The 2022 Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase was 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, Xbox expanded 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.
Redfall
The first game in the Xbox and Bethesda Showcase was Redfall, 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 that Redfall will launch in 2023 as a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
A much-anticipated announcement was that of Hollow Knight: Silksong, a Metroidvania platformer and sequel to the critically acclaimed Hollow 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 was High On Life, a highly stylized FPS from the creators of Rick and Morty. Thoroughly comedic in nature and boasting sentient organic weapons, High On Life is another Game Pass title releasing in October.
Riot Games and Xbox Game Pass
Riot Games is launching a surprise partnership with Xbox Game Pass. For PC and mobile users, Game Pass subscribers will be able to play League of Legends, Valorant, Legends of Runeterra, and Teamfight Tactics this winter, including attractive bonuses such as all characters being unlocked in League of Legends.
A Plague Tale: Requiem
A Plague Tale: Requiem, announced in 2021, also featured in today's showcase, with gameplay upholding the immersive, fantastical nature of the upcoming sequel. Requiem was 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 upcoming Forza Motorsport featured 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 Horizon was also showcased, with new Hot Wheels DLC that will see players navigate bombastic and death-defying tracks.
Overwatch 2
The high-profile Overwatch 2 also received pertinent new details during the Xbox and Bethesda Games Showcase. Overwatch 2 will official release in Early Access on October 4 with a free-to-play PvP mode, and a new playable hero named Junker Queen was revealed. This lethal Wastelander has grand aspirations that were conveyed with a character reveal trailer.
Microsoft Flight Simulator
Microsoft Flight Simulator predictably commanded some spotlight, announcing a 40-year anniversary update that is scheduled to launch this November. Exclusive crossover content between Microsoft Flight Simulator and Halo Infinite was also announced, with the iconic Pelican from Halo coming to the simulator soon.
The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 DLC
With The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 76 being 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 Online is set to receive the High Isle expansion within the next week, while Fallout 76 will receive The Pitt expansion in September. Both DLCs will take fans to brand-new areas, including swathes of major content.
Ark 2
While solid details surrounding the upcoming Ark 2 still 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.