Once more, we’ve reached that seasonal milestone, and just as it signified the commencement of our weekly activities, it now serves as a concluding symbol – the Xbox Games Showcase.
Initially, I’d like to make it clear where I stand, and that is, I found this showcase to be commendable, let’s call it a ‘B’. If we’re using grades as a benchmark for performances, Sony’s State of Play and Geoff Keighley’s Summer Game Fest both received a fair ‘C’.
Over the past several years, there’s been a significant shift from the usual pattern. For a decade now, I’ve attended Xbox events with high expectations, thinking “This is the year they will astonish gamers,” but unfortunately, it was always followed by disappointment. However, recently, Xbox seems to have entered a phase of reliability, which could be a crucial milestone in their narrative history.
As a tech enthusiast, I’ve been blown away by how Xbox has consistently raised the bar in gaming presentations. It all started back at the 2023 Xbox showcase, where they finally delivered on their promise and showed us the incredible platform we’d been waiting for. Packed with hit after hit, it was like a dream come true for gamers like me.
After that, the company chose to establish a metaphorical benchmark of 400 feet, based on their previous year’s exhibition, demonstrating numerous consecutive years during which I’ve been astonished by the displays.
The company decided to aim for a high standard (400-foot bar) based on last year’s event, showing that they have consistently impressed me with their shows.
This year’s exhibition didn’t surpass the exceptional experience we had in 2024, but nonetheless, we were treated to the unveiling of Xbox Game Studios Clockwork Revolution, Grounded 2, and Outer Worlds 2 in succession.
As an analyst, I’m thrilled to share that a plethora of exciting titles are joining Xbox Game Pass on their release day. This undeniably strengthens the case for investing in an Xbox, or at least dipping my toes into the Xbox ecosystem. The combination of Xbox Games Studios and the Xbox showcase has elevated satisfaction from a dream to a reality – something that was scarcely imaginable years ago.
On another note, I find myself in awe of Obsidian Entertainment’s meteoric rise. Their impressive track record of delivering top-tier games this year alone is simply mind-blowing! It leaves me wondering, “What the heck?!
Moving on, let me continue with my previous point! It’s worth noting that Xbox isn’t just producing its own content but also securing crucial collaborations with external studios, enriching the Xbox platform further. Some of these partnerships involve studios traditionally associated with PlayStation events, like Nintendo heavyweight Game Freak, who have captivated us with their masterpiece, Beast of Reincarnation.
Once again, Atlus could be appearing at an Xbox gathering, showcasing the return of Persona 4. Could it be a new fighting game other than Killer Instinct? (In this case, “Invincible VS” could be replaced with any suitable name for the hypothetical game.)
With Xbox Game Studios and the Xbox Showcase, anticipation has become an assured reality rather than a hope, as it once was years ago.
Xbox and PlayStation find themselves in fierce competition, vying for the productions of these studios more intensely than ever before. While more games are indeed joining Xbox Game Pass, there’s a surprising resurgence of the beloved feature, known as Xbox Play Anywhere.
For instance, the talented horror specialists at Blooper Team—responsible for the Silent Hill 2 remake on PlayStation—are now hard at work on their upcoming game, Cronos: The New Dawn. Remarkably, this upcoming title, like many others, will be part of the Xbox Play Anywhere collection.
A space that was traditionally ruled by Sony for years has now turned into a situation where they unexpectedly join the party with their State of Play presentation, just days before the main event. It’s almost like they were compelled to make an appearance.
However, it’s not that I’m not excited about games like Nioh 3, Ghost of Yōtei, and Pragmata – I can hardly wait to play them! But Xbox managed to make a more impactful entrance than both the State of Play and Summer Game Fest.
At Summer Game Fest, it was evident that small teams or even a handful of talented individuals can produce captivating creations without needing the resources of multi-billion dollar studios. However, the sense of grandeur often associated with blockbuster titles seemed to be absent.
Subsequently, the State of Play showcased their exceptional works, primarily featuring Ghost and Nioh 3. The noticeable gap in their first-party titles compared to Xbox left me puzzled. Previously, they unveiled games like Wolverine; so, I wonder what other projects are brewing beyond Intergalactic?
Xbox recently presented various first-party games, such as upcoming AAA RPGs, a novel survival game, and more, in addition to third-party previews showcasing an extraordinary title, Mudang Two Hearts, developed by ex-CD Projekt Red team members, along with The Blood of Dawnwalker.
Wow, it’s exciting to learn that there will be another installment of the Plague Tale series and a new game similar to Pokémon called Aniimo! Both were unveiled during the Xbox showcase. Interestingly, this event was quite distinctive as it didn’t present numerous games we’ve already seen before.
Here’s my take: You know, I was genuinely impressed with Xbox’s performance at the event, even though they didn’t reveal much about Fable, Contraband, State of Decay 3, Perfect Dark, the next Forza Horizon, Kojima’s new game, Everwild, and other titles. Not to mention all the secret projects that are currently under wraps! It was a solid presentation, but boy, I can’t wait to see what else they have up their sleeves!
When we eventually obtain a game like The Outer Worlds 2 with a Fable Direct, what does that imply for us gamers? Additionally, if there’s a hint of another Halo game resurfacing during the 25th anniversary of Xbox in 2026, what could it mean for the gaming community?
If we get The Outer Worlds 2 with a Fable Direct, what will that be like for us gamers? Moreover, if there’s a hint of another Halo game coming during Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026, what could it mean for the gaming world?
Or:
What can we expect when The Outer Worlds 2 comes out with a Fable Direct? Furthermore, what might happen if there’s another Halo game announced during Xbox’s 25th anniversary in 2026?
Other platforms have some catching up to do.
This is for all gamers
There are many additional capabilities of Xbox that we haven’t witnessed yet, as they have not been fully demonstrated. The Xbox platform has become a unique showcase, appealing not just to Xbox enthusiasts, but also to PC and PlayStation users.
Although it may not always please some video game enthusiasts, it’s rapidly turning into the must-watch event for catching glimpses of some of the most promising future releases on various platforms. Usurping the title that Summer Game Fest has been vying for each year.
Consider this: The Xbox presentation was more appealing for third-party game enthusiasts compared to the Summer Game Fest, which was dedicated to third-party games. Regardless of your opinion on this matter, it’s fascinating that such a comparison has even arisen in conversation.
More content from first-party Xbox Studios was unveiled that will be available on PlayStation, Switch, and PC, rather than exclusive to Xbox. Some of this content includes Indiana Jones DLC, an update for Fallout 76, Outer Worlds 2, a combined Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 and 4, and Age of Mythology: Heavenly Spear Retold, all launching simultaneously on PlayStation.
While Grounded 2, Clockwork Revolution, and Keeper are currently exclusive to Xbox, there have never been more compelling reasons for other gaming platforms to take notice of an Xbox showcase.
Regardless of whether you think Xbox clinched the top spot in gaming this year over PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, or PC, their presentation has proven it to be a must-see event for every dedicated gamer.
What they desired was exactly that, and it’s simply one more proof pointing towards Xbox reclaiming the top position once more.
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2025-06-09 19:09