The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 delivered on the high expectations surrounding it, showcasing a diverse lineup of games from various developers, including Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda, Xbox Game Studios, and third-party partners.
This marked the first summer event since the monumental merger of Activision Blizzard and Microsoft in 2023, and it did not disappoint.
What has been announced at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024?
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
One of the highlights of the Xbox Games Showcase 2024 was the reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, set to release on October 25th for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC platforms. The game will be available on Xbox Game Pass on launch day, offering subscribers immediate access.
New and exciting titles
The showcase featured a plethora of new and exciting titles, including Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to the popular Doom franchise, slated for a 2025 release. State of Decay 3, unveiled in 2020, received a new trailer, although a release date remains unannounced. Dragon Age: Veilguard, a new installment in the beloved series, received a tone-setting trailer and is expected to release in 2024.
Starfield and Fallout expansions
Starfield fans were treated to a glimpse of the game’s first expansion, Shattered Space, which promises to delve into the eerie depths of space and is scheduled for a 2024 release. Fallout 76 also received a new update, Skyline Valley, introducing a new region, mysteries, and the ability to play as a ghoul.
Other notable games
The showcase featured a variety of other intriguing games, including Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a debut RPG from Sandfall Interactive; South of Midnight, a beautifully stylized fantasy game from the creators of We Happy Few; and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, offering players the opportunity to become commercial pilots or engage in various aviation roles.
Expansions and updates
Several popular franchises received expansions and updates during the Xbox Games Showcase 2024. World of Warcraft: The War Within, the next expansion for the beloved MMO, is set to release on August 26th.
Sea of Thieves will launch its 13th season on July 25th, allowing players to embrace their inner pirate villain. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, an explosive Souls-lite action RPG, will be available on July 18th.
Remakes and new installments
The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 also included the announcement of Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of the classic Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater with modernized controls. Additionally, the showcase provided a glimpse into Perfect Dark, the highly anticipated revival of the classic franchise, although a release date remains unannounced.
Diablo 4 and Fable
Diablo 4 fans were treated to the opening cinematic for the Vessel of Hatred expansion, which introduces a new character class, region, and story in October. Fable, a beloved franchise, also made an appearance with a cheeky trailer, teasing its expected release in 2025.
Additional games and hardware
The showcase featured a range of other games, including Fragpunk, a card-based shooter; Winterburrow, a charming adventure featuring a little mouse; Mixtape, a mysterious coming-of-age story told through music; and Avowed, a new RPG from Obsidian Entertainment. Additionally, Microsoft announced new Xbox Series X consoles with varying storage options.
The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 delivered a compelling lineup of games, expansions, and updates, showcasing the diverse and exciting future of gaming on Xbox. The showcase catered to a wide range of interests, from action RPGs and shooters to simulations and open-world adventures.
With highly anticipated titles like Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, Starfield: Shattered Space, and Dragon Age: Veilguard on the horizon, Xbox gamers have much to look forward to in the coming months and years. The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 solidified Microsoft’s commitment to providing a diverse and engaging gaming experience for its users.
Xbox Games Showcase 2024 TLDR;
- Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 releasing October 25th on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC, available on Xbox Game Pass day one.
- Doom: The Dark Ages, a prequel to the Doom franchise, releasing in 2025.
- State of Decay 3 received a new trailer, release date still unannounced.
- Dragon Age: Veilguard set to release in 2024.
- Starfield’s first expansion, Shattered Space, coming in 2024.
- Fallout 76 update, Skyline Valley, introduces new region, mysteries, and playable ghoul.
- Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a new RPG, coming in 2025.
- South of Midnight, a fantasy game from creators of We Happy Few, coming in 2025.
- Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 allows players to become pilots or take on other aviation roles.
- World of Warcraft: The War Within expansion releasing August 26th.
- Sea of Thieves’ 13th season launches July 25th, allowing players to become pirate villains.
- Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn, an action RPG, releasing July 18th.
- Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater, a remake of Metal Gear Solid 3.
- Perfect Dark gameplay revealed, release date unannounced.
- Diablo 4: Vessel of Hatred expansion coming in October with new class, region, and story.
- Fable teased for 2025 release.
- Fragpunk, a card-based shooter, coming in 2025.
- Winterburrow, a charming adventure game, coming in 2025.
- Mixtape, a coming-of-age story told through music, expected in 2025.
- Avowed, a new RPG from Obsidian Entertainment, coming in 2024.
- New Xbox Series X consoles with varying storage options.
Phil Spencer responds to Xbox Handheld leaks
The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 featured a plethora of game announcements and updates, but it notably lacked any mention of the long-rumored Xbox handheld console.
Xbox head Phil Spencer acknowledged the rumors and expressed excitement about different form factors and ways to play, but did not provide any concrete details or announcements regarding the Xbox Handheld leaks. He emphasized the importance of local play for a hypothetical Xbox handheld, aligning with previous comments he made about wanting a device that feels like an Xbox and allows access to all games and save files.
While new Xbox hardware is on the horizon, including a next-generation console, the details of a potential Xbox handheld remain shrouded in mystery for now.
Keep in mind that most of the newly announced titles at Xbox Games Showcase 2024 will be available on Xbox Game Pass as soon as they are released.
Featured image credit: Billy Freeman/Unsplash
