For the first time ever, today saw not just one, but two enormous showcases from Xbox and Bethesda, revealing a line-up of our most ambitious games ever. In Xbox Games Showcase 2023, we showed off the future of our platforms – from console, to PC, and beyond – and brought you the games you’ve been asking most to see more of, with definitively next-gen titles in the form of Starfield, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Forza Motorsport (which we announced will arrive on October 10), Avowed and more.
During the Xbox Games Showcase, we shared 27 games (21 of which will be available for Xbox Game Pass and/or PC Game Pass). After that, Starfield Direct shot for the stars to offer you unprecedented access to Bethesda Game Studios’ first new universe in over 25 years.
Starting at the end, we showed off the biggest chunk of Starfield gameplay yet seen as part of our Starfield Direct. Ahead of its September 6 launch, Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield Game Director Todd Howard and his team provided a deep-dive on character customization, exploration, ships, and much more.
From our own Xbox Game Studios, we revealed new projects built for Xbox from Compulsion and inXile in the form of South of Midnight and Clockwork Revolution, and provided exciting updates on the likes of Fable, and the future of the Microsoft Flight Simulator franchise. We even unearthed a treasure no one could have seen coming with Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island.
And from our partners around the world, we showed off the breadth of games coming to Xbox platforms. We had showstoppers like Star Wars Outlaws, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess and Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty, unique and ambitious games from independent developers in the shape of Dungeons of Hinterberg and 33 Immortals and continued our amazing relationship with RPG masters Atlus as they brought Metaphor: ReFantazio, Persona 3 Reload, and Persona 5 Tactica.
Everything in today’s show will be playable on PC and on the world’s most powerful and affordable consoles, Xbox Series X and S. Speaking of those consoles, we’ve heard your feedback on two fronts. We’ve been able to increase our supply on Xbox Series X globally, and we know you’ve wanted more storage with the Xbox Series S, so we had some news for you there, with the announcement of a black Series S with 1TB of storage. Here’s every single announcement and reveal from Xbox Games Showcase 2023 and Starfield Direct:
Upcoming Titles from Xbox Game Studios and Bethesda
Avowed Launches in 2024
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Set in the world of Eora (a location known to fans of the Pillars of Eternity series), Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed will see players embark on a journey through the Living Lands – a plagued, foreign island full of mysteries and secrets, danger and adventure, choices and consequences. It’s a land that feels foreign yet somewhat intrinsic to you; a place calling out for your help. In this first-person fantasy RPG, players will explore diverse ecosystems and meet companions along the way, while uncovering the darkness plaguing these lands. For more information, visit the Xbox Wire article here.
Avowed will be released in 2024 on Xbox Series X|S, Windows 10/11, and Steam. It will also be available on day one with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
inXile entertainment Announces Clockwork Revolution
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
The creators of Wasteland and Arcanum are bringing an incredible time-bending steampunk action RPG to Xbox Series X|S and PC. After stumbling across an incredible invention that allows you to travel into the past, you discover the city you call home—the vibrant steam-powered metropolis of Avalon—has been carefully crafted through the alteration of key historical events. By traveling back in time, your interactions and choices in the past will have a butterfly effect on the deep, narrative-driven world and characters of Avalon, causing them to change and react in unprecedented ways. Learn more on Xbox Wire.
Fable: A New Beginning for the Legendary Franchise
Playground Games presented Fable, its upcoming open-world Action RPG and new beginning for the legendary and much-loved franchise. Welcome to Albion, the home of heroes and where Fable takes place. It’s in this immersive fairytale land of adventure that myriad challenges, treasures and stories await.
