It's that time of year again! While E3 was unfortunately cancelled earlier this year, the summer showcase season is most certainly sticking around, with Geoff Keighley's Summer Game Fest livestream kicking things off on June 8th.
However, its the big Xbox Games Showcase that we're most excited about, naturally. Microsoft's back-to-back presentation takes place on June 11th - featuring that huge Starfield blowout we've been waiting months for!
So, here are some of our top predictions for Xbox's big 2023 event. These are by no means a lock-in... we've just put together a few ideas that we hope will become a reality.
1. Machine Games Will Show Off A Cinematic Trailer For 'Indiana Jones'
We're going to start with a wild one: Bethesda's Indiana Jones game will reappear. It's been well over two years since we got that very teasery teaser trailer in January 2021 - revealing that Wolfenstein developer Machine Games was at the helm for this title.
And while everything we've heard so far points towards this being early in development, we think some kind of tie-in to the upcoming 'Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny' film would be a good shout. We're not expecting gameplay, but we think a cinematic trailer is upon us.
2. Redfall Makes An Appearance, With News On 60FPS
This is perhaps a safer bet, but we think the Xbox Games Showcase would be a great spot to earn back some goodwill in regards to Redfall. We know that 60FPS is coming, so a timeline on that update would be much appreciated on June 11th.
Of course, the team could also tell us a little bit more about what else is inbound for Arkane's open world FPS. A couple of extra characters have already been confirmed thanks to the game's 'Bite Back Upgrade', and some more information on what those will entail during the show seems a safe bet.
3. Avowed Gameplay Reveal Ahead Of 2024 Launch
It's about time we saw Avowed again, right? Obsidian's first person fantasy RPG has gone dark in recent years, although it's safe to say the dev team has been busy since with the likes of Grounded and Pentiment.
Still, those are smaller affairs and it feels right to blow the lid off this thing during this year's Xbox Games Showcase. The next Elder Scrolls is far, far away, and we're hoping that Obsidian can deliver a chunky slice of open world fantasy fun while we wait. We're going to predict a 2024 launch window while we're at it as well!
4. Minecraft's Ray Tracing Update Re-Emerges
Remember this one? Yep, way back before the Xbox Series X came out, Microsoft and Mojang showed off a technical demo of Minecraft running on the console with ray tracing. Look, there's even photo evidence of the feature up above!
It's now been three years since this was shared with the world, and unfortunately we've yet to get our hands on it. That said, the feature was added very briefly back in early 2022 in the form of prototype code, but it was quickly removed.
With Minecraft Legends now out, and a brand-new Minecraft update on the horizon, we think it could be time for Minecraft's ray tracing update to reappear. It's got to come out one day... right? Minecraft isn't even Xbox Series X|S optimised yet, so what better way to bring Mojang's famous sandbox well and truly into the current generation?
5. Hellblade 2 Makes Statement With 2023 Launch Date
We've long believed that Ninja Theory's Hellblade sequel is one of the furthest along within the Xbox portfolio, and we think this year's showcase will prove that. Buckle up folks - we reckon Hellblade 2 is coming to Xbox Series X and S this year.
Now, we will add the small caveat that a late 2023 window could easily be pushed into early 2024, but at the time of the Xbox Games Showcase, we think Microsoft and the developer have their sights set on later this year. Hellblade 2, Forza Motorsport and Starfield in 2023? Sign us up!
6. Starfield Direct Steals The Show
Speaking of Starfield, one of the known quantities heading into this showcase is Bethesda's upcoming RPG. Months ago, Xbox confirmed that a Starfield Direct would air right after the main event, and we think that portion of the livestream should steal the whole showcase.
We know Bethesda Game Studios is bringing loads of new Starfield gameplay, we've seen lots of leaks and rumours that point towards new Starfield-themed Xbox hardware being present, and of course, we know Todd Howard can capture the hearts and minds like no other. There's lots to be excited about with the potential Xbox surprises that could land on June 11th, but make no mistake, Starfield has the potential to steal the show anyway.
