Xbox is giving fans an even deeper look into some of its most highly anticipated first-party games showcased during its Xbox Games Showcase with an extended showcase event. This isn't the first time Xbox has added an extended showcase after its main summer shows, but it continues to be a popular addition among fans who crave additional insight into the games. The extended showcase features developer interviews and extended gameplay walkthroughs, providing a more comprehensive look at the games.
During the Xbox Games Showcase, fans were thrilled to see a strong first-party presence, with 11 games showcased from internal studios. The reveal of Fable was particularly exciting for fans of the classic Xbox franchise, showcasing stunning modern visuals. Additionally, fans learned that Avowed, Obsidian's fantasy RPG, and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, Ninja Theory's gritty action sequel, are both slated for release in 2024. Forza Motorsport finally received a solid release date of October 10, while the reveals from two lesser-known Xbox Game Studios, Compulsion Games' South of Midnight and inXile's BioShock-inspired Clockwork Revolution, captivated fans. Xbox's massive 45-minute Starfield blowout was the perfect way to end the showcase, leaving fans eagerly anticipating what's still to come in this Summer Game Fest season.
Xbox is not holding back on the excitement for their upcoming showcase. In addition to their main event on June 10, they will also be hosting an extended showcase on June 13. This extra event promises to offer fans an even closer look at some of Xbox's most highly anticipated titles, including Avowed and Hellblade 2. But the extended showcase won't just focus on the big names. It will also feature some of Xbox's smaller games and collaborations, such as Towerborne, the Microsoft Flight Simulator Dune expansion, and The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom. And perhaps most intriguingly, the extended showcase will include games from Xbox's partners that didn't make an appearance at the main showcase.
Fans of Hellblade have been eagerly anticipating the sequel's combat mechanics. While the most recent trailer did not feature any action from Senua, it is possible that the extended showcase may provide a glimpse of what's to come. Avowed's gameplay reveal left some fans feeling underwhelmed by the visuals of the first-person RPG. Hopefully, the deep dive at Extended will offer a more detailed look at Obsidian's work-in-progress title. Although it's disappointing that Fable, South of Midnight, and Clockwork Revolution won't be making second appearances, it makes sense that Xbox is prioritizing games that are closer to release, such as Hellblade 2 and Avowed, both of which are slated for 2024.
Extending the showcase to include even more gameplay from first-party titles is a wise decision, especially since Starfield dominated a significant portion of the spotlight with its own 45-minute direct. While it's unclear which Xbox partnerships will be featured at Extended, smaller partners are typically showcased. It's possible that Avalanche's Contraband or IO Interactive's rumored Project Dragon may make an appearance, but these titles would likely have been featured during the main show.
Source: Xbox Wire