Xbox Games Showcase 2024: A Spectacular Lineup for Gamers
The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 dazzled fans worldwide, offering a thrilling glimpse into the future of gaming. From beloved franchises to brand-new titles, this year’s showcase had something for everyone. Whether you're a fan of Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, Xbox Game Studios, or the many partners creating for Xbox, there was plenty to get excited about.
Beloved Franchises Return with a Bang
Gears of War: E-Day
The iconic Gears of War series returns with "Gears of War: E-Day." Set during the pivotal Emergence Day, this installment takes players fourteen years before the original Gears of War, following war heroes Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as they face the monstrous Locust Horde. The visually stunning trailer, crafted with Unreal Engine 5, promises a gripping, action-packed experience.
Doom: The Dark Ages
Doom fans can rejoice as "Doom: The Dark Ages" brings the legendary Doom Slayer back in an epic, dark fantasy setting. This prequel to Doom (2016) combines hard-hitting combat with a cinematic tale of gods, kings, and monsters. Players will wield an arsenal of weapons and control a colossal Atlan mech in battles against demonic hordes.
Exciting Updates and Fresh Looks
State of Decay 3
Undead Labs showcased a new trailer for "State of Decay 3," highlighting the game’s ambitious open-world zombie survival mechanics. Players will navigate an evolving zombie threat, build their community, and engage in brutal combat to reclaim lost ground in a post-apocalyptic world.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle
"Indiana Jones and the Great Circle" takes players on an adventurous journey through the Himalayas. The new gameplay trailer showcased stunning visuals and intense action, promising an exhilarating experience for fans of the legendary archaeologist.
Fable
Playground Games Asks ‘What Does It Mean to be a Hero?’ in the Next Installment of its Fable Trailer Series Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and Steam, or play it day one with Xbox Game Pass
What does it mean to be a hero? In last year’s trailer, that question was answered by Dave, a gardener-turned-giant with a chip on his shoulder. This year, we get a much darker take from Humphry, played by the British comedy actor Matt King. Humphry was once Albion’s greatest Hero, but those glory days are long gone. In Fable, Humphry will be forced out of retirement when a mysterious figure from his past threatens the very existence of Albion.
Playground Games also confirmed its collaboration with Eidos Montreal, who will be supporting the ongoing development of Fable, which will be coming to players in 2025
Perfect Dark
The Initiative’s reboot of "Perfect Dark" gave fans a first look at gameplay, featuring the iconic Joanna Dark in a near-future world on the brink of ecological collapse. The game blends fluid traversal, gadgets, close-quarters combat, and stealth to create the ultimate secret agent experience.
South of Midnight
Compulsion Games introduced the hauntingly beautiful "South of Midnight," set in the darkly gorgeous Deep South. The gameplay trailer revealed magical weaving powers and a battle against a monstrous albino alligator, offering a taste of the game’s unique setting and mechanics.
World Premieres and Partner Reveals
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft revealed the first gameplay glimpse of "Assassin’s Creed Shadows," set in 16th-century Japan. Players will explore the world as Naoe, a shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai. The trailer showcased the protagonists’ distinct abilities and the game’s dynamic environments.
Dragon Age: The Veilguard
BioWare’s "Dragon Age: The Veilguard" introduced players to a new team of companions in a vibrant, conflict-ridden world. The trailer highlighted the rich stories of the Veilguard members and their quest to stop ancient gods from destroying the world.
Atomfall
Rebellion’s "Atomfall" blends post-war Britain with Cold War paranoia in a survival-action game inspired by a real-world nuclear disaster. Players will explore a quarantined countryside, uncovering secrets and facing various adversaries in this thrilling open-world adventure.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
"Clair Obscur: Expedition 33," a reactive turn-based RPG from Sandfall Interactive, transports players to a surrealist world inspired by France’s La Belle Epoque. The game promises an immersive journey filled with battles, mythical creatures, and rich storytelling.
