Xbox have hosted their annual Showcase Event and follow-up Direct for Gears of War E-Day where they shared news on many upcoming first and third party games as well as a limited edition console and controller to celebrate 25 years of Xbox.
Gears of War E-Day gameplay revealed
The prequel takes players back to Emergence Day itself, showcasing a younger Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago as humanity’s war against the Locust begins. The footage leaned heavily into horror and desperation, with brutal close-quarters combat, stunning visuals, and a noticeably darker tone than recent entries. Xbox also confirmed the game remains exclusive to Xbox Series X|S and PC.
New Fable trailer
Playground Games returned with another look at Fable, offering its most substantial trailer yet. Alongside fresh gameplay, Xbox revealed several new cast members joining the reboot’s growing ensemble. The footage highlighted the series’ trademark humor, whimsical fantasy setting, and choice-driven storytelling, while also giving players a better sense of the world they’ll be exploring when the game eventually arrives.
Heaps of new casting information has dropped here.
Halo Campaign Evolved prequel missions revealed and release date announced
Halo: Campaign Evolved, a full remake of Halo: Combat Evolved’s iconic campaign including three brand-new story missions set before the events of the original game, focusing on Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson. Better yet, fans won’t have to wait long, with the remake launching on July 28, 2026.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
The next chapter in the Plague Tale universe has arrived. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy appears to expand the series beyond Amicia and Hugo’s story, introducing a fresh narrative while retaining the franchise’s signature blend of stealth, mystery, and emotional storytelling. The reveal trailer offered only a glimpse of what’s ahead, but it was enough to generate plenty of excitement.
Persona 4 release date revealed
Atlus finally confirmed the release date for its long-Awaited Persona 4 remake. The new trailer showcased a visually overhauled version of Inaba, rebuilt character models, and modernized presentation while staying faithful to the beloved RPG. For many fans, it was one of the showcase’s most anticipated announcements.
State of Decay 3 coming 2027
Undead Labs returned with a fresh look at State of Decay 3 and confirmed that the zombie survival sequel is targeting a 2027 release window. Perhaps the biggest surprise was confirmation that the game will also launch on PlayStation 5 alongside Xbox Series X|S and PC, marking another major first-party Xbox title making the jump to Sony’s platform.
Coming 2027 to Xbox Series, PC and PS5.
Sea of Thieves Custom Seas Update
Sea of Thieves is getting one of its most requested features. Arriving as part of Season 20 on June 18, Custom Seas will allow players to create private experiences and tailor adventures to their own crews. Rare positioned the update as a way to encourage community events, roleplaying, and more relaxed sessions away from the dangers of the shared world.
Metro 2039 Gameplay trailer
The Metro series is officially continuing. Metro 2039’s debut gameplay trailer showcased the bleak post-apocalyptic atmosphere fans have come to expect, alongside new environments, terrifying creatures, and a stronger emphasis on survival. While story details remain scarce, the sequel appears to be one of the franchise’s most ambitious entries yet.
Bad Magpie
One of the showcase’s more unusual reveals, Bad Magpie immediately stood out thanks to its distinctive visual style and quirky premise. While details remain limited, the debut trailer suggested a mix of exploration, action, and dark humor, making it one to watch as more information emerges.
Wo Long 2 Wings of Ember
Team Ninja is returning to the Three Kingdoms era with Wo Long 2: Wings of Ember. The sequel promises expanded combat options, larger battles, and even more supernatural threats inspired by Chinese mythology. Although it’s still some way off, with a release planned for early 2027, the reveal was enough to excite fans of the original.
Join Us
Join Us debuted with a mysterious trailer that left audiences with more questions than answers. The project appears to blend psychological horror with cooperative gameplay elements, though its exact nature remains unclear. What is clear is that it has secured a March 2027 release window.
Senua
Ninja Theory surprised viewers with the reveal of Senua, a new entry set in the same universe as Hellblade. The cinematic trailer focused heavily on atmosphere and character, Coming 2027, to Xbox Series, PC and PS5. Xbox have posted lots more info here for anyone interested!
Fallout 76 trailer
Bethesda used the showcase to spotlight Fallout 76’s latest update. The Infestations expansion introduces new threats, events, and rewards, while a limited-time free trial and free reward campaign are designed to bring returning players back to Appalachia. It’s another substantial content drop for a game that continues to evolve years after launch.
Doom: The Dark Ages Revelations revealed
id Software unveiled Revelations, the first major expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages. Launching July 7, 2026, the DLC promises new weapons, fresh enemies, and another brutal campaign for the Slayer. Judging by the trailer, players can expect the same fast-paced action and larger-than-life spectacle that defined the base game.
Crazy Taxi World Tour
SEGA’s iconic arcade racer is back. Crazy Taxi: World Tour modernizes the series with a larger world, online features, and the same chaotic high-speed gameplay that made the original a classic. The reveal leaned heavily into nostalgia while also showing several new mechanics designed for modern audiences.
