On Sunday, June 12th, Microsoft is hosting its annual bombastic keynote, highlighting what’s to come for Xbox in 2022 and the near future. The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is said to feature updates and announcements from Xbox Game Studios, Bethesda, as well as third-party partners from around the world.
According to Microsoft, the showcase will not only cover the console space but will also discuss what’s to come to PC for Xbox. With so many studios and publishers taking it upon themselves to host their own digital events, Microsoft is up next with a lot of eyes on the company.
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase is expected to run for a duration of 60 to 90 minutes. As with previous years, we’re expected to see AAA game announcements as well as time dedicated to the smaller but still impactful ID@Xbox titles. With how many studios Microsoft has under its Xbox Games Studio umbrella, there’s a lot to theorize for Sunday.
Of course, one of Xbox’s marquee titles in the past 12-month span has been Halo Infinite. Studio 343 Industries has outlined the new content and quality of life improvements to come to the game across Season 2 and Season 3. One of those is campaign co-op, which enters beta in July. It’s likely that Microsoft could provide a bit of new footage on co-op. In addition, Certain Affinity is working alongside 343i to develop new content for Halo Infinite. Many have theorized this could be a battle royale-type mode, structured similar to its Last Spartan Standing mode.
We’ve been part of the @Halo franchise for more than 15 years and we’re honored to say we are deepening our relationship with 343 and have been entrusted with further evolving Halo Infinite in some new and exciting ways. Join us on our journey. https://t.co/fApGobYZS3 pic.twitter.com/XSuS7EtLcq
— Certain Affinity (@CertainAffinity) April 12, 2022
Another tentpole title from Xbox’s 2021 offering was Forza Horizon 5. The game was received exceptionally well, with many applauding Playground Games on the open-world racer. Perhaps enough time has passed that DLC or an expansion could be shown off during the event. Forza Horizon 3 featured Hot Wheels-themed content. According to Steam, a Hot Wheels bundle for Forza Horizon 5 was spotted (via VideoGamesChronicle).
Two highly-anticipated games to come from the Bethesda side for Xbox are Redfall and Starfield. Ahead of the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Bethesda revealed that both games were being delayed to the first half of 2023. While slipping out of its respective September and November releases, it’s imperative that Xbox and Bethesda give both games the spotlight during this time to drum up anticipation.
An update on Redfall and Starfield. pic.twitter.com/pqDtx26Uu6
— Bethesda (@bethesda) May 12, 2022
As for the rest of the showcase, there are plenty of titles that Microsoft can give updates to. Obsidian is currently working on Avowed, which could see a new trailer or gameplay. The same can be said for Undead Labs’ State of Decay 3 and Ninja Theory’s Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, both of which could be shown yet again. Compulsion, best known for its work on We Happy Few, has been quiet in recent years. Perhaps their new game is primed for a reveal.
Titles such as Fable, Perfect Dark, and Everwild are all known quantities but may be further out than what Microsoft’s current scope is targeting. While these could all make an appearance, it seems rather unlikely. The same goes for The Coalition coming on stage to show off Gears 6 this year.
The showcase comes off the heels of some pretty interesting news pieces from Microsoft. Recently, the company announced that Xbox Cloud Gaming is coming to 2022 Samsung TVs on June 30th. Xbox Design Lab is also returning and Microsoft is investing in Edge’s focus on gaming.
The Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase kicks off at 1 PM ET/ 10 AM PT on June 12th. To tune in, you can check out the Xbox YouTube channel, the Bethesda YouTube channel, or Xbox’s Twitch channel.