7. Halo Infinite Season 4 Gameplay, And A Tease For What's Next
Update: Since we originally published this, 343 has provided a bit more information on Season 4:
We know that Halo Infinite Season 4 is coming on June 20th, but we've not seen much on this upcoming season yet outside of its initial announcement. The new content drop landing just over a week after the show lends itself pretty well to a big reveal during Xbox's showcase.
But, you know what, we don't think that's it for Halo. For months, 'Project Tatanka' has been rumoured to be a Halo battle royale of some sort, and we think this — or whatever it's potentially evolved into at this point — will also be shown here. It could only be a teaser, but we think some form of sneak peek at 'the future of Halo' is more than due from the team at 343 Industries.
8. Gears Of War Will Show Up In Some Fashion
The Coalition has been pretty quiet since Gears 5 launched in 2019, aside from its work with other teams like Epic Games on The Matrix Awakens demo. So, is it time for some Gears 6 action this June?
Well, we're not quite ready to commit to that, but we think the team will be present in some fashion. Whether it's something co-developed, an early teaser trailer for Gears 6 or that rumoured 'Marcus Fenix Collection', we're going to say that The Coalition will be there. The question is, what will they show off?
9. Fable Is Coming, And It's Bringing A Huge Gameplay Demo
So, Fable was definitely teased by Xbox recently, right? Definitely? Absolutely? Okay, gotcha - it must be at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 then!
The sad truth is that we've been burned by teasers before, so while we're not wholly convinced by it right now, it does appear to hint at something to come. If Fable is ready to be shown this year, we reckon it could be a proper gameplay demo given we already got that super short teaser trailer way back in 2020. We have faith that Forza Horizon developer Playground Games can get this one going in a speedy fashion and all we can say to that is - bring on the new Fable!
10. Microsoft Closes Out The Show With A Brand-New Game Reveal
We're going to end this predictions article the same way we expect Xbox to end its showcase - with a big, new game reveal. Yep, we think Microsoft will lift the lid on something secret to close out its 2023 event, aside from the Starfield Direct chunk added to the end of course.
As for what this secret project will be? There are so many Xbox studios it's almost hard to guess, and that's not counting potential third-party reveals! Id Software showing its next game could be a shout, as could Compulsion Games revealing its next project after We Happy Few. There are so many options here, and we think Microsoft will be wanting to make a big statement to close out the main portion of the Xbox Games Showcase 2023.
Do you agree with any of these? What Xbox predictions do you have for the 2023 Showcase? Tell us in the comments below.
Comments 77
Mannnn ngl I've been watching the Indy movies in anticipation of the new movie and the game and they're wackkk, most def have not held up well at all.
Some saving graces at least but it totally killed my hype for the game.
I'll throw out a few.
1. A new Jet Set Radio is announced.
2. Hellblade II gets a 2024 release window. Personally, I think it releases towards the end of '24. The game has been in full production for around two years.
3. Forza Motorsport will release in October. We'll get a trailer with a date.
4. Avowed will be there with a gameplay trailer and overview. It's time we learned exactly what it is. We have only a basic outline at this point.
@Cherip-the-Ripper respectfully I disagree. I’ve been watching them the last few years as my son is a huge fan of them. I think Last Crusade lost a bit for me, but in my opinion the others held up well, and I even came around a little to KOTCS after hating it when it released. I’m super pumped for all things Indy!
@xMightyMatt14x hey to each his own buddy. I should've specified btw, I haven't watched the fourth one yet. As it's relatively new I expect it to at least visually be better though.
But as far as games go if it manages to lean the way of Uncharted and even sth quirky like Strange Brigade I'm all ears, if anything I hope we get some gameplay.
Enjoy indy 5 fam.
1 - New trailers for Perfect Dark, Avowed and Contraband
2 - Release dates for Forza Motorsport and HellBlade II
3 - Hi-Fi Rush DLC
4 - Fable gameplay
5 - Gears 6 reveal
I doubt it but The Evil Within 3 being announced would be amazing
That’s a nice list and would be great if it made it all to the show. I’m not expecting as much to be there. Don’t want to get my hopes up high and then be disappointed if it fails to meet the expectations. Looking forward to the show though.
