Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 | Roundup of Every Announcement
Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 | Roundup of Every Announcement preview

The summer of game announcements and exciting news is in full swing! After Geoff Keighley kicked off an E3-free season with Summer Game Fest 2022, it’s now Microsoft’s time to shine. Yes, the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase for 2022 is almost upon us, and this live blog of all the big announcements has you covered if you can’t watch it live. Expect big reveals, huge surprises, and hopefully a Game Pass addition or two.

How to Watch Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022

The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase takes place on June 12, 2022 at 10 AM PT. You can watch it live or afterwards via the link below.

If you aren’t free to watch the event but still want to keep up with all the news, our live blog below has you covered. With 95 minutes worth of Xbox and Bethesda news in store, it should be a brilliant show.

Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 Roundup

Our live blog will run through each and every big announcement from the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase. Be it some new DLC for hit games or a new first-party title, you’ll be able to catch all the key information below. Fingers crossed Microsoft can put on a good show!

Redfall Gameplay Trailer

First off is a look at the new game from Arkane, an Xbox console exclusive. Announced last year, Redfall is a co-op shooter set in a rural American town swarmed by vampires. It combines the sleek gunplay of Deathloop with the co-op mechanics of Back 4 Blood, with its own blend of horror in there, too.

We see footage of a hero shooting vampires in an old attic, using a plusating pistol as well as a heavy shotgun. With a range of versatile, dexterous enemies and a huge world to explore, it’ll no doubt scratch that co-op itch.

We meet the new characters too: the technology vet Remi, the sniper Jacob, and the ‘cryptozoologist’ Cooper, and our main character, Layla. The plot seems to follow the four as they explore Redfall’s main tourist attractions to take down the vampire nests within, using stealth or bombastic action.

Playable solo or with friends, Redfall comes out on Xbox and PC in 2023. Even better, it’ll be a day-one Game Pass title.

Hollow Knight Silksong Gameplay Trailer

Next up, we get a look at Hollow Knight Silksong in action. The 2D platformer mixes metroidvania gameplay with gruelling combat, and is certainly geared towards the hardcore audience. No release date yet, but it’ll come out day-one on Game Pass.

High on Life Reveal Trailer

Next is a game from the creators of Rick and Morty, bringing the show’s humor to a first-person shooter. Set on a range of colorful planets, with a sidearm pistol that talks to you throughout combat, it’s got comedy and brutal violence at its core. It comes out in October 2022, and is again a Game Pass premiere.

Riot Games x Game Pass

We then get a video from Riot Games, confirming a new partnership with Game Pass for an extended amount of devices. Their main PC and mobile games are coming to Game Pass, with new perks in League of LegendsValorant, and more. That’s followed by a montage of their biggest games and most impactful esports moments, cementing this new partnership with Xbox as a crucial one.

The range of rosters in Riot’s biggest games will come free for Game Pass subscribers this winter.

A Plague Tale: Requiem

This is followed by a new look at the upcoming Plague Tale sequel. While taking a third-person perspective, stealth and manoeuvrability are more of the focus, sneaking past enemy soldiers and taking them out quietly. We also learn that it’ll be available on Game Pass at launch, later this year.

Forza Motorsport Reveal Trailer

One of the biggest rumors going into this Showcase was a new Forza Motorsport game, and now it’s official. The more simulation-based side of the franchise is back for next-gen, with photorealistic cars and lavish tracks. It’s due to come out in Spring 2023 – and of course, will be on Game Pass at launch. The presenters suggest it’ll harness the power of the Xbox Series X/S, meaning it may not come to Xbox One.

The gameplay is totally overhauled, with a quoted 48x improvement on the Forza physics engine. Shrubbery and track sheen look more detailed than ever before, with dynamic lighting and procedural generation ensuring the experience is never shattered. A new weather and daytime system is also key, changing sporadically to affect track temperature, visibility, and performance.

Equally, new features like various tyre compounds and fuel setups are here to add more immersion to your setup. Car damage is also overhauled with new paint mechanics and dirt features, so there’s more reason than ever to drive carefully!

Microsoft Flight Simulator

We then get a look at new additions to the long-running Microsoft Flight Simulator. There’s an increased focus on historical aircraft, as well as modern makes like the Airbus A310. Helicopters are also shown off in more detail, to round off all the new elements coming to the game. This expansion, celebrating the 40th anniversary, comes out in November.

