If you've been checking in with us here at Pure Xbox over the past few days and weeks, you'll have seen us talking a lot about this week's Xbox Games Showcase event taking place on Thursday!
It's been a while since the show was first announced however, so here's a refresher:
What Is July's Xbox Games Showcase Event?
Microsoft announced back in early May that it would be hosting monthly "Xbox 20/20" events in the lead up to the Xbox Series X's launch, with games from Xbox Game Studios being highlighted in July.
If you're unaware, Xbox Game Studios is the name of Microsoft's first-party publishing division, and includes developers such as 343 Industries (Halo), The Coalition (Gears), Turn 10 Studios (Forza), and many more.
Here's what the company said about July's event at the time:
In July, we will dedicate time to focus on the incredible games coming from Xbox Game Studios. A number of our studio teams are looking forward to sharing first looks at new gameplay, insights from development teams being optimized for Xbox Series X, and brand-new game announcements. We cannot wait to share this initial look at what some of those teams are working on.
Since then, Microsoft has reiterated that the event will feature world premieres and updated looks at some of the games it's already revealed.
"And yes, that includes your first-ever look at campaign gameplay from Halo Infinite."
When Is July's Xbox Games Showcase Event?
Here's when this week's Xbox Games Showcase event kicks off on Thursday, July 23rd:
- Pre-Show: 8am PT / 11am ET / 4pm BST / 5pm CEST / 1am AEST (July 24)
- Main Show: 9am PT / 12pm ET / 5pm BST / 6pm CEST / 2am AEST (July 24)
The main show is expected to last around an hour.
You'll be able to watch via the following links:
- Here at Pure Xbox (Including Pre-Show)
- The Game Awards on YouTube (Including Pre-Show)
- Xbox on YouTube
- Twitch
The pre-show will be hosted by Geoff Keighley on YouTube Gaming as part of Summer Game Fest, and will feature reveals, predictions, insights from YouTube creators, and more on some already-announced titles coming to Xbox.
What Games Will We See?
Halo Infinite has already been confirmed for the event, with developer 343 Industries set to provide a first look at the game's campaign. Double Fine's Psychonauts 2 will also definitely be a part of it, as announced by founder Tim Schafer back in May.
Aside from those games, it's mainly rumours for now. There are suggestions we may see a new Fable, and new Xbox studio The Initiative might showcase its first game (rumoured to be Perfect Dark), but the latter seems doubtful.
It looks like FIFA 21 might be part of the event, with an official reveal trailer set to drop at the same time as the Xbox Game Showcase pre-show at 4pm BST on Thursday.
There's also the potential that we might see the previously announced Senua's Saga: Hellblade II in some form, a new Forza Motorsport game, Gears Tactics and Microsoft Flight Simulator announcements for Xbox Series X, and more information on Xbox One games that will be Optimized for Xbox Series X such as Gears 5.
Battletoads (Xbox One) and Age of Empires III: Definitive Edition (PC) were also rated in two different regions recently, suggesting they might make an appearance at the event too.
A few weeks ago, well-known industry insider Shinobi602 suggested that Microsoft was planning to "absolutely bring the heat" for the event, and also mentioned that third-party games will be present.
Will The Xbox Lockhart (Series S) Be Revealed?
It's looking very unlikely. Although rumours have ramped up considerably about the existence of the Xbox Lockhart - Microsoft's unannounced, lower-spec alternative to the Xbox Series X - the latest reports have suggested it'll be announced in August, rather than July.
Furthermore, Microsoft's Aaron Greenberg confirmed on Twitter recently that the show will be focused entirely on games, with no business, devices or similar news set to feature.
Will Xbox Series X Pre-Orders / The Price Be Announced?
Again, this seems very unlikely due to the event's heavy focus on games. As mentioned above, Aaron Greenberg has suggested no business, devices or similar news will be part of the Showcase, so it doesn't look like we'll be getting pre-order information or a price just yet. Shouldn't be too long now though!
How excited are you for this week's Xbox Games Showcase event? Let us know in the comments.
Comments 14
If lockhart gets announced in August then it probably makes sense for them to reveal the price and release date for both at the same time. So thinking on it they probably won't announce a price at this event.
Just bring a new Fable and I'll be happy
@SuperNintendoMii agreed.
So hard waiting @.@
Just bring games, games, games......(a new Fable & Perfect Dark are my 🤞 games)
And one or two new studio acquisitions & I’ll be 👍🏻.
July 23rd LETS GO!!!
@Grot
Yea I doubt we’ll hear about price. Microsoft & Sony seem to be playing a game of “chicken” in that regard.
But like you said....no way XSX is higher than $499 anyways.
And another 3 weeks waiting.......
I hope it will be worth it!
I think all of you are correct. No price announced but when it is, it won't be more than $499 for series X and probably announced at the August event.
@SuperNintendoMii
Would love to see a new Fable!
@Murray hell, it had better be. end of July is SUPER late, imo, and Microsoft is putting a lot of pressure on themselves here, not to mention allowing Sony to have the limelight to themselves for a very long time. This had better be good.
Should be a packed Show. Halo will have a time carved out, but then i expect Fable, (possibly at the end), Perfect Dark in there somewhere, they'll show Battletoads and give a date, i expect a surprise (i'm guessing Cuphead 2 or something like that). there will be an RPG or two , possibly an expansion for The Outer Worlds, As well as the new Forza. Should be a quality show.
Oh they may also have an extended look at the new Batman, something of that sort.
The first three games I will be buying for the Xbox Series X are
Halo: Infinite
The Medium
Flight Simulator (Whatever the name is)
Series X for me day one. Ready to pre-order
As soon as they go up in the UK, probably go with Game UK, they are good with release date console launches.
Have game pass, so Halo, Forza 8 will be free day one for me and currently will buy Assassins Creed not sure yet. Already have Cyberpunk2077 ready for download.
After such a bad 2020 country and world wise, this should make a great end to the year.
@Dezzy70 yeah Game are pretty good with release dates and usually a good midnight launch or lock-in when big games or systems are released
Anything Forza is on my radar. I’m also excited for any series comebacks such as Fable, Perfect Dark, Banjo, Conker, etc.
I wouldn't mind seeing an announcement of Final Fantasy XIV coming to Xbox platforms and xCloud. The latter would be quite the killer feature because you can play it on your phone. That could end up being Microsoft's trump card in cracking Japan and Korea.
Tap here to load 14 comments
Leave A Comment
Hold on there, you need to login to post a comment...