Back in May, Microsoft promised the industry itsfirst real look at next-gen gameplayon theXbox Series X,but unfortunately, it wasn’t able to manage expectations for the event properly and many walked away underwhelmed, to say the least. Now, its next chance is less than a week away: the Xbox Games Showcase and an in-depth look at the future of the Xbox brand. Microsoft needs to let its first-party lineup do the talking if it wants to avoid another generation playing catch up, so here’s a few ideas for exclusives that would absolutely blow fans away and make this Xbox Series X event a huge deal.
Marvel Exclusive
Rather than develop its own games in-house, Marvel Entertainment opted to leave it to the professionals and license its heroes and properties out to talented developers. Sony hasMarvel’s Spider-Manon PS4,Iron Man VRon PSVR, andSpider-Man: Miles Moralesreleasing on PS5 at the end of the year; Nintendo hasMarvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order;butwhat aboutXbox? If Microsoft doesn’t go aheadwith the Warner Bros. Games acquisitionand start to focus on DC Comics characters like Batman, then Xbox needs to get its own first-party Marvel exclusive to bring fans into the ecosystem.
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Fable 4
As of October this year, it’s been a full decade since the release ofFable 3, the last mainline entry in the popular Xbox-exclusive fantasy series. To say that fans are eager for a newFablegame is putting it lightly and the launch of a new console generation is a perfect time for Microsoft to come out strong with a solid first-party exclusive RPG. TheFabletrademark was recently renewedby Microsoft and the “Intent to Use” box was checked off, so it seems like a revival may be inevitable. Now that Microsoft has heavily bolstered its first-party games studios,Fable 4is hopefully revealed sooner rather than later.
Ori 3
Moon Studios may not be one of Microsoft’s first-party Xbox Games Studios, but its 2015 Metroidvania,Ori and the Blind Forest,is a staple of the platform and a must-play Xbox series. A sequel,Ori and the Will of the Wisps,released earlier this year to critical acclaim with many believing it’s a far superior game to the original in almost every way. Moon Studios has got something special with theOriseries, and while it’s hard at work on a new action-adventure game, that doesn’t mean we won’t get a third entry onXbox Series Xdown the line. It’s too soon to show gameplay or a real trailer forOri and the Blind Forest 3,but some sort of short teaser to show its existence would go a long way.
From the moment it was announced, the video game industry was completely in awe of StudioMDHR’sCuphead, a single-player run-and-gun withDark Souls-like difficulty and a gorgeous 1930’s cartoon aesthetic. Microsoft releasedCupheadon Nintendo Switch in 2019,The Delicious Last Coursesingle-player DLC is on the way for release this year, and aCupheadanimated series is in the works at Netflix- the world simply wants moreCuphead. LikeOri and the Blind Forest, it’s unlikely thatCuphead 2would be ready for release anytime soon but a short teaser to show it’s being worked on would be great for Xbox Series X.
Halo Infinite
Finally, Microsoft has one confirmed big gun:Halo. The Xbox Games Showcase is going to offer the world a first real look atHalo: Infinite, likely with a meaty campaign gameplay demo and a multiplayer tease with more coming further down the line. However, it can’t be overstated just how important theHaloreveal. Microsoft’s willingness to reveal new details could make or break the show, so it’s important it is confident in the game and don’t hold back. Explain the direction ofHalo: Infiniteso consumers understand what this game is, show off new campaign gameplay, and put the Master Chief’s story front and center because no one wants to see Locke again unless thoseaccidental toy leaks were real.
Sony knocked it out of the park with its PlayStation 5 gameplay event last month, really setting the stage for what’s expected from these kinds of showcases. Revealing major first-party games likeHorizon: Forbidden WestandRatchet & Clank: Rift Apart, and promisingmore to come at a second event next monthmeans that Microsoft needs to put all its eggs in one basket and go into the Xbox Games Showcase swinging. The only way that’s done is with exclusives, exclusives, exclusives, and any of these killer games would go a long way into making the Xbox Series X a day-one purchase.
TheXboxGames Showcaseis scheduled for 9 AM PT on August 02, 2025.
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