A lot has been said about Xbox Game Studios this year, with Microsoft's first-party output dropping quite significantly from last year - especially when talking big AAA titles. While that's true and has indeed been disappointing, we want to look ahead to 2023 as we all hope for a much stronger output from Team Xbox.
The first offerings that come to mind are of course Redfall, Starfield and Forza Motorsport; three games that are set to launch on Xbox Game Pass during the first half of 2023. Those two Bethesda titles were pushed from this year, which contributed to Xbox's quiet 2022, and we're super excited for them to fill some of the opening months of 2023.
While Redfall is yet to completely win us over, we have faith in Arkane Studios after finally going hands on with the critically acclaimed Deathloop earlier this year. Starfield is going to be absolutely huge when it launches as well, both literally and in the context of the wider gaming market.
However, of the three, this writer might personally be the most excited about Turn 10's upcoming racer. The Forza Motorsport reboot looks like a proper current-gen title, with the game set to feature full on-track ray tracing amongst other 'next-gen' features. It's been more than five years since we first took to the raceways of Forza Motorsport 7 - we're eagerly awaiting the team's next effort!
Then, there's trying to map out the rest of Xbox's upcoming portfolio. Hellblade 2 looks fairly far along in development judging by recent gameplay clips, and titles like Fable and Avowed have been in the works for years now. We're not saying any of these are nailed on for 2023, but one or two of them might make it and that alone would create a great year for Xbox!
There's also a decent chance we'll get a surprise or two. Sure, these might not be as 'AAA' as the aforementioned titles, but we may get another Pentiment or something similar from Xbox Game Studios next year. We loved our time with Obsidian's latest effort, and we'd definitely take more where that came from in 2023!
So, let's relax, take stock, and look ahead to what could — and should — be a memorable year for all things Xbox. Delays are always possible, especially in the current climate, but next year is going to be a good one - we can feel it!
What's your most anticipated Xbox Game Studios release for 2023? Let us know in the comments below.
Comments 52
Well if we are getting all three before end of June 2023 they best start hyping a bit, some trailers, even advertising, PR, and of course release dates 🫣
I will believe it when I see it I've lost confidence and trust in the Microsoft management. Nobody wants another year of excuses.
I certainly don't want to see Phil and co praising Sony exclusives while haven't nothing to show themselves.
This year will be the last chance for me as fed up with waiting.
If I have to choose one, I guess it'll be Avowed.
Personally, I found this to be one of Xbox’s stronger years in terms of indie games and Game Pass. Sure, the lack of AAA exclusives being released compared to Sony and Nintendo is disheartening, but Xbox is on the right track.
@Cyberpsycho
I know what you mean, we want a bit of fighting spirit and PR for those Xbox exclusives coming 2023 we hope and not. I love you Sony well done on GOWR I will be playing etc etc.
Xbox could do with some ruthless aggression this year and start giving it some and then some.
I'm hoping Microsoft do something by mid January to hit the ground running. As so far we have a date for Age of Empire 2 remastered. A date for the others coming before the summer would be nice.
Actually if we’re picky the only game coming from Xbox Game Studios is Forza Motorsport as Redfall and Starfield are coming from Bethesda and they wouldn’t be exclusive if MS didn’t buy Zenimax last year.
It makes you wonder what the heck is going on at Xbox Game Studios with the development of Hellblade 2, Avowed, Fable, Perfect Dark, Everwild, State of Decay 3 and more, we basically know nothing about them and they were announced almost 3 years ago.
Just to put things into perspective, if MS didn’t buy Zenimax we would be going 2 FULL YEARS in a row without a big exclusive other than Forza, that’s wildly disappointing to think about.
If any of the Xbox studios games stands a chance of releasing its hellblade 2. The first next gen exclusive to be announced and also the only one to have had gameplay shown off. Having that in the back half of the year would go a long way.
Given Microsoft had no announcement presence at the Game Awards and Sony had little announcement presence at the Game Awards, it looks like 2023 will be another year of the main news about either being them trying to convince regulators how bad their upcoming lineup is to sway the Activision acquisition outcome in their respective favours.
I’m firmly in the “I’ll believe it when I see it” camp after so many years of broken promises and “next year will be Xbox’s biggest year” statements. As it stands, my Series X is getting jealous of the action my PS5 and Switch get — and I’m eager to see something that can really showcase the power of this $500 Microsoft box!
