Xbox Showcase 2025 preview: What I expect to see from Microsoft’s big annual games blowout

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It’s that time again.

Over the past few years, gaming has undergone significant transformations, and perhaps no one has experienced this shift more than Microsoft and Xbox. Rather than luring players with the allure of exclusive games, Xbox has opted for a different approach by embracing multi-platform gaming completely. This means that popular Xbox exclusives such as Forza, Gears of War, and potentially even Halo may soon become available on rival platforms like PlayStation.

As a passionate Xbox fan, I’ve been blown away by the undeterred progress of the Xbox hardware ecosystem, especially considering its shift away from exclusive titles. This spring has been particularly remarkable, with Xbox Game Pass hosting what could be its most impressive quarter yet, boasting top-tier releases such as Expedition 33, Blue Prince, and many more. And as I sit here typing, the list of upcoming games like Space Marine Remastered, Metaphor Re:Fantazio, and other highly anticipated titles only continues to grow!

For the time being, on gaming consoles, Game Pass stands out as Xbox’s most exceptional exclusive title. Without a doubt, it will be a key highlight during this year’s Xbox Showcase, scheduled for June 8, 2025.

The annual Xbox Showcase by Microsoft has been a significant event in the gaming industry, replacing the void left by E3 during the pandemic. However, for the 2025 showcase, there might be a more subdued atmosphere compared to previous years, as no spectators will be present for the first time in many years. Instead, fans are organizing their own gatherings in Los Angeles, with Microsoft not providing any financial assistance. This could suggest a shift in the times.

Microsoft considers Xbox as a crucial element in its overall business strategy instead of just a side endeavor, and the acquisition of Activision has expanded it to surpass even Windows in scale. This strategic shift, however, has sparked some contentious choices that long-time Xbox enthusiasts find questionable. Nonetheless, the influx of revenue appears to be driving up the quality benchmark for services such as Xbox Game Pass.

At the upcoming June Showcase, we can expect to gain more clarity about where Xbox is heading, whether that development proves beneficial or detrimental.

In this post, you won’t find any harsh hints about the upcoming show, but I’ll share my predictions instead. These are formed from reliable rumors I’ve come across, facts I know to be accurate, and my personal aspirations and wishes. Feel free to share your expectations in the comments as well!

Xbox Showcase 2025: A recap on what we already know

2025’s Xbox Games Showcase will air simultaneously across multiple platforms at 10AM Pacific Time, 1PM Eastern Time, and 6PM British Summer Time. You can catch the event on YouTube.com/Xbox or Twitch.tv/Xbox.

Unfortunately, it was announced that there won’t be an Xbox FanFest event or live viewing experience this year. However, enthusiasts are organizing their own watch parties on their own dime.

Or:

This year, unlike previous ones, we won’t see the Xbox FanFest event or live viewing experience. Instead, fans are taking matters into their hands and arranging personal watch parties at their own cost.

Usually, the Xbox Showcase lasts approximately 45-60 minutes, serving as a platform for Microsoft to display upcoming Xbox games on their consoles and Xbox Game Pass. But this year’s event promises a change of pace.

In a series of recent interviews, I’ve noticed Microsoft expressing a newfound openness about releasing their titles on rival platforms like the PlayStation or Nintendo Switch 2. This could lead to an increase in announcements for Xbox games making their way onto these systems, such as Forza Horizon 5 and Gears of War: Reloaded for PlayStation. Microsoft seems eager to highlight that these games will also be available on Xbox Game Pass, which may save avid gamers a significant sum annually.

As a researcher delving into the exciting world of video games, I eagerly anticipate the upcoming event for Outer Worlds 2, a sequel to Obsidian’s critically acclaimed sci-fi RPG shooter from 2019. Rumors suggest that this new game will build upon its predecessor with enhanced combat, roleplaying elements, and overall quality. Furthermore, I am hopeful that this event will unveil the official launch date for the highly anticipated sequel.

That’s what we know so far, let’s get into more speculative territory.

Xbox Showcase 2025: Will we see the notoriously missing games?