Forza Motorsport Announces October Release Date and Much More
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Turn 10 showed off the latest look at Forza Motorsport, announcing pre-orders and a launch date of October 10 on Xbox Series X|S and PC. Also shared were more details on Forza Motorsport’s cover cars with General Motors: the stunning 2023 No.01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R racecar and 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray will be available for fans to drive in Forza Motorsport.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024: The Next Generation of the Legendary Franchise
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Pursue your dream of an aviation career with Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. This brand-new simulator is designed to take advantage of the latest technologies in simulation, cloud, machine learning, graphics and gaming to create the most sophisticated, immersive and awe-inspiring flight simulator of all time. To achieve this unprecedented level of accuracy, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is powered by the significantly evolved Asobo Studio engine.
Available day one on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Xbox Cloud Gaming, Windows 10/11, and Steam. Coming 2024. For the latest information on Microsoft Flight Simulator, stay tuned to @MSFSOfficial on Twitter.
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II Reveals a New Look at Its Dark World
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Everything has led Senua to this moment. Sink deep into the next chapter of Senua’s story with this showcase of cinematic immersion, beautifully realised visuals and encapsulating sound from the team at Ninja Theory. An intimate journey of overcoming the darkness both within and without awaits in Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, coming 2024.
South of Midnight Announced for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, and Game Pass
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
From the creators of Contrast and We Happy Few, South of Midnight is a spellbinding third-person action-adventure game set in the American Deep South, coming to Xbox Series X|S (with Xbox Game Pass), Windows PC (with PC Game Pass), and Steam. As Hazel, you will explore the mythos and encounter creatures of Southern folklore in a macabre and fantastical world. When disaster strikes her hometown, Hazel is called to become a Weaver: a magical mender of broken bonds and spirits. Imbued with these new abilities, Hazel will confront and subdue dangerous creatures, untangle the webs of her own family’s shared past and – if she’s lucky – find her way to a place that feels like home. Find out more in our exclusive interview with Compulsion Games.
Starfield Direct Reveals New Info and Gameplay
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
As soon as Xbox Games Showcase ended, Starfield Direct began, with Game Director Todd Howard and the team at Bethesda Game Studios sharing details and stories from the upcoming sci-fi RPG. The Direct began with details on the game’s character customization – which has allowed to the team to introduce higher fidelity models than ever before. We learned about the game’s main questline, which will send intrepid explorers on a mission to discover the secrets of the universe. We also got a new look at how the game handles your ship’s crew and Companions – the Companions you bring with you, and the crew you hire on, will provide different bonuses to your ship and outpost.
Speaking of your ship, we also got a look at how you’ll be able to build, customize and upgrade your roster of ships, and got a further look at how Starfield will handle exploration. From the surfaces of over 1000 planets to the space in between, discovering what’s out there is nearly limitless. All of this is powered by new technology, which allowed Bethesda Game Studios to create completely unique experiences for every player, while still applying all of the hand-crafted care players have come to expect.
Starfield launches on Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 6. Play it day one with Game Pass.
Towerborne Announced: The Next Adventure from the Creators of The Banner Saga
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Towerborne is the newest game from Stoic, creators of the award-winning Banner Saga series. Packed with fun combat, customization options, and lore to be uncovered, Towerborne has something for everyone. You’ll find yourself in the ruins of the City of Numbers, with a lone tower keeping survivors safe from a looming evil. You play as an Ace, a hero destined to bring hope to humanity in a time of darkness. Multiplayer supports up to four players at a time, so join your friends or set off on your journey solo. Either way, Towerborne is made with player choice in mind.
Available day one on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows and Steam. Coming 2024. Check out our exclusive interview with the team now.
World Premieres and New Games from Our Partners
33 Immortals Is a Co-op Action Game… for 33 Players at Once
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
33 Immortals is a co-op action-roguelike for 33 players. Play a damned soul, and rebel against God’s final judgment. Dive straight into epic 33-player co-op battles with instant “pick-up and raid” matchmaking. Cooperate with your allies to survive against hordes of monsters and massive, challenging bosses. Expand your arsenal and equip powerful new relics to permanently upgrade your soul. Face the wrath of God in a fight for your eternal life.
