We have plenty of exciting upcoming Xbox Series X games to look forward to, with hopefully more information to come in the Xbox Showcase on 11 June. With some anticipated releases right around the corner and lots of games on the horizon in the coming months, a host of new games for 2023 are set to fill up the Xbox Series X library. From anticipated Xbox exclusives like Forza Motorsport to a variety of big third-party games, there's also a wealth of upcoming indie games that are set to find a home on the Microsoft's flagship console.
With so many announcements for new games coming thick and fast over the last few years, the big studios have been preparing some major releases. There's a litany of upcoming Assassin's Creed games and upcoming Bethesda games to look forward to, just to name a few, but the list doesn't end there. Read on below to keep track of all of the biggest upcoming Xbox Series X games on the way in 2023 and beyond.
2023
Street Fighter 6
Release date: June 2, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Capcom
Game Pass: No
Street Fighter 6 is en route to deliver the classic Fighting Ground mode, but also something a little different. There's a brand new campaign mode, known as World Tour, and a Battle Hub, which rounds out three full modes that lets players enjoy a brawl in whatever form they'd like. It looks incredible so far.
RELATED: Street Fighter 6 review: "Arguably the best overall fighting game package ever made"
Diablo 4
Release date: June 6, 2023
Developer: Blizzard Entertainment
Game Pass: No
First announced during BlizzCon 2019, Diablo 4 will bring back the iconic series with new classes such as the necromancer in tow. Described as a true next-generation action-RPG, the next entry is said to expand on the features of the series in an open-world setting with almost 150 dungeons, more in-depth character customization, and more. Daughter of Hatred and Queen of the Succubi Lilith is also back as the big antagonist. It will also support cross-play and couch co-op.
RELATED: Diablo 4 review: "A magnificent and absurd loot theme park"
Crash Team Rumble
Release date: June 20, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Toys for Bob / Activision
Game Pass: TBC
Crash Team Rumble is a new 4v4 online multiplayer game that bring the famous marsupials friends and foes into an arena in the name of Wumpa fruit. Coming to us from Crash Bandicoot 4: It's About Time developer Toys For Bob, Crash Team Rumble will see you try to bank the most fruit in drop off zones while you also try to defend the opposing team's zone. It will support cross-platfrom play.
Aliens: Dark Descent
Release date: June 20, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Tindalos Interactive / Focus Interactive
Game Pass: No
There's a brand new Alien game en route and it's a strategy title called Aliens: Dark Descent. You'll need to command a group of Colonial Marines as they try to survive a Xenomorph attack on Lethe Moon, where you'll also have to fight off rogue agents from the Weyland-Yutani Corporation and creatures that are brand new to the franchise.
Immortals of Aveum
Release date: July 20, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Ascendant Studios / Electronic Arts
Game Pass: TBC
This magic FPS shooter trades bullets for spells. We'll be playing as Jak, a street kid-turned-Magnus that has been tasked with joining an Everwar, waged for centuries as two warring nations fight for control of the planet of Aveum's ley lines. These reservoirs of magic criss-cross the whole of Aveum, but the nation of Rashaan is intent on wresting control of their power and effectively cutting off their opponent. Immortals of Aveum is a fresh IP from Call of Duty veteran Bret Robbins' new studio, but he's adamant that this is its own game entirely. We'll see for ourselves when it launches on Xbox Series X and S early this summer.
Atlas Fallen
Release date: August 10, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Deck13 Interactive / Focus Entertainment
Game Pass: No
Atlas Fallen is a new action RPG set in a fantasy world covered in sand. We got our first look at the game during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, with a cinematic trailer that showed off the original setting that is said to be filled with ancient dangers and hidden mysteries. We also got some brief glimpses of the combat, which features shape-shifting weapons and sand-powered abilities.
Starfield
Release date: September 6, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Bethesda Game Studios / Bethesda
Game Pass: Yes
As Bethesda's first new IP in over a decade, there's already a lot of pressure riding on Starfield. As an RPG set in space that's set to let you create any character you want and freely explore the expansive setting. As we've saw in the latest gameplay look during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase, Starfield features 1000 planets in over 100 systems. You'll be able to land anywhere on any planet you come across and explore all it has to offer. With other exciting features, it looks like we're in store for a very Bethesda-shaped adventure in space.