I reckon
1) A Forza Motorsport release date
2) Bethesda Announce a smaller game
3) Indy Trailer
@Solidchief numbers 3 and 4 on your list would be epic! Along with Indiana Jones official trailer.
Really hoping Fable has something to reveal about its gameplay. But considering it won’t release until like late 2024 or 2025, that leaves at least one more “Xbox Showcase” between now and then. Which to me says this isn’t a deep dive, but maybe a brief show of what to expect visually and thematically about the game.
@Cherip-the-Ripper agree on the Uncharted direction! I’m really curious as to where this game will fit in the timeline. And which characters will be in it. The characters are half of what makes the Uncharted games so great.
With MANY games announced and yet to release, inc Hellblade, Avowed, Fable, Indiana Jones, State of Decay, Perfect Dark, Outer Worlds 2, Everwild etc, its 'possible' that some of these could be in a position to show something, give us some 'updates/news'.
Obviously the Coalition, Compulsion, inXile, Double Fine, id Software, Arkane Lyon etc haven't revealed what they have been working on in the years since their last games released so these provide opportunities to 'reveal' their next projects.
On top of that, you have MS Publishing who will Publish 3rd Party Developers projects - like Avalanches 'Contraband' & Hideo Kojima's Cloud based game. They may have picked up other 3rd Party Publishing deals too.
You also have ID@Xbox projects as well as all the 3rd Party marketing deals. Maybe we will also get news on STALKER 2.
I won't make predictions - other than I 'expect' to see a variety of games from indie to AAA, from 3rd & 1st Party.
I don't think that was actually a fable tease but if it wasn't going to be at the show I would have thought they would have said so by now. Surely they saw the articles and videos saying it was a tease so they should have clarified if it's not there.
1 Forza
2 Hellblade
3 Avowed
4 Compulsions next game
5 Inexile's next game
6 Sea of thieves/elder scrolls online/fallout 76/halo updates (hate this inevitable portion of every show)
7 an update on at least one of the following fable, perfect dark, Indiana jones, state of decay
8 gamepass day one titles
Seriously just have everything crossed for a new Gears Of War game. And for the previous ones to be announced remade in Unreal Engine 5.
Indiana Jones better deliver too.
But to be honest Xbox’s first party games are in such a release mess it’s a third party machine at present. I’d just love for them to announce some actual release dates and stick to them.
What I predict:
Indiana Jones, Gears of War Remaster, Starfield (haha), Hellblade 2, Elder Scrolls online information, Forza, and maybe Fable Remakes/Remasters.
What I want:
Morrowind Remaster (RTX Upgrade even), IneXile game, all of the above (In the prediction part), Avowed, Fable, Wolfenstien, Halo part 2 or just a new Halo, Evil Within 3.
What we'll probably end up with:
Starfiled, Forza, CGI adverts for Hellblade, Elder Scrolls Online, Third party games. Gamespass announcments.
All three sound great to me,
Oh, just as a wish, I wish that they shadow dropped Starfield. Just dropped it on the night. I know it won't happen, but man, if they did. I'd probably scare my rabbit to death by screaming so loud hahaha
@Cherip-the-Ripper I love the Indy movies, except Crystal Skull. I think they hold up well. Then again, maybe it's nostalgia goggles, or autism. I love them know. Shame they've dated for you
Hopefully they announce redfall has been cancelled so arkane can move on to something better. I think that would get a better reaction than 60fps update at this point.
@Exerion76 Panzer Dragoon!!!
Also, Quake, how the hell did i not think of that. I loved Quake. Oh, y'know what else, Turok. That game deserves a proper reboot.
There's zero chance they stain this showcase with anything Redfall. The rest of this list is very realistic.
Personally, I'd love to see inXile's next game (Project Cobalt). I also have high hopes for State of Decay 3.
@Somebody "I don't think that was actually a fable tease"
You don't think the Xbox video of following a glitter trail set along Fable music was a Fable teaser??