Cities: Skylines II Coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC on October 24
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Soon you can build the city of your dreams! Cities: Skylines II is coming to Xbox and PC on October 24, 2023, and the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 brought a first-ever gameplay trailer. Start planning your road layouts, zone some new homes, and grow your empty plot of land into a thriving metropolis this fall! Pre-order today to add a selection of landmarks from around the world to your cities when Cities: Skylines II launches in October.
Dungeons of Hinterberg Is a Fantastical Alpine Adventure
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Armed with a sword and a tourist guide, explore the beautiful alpine village of Hinterberg and uncover the magic hidden within its dungeons! Master magic, solve puzzles and slay monsters; all this and more await you in Hinterberg!
Prepare to go on a vacation to a modern-day village in the Austrian Alps, but instead of hiking or skiing, you’ll be slaying monsters, hunting for loot and solving puzzles! 25 magical dungeons have recently appeared around Hinterberg, and monster slaying has become a major tourist attraction, drawing adventurers from all over the world to the small village.
Jusant Is a Unique, Climbing-Based Action-Puzzle Game
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
From Don’t Nod, the makers of Life is Strange, Vampyr, and Tell Me Why, Jusant is a new action-puzzle game based on climbing. A narrative game told without spoken dialogue, this meditative journey will see you scaling an immeasurably tall tower, covered with different biomes to explore, accompanied by the Ballast, a mysterious companion made entirely of water. Jusant will be released in fall 2023 for Xbox Series X|S.
Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku (RGG) Studio Debuted a First Look at Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC
Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth, launching in early 2024 highlights an unexpected chain of events that sets two legendary yakuza, Kasuga Ichiban and Kazuma Kiryu, on a larger-than-life RPG adventure.
Metaphor: ReFantazio Marks the First Fantasy RPG from the Team Behind Persona
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
From the creative minds of the Persona series – Metaphor: ReFantazio marks ATLUS’ first ever, full-scale fantasy RPG, brought to you by director Katsura Hashino, character designer Shigenori Soejima, and composer Shoji Meguro. Write your destiny and rise above fear as you step into a fantasy world unlike anything you’ve seen before. Fraught with unsettling mystery, the kingdom stands on a precipice. Now, you must embark on a journey, overcoming obstacles and transforming your bonds with friends into strength. Metaphor: ReFantazio is developed by Studio Zero.
Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess – A New Tale of the Kami Awaits
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Fend off foul creatures and lead the Spirit Stone Maiden on her path. Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess is a brand new title which upholds Capcom’s legacy of original and innovative works. This labor of love follows in the tradition of truly unique titles such as Okami and Shinsekai – Into the Depths. Explore an incredible world in which traditional Japanese aesthetics are brought to stunning life by the power of RE Engine. Enjoy a unique gameplay experience blending action and strategy. Witness an epic clash between the spirit realm and mortal man.
Payday 3 Gets a First Ever Gameplay Trailer
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
It is with great excitement that we present this first look at the gameplay of Payday 3. This gameplay trailer takes place at a branch location of Secure Capital Bank somewhere in the bowels of New York City. We follow Dallas, Chains, Wolf and Hoxton as they don their masks and show the world that nowhere is safe enough from the Payday Gang.
Persona 3 Reload Is the Rebirth of the RPG Classic
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Step into the shoes of a transfer student thrust into an unexpected fate and enter the hour “hidden” between one day and the next. Awaken an incredible power and chase the mysteries of Tartarus, fight for your friends, and leave a mark on their memories forever. Play the game like never before with a revamped battle system, cutting-edge graphics and gameplay, enhanced audio featuring all-new English voice-over, a remastered soundtrack with new arrangements, and much more. Dive into the Dark Hour and awaken the depths of your heart!
