fellow gamers. While the announcements of the Xbox Showcase are impressive, all fans of gaming should remember that gaming goes beyond the screens.
Advice for Gamers
As the past year and a half has isolated us more than ever, gaming has been a more critical aspect of our lives than ever before. Therefore, we need to embrace the sense of community that video games provide and ensure that we cultivate this community even further.
Join online forums and engage with fellow gamers. Participate in online league tournaments where like-minded people with the same passion for games compete. However, when engaging with these communities, ensure that you respect others and avoid detrimental criticisms.
Gaming often serves as a retreat from daily life, but this should not lead to disengagement with the community. Take advantage of the fantastic games announced at the Xbox Showcase 2023, but don’t forget to share these experiences with others.
<< photo by ROMAN ODINTSOV >>