That’s on top of a Halo Infinite expansion, which launches free today!

Overwatch 2 Trailer

We then get a new look at Overwatch 2, with a trailer combining cinematics and gameplay. An October 2022 release date for early access is confirmed, as well as the news that it’ll be free to play. For a competitive FPS as popular as Overwatch, the free model is bound to attract even more players.

We also see a new operator in the game, a hardened arena fighter whose name hasn’t been revealed yet.

Ara: History Untold

Next is the worldwide reveal trailer for a new turn-based strategy game. It seems more in-depth and expansive than its rivals, not only tracking every imaginable period in history, but spanning the far future as well.

Bethesda Conference

This is followed by a more in-depth catch up with Bethesda and their various studios. First off, they reveal a new expansion to Elder Scrolls Online called High Isles. It explores new regions, as well as a more realistic medieval spin. It comes out June 21, 2022.

That’s followed by a look at the new Fallout 76 expansion, called Expeditions: The Pitt. It’s the first time the game has left Appalachia, heading back to the familiar Pittsburgh environment. With a new campaign to explore, as well as all the classic enemies and murky environments in the Fallout series, it’ll no doubt attract some new players. That’s due out in September this year.

Forza Horizon 5 Expansion Trailer

More than half a year after its release, and a new collaboration is coming to Forza Horizon 5, themed around Hot Wheels. With wacky mid-air ramps and cars that only a child’s imagination could conjure up, it’s the most off-beat addition yet. If you ever wanted to live out your childhood Hot Wheels memories with photorealistic graphics, this expansion will let you do that. It comes out next month!

Ark 2 Trailer

Next is a more in-depth look at the sequel to Ark: Survival Evolved, starring Vin Diesel. He rides an armored dinosaur, which pretty much sums up why this is a must-play. Little else is revealed in the trailer aside from its 2023 release window, and the news that it’ll launch on Game Pass.

Scorn Trailer

This is followed by a very bloody trailer for Scorn, a horror FPS. Set in underground catacombs littered with nightmarish monsters, it’s definitely not one for the faint of heart. Making its way to consoles for the first time, Scorn comes out on October 21.

Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn Trailer

We then see gameplay for this third-person action game that tasks you with killing a range of gods. Armed with a hatchet and old-fashioned flintlock rifle, it’s an expansive open world experience that looks incredible. Blending magic realism with portal-hopping powers, its closest comparison is God of War. The game launches in early 2023.

Minecraft Legends Reveal Trailer

This is one that nobody expected: a new game set in the world of Minecraft. A more narrative-focused sequel to the sandbox original, it shows a village swarmed by evil minions from the Nether, with your character bound to restore peace. With huge battles and a seemingly MMO structure, it takes the design of Minecraft but adds tactical combat and strategy. Expect it at some point in 2023.

Lightyear Frontier

We then get a look at this mech FPS, where you harvest and create your own society on a desolate planet. Using your robotic exoskeleton to harvest crops, build structures and traverse the various biomes, it’s a gorgeous and peaceful adventure.  It comes out in Spring 2023, and is of course heading straight to Game Pass.

Gunfire Reborn Trailer

This colorful co-op FPS combines the roguelite format with Overwatch-style special powers, with plenty of different builds in there. It’s due out in November.

The Last Case of Benedict Fox Trailer

This side-scrolling horror game looks incredibly unique. You play as a man who stumbles upon an old house where his father passed, as you uncover the supernatural veneer within the house, and the dark memories he harbored. With a mind-bending narrative and pretty terrifying locales, this is one to look out for when it launches in spring 2023.

As Dusk Falls Showcase

This is a unique one: a cinematic game that has a hugely unique visual style. It blends real-time motion with freeze-frame paintings, with a deep story focusing on a family whose need for money drives them to some hugely unexpected places. It puts story first, showing the fallout of their traumatic experience, and how it drives each one into a different place. If you like your games with a deep narrative, As Dusk Falls is for you.

Naraka Bladepoint Trailer

We then learn at the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 that this hit PC battle royale game is coming to Xbox son. With over 60 players engaging in samurai combat, it’s hugely focused on your skill with a blade. If you want to be the last one standing, you’ll need to harness special powers as well as your own melee ability.

Pentiment Trailer

Next is a 2D sidescroller with a distinctly medieval feel. You play as a painter who stumbles upon a murder, then tasked with uncovering the mystery while also dealing with an increasingly deranged society. Developed by Obsidian, Pentiment releases in November.