Persona 5 Tactica Is a Thrilling New Spin-Off
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
After a strange incident, the Phantom Thieves wander into a bizarre realm where its citizens are living under tyrannical oppression. Surrounded by a military group named Legionnaires, they find themselves in grave danger until a mysterious revolutionary named Erina rescues them and offers an enticing deal in exchange for their help. What truth lies behind Erina and the deal she offers to the Phantom Thieves? Overthrow your enemies and fight corruption with powerful Personas, an assortment of weapons, and wipe them out with style in this fresh new tactical RPG from the award-winning Persona 5 game.
Star Wars Outlaws Revealed: The First Open World Star Wars Game
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC
Experience the first-ever open world Star Wars game, Star Wars Outlaws, set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Explore new and iconic locations across the galaxy, and risk it all as Kay Vess, an emerging scoundrel seeking freedom and the means to start a new life, along with her companion Nix. Fight, steal, and outwit crime syndicates as you join the galaxy’s most wanted. If you’re willing to take the risk, the galaxy is full of opportunity.
The Chinese Room Plunges into Narrative Horror with Still Wakes the Deep
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Cloud – Coming to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass Day One
Still Wakes The Deep is a return to the first-person narrative horror genre from the creators of the critically-acclaimed Dear Esther, Everybody’s Gone To The Rapture and Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs. A Glaswegian oil rig worker must fight for his life through a visceral storm, claustrophobic surroundings, thick, dark and perilous North Sea waters. All communications are cut off, all exits are gone, the only way to defeat the horror aboard is to face it.
Rush to escape the terrifying, strange entity that has besieged the rig. It’s aware of you, and it needs you… Climb, hide and swim through tight, warping corridors and storm-lashed iron decks. Search for your crew and help them survive – someone is trapped in the galley; another needs you to restore the power, and something strange is happening to your pain-in-the-arse boss. Through it all, you just pray to hear your daughter’s voice one last time.
Hardware Announcements
Back in Black, the New Xbox Series S Has 1TB of Storage
Experience next-gen speed and performance with Xbox Series S in Carbon Black, now with a 1TB SSD. With Xbox Series S – 1TB you’ll make the most of every gaming minute with Quick Resume, lightning-fast load times, and gameplay of up to 120 FPS. Choose from thousands of digital games from four generations of Xbox to find your next favorite game. Worldwide pre orders start today for $349.99 USD (ERP) at xbox.com or microsoftstore.com. Availability starts September 1 at participating retailers.
Introducing the Starfield Limited Edition Wireless Controller and Headset
Embark on a journey into the stars with the Starfield Limited Edition wireless controller and headset, essential navigation pieces in every voyager’s collection. The crisp, clean designs are inspired by real world spacecraft, and are custom built to transport you right into the cockpit of a true space explorer.
Available now – buy the Xbox Wireless Controller – Starfield Limited Edition for $79.99 USD ERP and the Xbox Wireless Headset – Starfield Limited Edition for $124.99 USD ERP, while supplies last (game sold separately; available on September 6, 2023). Visit Xbox.com or your local retailer, including Microsoft Store, for more information.
New Updates for Live Games
Pre-order Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Today
Xbox Series X|S
During the show, CD Projekt Red’s official trailer for Cyberpunk 2077’s upcoming expansion provided a glimpse into the shadowy world of spies. The trailer was introduced to the world by Keanu Reeves — who is reprising the role of rebel rockerboy Johnny Silverhand for the expansion. In Phantom Liberty, players will dive deep into the brand new district of Dogtown — where they will meet sleeper agent Solomon Reed (Idris Elba), taking on a high-stakes mission of intrigue and espionage. This spy-thriller adventure features a host of new characters, a gripping, choice-filled narrative, and new gameplay mechanics. The expansion releases on Xbox Series X|S on September 26th and you can pre-order it right now!
The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom – Prepare for a New Elder Scrolls Adventure
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud
The Elder Scrolls Online offers tons of adventures for RPG fans of any play style with thousands of stories to play, zones to explore, and characters to meet. During today’s showcase, ZeniMax Online Studios shared a never-before-seen look at the latest adventure in ESO – Necrom – giving Elder Scrolls fans a look into the “return” to Morrowind and Apocrypha along with the mind-bending story full of mysteries to uncover.
