All the new Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase announcements and trailers
Xbox and Bethesda showed over 30 games at this year’s Not-E3 showcase, so there’s a lot to cover. If you’re looking for something specific, you can use the list below to hop to the game you’re most excited about. If you want a full round-up of every single trailer and announcement from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, simply scroll down a little further.
Redfall Hollow Knight: Silksong High On Life Riot Games A Plague Tale: Requiem Forza Motorsport Microsoft Flight Simulator Overwatch 2 Ara: History Untold Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Fallout 76: The Pitt Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels Ark 2 Scorn Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn Minecraft Legends Lightyear: Frontier Gunfire Reborn The Last Case Of Benedict Fox As Dusk Falls Naraka: Bladepoint Pentiment Grounded Ereban: Shadow Legacy Diablo IV Sea Of Thieves: Season Seven Ravenlok Cocoon Persona Series Kojima Productions Starfield
Redfall may be delayed but we still got another look at it
As always, the YouTube comment thread was filled with people shouting “IT’S MORBIN TIME". Well, Xbox listened. The show jumped straight into some Redfall gameplay, the upcoming co-op vampire-hunting FPS from Arkane Austin. The footage starts with the player shuffling through a very ominous church covered in blood. Lots of blood. And there’s a vampire in the attic, of course. Lots of shotgun blasting ensues (it turns out vampires are fairly resistant to shotgun shells), shortly after which we get a better look at the various powers you’ll have at your disposal to hunt the denizens of the night. Lots more vampires, lots more chaos, and lots more time to wait as there was no release date attached. Redfall was originally planned for this summer, but recently got delayed alongside Starfield.
Hollow Knight: Silksong will release on Game Pass sometime in the next 12 months
It’s not the first time we’ve seen some footage of the eagerly awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong, but it’s great to see Hornet make an appearance so early on in the show. We got a nice glimpse at several colourful and dangerous areas, skipping quickly from thick forests to fiery dungeons and cities. We also got a good look at a number of bosses, including a horrible-looking oversized mosquito and a butch bone-axe-wielding creature – and a lot of awesome-looking moves from the ever-agile Hornet. Still no news yet on a firm release date, but apparently everything shown at this event will be playable within the next 12 months. And we now know that it’ll be available on Game Pass at launch, too.
High On Life is a comedy FPS from the creator of Rick & Morty
The first surprise announcement of the night was surprising indeed: I don’t think anyone had “Rick & Morty-inspired FPS" on their Keigh3 bingo card, let alone as a Microsoft exclusive. Justin Roiland (creator/star of the aforementioned animated adult sitcom) will star as your wise-cracking alien gun companion, who you will use to shoot other weird aliens in a grim drug-trip of a world. The final shock came in the form of the release date for this one: it’s due out just a few months from now, in October 2022.
Riot Games is joining Game Pass with a range of games from their back catalogue
Riot Games joined the showcase to reveal that a range of Riot titles will come to Game Pass for PC and Mobile. Subscribers will gain access to all Legends in League of Legends and LoL: Wild Rift, every agent in Valorant, and a starting set of cards in Legends of Runeterra. While those games are already free-to-play without Game Pass, you’ll get all of the above content for free with a subscription when they arrive this winter.
A Plague Tale: Requiem will unleash more rats and emotions upon us later this year
A Plague Tale: Requiem made an appearance next, with a lovely, macabre glimpse of Amicia stealthily trekking through a village that has clearly seen better days. It looks like the same sorts of tense puzzle-esque survival situations are still very much the norm in this dramatic, cinematic series. Some gorgeous lighting on display here, too.
Forza Motorsport looks really pretty, again
Even those of us who can’t drive in real life love a bit of Forza. Whether or not you’re a gearhead, you can’t deny that these are some of the most gorgeously realised photorealistic video games you’ll ever see. Today’s new trailer was followed up by an extended look at the latest game’s autumnal setting of Maple Valley, complete with lovely lighting changes depending on the time of day. Things like weather and temperature look set to alter a lot of interesting under-the-hood variables that affect your driving experience, too. The future is now, people.