I predict nothing but massive disappointment…..
@Scummbuddy whimsical music and following a trail are not exactly unique to Fable. Could they possibly just have been using common "videogamey" features to promote a show about videogames?
Xbox gamepass account has zero history of teasing games prior to an upcoming show as well.
Can't think of anything that would genuinely make me excited that's somewhat plausible.....maybe a new fallout by obsidian...but then again they are far to busy I imagine
It's not a prediction but I'll b doing the same as I do every year ....hope to god they announce a conker and /or banjo game
@Somebody I'm not saying the game is getting released or anything. Just that the video tease is using specific music from Fable 1, like from a shopkeepers place.
Surely there's going to be something on state of decay 3? It was announced in 2020 so there's got to be some gameplay they can show by now, if not then what the hell they been doing for 3 years.
Since their acquisition of Bethesda, all the showcases have started and finished with Bethesda. So my predictions are:
Don't think Halo Infinite or Redfall will be present, instead them being blogpost announcements whenever the time is suitable for more news.
Don't have specific 3rd party predictions but I feel there'll be a wide variety of 3rd party presence.
My biggest wish is for Gears 6 to be shadow-dropped along side a shadow-drop of remasters of the original trilogy and Judgement. I'll settle for a trailer for Gears 6 along with a release date though.
I'd also love to see confirmation of Gears Tactics 2 too.
Personally, I'm not sure that they would be wise to say anything about Redfall. The backlash to that game has been pretty immense. 60fps isn't going to win many over, and mentioning it could actually take the gloss of the presentation.
I'm also hoping that Starfield comes out swinging. Punches all naysayers square on the nose, and shows itself to be a proper system-seller and must-have title. If it doesn't score 9's and 10's upon release, then I think questions will be asked. I think the game has become exceptionally important to the Xbox brand, and a great deal now hinges upon it...
@Scummbuddy all I'm saying is don't say xbox lied if its not there based on that 10 second video where people are manifesting what they want to see.
There's no way Hellblade 2 will come this year. I'd say first half of 24.
If I were Microsoft, I wouldn't let the word "Redfall" anywhere near this showcase.
Forza? We’re so close! We should get a date for that
They need to have the message Nintendo gives at the beginning of their shows "all dates subject to change" in big clear letters.
@Traman500 60fps are the least of the games issues, imo. While it would be nice, the actual gameplay and world are just trash. And don't get me started on their AI.
I honestly don't have high hopes for Starfield. It will be massive in scope and janky as heck at launch because, well Bethesda.
I foresee Forza being the star of the show. We already know it's visually above Gran Turismo 7; we just need to know what gameplay structure is like.
I'd love to see a Fable 2024 release. I just hope it's got an offline solo campaign and open world to play through. I don't mind playing online but sometimes I want that place to myself.
What I wish for:
some might happen, most probably won't:
@itslarryyo I've been waiting for an update that fixes AI before even trying Redfall. I can tolerate a lot in a game, in luding 30 fps, but braindead evemies that stand there and let you shoot them I will not abide.
My never gonna happen prediction is Jack Black comes on stage to announce Double Fine is making Brutal Legend 2.
@Serpentes420 brutal legend 2 would be awesome!
I'm just looking forward to the show. I like surprises so just curious what's coming to gamepass. Lots of titles are leaving in June so I'm expecting some announcements for titles that are dropping into the service that day or in the 15th of June. I do think FM is getting a 23 release date and the fable tease will be gameplay, Booty was saying last year he wanted to show it but Playground said not yet, so they definitely ready now to show something.
Whatever the Show ends up being, it has to nail it. This is a make-or-break show for Xbox.
Viva Pinata please!
Doritos Crash Course 3
On a side note, did you know xbox has always been third place? When the doom and gloom birgrade try to spread fear of xbox shutting down, bare in mind they've never beat Sony or Nintendo. That's why gamepass is their focus.
Sorry, just watched a video on console sales since the atari. Shame atari never kept up in the race. Though despite dreamcast dying they still held onto third place long after xbox entered the arena.