New Hardware and Special Features
New Xbox Series X|S Consoles
In addition to the game announcements, Xbox unveiled three new Xbox Series X|S console options. These consoles offer the same speed and performance with more design, storage, and price options to suit different needs, arriving just in time for the holiday season.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 6
The showcase also revealed "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," set to launch on October 25. This new entry in the franchise promises a mind-bending spy thriller narrative, innovative gameplay mechanics, and the return of beloved features like Classic Prestige and Round-Based Zombies.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024
"Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024" promises the most ambitious flight simulation experience yet. With a wide range of aircraft, detailed airports, and stunning visuals, players can pursue their dream aviation careers, from aerial firefighting to VIP charter services.
Additional Highlights from the Xbox Games Showcase 2024
Souls-lite Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Arrives With a Bang on July 18
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
The long-awaited return from Ashen developer A44 is almost here – during the show, we announced that Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will arrive on July 18. Set in the beleaguered world of Kian, you’ll guide Nor Vanek, a Flintlock weapons expert, on a quest to kill the rampaging gods that have invaded her world.
Blending classic Souls mechanics with a brutal, fast-paced combat system, Nor can use a combination of axe combat, flintlock weaponry, and magic, creating devastating combos – but you’ll need the skill to survive. Pre-orders are open now, and a deluxe edition offers alternative outfits and weapon customization options.
FragPunk Explodes Into the Show
Available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms).
Looking for a new competitive FPS? FragPunk is a frantic, squad-based, 5v5 hero shooter where you set the rules of engagement for every new round by activating power-up cards. With its debut at Xbox Games Showcase 2024, FragPunk rocks the hero shooter genre with fast-paced combat and a plethora of synergies and counterplays between over 70 shard cards, 10 heroes, 14 weapons, and 4 maps!
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Our Original Star
Available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms).
Life Is Strange: Double Exposure isn’t just a return to the beloved narrative adventure series, but a return to its original star, Max Caulfield. Several years after we guided her through Arcadia Bay, Double Exposure sees Max return later in her life, now an artist-in-residence at the prestigious Caledon University.
Unfortunately, calamity is never far away – Max’s friend Safi is killed, and we’ll be plunged into a full-on murder mystery, with a supernatural twist. Max’s original power to rewind time has morphed into the ability to entirely Shift timelines, and we’ll be exploring two parallel realities – one where Safi is safe and well, and the other in the wake of her death – to discover the identity of her killer. Life Is Strange: Double Exposure arrives on October 29, and those who pre-order the Ultimate Edition will be able to play the first two chapters from October 15.
Mecha Break Revealed: Create Your Mech and Take It to War Together
Available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC (see developer website for other platforms).
Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech-based shooter that allows players to choose from a variety of mechs, customize their appearances, and battle colossal war machines on treacherous terrain.
Prepare for adrenaline-pumping battles, lightning-fast maneuvers, and explosive firepower. Mecha Break’s Xbox Closed Beta will be coming to Xbox Series X in August 2024 and will be available to all players in 2025. Mecha Break features customizable mechs, player-created mech pilots, a wide array of mech and weapon types, and three distinct game modes — a 6v6 Battlefield mode, 3v3 Arena mode, and up to 60-player PvEvP mode — to put players in the pilot seat and create the ultimate mech showdown experience. Discover an array of attacker, brawler, defender, sniper, and support mechs, each with unique playstyles and toolsets. Players can personalize each mech with custom full-body paint jobs and upgrade attachments, enhancing their stats to suit their chosen playstyle.
For the upcoming August Closed Beta Test on Xbox Series X, the highlight game mode will be the 6v6 Battlefield mode. Work together with your team and engage in intense aerial and ground combat as you fight for the objective.
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Shows Its New Take on a Classic
Available on Xbox Series X|S (see developer website for other platforms).
Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater creates a deeply immersive world with enhanced visuals and sounds, using the full potential of Unreal Engine 5 while keeping legacy controls and voice lines from the original title intact. A new third-person camera and control layout offers players an intuitive introduction to the beginning of the Metal Gear Solid saga as they step into the boots of Snake in a high-stakes, espionage thriller.
Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits – Coming 2025
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, cloud, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
From Beethoven & Dinosaur, award-winning developers of The Artful Escape comes Mixtape. On their last night of high school, three friends embark on one more adventure together. En route to their final party together, a perfectly curated playlist draws them into dreamlike reenactments of their formative memories.