I find myself standing in awe, surrounded by an immense collection of studios that Microsoft can tap into when crafting content for events such as this one. Furthermore, there’s a vast number of games that were once announced but have since faded into obscurity, veiled by secrecy and hushed conversations.

Among these, Everwild stands out prominently. Originally announced by Sea of Thieves studio Rare, it was initially unveiled with stunning visuals and enigmatic suggestions about its potential gameplay. Since then, the lead developer has moved on, but recent inquiries indicate that the project is now back on schedule, with Microsoft’s producers expressing strong optimism. There’s a possibility that Everwild may make an appearance at this event.

Although there are numerous other potential names, one that comes to mind is “Contraband,” a stealthy heist simulation developed by Avalanche Studios. Initially slated for release several years back,

I can’t help but express excitement over the prospect of State of Decay 3, a game that left quite an impression with its photorealistic announcement trailer. The franchise has always held immense potential as a unique co-op zombie apocalypse simulation experience, something many other games have attempted but failed to deliver effectively. Rumors suggest that we might be seeing this highly anticipated title as early as 2026. With such an intriguing preview, it seems like the perfect moment for fans to dive deeper into what could potentially become one of Microsoft’s standout titles for next year.

At this year’s showcase, we might catch glimpses of several games that we’ve seen a bit more of in recent times. One such game could be Perfect Dark, along with Fable, which has experienced some delays unfortunately. There’s a strong possibility that Clockwork Revolution will also make an appearance, given its association with InXile’s shooter genre, often compared to BioShock, blending RPG elements with a modern first-person shooter style. This mix could prove to be quite intriguing, so keep your eyes peeled. It’s also likely that Gears of War: E-Day will be showcased, as it’s slated for release towards the end of this year.

As an observer, I’ve noticed that Psychonauts Studio, under the guidance of Tim Schafer, has been somewhat low-key recently, but whispers are circulating about their upcoming release. Could we catch a glimpse of it at the upcoming Xbox Showcase? My hunch leans towards “yes.” Additionally, there’s talk about the enigmatic project from Toys for Bob, which many anticipate to be a new adventure featuring everyone’s favorite dragon, Spyro.

As an analyst, I find myself excitedly anticipating the potential involvement of third-party titles at these events. For years, devoted Xbox Final Fantasy enthusiasts have been patiently waiting, and it seems their patience will be rewarded during the Xbox Showcase with announcements like the Final Fantasy 7 remakes and Final Fantasy 16 coming to Xbox. Perhaps Square-Enix could take this opportunity to unveil future projects, such as Dragon Quest 12, adding even more excitement to the mix. One can only cross their fingers and hope for the best!

I’m wondering if Electronic Arts (EA) will unveil their upcoming Battlefield game at Microsoft’s event this year. Historically, EA and Microsoft have had a strong partnership, with offerings like EA Access on Xbox Game Pass. However, Microsoft recently acquired Call of Duty, which puts them in direct competition with Battlefield. It’s possible that EA might turn to PlayStation for marketing if they compete head-to-head, or maybe Xbox is trying to demonstrate to third-party developers that their ownership of Call of Duty doesn’t mean they can’t be a beneficial partner.

This year, it’s likely that we’ll receive updates about certain Microsoft service games, similar to past years. We might see fresh content for games like Elder Scrolls Online, Fallout 76, Sea of Thieves, and more. Regarding Blizzard at the Xbox Showcase, I don’t foresee significant announcements due to their full-fledged in-person Blizzcon event scheduled for 2026. However, it’s possible that we might get updates on their existing games as well.

It’s quite probable that the upcoming Xbox Showcase will introduce a range of previously unannounced games, not just from Microsoft’s internal studios but also collaborations with external developers. With Microsoft now earning substantial revenue from multiple platforms like PlayStation, Steam, Xbox, and Game Pass, we can anticipate some of this income being funneled back into exciting new projects and strategic partnerships.

It’s likely that Microsoft will continue to strengthen the unique aspects of the Xbox platform, even if not all games are strictly console-exclusive. This might involve an increase in Xbox Play Anywhere games and a stronger dedication to this concept, as more developers align with Microsoft’s perspective on this initiative.

What about a big gaming “megaton” though? What could close out the show?