Back on topic, I just thought, wasn't there talk of a Pyschonaughts remaster/remake? That as a shadow drop would be a brilliant surprise.
I just want a Quake reboot by id Software 😭
Please Hugo, please!
Fable
Hi fi rush dlc
Forza motorsport
Some minecraft
Hellblade
New game from double fine
Awoed
Indiana Jones(not sure about it)
Aaaaand I don't know anymore
I just want a bit of Halo.
I hope people go in with reasonable expectations. With their recent stumbles Microsoft really needs a good showing this time around, but I think it'd be unfair to expect them to show off GTA 6 or anything of that like.
@Kaloudz
Nobody knows
-Redfall 60 FPS - I wouldn't mention Redfall at all in that showcase!
-Fond Indy game memories on Xbox so I hope that will work out in the end
-Hopefully no full CGI trailers either (especially when they mean/reveal nothing). A combination of the two I have no problem with, but gameplay is the most important one.
I expect a notable GP release and updates from games on the way. A shadow drop like HFR would be great ...
-Turn 10 (FM), Double Fine (collection sort of already started on GP), Bethesda (Starfield), PG (Fable), ... will be there (is a given I think) + Hollow Knight: Silksong, Replaced, STALKER 2 & Lies of P should be there in some capacity?
-No Scalebound announcement for me, pretty please
-Maybe a reboot or remake (not going to happen, but PGR or 3rd party Topspin for me personal) + Banjo, Conker, Mechassault, Killer Instinct, Wolfenstein, Gears (some already rumoured) ...
Maybe:
-A new UI dashboard with some interesting features (more customisable)
-Controller a la Dual Sense (not for me personal, but I think people would like that as an extra choice)
-A bigger partnership between Microsoft and Nintendo
-Release dates!!
Sony PS "wanted showcase lists" were amazing, but the results were, in terms of delivering them, very bad (expectations were too high & unrealistic + after revisiting the comments, even the included "RIP Xbox" comment were hilarious), so personally I have not many expectations.
State of Decay 3, Contraband, Avowed, Everwild, Routine, Pragmata, Space Marine 2, Atlas Fallen, Flintlock: Siege of the Dawn (GP), Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden,... so many games, we need more showcases (some already have a trailer/announced 2022 & some were scheduled 2023?)
So, enough possibilities tbh but a lot lies ahead (overall) for us gamers ...
I do hope it is a good showcase so Sony PS can stop kind of freewheeling ... but I expect them also to be playing it save ...
I hope SummerFest has some Max Payne 1+2 Remake / IO Interactive James Bond updates + Codemasters & Ubisofts news on the racing front
My expectations for the Showcase:
First Party:
Third Party:
Would love more, but I'm keeping my expectations relatively tempered. If all of the above showed up for me, that would be an easy W.
Haven’t been this excited for an Xbox showcase since forever. Looking forward to it! Bring back some competition via great games for us players please.
Everything that could be said has been said. I just would like them to make another attempt at a phantom dust remake. Also, try not to cancel it midway though development this time.
Hope to see an Exclusive game from ABK
Good prédictions but I don't think we will see Redfall, with all the bad reviews and bad press they won't show this big disapointement of a game even if it have a stable 60fps version , in fact they should stop all développement on this game and work on something they have a will to make not a Garbage like this , even if the game had 60 fps it's ***** at 30 and will stay ***** at 60 and even 120 fps still *****.
I must be getting predicable in my old age, @BrilliantBill. I'll be 60 later this year, and I need to get on to Gears 6 before I'm too old to complete it on Insane...
I just want to see Xbox knock this out of the park and to see console sales and GP subscriptions take a big jump this holiday season. It would be great, as Xbox fans, to see the narrative change and be positive. We’re all tired of delays and excuses. Time to deliver!
I don't think they're going to make Redfall a part of this showcase, because they're either going to release the 60fps patch as quietly as possible, or they're going to go the Cyberpunk route and actively try to fix the game full stop, which they'll want to announce later. If anything they might mention it quickly and say " we've heard you" a bunch of times lol
I ended up playing a bunch of Infinite’s multiplayer today after finding out that Farworld Pioneers is a buggy mess, so I hope we get some Halo news. I think I’ve got a point where I want to have more social gaming time and Halo can be the best place for that.