Immerse yourself in the teenage wasteland, playing through a variety of narrative vignettes exploring the pivotal moments that shaped them. The story is delivered through a mixtape of comedic, joyful gameplay, from skateboarding and flying to taking photos after hours at an abandoned theme park, and much more. It’s the greatest hit of teenage friendship, from the first kiss to the last dance. Similar to games like What Remains of Edith Finch, Mixtape ties its narrative to a unique, vignette-driven structure that emphasizes variety, surprise, and comedy in its gameplay.
Featuring music from DEVO, Roxy Music, Lush, The Smashing Pumpkins, Iggy Pop, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Joy Division, and more. Mixtape effectively blends gameplay, narrative, and music. Join the crew on their last night together as they experience a mixtape of memories, set to the soundtrack of a generation.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Reveals the Time of Opportunities Trailer
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
The new trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is here. Packed with brand-new reveals, this trailer showcases the array of experiences awaiting players, from locations to encounters with mutants and arch anomalies. And hubs! Places to have some well-deserved rest and prepare your body and gear for the next intense mission.
In-game footage is mixed with narrative snippets, highlighting the prominence of the non-linear storyline in S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl. The Time of Opportunities trailer is aptly named, reflecting the boundless potential that awaits within this unforgiving landscape. How will you see the Zone? And how will She remember you?
This time, you’ll hear much more of the Ukrainian voiceover. Being a Ukrainian company, GSC Game World knows that many fans are eager to experience the game in Ukrainian with subtitles of their choice. The trailer is aimed to provide a better understanding of what this experience will feel like. The Time of Opportunities trailer kicks off a series of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 showcases throughout this summer. Please stay tuned for additional announcements.
Winter Burrow Is a Cozy Survival Experience Inspired By a Love of Nature
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
Build your dream burrow and explore a charming, snow-coated open world in Winter Burrow, a cozy woodland survival game. As a tiny mouse, spend your days adventuring through brisk environments as you search for your lost aunty, and collect resources to restore your childhood burrow.
Winter Burrow merges comfy, cozy game elements with challenging yet approachable survival mechanics. Spend time in your burrow, crafting cute decorations to make your surroundings feel homely, knit cozy clothing to stay warm in the cold weather, and make sure you’re prepared for those big days of foraging in the forests. To stay up to date on all things Winter Burrow, wishlist the game on the Xbox Store and follow Winter Burrow on Twitter.
Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Revealed – A Journey Into the Darkness of the Late Ming Dynasty
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
Step into the dark and tumultuous land of Shu in Wuchang: Fallen Feathers. This soulslike action RPG launches day one on Xbox Series X|S and immerses players in the dark late Ming Dynasty, a period rife with warring factions and a mysterious illness turning humans into monstrous creatures. You are Wuchang, a pirate warrior struck by amnesia and afflicted by Ornithropy, a horrific disease but the source of immense power. As you explore the depths of Shu, you’ll enhance your arsenal, master new skills harvested from fallen foes, and evolve your fighting style by sacrificing Red Mercury.
Battle against grotesque abominations, drawing on ancient lore to challenge the creeping darkness that threatens the humanity that remains. As you piece together Wuchang’s lost memories, your choices will lead you to one of several endings—each determined by the choices made, secrets unearthed and the allies you choose to trust. Will you reveal the truths of Wuchang’s curse and bring peace to Shu, or will you succumb to the encroaching horrors? The fate of the land rests in your hands. Nothing is Forever.
New Updates for Live Games
Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Releases October 8 – Pre-purchase Now and Get In-game Rewards Today
Available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows PC, or play it day one with Game Pass (see developer website for other platforms).
Today, the dev team is excited to announce the next chapter in the story of Diablo IV. Vessel of Hatred sees players crossing over into the land of Padyssia to confront the demonic forces of Baal. In this expansion, you’ll face terrifying new threats uncover the dark secrets of the Realm of Hatred, and challenge new world bosses in the Endless Desert.
The release of Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred sees the introduction of a new class to the game: the Unseen. With their ability to harness the powers of dark energy and shroud themselves in shadow, this class will introduce a whole new dimension to the Diablo IV gameplay experience.