Mortal Kombat 1
Release date: September 19, 2023
Developer / Publisher: NetherRealm / Warner Bros
Game Pass: No
Mortal Kombat 1 is set to launch this September, and NetherRealm is going all out to deliver a fighting game worthy of a new generation. The studio is taking the eternal battle into a new timeline, one which will feature twists on iconic characters and all-new rivalries for us to exploit with devastatingly violent finishers and fatalities. Keep a close eye on this one, because it's going to be one of the biggest brawlers of the year.
Assassin's Creed Mirage
Release date: October 12, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Bordeaux / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Mirage is a homage to the early years of Assassin's Creed. It's putting the focus back on assassinations, parkour, and stealth movement, and getting back to the tighter narrative framing that Altair and Ezio's earliest adventures were so adept at delivering. As fantastic as the more recent Assassin's Creed games have been, the series has wandered far from its roots. That's why we can't wait to check out this smaller-scale adventure through 9th Century Baghdad when it launches this summer.
Alan Wake 2
Release date: October 17, 2023
Developer / Publisher: Remedy Entertainment / Epic Games
Game Pass: No
Alan Wake is back at long, long last, some 11 years after the original game's release. Remedy Entertainment is bringing back our favourite writer for a sequel, but this time Alan Wake 2 is going to be a true survival horror title, with the developer promising a "chilling experience" along with the "familiar psychological horror elements". And, yes, the flashlight is also back.
TBC 2023
Lightyear Frontier
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Frame Break / Amplifier
Game Pass: Yes
Lightyear Frontier sees you play as tractor mech in an open-world farming adventure set on an alien planet on the far edge of the galaxy. You'll be able to explore the world, plant crops, and build up your own homestead. While you can play the adventure solo, Lightyear Frontier also supports online co-op, so you and up to three pals can jump into the adventure. And if you've always wanted to pilot your own mech, you'll be happy to know that you customize it to your liking, from cosmetic features to tools.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/ Publisher: Team Cherry
Game Pass: Yes
The long-awaited sequel to Team Cherry's Metroidvania action-adventure is officially coming. Taking on the role of Hornet, the princess, and protector of the Hallownest, we'll get to explore a new haunted kingdom. After being captured, you'll have to fight through enemies and solve mysteries as you set out on a pilgrimage. With the chance to see new lands, use new powers, and more, Hollow Knight: Silksong's appearance during the Xbox and Bethesda showcase confirmed it will be coming to Game Pass.
Forza Motorsport
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Turn10 Studios / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Like Fable, the simulation racing series Forza Motorsport is also getting a bit of a soft reboot. Ditching the number rather than launching as Forza Motorsport 8, for example, this is a refresh for the series that's currently early in development. It'll run at 4K, 60fps and focus on delivering a dynamic, connected world. No release date as yet, but when it does arrive it'll launch across Xbox Series X, PC and Game Pass to boot.
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Dontnod Entertainment / Focus Entertainment
Game Pass: TBC
Banishers: Ghosts of New Eden is an intriguing new action RPG from Life is Strange and Vampyr developer, Dontnod. The game will see you follow and play as two characters as they hunt ghosts, making use of Antea's spiritual powers and Red's weapons to solve cases and fight back against supernatural forces. Your choices are also said to have "dramatic consequences" as you progress.
Flintlock: Siege of the Dawn
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: A44 Games / Kepler Interactive
Game Pass: Yes
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn is a new RPG from the developers behind Ashen. Set in a new fantasy world full of gunpowder and magic. You'll play as Coalition army member Nor Vanek who's joined by their companion Enki, an adorable fox-like creature with magical powers of its own. When the gods of the world suddenly return with humanity at risk, Nor Vanek sets out on a path of vengeance against the gods themselves.
The Lords of the Fallen
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Hexworks / CI Games
Game Pass: TBC
The Lords of the Fallen is a new dark fantasy RPG that will see you take on the role of a Dark Crusader who sets out to overthrow the demon god known as Adyr. With a fully customizable character, you'll be able to choose your appearance and one of nine classes that will dictate your starting path in the world, with upgradable weapons, spells, armour, and stats to tailor to your preferred playstyle.
Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Saber Interactive / Focus Entertainment
Game Pass: TBC
Saber Interactive is bringing us a new Warhammer 40K action-adventure with Space Marine 2. With the galaxy in peril and worlds falling, you play as a Space Marine who sets out to the help the Imperium against Tyranid hordes. We got our first look at the gameplay for the upcoming entry during the Game Awards 2022,
Lies of P
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Neowiz
Game Pass: Yes
Lies of P is a new action souls-like game that draws inspiration from Pinocchio. That concept alone is enough to pique our interest. A debut trailer was unveiled during Gamescom Opening Night Live 2022, giving us our first look at the dark, fallen city setting of Krat that is said to be filled with all kinds of horrors. Lies of P will follow Pinocchio as he fights to once again become human.