I’m not really betting much on Xbox Studios right now for 2023 either. Of the “big 3,” Starfield is the only one I really care about. If Redfall wasn’t Bethesda and on Gamepass (it actually needs both of those to have my interest), it wouldn’t even be on my radar. And Forza’s great and I’ll try it, but I’m not one for racing games, honestly. I played like 3 hours of FH3 and that was enough for me… unless it gets some classical music disco racing rhythm game like GT7 had. For some reason, that minigame sort of justified that purchase for me last year. But yeah, Starfield. In all honesty, my faith in Xbox as a brand is sort of riding on that game right now. I’d love to see an update on Avowed and Fable, as they’re the titles I want to see more about. I’m curious about Everwild too. I’ve not been a fan of Rare’s output for a while, but it just looks… like it could be nice? I dunno.
I sort of feel like the Series X showcase was an outline of the entire console generation for Xbox at this rate though, which deflates any excitement the initial announcements had.
I was really pleased with Gamepass August through the end of the year though, so at least I feel like there will be some solid indie titles on Xbox throughout the year.
I think Motorsport, Redfall, Starfield, Gears of war collection and maybe Hellblade 2 will all launch in 2023, just not on the dates promised for some of those games. Starfield will be delayed until the holiday period and redfall will fill the June slot, forza out in March and Gears collection in April/May and hopefully Hellblade 2 in fall.
Does put things into perspective though, without the Bethesda acquisition 2023 would have possibly been another shocking year for xbox, would of been two in a row for the first time since? Just what the hell have they been doing with their studios.
This is the year where they have to start delivering on all the moves they have been making.
I’m just happy to see where Sea Of Thieves and Halo Infinite go this year. I do think in general Microsoft has really languished though. Time to pick it up, Xbox!
Of the ‘big’ games, I only have any interest in Redfall really. Hoping for some surprise smaller titles though, that’s the stuff I like. Pentiment was easily one of the best games this year.
2023 is when the sleeping giaint awakens..
I got so fed up with xbox that i sold my console. I now use a Playstation as my main console and play the odd good game on xCloud. I think this a good set up especially if you don't have the room for 2 consoles. I doubt xbox is going to release all 3 of those games before June. Its more likely going to be spread out in the next 12 months. Still it's nice to have game pass using rewards points, you still get some great 3rd Party games on there. Meanwhile Playstation Exclusives are at another level I'm currently playing some of the older games and even they are at a different level.
@Cyberpsycho
Honestly, I am not disagreeing with you, but when I look at the competition from Sony I am not sure they are doing all that great. Yes, they have already shipped GT, Horizon, God of War, and a Spider-man this generation. But all of them were based fully on existing game engines that didn't get any significant new changes. It is like they just put new content in. The most notable is GT, but GT has been behind Forza for many years now so really they are playing catchup.
I do fully agree that MS needs to get 1st party studios producing consistently. It was really disappointing to see Starfield and Redfall slip. But, I think Minecraft Legends will be another fun RTS, And hopefully the Starfield and Redfall delays put a great polish on the two games. Also, can't wait for Forza Motorsports.
Then on to 2024 where hopefully, we will continue to see 4 x AAA games per year.
@Cyberpsycho Eh, I don't give a *****. I will just play the games as they are released and enjoy them, whenever they come out. Nothing to lose sleep over.
I feel like I read the same thing every year. Next one is going to be The year of Xbox. But Godot never comes..
We all know that Starfield is not coming out until Holiday 2023. They are saving that one because they need that (and maybe one other big title) for the end of the year. Redfall will come out during the first part of the year. Forza and Starfield at some point. It will be a miracle if another big one comes out in 2023.
Save this for next year & replace it with 2024 just in case
I a see Starfield getting a 5.
Really hope Xbox hits its stride in 2023, I want them to punch Sony in the mouth. Figuratively speaking, of course.
I keep reading that it's been a terrible year, but I've been playing games non stop on gamepass and loving every minute of it.
I guess it's because I usually enjoy indies more than AAA.
Saying that, I can't wait for starfield.
@Dezzy70 i just seen some reports of RedFall being internally delayed again. Marking it for May which would mean June for Starfield cause MS publicly said Redfall before Starfield, unless that has changed, so here we go again. I guess March maybe for Forza. Starting to look like 2023 will be close to even worse than what you have been predicting.
https://gamerant.com/redfall-starfield-release-dates-delay/
@Green-Bandit I saw that report too. I’m mentally preparing for another bummer with fingers crossed it’s wrong.