Microsoft Flight Simulator to add helicopters, gliders, and Halo’s Pelican
If you’re in the mood for some pretty scenery but you’re growing tired of flying planes, Microsoft Flight Simulator’s next update/expansion will add helicopters and gliders in November. If that isn’t high-tech enough for you, players can hop on right now and download a new update that adds Halo’s Pelican. If you’ve ever wanted to fly a Pelican without getting blown out of the sky by some chump with a rocket launcher, this one’s for you.
Overwatch 2 Early Access will begin this October
Overwatch 2 lets loose with another trailer that to my admittedly undiscerning eye looks exactly the same as Overwatch 1. Doom still Fists, Rein still Hardts, and Zenyatta still looks unbelievably cool. We got a lot of hero poses, a lot of blasting enemies across a bunch of colourful new maps – and one of Overwatch’s signature cinematics which seems to unveil a free-for-all arena mode of some sort. The early access for Overwatch 2 begins on 4th October.
Ara: History Untold brings the historical grand strategy to Game Pass
We knew we were expecting news of some historical grand strategies at the PC Gaming Show later tonight, but ARA History Untold still managed to be a surprise announcement for the Xbox showcase. This initial trailer doesn’t tell us much about what will make the game stand out from, say, Paradox’s sprawling multi-part franchise, except that it looks as though multiple historical eras will be represented in a single game. Oh, and it’ll be available on Game Pass on day one.
Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle expansion will launch next week
A new trailer for Elder Scrolls Online’s upcoming expansion, High Isle, gives us a deeper look into the titular location. High Isle is a completely new location that the Elder Scrolls franchise hasn’t visited previously, giving ESO players the first insight into this new region. Those on console will have to wait until 21 June, but PC players can jump into High Isle right now.
Fallout 76: The Pitt will allow players outside of Appalachia this September
Celebrating 25 years of Fallout, we also got a look at Fallout 76: The Pitt, in which players will leave Appalachia for the first time and return to the Pitt – the remnants of a muchly-nuked Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania which has been completely overtaken by raiders. Come September, players will undertake expeditions in this unforgiving city, both above and below it, earning all sorts of loot and XP along the way.
Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels turns Mexico into a life-sized toybox
More Forza up next, with the announcement of a whimsical add-on for Forza Horizon 5 featuring a brand tie-in with Hot Wheels. I remember the LEGO Speed Champions DLC for Forza Horizon 4 meeting with polarising receptions when it was announced, before everyone was forced to admit that it was in fact just massively fun. From this brief trailer, I reckon we’re in for more of those grown-up toybox shenanigans in the Hot Wheels add-on for Horizon 5 when it releases on July 19th.
Vin Diesel is riding dinosaurs in Ark 2
A very brief trailer next for Ark 2, the upcoming sequel that will inexplicably feature Vin Diesel riding a dinosaur. Nothing new there, but perhaps the most interesting thing to glean is that Xbox expect it to release within the next year, as that is the theme for this showcase. It’s dinos, it’s Vin Diesel, and it’s set to arrive at some point within the next twelve months.
Biopunk horror game Scorn releases 10 days before Halloween
Scorn, the fleshy horror adventure game by Ebb Software, has unveiled a release date of 21st October. The trailer begins with a suitably horrifying cinematic of someone disconnecting a large sinewy umbilical-cord-esque appendage from their body, and quickly crescendos into lots of blood and explosions and grossness. Looks like a fun time for the whole family.
Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn has cute critter friends to join your adventure in its open world
A new trailer for the upcoming Flintlock: The Siege Of Dawn shows off what I anticipate will be one of this open-world action RPG’s main features: wandering about with your cute animal companion at your side. I mean, seriously, super cute. No firm release date yet, but that trailer ends on a tease of an “early 2023" launch, in keeping with tonight’s theme of games you’ll be able to play within the year.
Minecraft Legends is an action-strategy game set in the blocky world
Continuing with their commitment to expanding the franchise with new ideas, Minecraft Legends is an upcoming action strategy game. The trailer seems to suggest that the story will focus on a war between the Overworld and creatures of the Nether, while offering very brief snippets of gameplay. Minecraft Legends is set to arrive in the first half of 2023.