To celebrate this reveal, we’ve released new artwork for this expansion on the Xbox Wire and Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred pre-orders are live. Everyone who pre-orders will receive the Mysterious Stranger Armor Set today and can play this expansion with 4 days of early access on October 4.
The Elder Scrolls Online Invites You to Discover Tamriel in a New Trailer
The Elder Scrolls Online is celebrating a decade of adventures within Tamriel’s Second Era, and it invites you to begin your epic story with a new trailer. Whether you’re an Elder Scrolls veteran or a newcomer to the series, you can explore an ever-growing world, party up with your fellow adventurers, and discover why over 24 million players have now experienced this award-winning online RPG.
June also features the launch of ESO’s latest Chapter, The Elder Scrolls Online: Gold Road, now available on PC/Mac and coming June 18 on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S consoles. In this new chapter, unravel the mystery of the return of the Forgotten Prince, unlock the Scribing System to create your abilities, and delve into the region of West Weld, a part of Tamriel not seen since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion. Visit elderscrollsonline.com for more on the Gold Road Chapter and the ongoing 10th Anniversary Celebration.
Fallout 76 Skyline Valley Release Date Announced With New Trailer
In Skyline Valley’s major expansion of the world map, you’ll cross the Savage Divide and travel to the southern reaches of Appalachia. This picturesque new region, Skyline Valley, introduces fresh locations to explore among the woodlands once known as Shenandoah National Park.
Seek out Vault 63 and uncover its mysteries. Learn the truth about the Lost, the electric Ghouls that inhabit the Vault, and their enigmatic overseer, Hugo Stolz. You’ll chase storms in Skyline Valley’s new Public Event, Dangerous Pastimes, and fight new region bosses, a monumental trifecta of Robo-brains. Skyline Valley comes to Fallout 76 on June 12.
Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update: Being Bad Can Sometimes Feel Good
Rare showed off their dark side with a fiery new Sea of Thieves trailer, heralding the return of Captain Flameheart and inviting players to become the boss fight. An all-new world event will pit pirates against Flameheart’s mighty flagship to seize it, raining fire on their foes with a skeleton crew at their command and reaping the rewards of their dastardly deeds. This thrilling new encounter is part of Sea of Thieves: Season 13, which arrives on July 25 as a free update for all players on Xbox, PC and PS5.
Starfield Shattered Space Reveal Trailer, Plus Highlights from the June Update
Deep in the dark reaches of space, the followers of the Great Serpent live shrouded in mystery. Begin an epic new story and explore House Va’ruun territory in Shattered Space, Starfield’s first major expansion. Watch the reveal trailer now and experience the story of House Va’ruun when Shattered Space launches later this year.
In addition to the first look at Shattered Space, highlights from Starfield‘s latest major update were shared immediately following the Xbox Showcase. Official mod support with the launch of Creations, the first new quest DLC with the introduction of Trackers Alliance, new bounty hunting features, and improvements to melee weapons are the highlights of Starfield’s June Update. The June Update is now available on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
The Darkness Calls on August 26 with World of Warcraft: The War Within
Blizzard Entertainment’s 10th World of Warcraft expansion and the opening chapter of the most ambitious story arc in the game’s nearly 20-year history, The War Within is set to launch on August 26.
This upcoming expansion – the first of three in The Worldsoul Saga – will draw you deep into the mythology of World of Warcraft, weaving narrative threads from the past two decades together in a way that will captivate players both old and new. For a limited time, Blizzard is offering the Welcome to Azeroth Bundle, which includes everything players need to begin their adventure in Azeroth. The bundle includes the current expansion – the critically acclaimed Dragonflight – a level 60 character boost, and 60 days of game time, for $24.99 USD.
Don’t miss out on this legendary adventure! Join the community today, explore the wonders of Dragon Isles, and prepare yourself for The War Within – pre-purchases are available now through Battle.net.
The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 was a feast for gamers, offering a thrilling look at the future of gaming with a mix of beloved franchises, new titles, and exciting updates. From the return of Gears of War and Doom to the fresh experiences in South of Midnight and Atomfall, there’s something for everyone to look forward to. Stay tuned for more detailed coverage and developer insights throughout the week, and get ready for an incredible year of gaming ahead!