The 2023 Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct double feature was one of the most eagerly anticipated events on the annual gaming calendar. It certainly didn’t disappoint. Players have been desperate for news and trailers on long-awaited games, and Microsoft duly delivered information on some of its key franchises.
Along with footage from some of the top games coming to the platform over the next two years, the event included some insightful deep dives into game creation from well-known developers.
The Event Had Announcements for All Genres
The Xbox games showcase included a range of games from numerous genres, giving fans of all play styles something to get excited about. Thanks to the Xbox’s influence on the wider gaming market, the exposition usually attracts a lot of attention from people far and wide. Indeed, even non-Xbox players and developers from other platforms like to go and get a taste of what’s to come.
Studios from other platforms are often inspired by what’s hot in the console world, and they aim to provide similar experiences for their players. For example, many top-notch browser games emulate the visuals, characters, and narratives that appear to work well in popular genres big on the Xbox market. Their products aim to offer these hot-off-the-press themes to players who don’t have the hardware.
For instance, historically, as games like Assassin’s Creed have explored Viking and ancient Egyptian themes, so too have the browser game markets. A significant advantage to these titles is that they can be enjoyed with no download required. What’s more, they often come free of charge, with players only having to pay if they want to get access to upgrades and extra content within the game.
One of the main genres seen at the Xbox Games Showcase was fantasy, so it’s likely that this will spread out into other areas of the gaming industry over the next few years. Two of the top titles in the genre for Xbox players to get excited about are Towerborne and Avowed.
The Most Eagerly Anticipated Games
There’s no doubt that one of the most anticipated games of all at the Xbox Games Showcase was Starfield, which even got a name-drop in the event’s title. There’s huge excitement around the space-themed action role-playing game from Bethesda Game Studios, as this is the first new IP from the studio in more than 25 years. Since 2006, the company has only made games in its Elder Scrolls and Fallout series. Thanks to the success and popularity of these games, there are high hopes that Starfield will be amazing as well.
One of the most heavily kept secrets in recent years has been the revival of Playground Games’ Fable franchise, which Microsoft first announced in 2020. A few details about the new installment were leaked until the Xbox Games Showcase, when fans were treated to a full trailer featuring Richard Ayoade. Some of the other top games displayed at the event included Star Wars Outlaws, 33 Immortals, and Forza Motorsport.
There’s no doubt that players were treated to a lot of good news at the recent Xbox Games Showcase, and some huge titles are coming to the platform over the next few years. With some sprawling games on the way, it could be a good idea to set some free time aside to play them.