Lightyear: Frontier lets you farm on an alien planet from the safety of your mech
I’m not sure I’ve ever seen a mech game as wholesome as this. Lightyear: Frontier is landing in spring of next year, and it looks to be a farming and building game, but with mechs. You land (rather more serenely and successfully than in most other games, I might add) on a pretty alien planet and must set to work exploring, crafting, and farming from within the confines of your chonky little mech suit.
Gunfire Reborn coming to Xbox is a nice reminder that Gunfire Reborn exists
Gunfire Reborn is a quirky Borderlands-esque rougelike looter-shooter where you and your pals take on the roles of adorable kitty fighters. If I sound like I’m speaking with some knowledge on the subject, it’s because the game’s been out on Steam since last year, but this trailer lets us know that it’ll be coming to other platforms and Game Pass in October 2022. Still, a nice reminder for PC players that this neat indie FPS exists.
The Last Case Of Benedict Fox is a Lovecraftian horror side-scroller
The Last Case Of Benedict Fox is a mysterious, moody metroidvania in which you play as Benedict, a detective investigating a creepy manor. The case soon turns more horrific than expected, as the manor is filled with tentacle-clad eldritch horrors. Since this is Benedict’s last case, it’s safe to assume that things might not go too well. The Last Case of Benedict Fox is set to arrive in spring 2023.
As Dusk Falls looks to tell an emotional, human story in a motion graphic novel style
The devs at INTERIOR/NIGHT are hoping that their game As Dusk Falls will be an emotional and thought-provoking experience for its players. Set in the late 90s and following the tumultuous lives of two families in small-town Arizona, the game aims to turn heads with its unusual and disarming “motion graphic novel style". This interesting-looking co-op interactive drama will arrive on 19th July.
Naraka: Bladepoint’s release on Xbox might revive this sadly overlooked battle royale
Another 2021 Steam release that’s coming to Xbox, this, but it’s interesting news for PC gamers all the same, since by the looks of things you’ll be getting the opportunity to crossplay with your console-owning mates (as long as that console was made by Microsoft, naturally). There have been concerns among the PC player base recently that numbers were dropping off and matchmaking becoming difficult, so hopefully this’ll give the game’s fanbase a boost, and with the addition of a campaign mode in the accompanying update you’ll soon be able to play solo if you like. The Xbox port is due out on June 23rd and will be available on Game Pass on launch.
Pentiment is the next game from Obsidian Entertainment
Pentiment is a 2D narrative adventure from Obsidian Entertainment. One of their smaller projects that they’ve been working on alongside Avowed, Pentiment will task you with exploring a medieval world in a sidescrolling adventure. The trailer doesn’t dive further into any specifics on what the story might entail, but we should hear more soon as Pentiment is set to launch in November 2022.
Grounded’s full release comes out in September
The appearance of a Grounded trailer has undoubtedly upset any arachnophobes who tuned into tonight’s Xbox and Bethesda showcase. But for everyone who has played and thoroughly enjoyed the game, the news of a full release this September is definitely good news. It looks like Obsidian have finally finished up the story of how these teens got themselves shrunkified to the size of ant droppings, and how they might be able to unshrunkify themselves and get back to their normal lives. They’re certainly quite proud of their tagline “Go Big Or Never Go Home", aren’t they – and so they should be. It’s pretty darn good.
Ereban: Shadow Legacy is the newly-announced debut from Baby Robot Games
Ereban: Shadow Legacy is a brand new game revealed at today’s show and the debut title for its development studio Baby Robot Games. This polished indie title describes itself as a “fast-paced stealth platformer" and seems to exist at that intersection between sci-fi and fantasy that sees you fighting scary robots in an otherworldly setting. Not much more to say at this early stage, except that we can confirm it’ll be available on Game Pass on Day One.
Diablo IV will launch next year and features the Necromancer class
Diablo IV takes the spotlight next to introduce the final playable class, which is the returning Necromancer. Blizzard then dove into some gameplay on the Xbox Series X, which the team highlighted as dark and unnerving. This deep dive then went on to show some of the character customization options so that you can make your demon hunter as personal as possible. We also got a look at the open world, which is set to be more dynamic than before with ‘local events’ to add to your story as you explore and earn rewards. Taking notes from the recent Diablo Immortal, Diablo IV will also have more of a focus on PvP, with specific zones dedicated to combat against fellow players. Diablo IV is coming in the first half of 2023.