Grounded Expansion

We then get news of more additions to the hit co-op RPG Grounded. It’s now moving out of the Game Preview phase, adding new biomes, bosses, and a story mode to boot. Grounded is bigger and better than ever in its full public release, due this September.

Ereban: Shadow of Legacy Trailer

This PC game is coming to Xbox consoles in 2023, with a dark revenge tale and technology-based combat system to explore.

Diablo IV Gameplay Trailer

Next is a new look at the latest Diablo game! It announces a new class called the Necromancer, which has the ability to harness the undead swarms. We then get to see some of the game running on Series X, looking more refined and visually impressive than before.

Character customization is deeper than ever, as you can alter not only your appearance but your play style too. Combat is more fluid and bloody than before, but even more exciting is the new open world. There’s no longer a linear path to playing the game, instead letting you pick which dungeons and strongholds to clear. That’s on top of the hulking bosses that are more dangerous than ever before, with a focus on co-op to get the job done.

Other new features included crossplay, PvP arenas, and more endgame features ensuring you’ve always got new dungeons to explore. The devs also promise years of future support, so the dungeon-crawling action will never go stale. The game launches in 2023.

Sea of Thieves DLC Roadmap

We then see a glimpse at new features coming to Sea of Thieves. This includes greater ship customization, including your own quarters and the ship name. A new currency called cash-in points to sell items, and even ship races to enjoy. The game is only getting bigger! The new season launches on July 21.

Ravenlok Trailer

Next is a 3D adventure game where you play as a little girl trapped in an intimidating fantasy realm. Akin to Alice in Wonderland, there’s a range of wacky creatures to fight, from cactus men to robotic eagles. The game is due out in 2023.

Cocoon Reveal Trailer

Next is the new game from the mind behind Inside and Limbo. It’s more colorful than those games, set in a sandy desert, but retains the small-fish-in-big-pond atmosphere. Traversal is again the key, as you go through portal, fly using propelled streams of water, and solve puzzles. Cocoon will release in 2023.

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty Cinematic Trailer

This action game is due to release in early 2023, blending swordplay with special powers for a combat-focused adventure. Phil Spencer then arrives to speak on Xbox’s quest to feature more Japanese devs on Game Pass, leading to the next reveal.

Persona Trailer

Yes, the hugely popular Persona games are coming to Xbox for the first time! Confirmed so far is Persona 3 PortablePersona 4 Golden, and of course Persona 5 Royal. Fans have clamored for more JRPGs on Xbox for a long time, so this will come as fantastic news. Even better, they’ll be on Game Pass!

Hideo Kojima Footage

Next, Phil Spencer confirms the rumors that renowned mastermind behind Metal Gear Solid Hideo Kojima is partnering with Xbox. No news on games yet, but with Xbox Game Studios announcing a partnership with Kojima Productions, it’ll no doubt be monumental.

Starfield Gameplay Trailer

To round off the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022, Phil Spencer announces the very first look at Starfield gameplay. Expectations are high for the brand-new Bethesda Game Studios IP, so this footage comes hotly anticipated.

Todd Howard, Game Director at Bethesda, then arrives to discuss the game. He calls it the most ambitious Bethesda game ever, with more to explore than ever.

We then get a look at a cavernous moon called Kreet, before the gameplay begins. It’s the classic first-person viewpoint, as the player bounds towards an abandoned research center. The focus then switches to third-person as a creature emerges, with the player choosing to let them pass without a fight. A part of gameplay focus seems to be scanning the wildlife to fill your codex, while also extracting raw materials from the landscape.

It looks like the most refined Bethesda game yet, with next-gen graphics and lighting, and the RPG elements the studio is renowned for. The main civilian hub of New Atlantis is huge, with plenty of NPCs walking around, and a hint at the improved character models. We then see the overhauled character designer, skill tree, and crafting features for both equipment and weapons. Even better, you can build and fly your very own spaceship. Who wouldn’t want to do that?

Hype levels are astoundingly high for Starfield, but this footage will prove that expectations are justified. With a hugely varied open world and a story driven by mysteries, it’s going to be one of next year’s biggest games.

That rounds off the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022! With huge first-party announcements as well as some surprises along the way, it’s bound to satisfy Xbox fans for the next year.

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