On June 11, it was time for the Xbox console to enter the spotlight with a showcase focused entirely on upcoming Xbox games in 2023 and 2024. There were new announcements like South of Midnight, updates on ongoing titles such as Microsoft Flight Simulator, and multiple surprise announcements from developer Atlus. Of course, as the name of the event suggested, Starfield got a lot of focus, as the showcase ended with a dedicated Starfield Direct. Here are GameLuster’s top five announcements from the 2023 Xbox Showcase (including Starfield, of course!)
New Title South Of Midnight Catches Fan Attention
Few games have been more talked about immediately post-showcase than South of Midnight, an upcoming third-person action-adventure game from Compulsion Games. Once an ordinary girl, protagonist Hazel must take on the role of a Weaver, a mender of broken things, as she explores a dark, mythical version of America’s Deep South. Filled with traditional Southern music, magic, and creatures and featuring an art style reminiscent of classic stop-motion animation, South of Midnight attracted attention from the first moment of its initial trailer. Unfortunately, the game does not yet have a release date, but it is planned to debut for both Xbox consoles and PC.
Star Wars Outlaws Offers A Vast Galaxy To Explore
Described as “the first ever open-world Star Wars game,” Star Wars Outlaws had its global reveal trailer during the Xbox Showcase. Unlike recently released Star Wars Jedi: Survivor (the sequel to Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order), Outlaws will take place between the events of the films The Empire Strikes Back and Return of the Jedi. It will introduce a new protagonist, Kay Vess, who is looking to start a new life but has gotten on the bad side of some of the galaxy’s most powerful forces. Currently, Star Wars Outlaws is slated for a 2024 release, with no specific date announced.
Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty Is Now Available For Pre-Order
2020’s Cyberpunk 2077 is already a pretty enormous game, but it’s about to get even bigger! The CD Projekt RED-developed open-world title is getting an expansion in the form of Phantom Liberty, a spy thriller-inspired story set in the brand new district of Dogtown. Johnny Silverhand (Keanu Reeves, who was of course present at the showcase) once again returns to guide the player through a new adventure as they team up with Solomon Reed (Idris Elba) to meet new characters, make crucial choices, and explore new gameplay mechanics. Currently scheduled for a September 26, 2023 release, Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty is currently available for pre-oder on Xbox Series X/S.
Atlus’ Multiple Announcements Include Long-Awaited Persona 3 Remake
Atlus had quite a lot of announcements to make during the Xbox Showcase, including titles both old and new. First up was Metaphor: ReFantazio, the first every fantasy RPG from the team behind Persona. Up next was Persona 5 Tactica, a spinoff of Persona 5 featuring a “chibi” art style and tactical gameplay similar to the Persona Q sub-series. Finally, there was Persona 3 Reload, the long-anticipated remake of the original Persona 3. Reload retells the story of SEES, an organization of Persona users investigating the mysterious “Dark Hour” that descends upon their town at midnight. It will feature updated graphics, a new voice cast, and refreshed game mechanics inspired by Persona 5.
The Starfield Direct Had Lots To Show Off
Of course, with an entire Starfield Direct happening as part of the event, there was tons of new info about the highly anticipated title Starfield! Director Todd Howard showed off the game’s character customization system, which was revealed to be quite in-depth. There was also info about the main quest line (which will involve discovering the hidden secrets of the universe!), details about the crew hiring and Companion recruiting system, and the reveal that the game’s world will include approximately 1000 explorable planets! Starfield drops on September 6, 2023, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass from Day One, so excited fans can play it as soon as it arrives!
There were just so many exciting announcements to talk about during the Xbox Showcase event! There’s new titles like Towerborne and the THIRTY-THREE player co-op title 33 Immortals. Like a Dragon: Infinite Wealth is a new adventure for Yakuza stars Kazuma Kiryu and Kasuga Ichiban. Hardware enthusiasts can check out the new all-black Xbox Series S console featuring an entire terabyte of storage. Fallout 76 is heading to Atlantic City, Microsoft Flight Simulator players can pilot Dune’s ornithopters, and more!
What was your favorite announcement from the Xbox Showcase and Starfield Direct? Comment below and let us know!