Xbox Series X and Controller: Xbox 25-year anniversary edition
Xbox celebrated its upcoming 25th anniversary by unveiling a limited-edition Xbox Series X console and matching controller. Featuring a special commemorative design inspired by the brand’s history, the hardware is expected to become a sought-after collector’s item for long-time fans.
Age of Empires 4 Raiders of the North
Age of Empires IV continues to grow with Raiders of the North, a new expansion focused on Viking-inspired factions and campaigns. The trailer teased new units, mechanics, and historical conflicts, giving strategy fans plenty of reasons to jump back into the battlefield.
Minecraft Dungeons II
Mojang officially announced Minecraft Dungeons II, the sequel to its surprisingly successful action RPG spin-off. Launching September 29, 2026, across Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, and PC, the game introduces larger environments, expanded multiplayer options, and a host of new loot-driven adventures.
Magicians: The Devil’s Deal revealed
Magicians: The Devil’s Deal was one of the showcase’s more intriguing reveals. The dark fantasy title appears to blend magic-based combat with narrative choices and political intrigue. While details remain limited, the project is currently targeting a 2027 release.
Valor Mortals release date revealed
Valor Mortals finally has a release date. The action-focused fantasy title launches September 24, 2026, and the latest trailer highlighted its large-scale battles, fast combat system, and expansive world. It continues to be one of the more promising new IPs on the horizon.
Elder Scrolls Online Return of the Thieves Guild update
The Elder Scrolls Online is revisiting one of its most beloved factions with Return of the Thieves Guild. The update adds new quests, rewards, and story content centered around Tamriel’s master thieves, while also arriving alongside expanded Game Pass availability for PC players.
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 World Update 22
Asobo Studio detailed World Update 22 for Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, focusing on the United States’ National Parks. The update brings enhanced scenery, landmarks, and exploration opportunities, while competitive air racing events are scheduled to arrive later this year.
Where Winds Meet new expansion
Where Winds Meet is expanding with Hidden Mountain, a substantial new region that introduces fresh challenges, enemies, and story content. The expansion continues the game’s blend of martial arts combat and open-world exploration inspired by classic wuxia tales.
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse revealed
Konami officially resurrected Castlevania with Belmont’s Curse. Launching October 15, 2026, the new adventure follows the legendary Belmont bloodline in what appears to be a return to the series’ gothic roots. Fans have been waiting years for a major new Castlevania, making this one of the showcase’s standout reveals.
Vivarium revealed
Vivarium emerged as one of the event’s biggest mysteries. The reveal trailer showcased surreal environments, strange creatures, and an unsettling atmosphere, but stopped short of explaining exactly what players will be doing. For now, curiosity may be its strongest asset.
Persona 6
After years of speculation, Atlus finally unveiled Persona 6. The reveal trailer introduced the game’s striking new visual identity, fresh cast of characters, and hints at its central themes. While gameplay details remain limited, the announcement instantly became one of the most talked-about moments of the showcase.
Spyro A Realm Beyond
The purple dragon is back. Spyro: A Realm Beyond was officially revealed with a colourful trailer showcasing new worlds, characters, and abilities. Scheduled for Autumn 2027, the game appears to be a major new chapter for the beloved platforming franchise.
Clockwork Revolution
inXile Entertainment resurfaced with another look at Clockwork Revolution. The ambitious steampunk RPG continues to impress with its time-manipulation mechanics, dense world-building, and reactive storytelling. Xbox confirmed the title is currently targeting a 2027 launch on Xbox Series X|S and PC.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 DMZ Revealed
Activision closed out the show with the reveal of Modern Warfare 4’s new DMZ experience. Building upon the extraction-based foundation introduced in previous entries, the mode appears larger in scale and more heavily integrated into the wider Call of Duty ecosystem. More details are expected ahead of the game’s full unveiling.
Gears of War E-Day Direct
Following the showcase, Xbox dedicated an entire Direct presentation to Gears of War: E-Day. The extended deep dive explored the game’s combat systems, narrative direction, and technical advancements while offering a closer look at Marcus and Dom’s relationship before the events of the original trilogy. If the gameplay reveal generated excitement, the Direct only amplified it.
Plenty of Game Pass games too!
After several years of promising a stronger first-party lineup, Xbox may have finally put together the showcase fans have been waiting for. The event delivered a steady stream of major reveals, surprise announcements, release dates, and updates, with few wasted moments across its runtime. From the return of beloved franchises to brand-new IP, the presentation offered a clearer picture of where Xbox is heading over the next two years.
Now, the challenge shifts from announcements to execution. With heavy hitters like Gears of War: E-Day, Fable, Persona 6, Clockwork Revolution, and State of Decay 3 all on the horizon, Xbox has assembled one of its most promising line-ups in recent memory. If these projects can stick the landing, this showcase may ultimately be remembered as the moment the company’s next chapter truly began.
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