To be honest, after how much of a turd Deathloop was, I’m skeptical of Redfall anyway.
@UltimateOtaku91 i really hope you are right about a Gears of War collection, 1-3 in the fashion of ultimate would be awesome. Gears of war 1-3 are some of my favorite games ever and easily my favorite on Xbox. That alone would carry me months and months. I played the multiplayer for well over 500 hours on Gears 5. The rest of what they have on offer interest me only slightly. Redfall if it’s met with good praise. Forza and Starfield aren’t my thing even if they get 11/10.
@Green-Bandit
I have always said.
Redfall before June 2023
Forza September 2023
Starfield November 2023
Now being honest if the above is true and they are all very very good, then that is a great 2023 for AAA releases from Xbox studios.
Anyone expecting anymore than those three from AAA game point of view from Xbox studios is just asking to much.
This should then lead into a very good 2024.
I mean Gears would be five years since the last major release in 2024 as well.
@FatalBubbles i know what you mean, deathloop wasn’t fun to me, never been the biggest Bethesda fan to be honest and i live in Austin Texas were Arkane is located, know a few of the guys that work there and know a few that work here for Retro studios for Nintendo. So i try and support them, but right now my hype level on Redfall is like maybe a 6 out of 10 and if it gets mediocre reviews that one could get lost in the mix for me, much like deathloop.
@Dezzy70 you are spot on buddy, you have been beating that drum and more and more reports are going your way then the other way. Unfortunately cause i know you want to be wrong and get them earlier. I need something new from Gears of War, that is my preferred shooter on xbox. Over Halo over COD, over Overwatch 2, i play shooters for 100’s of hours on end. A Gears collection of 1-3 would give me months and months of action on Series X.
@Green-Bandit
Between gears 4 and 5 it was three years I think.
So since 2019 what have the coalition been doing.
Hoping for a new gears game soon then.
@Dezzy70 that would be great news. Not sure what they will do.but i can’t imagine how good that would look and run. We are talking possibly the best looking game of the gen on any console. Shotgun splatters would be insane. That game and Diablo 4 would be all i would need for a good long while. But overall Xbox needs to step it up and get some AAA out the door, cause Sony is talking like they have yet again another good year planned ahead for PS5. Gotta hand it to Sony, they release games. They aren’t called the Waitstation, its PlayStation for a reason.
@Green-Bandit
Hope I’m wrong but don’t think I am.
God knows why Phil even said at the showcase those three games will all release before end of June 2023.
It doesn’t even make business sense, especially when you look at the big third party multi platform games releasing the three months of 2023.
Which now includes the new Star Wars game and that will sell like crazy.
We also have Hogwarts as well. Another big seller for sure.
May 2023 sounds about right for Redfall anytime before it will get lost in star wars and Hogwarts for sure.
Then Forza September 2023
Big November 2023 release Starfield.
@Dezzy70 Yeah that makes complete sense to me. But it is hard to tell what they will do i suppose they think since their first party titles go into a service and stay there, they can release them in tight windows agianst other big titles. Or people will start buying games again and cancelling their service. Otherwise everything you said makes sense to me from a business standpoint.
@Green-Bandit
Time will tell but let’s just hope Microsoft give Xbox the year it deserves and its buyers and fans deserve for 2023. Then into 2024 with Gears 6 and a couple more big AAA.
@Green-Bandit
Another thing Xbox could do with is paying for some advertising rights.
Just this second went on a website advert for Hogwarts came up, it looks like a PlayStation exclusive, that means Sony have the advertising rights. Come on Microsoft get your dam arses in gear and bring it 2023.
I mean the USA joined world war 2 made a massive impact both in manufacturing and deployment that’s what your counties made of not this laid back watch the world go by Microsoft with Xbox attitude approach.
@Dezzy70 they should be using more marketing dollars. I mean it won’t make them turn into PS overnight, but they need to be in front of people more. MS has a budget for marketing clearly and they just don’t do it. Meanwhile sony is on every big 3rd party game. Makes no sense if MS really wants marketshare back.
Starfield and Redfall have a lot of weight on their shoulders. I do hope they deliver.
@PeteyPiranha
They both sure do and your are right.