Sea Of Thieves: Season Seven launches this July and features lots of singing pirates
A genuinely impressive musical trailer for Sea Of Thieves came next in the list, heralding the release of Season 7 on 21st July. You can apparently make use of all-new Cash-In points for selling loot – and there’ll undoubtedly be a bunch of new goodies made available with the new season’s Plunder Pass, too. It all looks as spirited and bombastic as ever.
Ravenlok is a dark narrative action game inspired by Alice in Wonderland
Ravenlok is another new announcement at today’s Xbox + Bethesda showcase, and it sure made a strong first impression on us. A little bit Kingdom Hearts, a lot bit Alice in Wonderland, and really quite sinister, this looks cool and creepy enough to grab your attention even if you’re usually not a fantasy fan. Like basically every game in the show, this one has a vague 2023 release date and a promise that it’ll be on Game Pass on Day One.
Cocoon is the next game from the creator of LIMBO and INSIDE
Cocoon is an upcoming adventure from Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE. While the trailer doesn’t reveal much, it seems to be an isometric puzzle adventure in which you hop between worlds. Cocoon is set to launch next year and will be on Game Pass.
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty has you fighting armies of invading demons in a dark fantasy Han Dynasty setting
Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty is coming in early 2023, and looks to assail the senses with a dramatic story set in a fantastical Han Dynasty-era land. It seems as though you’re a soldier attempting to help repel an invasion of destructive demons that have somehow entered the world. You should check out the trailer purely for that badass-looking Sauron-esque draconic demon at the end.
Three games from the Persona series are coming to Xbox and PC
Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royale are all making their way to Xbox and PC! Personas 3 and 5 were previously PlayStation exclusives and none of them have ever made it to Xbox before, so this is exciting news for players who’d prefer to enjoy their frantic JRPG fix on Microsoft platforms. Some of these games have been out for many years already on various PlayStations (and 4 even made it onto PC a couple of years ago), but they’re all looking very shiny and new in this trailer, which promises Game Pass on Day One for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC!
Kojima Productions is working with Microsoft on a new game
Towards the end of the show, Kojima appeared very briefly to share that Kojima Productions is working on an Xbox exclusive title. No info, title, or trailer for this one, but the game will use the cloud to supposedly achieve things that have never been done before. Very vague, and with absolutely no other information it seems safe to assume this might be the outlier of the showcase, with all games shown today launching within the next year.
Starfield shows off fighting, ship-building, and 1000 planets in its first gameplay trailer
Ohh, we’re here. We’re at the part that you were most likely waiting for. An extended look at Bethesda’s hugely anticipated upcoming space-RPG, Starfield. This trailer treats us to some gameplay from early on in the player’s adventure, starting with touchdown on the moon of Kreet. The player and his friendly mech follows a trail down towards a research lab, mining some sweet, sweet ore along the way. The research lab turns out to be overrun with pirates, which allows the player to stretch their sci-fi buckshot-firing muscles for a little bit. We then skip ahead to the Capital City of New Atlantis, where we’re introduced to Constellation – a group committed to answering the question “what’s out there?". Just the tiniest glimpse of an overarching story involving several artifacts scattered across the galaxy which must be collected to help further this Constellation’s goals. We also got a look at the character creator and Starfield’s new skill system, which looks to be a mix of the skill systems in previous Bethesda titles – partially unlocking with level ups, and partially auto-levelling up these skills with use. Oh, plus there’s base-building, and crafting your own spaceships with a very cool-looking Kerbal Space Program-lite ship-building system. And some pretty sharp-looking space dogfights. Gosh, they’ve revealed quite a lot here, haven’t they? The extended look finally ended with a taste of the allegedly staggering scale of the game. 1000 planets to explore. Hm. That sure does sound amazing on paper, doesn’t it? Time shall tell how detailed and worthy of exploration these planets become. But overall, decently impressive stuff - ‘specially the ship-building and space combat. That went down a treat over here in our guides-y branch of the RPS treehouse. Not E3 2022 is in full-swing - see everything in our E3 2022 hub, as well as our complete round-up of everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2022. Many more big game showcases and streams are still to come this summer, so make sure you stay up to date with our summer games stream schedule.
