The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 is just a week away, and as one of the most anticipated events of the year, it is expected to reveal what fans can look forward to from Xbox Games Studios, Bethesda, and other third-party partners. However, some fans may be wary of being misled by flashy trailers that do not reflect the actual gameplay or graphics of the games. That’s why Aaron Greenberg, the Vice President of Xbox Games Marketing, has taken to Twitter to reassure fans that all trailers for first-party titles will use in-game footage instead of pre-rendered CGI.
Also read: All we know about The Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct
In a series of tweets compiled by @HazzadorGamin, Greenberg replied to many questions from fans concerned about the upcoming Xbox Games Showcase. He stated that “none of our first party games in the show are full CG trailers” and added that everything shown will contain in-game footage, in-engine footage, or in-game footage with some cinematics. He also said that each trailer will be labeled as such to help make things more transparent for fans.
Greenberg also confirmed that there will be no trailers for TV shows or movies in this year’s show, and that there will be no “games in the next 12 months” strategy like in last year’s event. He advised the audience to come in with an open mind and enjoy the ride.
This level of transparency and honesty is appreciated by many fans, as it should help them get excited for what’s to come and temper their expectations so they don’t end up disappointed. Some of the games that are rumored or confirmed to be at the show include Bethesda’s Starfield, which will have its own dedicated livestream immediately after the Xbox Showcase, Rare’s Everwild, Obsidian Entertainment’s The Outer Worlds 2 and Avowed, a new IP from Avalanche titled Contraband, and a new entry in the Fable series.
The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 is scheduled for June 11, 2023 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 5 PM UTC / 6 PM BST / 7 PM CET / 10 AM AET (June 12). You’ll be able to tune in via YouTube.com/Xbox, Twitch.tv/Xbox, or Facebook.com/Xbox to catch all the announcements.
Starfield: The star of the show
One of the most anticipated games of the year is Starfield, Bethesda’s first fully original series in over two decades. Starfield is a sci-fi RPG set in a vast open-world galaxy where you can explore planets, space stations, and other celestial bodies. You play as a member of Constellation, an organization of space explorers who are trying to unravel the mysteries of the cosmos.
Starfield has been in development for a long time, and fans have been eagerly waiting for more details since its announcement back in 2018. The game was originally planned to release on November 11, 2022, but it was delayed twice due to the pandemic and other challenges. The game is now set to launch on September 6, 2023 , exclusively on Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Starfield will have its own dedicated livestream right after the Xbox Showcase , where we can expect to see more gameplay footage, developer interviews, and behind-the-scenes information. According to Todd Howard , Starfield will have many of the hallmarks of Bethesda’s RPGs, such as character customization , branching dialogue , factions , quests , and choices , but it will also be a very unique experience that will offer a lot of freedom and variety.
One of the most exciting aspects of Starfield is its NASA-punk aesthetic , which combines realistic science with retro-futuristic elements. The game will feature various types of spaceships that you can customize and use to travel between different locations. Each location will have its own culture , history , and environment , and you will be able to interact with different alien races and factions . The game will also feature cosmic mysteries and weirdness , such as ancient relics , anomalies , and secrets .
Starfield is shaping up to be an epic space adventure that will let you live out your fantasies of being an astronaut , explorer , pirate , or whatever you want. The game will also be a day one addition to Xbox Game Pass , making it even more accessible and appealing to gamers.
Other games to look out for
While Starfield may be the star of the show, there are plenty of other games that will be featured at the Xbox Showcase. Here are some of the most notable ones:
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Forza Motorsport : The next installment in the popular racing series will be a reboot that will offer a new level of realism and immersion. The game will use ray tracing , dynamic weather , and 4K resolution to create stunning visuals. The game will also feature a new career mode , custom races , and online multiplayer . The game is still scheduled for a 2023 release , and we may see more gameplay footage at the show.
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Fable : The beloved fantasy series is making a comeback with a new entry developed by Playground Games , the studio behind Forza Horizon. The game will be a reboot that will take place in a new version of Albion , the fictional land where the series is set. The game will feature an open-world , humor , magic , and choices that will shape your character and the world. The game was teased with a trailer in 2020 , and we may see more details at the show.
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Everwild : A new IP from Rare , the studio behind classics like Banjo-Kazooie and Sea of Thieves. Everwild is a beautiful and mysterious game that will take place in a natural world full of magical creatures and phenomena. The game will focus on exploration , discovery , and connection with nature . The game was revealed with a trailer in 2019 , and we may see more gameplay at the show.
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Avowed : A new IP from Obsidian Entertainment , the studio behind Fallout: New Vegas and The Outer Worlds. Avowed is a first-person RPG that will take place in Eora , the same world as Obsidian’s Pillars of Eternity series. The game will feature a medieval fantasy setting , magic , combat , and a rich story . The game was announced with a trailer in 2020 , and we may see more gameplay at the show.
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The Outer Worlds 2 : A sequel to Obsidian’s critically acclaimed sci-fi RPG from 2019. The Outer Worlds 2 will continue the story of the original game, which followed a group of misfits who explored and shaped the fate of various planets in a corporate-dominated galaxy. The game will feature more humor , choices , companions , and weapons . The game was confirmed with a teaser in 2022 , and we may see more gameplay at the show.
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Contraband : A new IP from Avalanche Studios , the studio behind Just Cause and Rage 2. Contraband is a co-op smuggler’s paradise set in the fictional world of 1970s Bayan. The game will feature an open-world , vehicles , heists , and customization . The game was revealed with a teaser in 2022 , and we may see more gameplay at the show.
These are just some of the games that will be showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, but there may be more surprises and announcements waiting for us. Xbox has been investing heavily in its games portfolio, acquiring several studios and developing new IPs. With its powerful hardware, diverse lineup, and affordable Game Pass service, Xbox is aiming to deliver the best gaming experience for its fans.
The Xbox Games Showcase 2023 will take place on June 11, 2023 at 10 AM PT / 1 PM ET / 5 PM UTC / 6 PM BST / 7 PM CET / 10 AM AET (June 12). You can watch it live on YouTube.com/Xbox, Twitch.tv/Xbox, or Facebook.com/Xbox. You can also watch a replay of the show on the same platforms after it ends.
