Microsoft recently held its first New Game Plus Showcase, a three-hour-plus event featuring 45 games. During the showcase, led by creators like Jake Lucky and Luality, they unveiled new trailers and details for five upcoming titles joining the Xbox Game Pass library. These included significant updates on games like Avowed, Grounded 2, and Towerborne, among others. Microsoft used the event to share fresh information about a selection of its future Xbox Game Pass offerings.
Although 2025 presented some challenges for Microsoft, the company is clearly looking ahead to a stronger 2026 for Xbox. With announcements from the New Game Plus showcase and Xbox Game Pass, fans won’t have to wait long to hear more about key first-party games. This month, Microsoft revealed a new Xbox Developer Direct event that will focus on titles like Fable and Forza Horizon 6. The event will also include a look at Game Freak’s Beast of Reincarnation, and many are anticipating the reveal of a fourth, currently unknown game.
New Details for 5 Upcoming Xbox Game Pass Titles
Xbox Game Pass is getting a lot of new content soon, including updates to existing games and several new releases planned for later this year. During the New Game Plus Showcase, Xbox Game Studios showed off three games they’re working on, and also gave a preview of two others.
Avowed
Obsidian Entertainment announced that their game, Avowed, will be available on PlayStation 5 on February 17, 2025. Though originally released on Xbox, this makes it available on PlayStation, similar to what Microsoft has done with other popular franchises.
Xbox players might be even more excited to learn that all versions of the game are receiving a free Anniversary update on the same day. This update includes the long-awaited New Game Plus mode, letting you replay the story from the beginning with your existing character’s skills and gear. Plus, you’ll get a dedicated Photo Mode, the option to play as an Aumaua, Orlan, or Dwarf, new weapons, and the ability to customize your character’s appearance while exploring the world, among other additions.
Image via Obsidian Entertainment Grounded 2
I’m so excited for Grounded 2! I just read an interview with the creative and game directors, Justin Vazquez and Chris Parker, and they shared some details about the next update. It sounds like they’re building on what they started in the December 2025 update, and we’re getting a brand new area called Brookhollow Park! Apparently, it’s a community garden and will be packed with new things to see and hear. I can’t wait to explore!
Players will be able to travel around on ladybugs and use a variety of new items, including weapons, armor, and familiar mushroom bricks from the original game. The new area introduces its own set of obstacles and enemies, like the returning Black Ants and Wasps. A completely new bug, the Cricket, has also been added – it can jump to great heights and powerfully kick players with its legs.
Image via DON’T NOD Aphelion
DON’T NOD recently shared a new gameplay demonstration of their upcoming sci-fi adventure, Aphelion, and highlighted the game’s music composed by Amine Bouhafa. Already confirmed as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass, the new footage showed how the music deeply enhances the gameplay experience. To create the atmosphere of the game’s lonely, frozen world, the developers recorded music using the grand organ at the Saint-Eustache Church, giving Aphelion a unique and compelling sound.
Towerborne
The upcoming game Towerborne has announced its official release date: February 26, 2026. Developed by Stoic Studio, the team behind the Banner Saga games, Towerborne is a cooperative action RPG with a focus on fast-paced combat. A major change for the game is that it will be a one-time purchase and playable offline, moving away from its original plan as a free-to-play, always-online title. Players will still have the option to enjoy online co-op if they prefer.
Nearly a year after releasing Towerborne as an early access game on Game Pass, the game’s directors, Daniel McLaren and Shana Markham, shared that player feedback has been key to developing the complete game. They’ve added a lot of new features, including gear, enemies, bosses, and ways to play.
Image via Fireshine Games Denshattack!
Fireshine Games showed off their upcoming game, Denshattack!, a fast-paced action title set in a vibrant but troubled version of Japan. Players control a subway car, performing flips, grinds, and tricks to earn high scores and complete challenges. Think of it like Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater or Jet Set Radio, but with trains! The goal is to take back the railways by beating gangs, winning races, and tackling other crazy objectives. The developers promise a stylish game that lets players express their creativity when it launches in Spring 2026.
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2026-01-09 23:14