Disney Dreamlight Valley
Developer / Publisher: Gameloft
Release date: TBC 2023
Game Pass: Yes
Disney Dreamlight Valley is a little bit like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, except all of the villagers, are Pixar and Disney characters and instead of an island you're in a magical land. As well as getting to know and befriending the residents, you can complete quests, take part in activities such as fishing, discover stories and unlock new areas. The setting of Dreamlight Valley was said to have been idyllic, but now it's been affected by The Forgetting, which has severed the memories tied to the land. Disney Dreamlight Valley is set to get a full launch as a free-to-play experience in 2023, but it is currently in early access on Game Pass – read our Disney Dreamlight Valley review.
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft
Game Pass: No
Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora is the long-awaited reveal of the Ubisoft Avatar game from Massive Entertainment. IT will see you play as a Na'vi in a new part of Pandora known as the Western Frontier. This first-person, action-adventure will have you protecting this living and reactive world against formidable RDA forces. This is a standalone story, not connected to the movies too.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/Publisher: GSC Game World
Game Pass: Yes
S.T.A.L.K.E.R is back with the highly-anticipated sequel that will see players returning to the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. This time around it's even more dangerous, filled with mutants, anomalies, and a whole load of radiation. Stalker 2 will see you have to find your way through the Zone or be lost to it forever.
Skull and Bones
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft
Game Pass: No
Skull and Bones is finally ready to set sail after almost a decade in development at Ubisoft Singapore. This tactical action game will let you become the captain of your very own pirate ship, giving you the freedom to fully customize its look and outfit its offensive and defensive capabilities. Micro-management is the name of the game here, as you'll need your ship to be a finely tuned machine as you explore the Indian Ocean and battle other players over Disputed Waters.
Layers of Fears
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Bloober Team / Aspyr
Game Pass: No
Layers of Fears is an expanded and updated version of the original Layers of Fear from 2016, that incorporates the latter's 'Inheritance' DLC and its indirect sequel, Layers of Fear 2. As revealed during the Summer Game Fest showcase, Layers of Fears treads a familiar path – one that explores supernatural, psychedelic, psychological horror through the eyes of a deteriorating mind. Despite covering old ground, Layers of Fears looks extra-terrifying, owed to it being created using Unreal Engine 5, while developer Bloober Team tells players to expect a "fresh gaming experience and that will shed new light on the overall story".
Pragmata
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Capcom
Game Pass: No
Pragmata feels like if someone took Kojima's Death Stranding and somehow made it even weirder - especially from this early look at the game. Clearly set in New York, the game sees some sort of spacesuit-wearing traveller looking out for a young girl, and eventually taking her to the moon. Holographic cats, robots, and a weird dystopian vibe run throughout, even suggesting the world the characters are existing in isn't even real. We're intrigued by this one.
Replaced
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Sad Cat Studios / Coatsink
Game Pass: TBC
Replaced is set in a 2.5D sci-fi retro-futuristic world where you play as Reach, an artificial intelligence that's trapped in a human body against its own will. As an action platformer, Sad Cat Studios describes Replaced as an experience that "combines cinematic platforming, pixel art and free-flow action combat" that's set in an alternate take on the 1980s.
Ghostrunner 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/publisher: One More Level / 505 Games
Game Pass? TBC
The cyberpunk ninja combat master will return when Ghostrunner 2 launches at an as-yet unconfirmed date later in 2023. The original is described as a "hardcore FPP slasher", expect frenetic blade combat in a vibrant futuristic world inhabited by all kinds of big bads. We can't wait to sit astride a motorbike and tear a path through the city just three years on from the first game, and One More Level looks set to deliver a high-octane blood-fest once again.
The Talos Principle 2
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/publisher: Croteam / Devolver Digital
Game Pass? TBC
Ten years since the first game, we have confirmation that The Talos Principle 2 is underway. The return of Croteam's scifi philosphy puzzler already has our attention, promising even more challenging first-person puzzles to solve and complex environments to explore. It's set to launch later in 2023, though a confirmed relase date is yet to be confirmed. Still, it's one to watch if you like giving your brain a good workout.