Xbox players can prepare to check out the Necrom adventure on Xbox consoles on June 20. But adventurers don’t need to wait until then, they can jump into ESO right now via Xbox Game Pass. The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom is now available on PC/Mac.
Fallout 76 – Road to Atlantic City Trailer
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Available for members of Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass
During the Xbox Games Showcase, Bethesda Softworks and Bethesda Game Studios celebrated Fallout 76’s 15 million players who have made the Wasteland their home, showcasing all it has to offer in an all-new trailer. The trailer also revealed that coming soon players should prepare to let the good times roll, because Fallout 76 is headed on an Expedition to an all-new location outside of Appalachia – Atlantic City! Stay tuned for more details on the next adventure.
Become a Dune Ornithopter Pilot in Microsoft Flight Simulator’s Free Expansion Coming November 3
Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Available for members of Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass
The planet of Arrakis comes to life in Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion! We are delighted to announce our partnership with Legendary Pictures and Warner Bros. Pictures to bring the renowned Dune film franchise to life in the Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion. See ‘Dune: Part Two’ only in theaters worldwide and experience Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion on November 3, 2023.
We worked closely with the team at Legendary, Warner Bros., and a key member of the Dune design team to create an incredibly detailed Atreides Ornithopter. Every system and control of the cockpit has been authentically recreated and the unique aspects of the flight model have been captured. Master the complex controls of one of the most dynamic aircrafts ever conceived as you pilot your ornithopter through awe-inspiring locations across the mysterious desert planet of Arrakis.
For more details about the Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion, tune into Xbox Games Showcase Extended, streaming live on official Xbox channels on June 13, 2023. For the latest information on the “Dune: Part Two”, please follow @dunemovie.
Overwatch 2: Invasion Is Coming, the Game’s Biggest Content Drop Yet
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One – New Heroes Starter Pack coming for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members
Overwatch 2: Invasion is almost here! Immerse yourself in all-new ways to play with Story Missions, a new Support hero, Flashpoint Game Mode, Hero Mastery, Firing Range, and group up with friends in an brand-new Co-op experience. New maps, new missions, new game modes and new experiences await in the largest Overwatch 2 content drop yet!
Claim the Overwatch 2: New Heroes Starter Pack with Game Pass Ultimate Perks at release on August 10 to get instant access to six new heroes, legendary skins, and in-game cosmetics. Find out more about this huge update in our full Xbox Wire post.
The Legend of Monkey Island – A New Sea of Thieves Crossover
Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, Steam, Cloud – Available for members of Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass
Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island is a new collaboration between Rare and Lucasfilm Games that brings together two beloved pirate universes to tell a new tall tale of Guybrush Threepwood’s adventures in the Sea of Thieves, featuring Guybrush, ghost pirate LeChuck, and more characters from the Monkey Island game series.
Comprised of three Tall Tales delivered in instalments, as free updates, to owners of any Sea of Thieves edition and all Xbox Game Pass members – beginning on July 20. Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island is a hilarious and heartfelt love-letter to the iconic Monkey Island adventure game series and the first chapter will be available for all Sea of Thieves players across Xbox, PC and Steam on July 20, 2023. Check out an exclusive interview on Xbox Wire.
That’s not all for Xbox, however. Join us on Tuesday, June 13 at 10am Pacific / 1pm Eastern / 6pm UK for Xbox Games Showcase Extended. The event will offer deeper dives into what you saw from Avowed, Towerborne, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, and Microsoft Flight Simulator – Dune Expansion, as well as games from our creative partners that we didn’t show you today. We’ll have in-depth interviews, behind-the-scenes features, gameplay walkthroughs with brand new footage, and more! And you may even see some very special guests show up, perhaps even one celebrity…
