Console manufacturers typically try to appeal to a broad range of gamers while also emphasizing a particular genre. For PlayStation, action-adventure and narrative-driven games take center stage, while Nintendo tends to prioritize family-friendly experiences. In contrast, Xbox's target market has been less clear in recent years, with the console offering a wide variety of games without a clear focus on a specific genre. However, this is all set to change in the near future. Once the go-to console for shooter games, Xbox has struggled to maintain this reputation since losing the exclusive Call of Duty deal and experiencing disappointing sales for Halo Infinite. Nonetheless, the latest Xbox Games Showcase suggests that the console is set to become the hub for expansive RPGs moving forward, which will undoubtedly excite fans of this genre.
Xbox's Future is in Expansive Fantasy RPGS
Xbox's commitment to expansive RPGs has become even more evident since the acquisition of Obsidian Entertainment and Bethesda. The recent showcase revealed that after the launch of Starfield, Bethesda will focus on The Elder Scrolls 6, while Obsidian Entertainment is developing Avowed and Playground Games is creating Fable. With three fantasy RPGs in the works, there is a strong possibility that Xbox Game Studios will continue to release more in the coming years.
Avowed, set within the Pillars of Eternity universe, will be Obsidian Entertainment's take on The Elder Scrolls. While it will have all the classic RPG elements on a smaller scale, it may be the perfect game for RPG fans to keep themselves occupied until The Elder Scrolls 6 is released. Although no official release date has been announced, it is expected to launch in 2024. Given Obsidian Entertainment's track record of producing high-quality titles, Avowed is sure to be an excellent gaming experience from start to finish.
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Fable fans have been eagerly waiting for the reboot of this iconic franchise, and Playground Games seems to be delivering with their upcoming release. The glimpse shown at the Xbox Games Showcase promises a colorful and funny adventure that will transport players back to the world of Albion. While no release date or gameplay has been revealed yet, Xbox is expected to share more details soon. Although it may not be as vast as The Elder Scrolls, Fable still has the potential to offer a fantastic fantasy experience.
In addition to the three primary fantasy RPGs, Xbox has a lineup of other exciting RPG titles in the works, including third-party offerings and first-party releases like Starfield and The Outer Worlds 2. With the potential acquisition of Activision Blizzard, Xbox's RPG catalog could expand even further. Clearly, Xbox is positioning itself as a major player in the RPG genre, and fans of these immersive experiences will definitely want to invest in an Xbox console or PC to be a part of this exciting future.