Especially also after the delays.
Always feel there is extra pressure with a game delay.
When they say they are delaying to make the game the best it can be.
BOOM loads of pressure just there.
Take Nintendo delaying day BOTW2, most go ok, as they know they will deliver big time.
That’s what Microsoft need to realise.
I love game pass and really enjoyed what we got this year in terms of games and perks. But it worries me when the output from 23 studios is so meager. Phil must meet Sonys raw thug style
with more than smiles and greetings! Now Xbox users just get the cold leftover from companies like Square Enix...
Still don't believe that all 3 of those will release in the first half of the year none of them even have release dates.
I’m going to be optimistic for a change, maybe 2023 will be a big year for Xbox…
Jan - Age of Empires 2
Feb - Goldeneye
March/April - Forza Motorsport
May - Redfall
June - Starfield
July/Aug - FH 5 2nd DLC
Sept - Hellblade 2
Oct - Gears collection
Nov - new Wolfenstein game
Dec - Avowed, Age of Empires 4
& while we’re in dreamland, I win the biggest ever lottery jackpot sometime around Christmas 2023.
Low expectations from here on out. I have zero faith in this entire management team. If we get the games, we get them, but I’m not holding my breath.
@Dezzy70 My question is...where the hell is Hellblade 2? Without two major delays, there would be only Forza a likely first party candidate for 2023 (according to your list).
My second line of questioning is, where the hell are all the games from other studios that have been lost in the shuffle? How are they progressing? The delays of Starfield and Redfall (along with STALKER 2 and Atomic Heart) have created a smokescreen for many other projects.
Ghostwire Tokyo as well. Another quiet passive aggressive scumbag Sony move.
@theduckofdeath
I know what you mean.
Let’s hope they get their ducks in a row in 2023.
@Moonglow You are right about there being many games to play on Game Pass. I completed High on Life today, and Tunic & Midnight Express earlier in the year. Grounded and Prodeus, are in the rotation, with Solaris (sp?) soon to be added. I'm playing Vampire Survivors on Steam(deck).
The thing is, plenty of people still want Starfield and Redfall (or at least signs of life). Those two could be added to the rotation or take priority. There are number of reasons fans are antsy, truly.
I'd like to see MS get their development pipeline in order. There are too many substantial delays and lacking efforts when they do eventually arrive. It can't all be COVID or coincidence. This goes back to XB1 with Fable (cancelled), Scalebound (cancelled), and Crackdown (dev hell and underwhelming).
Their 1st party output has been anemic, so much that Titanfall and Quantum Break (also with long dev cycle) are somewhat forgotten exclusives. People want to have confidence in MS studios delivering. The newer studios. For their own sake, as well as our own entertainment.
Xbox is not earner to their parent company that Playstation is to Sony. Right now, Phil has Satya's backing and Xbox is well supported. That didn't seem to be the case during the XB1 era and is not guaranteed to remain solid.
Frankly, Xbox needs to clear the pipeline to get new projects going. Game languishing in development cost millions more. New titles are needed to bring in new players.
Reboot halo from after halo 4 and reboot gears of war with erasing gears 5
I would have to say my biggest concern with Microsoft, as
an enthusiastic product supporter, is a seeming lack of original concepts. Both software and hardware. Perhaps(re. hopefully) their acquisitions pay off. I love the Series X as a kit, but it seems they are a bit complacent? or less ambitious? Maybe I am underestimating cloud gaming. Happy New Year's everyone, stay safe and best wishes.
The problem with a MS is that they suck at marketing. What we have until June 2023?
Starfield. The new IP from one of the most celebrated developers ever.
Redfall. A new game with a new approach from one extremely talented studio
Forza. The next gen reboot of the best racing sim.
These are supposed to be the games that will show people that MS means business. That if these are just the start just imagine what is coming. How will people know it? Where are the thousand ads on youtube, social media, streets, cinemas. Everywhere. Make people look at these games 24/7
Lol you guys are funny. "They're gonna lose my trust" and "I have zero faith in MS". That sounds hilarious, and we make it seem as if our lives are dependant on video games. Jesus it's just video games. Things are going to play out as they do in life, no need to put so much dang stock into things that ultimately don't matter. It's not as if you won't have food to eat or water to drink. Christ. I play my Xbox wayyyyy more than Ps5, I don't need exclusives, and Playstation's are boring as sin.
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