Didnt they just canxel halo infite new content
There is a lot in the pipeline, I just want there to be more stuff sooner rather than later.
Stack the end of 2023 with Forza Motorsport and Starfield. Then, queue up next year before June with Hellblade II and maybe Everwild (Everwild should be close to ready by now).
Then, setup the last half of 2024 with a couple of teasers.
I'll be good either way. Just want a nice show with stuff that'll release in the next year or so. The fable reboot and potentially a gears 6 is all I really need.
@xMightyMatt14x I watched them awhile back and I think they all are pretty good. Looking forward to the new movie and the game.
@Serpentes420 that would be epic 🤟
@Fiendish-Beaver I just turned 60 in March and feel the same way.
I think they'd be fools to drag down the mood by even name dropping Redfall.
@BleedingDreamer @Fiendish-Beaver Thank you gents, for making me feel young at 45.
what i expect:
1.Forza Motorsport shadow drop.
2.hellblade 2 story gameplay withe Q1 2024 release date
3.hifi rush DLC shadow drop.
4.Arowed Fall 2024 release date.
5.stalker 2 Q2 2024 (despite all whats happening in Ukraine)
6.fable gamplay holiday 2025 (i mean Dec 2024)
7. replaced and silksong release date.
8.persona 3 remake
9.Quake tease
10.gears 6 tease
i say those games won't appear as MS wont make mistakes of early reveal again and they dont need to with lot of games ready for showcase:
perfect dark
Indiana John's
Contraband
project cobalt
project Mara
Minecraft RTX is a great shout from left field. Give one of the most popular games in the world some love.
Avowed and Fable are the two I’m most hoping to see. But perhaps both of those, plus Starfield, is unrealistic. The Outer Worlds 2 could make it 4, very different, western RPGs.
Redfall 60fps would be a mistake IMHO, the frame rate seems to be the least egregious part of the game. Better to move on. Similarly Halo Season 4 is unlikely to move the needle for any but the few devoted, if it’s there keep it short, everyone else has moved on. Would be better to see campaign updates and/or Project Tatanka the long-rumoured Halo battle royale.
Hellblade and Forza dated for 2023 would be a massive Win.
Silksong with a release date would bring the house down on the indie side, but that seems unlikely. I’d love to see updates on Replaced, Cocoon, Ereban and a few other indies.
Lastly there always needs to be something new to look forward to, but Xbox already has too many announced but unreleased games, so that this needs to be carefully balanced. Would love a new IP from the talented folks at The Coalition.
Hellblade 2 is my most anticipated Xbox release and getting a release window would be great.
Prediction/hope wise, I'd like to see Scalebound reappear and a look at Perfect Dark.
Keeping it low with expectations, some fantastic ideas in the comments sections and roll on Sunday. Happy gaming everyone
If I was them, I wouldnt bring up Redfall at all. Maybe if they are doing the extended showcase with Parris Lilly again they could do a bit on there, but they need to generate some positivity and reminding everyone how bad Redfall flopped wouldnt help.
Although my body wouldn't agree with me, @NeutronBomb, I do still feel young! I do envy you though, not only in your age, but the knowledge that you could easily have another 30 years of gaming ahead of you, whereas chances are I won't, and yet I really want to see what they do with Gears 15...
Persona 3 Remake will be at the showcase.
@Fiendish-Beaver Hey, we might all be able to get augmented like in Cyberpunk anytime now and live till 300. You never know. 🤞🤖
Any news on that new game Rare was supposed to be making that was teased 2-3 years ago?
Hopefully hellblade 2 and Indiana Jones will be at the showcase
With things like G - Cloud from Logitech and the upcoming PlayStation Q ‘handheld’ why not just get Xcloud on Switch? It just makes so much sense.
@Kaloudz Would be nice for a surprise addition or 2 to Game Pass that day.
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