343i, formerly known as Halo Studios, has been notably silent following the setback of Halo Infinite. However, the studio seems to be undergoing a significant overhaul aimed at revitalizing Halo for a fresh chapter. It’s uncertain whether they will make an appearance, but there are no whispers suggesting it… Maybe another flagship franchise could take center stage instead.

2018 saw the enigma of The Elder Scrolls VI deepen as Todd Howard and his team at Bethesda focused on Starfield. With Oblivion Remastered reviving interest in the beloved RPG series, there is speculation that The Elder Scrolls VI might resurface again at this year’s Xbox Showcase.

As a tech enthusiast, it’s intriguing to learn from leaked court documents that The Elder Scrolls VI might not release until 2026 or later. Given the buzz surrounding The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, this could be an opportune moment to capitalize on the excitement. One can only speculate, but a timely release of The Elder Scrolls VI would undoubtedly make for a significant milestone in gaming history.

Xbox Showcase 2025: What about next-gen hardware hints?

Microsoft’s Xbox Showcase events typically zero in on gaming content, yet given the current unusual circumstances, the Xbox brand appears to be undergoing a shift or transformation.

As Project Latitude progresses, there’s a continuous endeavor underway to port every Xbox game to PlayStation. This ongoing process has many, including Xbox enthusiasts, analysts, and spectators, questioning whether Microsoft remains dedicated to their own gaming platform.

At this year’s event, Microsoft might take steps to underscore to its dedicated Xbox enthusiasts that they are still committed to the Xbox hardware line.

A significant portion of our endeavor might focus on elements such as Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Play Anywhere, both of which are strong, though perhaps undervalued, exclusive parts of the Xbox universe. There’s a possibility we’ll catch a sneak peek of Project Kennan too, an intriguing handheld device developed by Microsoft in collaboration with ASUS.

It seems unlikely that we’ll get a full reveal of the next-generation Xbox Series X|S successors during this year’s event, or maybe not even from Kennan itself. However, as per tradition, Microsoft will be present at Summer Games Fest, discussing their ecosystem with press and creators.

Around the display area, Project Kennan might be unveiled completely prior to its release, which I have been anticipating for some time this year. Moreover, it is rumored that Microsoft is developing a follow-up to the Xbox Elite Controller Series 2, possibly named the Series 3, that will significantly upgrade and enhance the features compared to the existing version. Historically, Microsoft has unveiled new controller models during their E3-like showcases, so it could be the right moment for the Series 3 to make its debut. We’ll see in due time.

What do YOU want to see from the Xbox Showcase 2025?

The debatable moves by Microsoft regarding Xbox exclusives such as Forza, Gears, Halo, and others have raised some doubts about the brand in recent times, with many questioning if Microsoft might be preparing for one of its traditional hardware phase-outs. Some gaming analysts have gone so far as to suggest that even publishers are uncertain about Xbox’s strategy, leading them to ponder whether or not it’s worth creating games for this platform.

It’s clear that Microsoft continues to have a significant user base, numbering in the tens of millions, within its Xbox hardware platform, and is earning billions solely from Xbox sales. Additionally, this figure doesn’t account for revenue gained by placing titles on PlayStation or the larger market share it holds. Much of this income will likely be invested in enhancing the quality of existing studios. However, it remains to be seen whether this money will also contribute to the development of new Xbox hardware.

Previously shared information indicates that reports suggest Xbox may be developing an Xbox Series X successor and a portable gaming device, possibly launching in 2027. Notably, Xbox Game Pass has been performing exceptionally well lately, setting a high standard in quality for this subscription service that surpasses previous levels.

Even though, I believe Microsoft faces a challenge in reassuring certain segments of the Xbox hardware devotees about its long-term dedication. I’m intrigued to see whether and how Microsoft intends to allay these doubts during the Xbox Showcase.

At this Xbox Showcase, we might see a broader appeal than before, making it more enticing for Steam, PlayStation, and Nintendo users to watch along. I only hope that Microsoft keeps in mind the worries of their long-time console-only customers who have contributed significantly to their current strong standing in this new phase.

What do YOU want to see from this year’s Xbox showcase? Hit the comments, let’s talk.

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2025-05-28 14:41