TBC
Dragon's Dogma 2
Release date: TBC 2024
Developer/publisher: Capcom
Game Pass? TBC
It's been ten years since Dragon's Dogma: Dark Arisen, and we are finally getting a sequel to Capcom's dark fantasy hack n' slash RPG. By the looks of the announcement trailer shown at the PlayStation Showcase 2023, the third-person adventure sees us playing the same Arisen warrior from first game and its DLC expansion. The characters are older, the dragons look meaner, and the combat is slicker than ever. We already can't wait to find out more.
Marathon
Release date: TBC
Developer/publisher: Bungie
Game Pass? TBC
A classic extraction shooter is getting a fresh lick of paint, as Bungie pivots from its Destiny 2 and Halo IPs to revive this 90s gunslinger. The announcement trailer shows a litany of brightly-suited characters wielding some impressive weapons, looking not unlike battle royale hero shooters akin to Fortnite or Apex Legends. We don't yet know when the title is expected to launch, but it's one to watch for 2024 and beyond.
Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: Konami
Game Pass? TBC
News of Konami's MGS3 remake caused major hype when Metal Gear Solid Delta: Snake Eater was announced as part of the PlayStation Showcase 2023. The game is said to be a faithful reimagining of the 2004 action title, and with no platform exclusivity, we can expect to see it on Xbox Series X in the hopefully not-too distant future. There's no confirmed release date as yet, but we're crossing our fingers that it could come as soon as 2024.
Neva
Release date: TBC 2024
Developer: Nomada Studio
Game Pass? TBC
From the creators of Gris, Neva looks like a stunning narrative driven-adventure told through dreamy 2D animations. The announcement trailer focusses on atmosphere and storytelling, and with no voice lines at all, its similarities to Gris are already notable. We don't know much else just yet save for the fact that wolves seem to play a large role in the game, so we'll just have to wait it out for Nomada Studios to grace us with more details at a later date.
Ark 2
Release date: TBC 2024
Developer / Publisher: Studio Wildcard
Game Pass: Yes
Ark 2 is the sequel to the immensely popular open-world survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved. This time around it could be that the game will lean a little more into its story, particularly with Vin Diesel starring and onboard the dev team. Otherwise though, expect more of the same dinosaur taming, surviving but in a bigger, beautiful world than ever before.
Remnant 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Gunfire Games / Gearbox Publishing
Game Pass: TBC
As a sequel to Remnant: From the Ashes, Remnant 2 sees the survivors of humanity go up against new "deadly creatures and god-like bosses across terrifying worlds". With the option to choose to play solo or in co-op with up to two other friends, the sequel looks set to present tough challenges as you try to stop humanity's extinction with ranged and melee combat.
Hellboy Web of Wyrd
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Upstream Arcade / Good Shepherd Entertainment
Game Pass: TBC
Created in partnership with Dark Horse Comics and Hellboy creator Mike Mignola, Web of Wryd is described as a third-person roguelite action adventure that will tell an original story. With a signature graphical artstyle, you'll be sent on a series of unique adventures, with stories that are all tied to the "mysterious legacy of The Butterfly House."
Assassin's Creed Red
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Quebec / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Codename Red is going to deliver something that Assassin's Creed fans have been asking after for nearly 15 years – an adventure across Feudal Japan. Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind Assassin's Creed Odyssey, is set to make it happen, promising that Assassin's Creed Red will allow us to live out a shinobi fantasy. With Assassin's Creed Mirage set to release this year, we probably won't see Codename Red until 2024 at the earliest.
Assassin's Creed Hexe
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ubisoft Montreal / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Codename Hexe is the most mysterious upcoming Assassin's Creed game, with Ubisoft Montreal having only teased a vibe and location. Looking at the first trailer, it would appear that the vibe is super creepy, while the setting is rumored to be 16th Century Europe as it was becoming enveloped in the devastating witch trials. Codename Hexe is in development at Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Ubisoft Montreal, so we're certainly excited to see what the team can come up with this time.
Assassin's Creed Infinity
Release date: TBC
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft Quebec / Ubisoft
Game Pass: TBC
Assassin's Creed Infinity isn't a game, per se, but rather the connective tissue that will bring all future flagship Assassin's Creed games together. At least, that's what Ubisoft is teasing. Codename Infinity is said to act as an interactive hub of sorts and, not unlike the Animus itself, it will allow players to connect more seamlessly with all corners of history. We're still waiting for more info on this one, but expect it to launch in tandem with either Assassin's Creed Red or Assassin's Creed Hexe.
