This year we have seen part of the result of years of work from Microsoft at the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase.
Since 2018, one video game company has managed to stand out from the rest. Year after year, Sony has presented new PlayStation titles that simply broke the mold, counting on the best developers to launch exclusive games. But, this has been changing recently.
One company that has been overshadowed is Xbox. Since the arrival of Phil Spencer, Xbox has had only one goal: to become the most important company in the video game industry. In addition to the great work with their consoles, they have focused on presenting the best showcases in the industry. And for another year in a row, they have arguably put on the best of the summer presentations.
Good decisions, good results
Xbox has been doing a great job since 2017 to create a video game ecosystem. Part of this great work has been thanks to the revolutionary ideas brought by Phil Spencer. In addition, the plan proposed by the Xbox boss to buy development studios is slowly bearing fruit. Adding to this, there is the growing success of Xbox Game Pass. It is perhaps, at present, the best video game service there is.
All these elements have allowed Xbox to turn its showcases into the most important in the industry. With all the innovations, games in development, exclusives, and more, they are able to satisfy the needs of gaming fans in general. Even this year, the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase was the best showcase of the summer. With this, they have left a lot of titles on the table that, without a doubt, should be mentioned.
Overall, the entire line-up of games was a highlight. Although, like everything else, there were certain titles that should stand out from the rest. Therefore, in this article, I will mention the games from the presentation that caught my attention the most. These are games that promise a lot, and that I recommend that no one should miss trying them.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Having been introduced in 2019, the community attention to this 2D Metroidvania has been increasing over the last few years. However, Team Cherry has not shown anything about it since the announcement. Therefore, after a series of rumors that it would finally be presented this year, Xbox has finally done it.
Brought from the ashes, the sequel to Hollow Knight will finally be released in the next 12 months, although everything points to January or February 2023. The game will be released on the same day as its launch on Xbox Game Pass, Xbox’s subscription gaming service. Although not much information was shared, it seems that the game will have a temporary exclusivity in the Xbox ecosystem. After that, it will be released on the other consoles.
Forza Motorsport (2023)
Microsoft Studios has continued this year with its chosen methodology for the Forza franchise. After the release of Forza Horizon 5, it was only a matter of time until the next title was dedicated to simulation. That’s why Forza Motorsport, makes its triumphant return this year. But, Microsoft Studios shared that we will have to wait until spring 2023 to have this title on our consoles.
This new game in the series seems that it will not present a list like its predecessors. What it does present for this new edition are changes in the physics of the game. Among the most notable we can find a new physics of crashes, changes in environmental physics, and a possible improvement in driving physics. That’s largely since Microsoft Studios seeks to compete directly with Gran Turismo 7.
Minecraft Legends
After the recent announcement of joining both versions of Minecraft, the possible development of a new Mojang game is filtered. In the past, we have seen Mojang’s potential in developing games other than Minecraft. And in this new showcase, they finally presented their next project: Minecraft Legends.
What seemed to be an RTS, ended up being an action strategy game. This game has many elements reminiscent of Dragon Quest Builders. Even so, it maintains the essence of Minecraft at all times. With what we have seen in Minecraft Dungeons, expectations for this game are very high. But, from what we could see in the presentation trailer yesterday, it looks like it will meet each and every one of them. Although, we’ll see if this is the case in 2023.
Lightyear Frontier
If we mix Subnautica, with Astroneer, and No Man’s Sky, we will have as a result what Frame Break presents us with Amplifier Game Invest. Lightyear Frontier surprised yesterday by showing a gameplay of a very polished game, despite being two indie developers. This is why they have managed to get the attention and heart of the players.
What at first seemed like a farm management game, turned out to be much more than that. Players in Lightyear Frontier will be able to explore the planet while collecting resources along the way. In addition, there will be a base-building system that is very reminiscent of what Astroneer introduced to us. Likewise, the game conveys a unique essence that makes it positioned as the most interesting of yesterday.
Diablo IV
Finally, after many years of teasers and leaks, Blizzard finally presents us with a little more of Diablo IV. After the release of Diablo Immortal, the name of the classic franchise has taken a bit of a hit with haters of microtransactions. Even so, Blizzard revealed yesterday a little more gameplay, and the direction this new title will take. Which, notably differentiates it from what was presented in the mobile game.
In addition to presenting extensive gameplay of the game, we could see a new class that was missing: the Necromancer. This striking class improves what we have already seen in the Diablo III expansion. Mixing Sorcerer mechanics, the Necromancer along with the power of the dead, will bring darkness to Diablo IV. This new class, along with everything shown in the showcase, revives the interest that players have in this new edition of Diablo.
Cocoon
From the creators of Limbo and Inside, comes a new title: Cocoon. Annapurna Interactive presents us with an incredible game, with puzzle mechanics as we have seen in their previous titles. Even so, the game brings a unique essence, which makes it stand out from the rest of the studio’s games.
Players will live an interesting experience where they will have to jump between portals to achieve the objectives. The art that Cocoon presents is something to highlight. Despite presenting a very stylized graphic style, but with a lot of detail, it makes it very striking. Also, in the trailer we can see a very fluid gameplay, which is representative of the studio. I look forward to seeing what Annapurna Interactive will present us with their new title.
Starfield
As a good sci-fi fan, it’s impossible to leave this game out of the list. Bethesda yesterday gave us a glimpse of what we will experience in their new game: Starfield. In addition to presenting the cinematics of the game, we could see a lot of gameplay where we appreciate the different mechanics of the game.
After seeing everything presented about Starfield, it’s time for Bethesda to change the game engine because looks a bit outdated. Even so, what is presented in Starfield, is remarkable. For those fans of futuristic games, this game is a no-brainer. From the gunplay to the exploration, to the story, it promises a lot.
Although, we must wait for the Starfield to be released to see how Bethesda surprises us.
Honorable Mention: Riot Games collaboration with Xbox
One company that is currently growing at an insurmountable rate is Riot Games. Since the first seasons of League of Legends, Riot Games was already planning to expand its game catalog. Today, its entire line-up of games are among the most streamed and played games. But they have surpassed themselves and given a blow on the table with the new collaboration with Xbox.
If there is one thing to mention from yesterday, it is the new partnership between Xbox and Riot Games for Xbox Game Pass. As an Xbox Game Pass user, starting this winter, you will be able to enjoy all of Riot Games’ games. Among them are:
- League of Legends
- League of Legends: Wild Rift
- Valorant
- Legends of Runeterra
- Teamfight Tactics
But that’s not all. You will also get a series of benefits that will simply blow your mind. Because, by playing these titles from Game Pass you will get all League of Legends and League of Legends: Wild Rift champions unlocked; all agents unlocked in Valorant; all Legends of Runeterra Foundations Sets unlocked; and all Little Legends of selection unlocked in Teamfight Tactics.
Conclusion
After seeing each of the showcases held this summer, the Xbox & Bethesda showcase is at the top of the list. That’s above all thanks to the statement that all the games presented will be released in the next 12 months. Of course, it is possible that some of these titles may be delayed a bit.
Xbox’s bets to expand its ecosystem were noticed more than ever. Not only did they showcase games from their own development studios, but they also managed to achieve great collaborations with other studios in the industry, something that will undoubtedly improve Xbox’s revenue.
But, more importantly, it will make the competition between Sony and Xbox grow. Therefore, we expect a very interesting end of the year ahead of The Game Awards.
