We expected to see a few Xbox Game Pass reveals as part of Gamescom Opening Night Live 2023 today, and that's exactly what we got - the highlight of which was a surprise shadow drop for Age of Empires 4 on Xbox consoles!

Elsewhere, Xbox first-party title Ara: History Untold received its first gameplay trailer and a new 2024 release window for its PC-only release, while Payday 3 also showed up in a big way by debuting new live action and "99 Boxes" trailers.

There were a couple of Game Pass montages as well - we've thrown one of them up above.

Here are each of the Xbox Game Pass titles that had a starring role during the event:

Starfield - New Live Action Trailer (September 6)

"Accompanied by a stunning orchestral version of Elton John’s “Rocket Man,” the live action trailer follows our hero on a breathtaking journey through the stars. Experience the hope and danger of setting out into the unknown and get ready for your own adventure when Starfield launches on September 6 on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC. Play it day one on Game Pass."

Age Of Empires 4 - Console Release (August 22)

"For years you’ve battled armies and made history your story. Now it’s time to make history once more with a new breakthrough in strategy gaming – introducing Age of Empires IV: Anniversary Edition now available on Xbox consoles."

Payday 3 - New Trailers & Ice-T Reveal (September 21)

"Today during gamescom Opening Night Live (ONL), Deep Silver and Starbreeze unveiled a brand-new PAYDAY 3 gameplay trailer that reveals rapper and actor ICE-T as a brand-new NPC in the PAYDAY universe. ICE-T is one of the most outspoken and multifaceted artists in the world. In the PAYDAY 3 universe, ICE-T plays the character Mac, a quest-giver who provides new missions to players."

Ara: History Untold - Gameplay Trailer (2024)

"Ara: History Untold delivers an evolution in turn-based historical grand strategy. Your choices will define the world you create, your experience, and your legacy."

Did you like what you saw of these upcoming Xbox Game Pass titles? Tell us in the comments below.