The 2022Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcasewas one of the most anticipated events of the year, and it lived up to the hype. With this being just the second official joint presentation since Microsoft purchased Bethesda in early 2021, expectations ran high.
Over the 90-minute presentation,Xboxexpanded on many of the finer details for its upcoming releases, giving fans a much better idea regarding what to expect within the next 12 months. Brand-new titles were also announced within the blockbuster showcase, spaced between world-first gameplay reveals and the confirmation of when some long-awaited games will become available.
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Redfall
The first game in the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase wasRedfall, a vampire-slaying co-op FPS that was originally announced in 2021. A lot more gameplay was shown off for this Arkane Studios venture, and while a lot of the information was already known, the trailer did confirm thatRedfallwill launch in 2023as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
A much-anticipated announcement was that ofHollow Knight: Silksong, a Metroidvania platformer and sequel to thecritically acclaimedHollow Knight. Originally announced in 2019, fans were able to get another glimpse into its gameplay, and it is now confirmed to be a day-one Xbox Game Pass release - even if its release date is still unknown.
High On Life
A brand-new game announced at the showcase wasHigh On Life, a highly stylized FPS from the creators ofRick and Morty. Thoroughly comedic in nature and boasting sentient organic weapons,High On Lifeis another Game Pass title releasing in October.
Riot Games and Xbox Game Pass
A Plague Tale: Requiem
APlague Tale: Requiem, announced in 2021,also featured in today’s showcase, with gameplay upholding the immersive, fantastical nature of the upcoming sequel.Requiemwas confirmed to have a 2022 release date, and it will launch day-one for Xbox Game Pass.
Forza Motorsport and Horizon DLC
A long-time Xbox exclusive franchise, the upcomingForza Motorsportfeatured heavily. The latest installment of the veteran racing franchise shows incredible graphical fidelity with real-time ray-tracing, and is aiming for a spring 2023 release.Forza Horizonwas also showcased, with newHot WheelsDLC that will see players navigate bombastic and death-defying tracks.
Overwatch 2
The high-profileOverwatch 2also received pertinent new details during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase.Overwatch 2will official release in Early Access on October 4 with a free-to-play PvP mode, and a new playablehero named Junker Queenwas revealed. This lethal Wastelander has grand aspirations that were conveyed with a character reveal trailer.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulatorpredictably commanded some spotlight, announcing a 40-year anniversary update that is scheduled to launch this November. Exclusive crossovercontent betweenMicrosoftFlight SimulatorandHalo Infinitewas also announced, with the iconic Pelican fromHalocoming to the simulator soon.
The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 DLC
WithThe Elder Scrolls OnlineandFallout 76being the two quintessential multiplayer titles for their respective franchises, it makes sense that both will be receiving significant DLC in the near future.The Elder Scrolls Onlineis set to receive the High Isleexpansionwithin the next week, whileFallout 76will receive The Pitt expansion in September. Both DLCs will take fans to brand-new areas, including swathes of major content.
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Ark 2
While solid details surrounding the upcomingArk 2still remain mysterious, the showcase gave fans a closer look at a character played by actor Vin Diesel, tamed dinosaurs adorned with imposing decorations. This very brief snippet of a trailer gave fans a vague release window of 2023.