Under the Waves
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Parallel Studio / Quantic Dream
Game Pass: TBC
Under the Waves is a new narrative-driven adventure from Parallel Studio that's published by Heavy Rain and Detroit: Become Human studio Quantic Dream. Set in the depths of the North Sea, you play as professional diver Stan, who's said trying overcome a life-changing loss. With an isolation setting in the deep sea, strange events are said to occur as Stan tries to deal with his grief.
Dune: Awakening
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Funcom
Game Pass: No
Dune: Awakening is a new survival MMO set on Arrakis that will see you trying to make it on the harsh, sandy planet alongside thousands of other players. As a massively multiplayer experience with survival elements, you'll be building shelters to weather sandstorms, and trying to avoid sandworms lurking beneath the surface as you hunt down spice.
Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Ninja Theory / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
A surprise sequel to Hellblade was revealed alongside the Xbox Series X itself. Called Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2, we don't know actually that much about the game's story yet. The trailer itself doesn't give too much away – apart from the fact it looks fantastically glorious running in-engine – it definitely feels like it takes the same dark, terrifying tone as its source material. It's got foreboding bonfires, weird-ass chanting, and more, which all suggest yet another harrowing journey for our heroine.
Everwild
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Rare / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
Everwild is a brand new IP from Rare – the developer behind Sea of Thieves, Banjo-Kazooie, Battletoads, and more – and all we have so far is one trailer. It's filled with colorful and fantastical creatures that interact with humans cautiously in a slightly otherworldly setting. It's not clear yet what kind of game it'll be, but there's clearly a threat from predators in this world too. Whatever form it eventually takes, it's clear that it's going to be a beauty.
Vampire: The Masquerade - Bloodlines 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Paradox Interactive
Game Pass: No
The original game was a slightly ramshackle but beloved cult classic that was more or less ‘Deus Ex but Vampires’. This takes the same idea but updates it to a modern setting where ‘The Masquerade’ - the rules by which vampires stay hidden - has been broken upheaving the brittle peace between numerous factions, each with different skills and abilities. Like the first game this is about crafting a supernatural character whose abilities shape your approach to its open missions - you can fight, sneak, or talk your way through a world of turf wars, subterfuge and political machinations, with you actions affecting everyone around you.
Avowed
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
Avowed is a brand new title from Obsidian Entertainment, the studio behind The Outer Worlds and Fallout New Vegas. This is another first-person RPG that will no doubt build on the studio's penchant for epic adventures filled with memorable characters and a hint of the silly. We're off to a fantasy world called Eora for this one, and it looks pretty darn impressive, if much darker in tone than we'd usually expect from Obsidian. You've got magical abilities, a really cool sword and you will find yourself facing some seriously big monsters by the looks of things too.
Fable 4
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: PlayGround Games / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
Fable is back everyone! Although details are currently pretty scarce on the Fable reboot (aka Fable 4), the teaser trailer does suggest that its trademark British, tongue-in-cheek humor is returning. Sadly though, other than some fairytale creatures and general scenery we know very little about what this title is going to explore.
Dragon Age: Dread Wolf
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Bioware / EA
Game Pass: TBC
It's been many moons since we had a fresh trip to Thedas, so the news that Dragon Age 4 is coming is certainly exciting. Now officially called Dragon Age: Dread Wolf, there's still a lot of mystery surrounding the direction of the story, but we do know that Solas will be returning as the upcoming adventure's antagonist. While we can only speculate on what role we'll have for the time being, we can hardly wait to see what's in store.
The Outer Worlds 2
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Obsidian / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
The Outer Worlds 2 is a bit of an enigma. While we know it exists and it's had its first trailer, it was more a piss-take of classic game trailer format rather than revealing anything about the game itself. So we'll have to wait for more on this one that will deliver a "new solar system, new crew, same outer worlds".
New Mass Effect
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Bioware / EA
Game Pass: TBC
After much praying to the video game gods, there is, in fact, a new Mass Effect game en route. Technically Mass Effect 5, it's looking likely that it will pick up after the events of Mass Effect 3 - if the trailer clues are anything to be believed. Info is scarce right now, but it's all looking very promising indeed for Mass Effect fans.
Routine
Developer / Publisher: Lunar Software / Raw Fury
Release date: TBC
Game Pass: TBC
Routine is a brand new survival horror game from developer Lunar Software. If that name sounds familiar, it's because Routine was actually announced a decade ago. The studio announced it, showed a little of its haunting sci-fi world to the public, and then disappeared from the face of the planet. We're happy Routine is back though, because between the low-fi tech you'll need to wield to survive, some genuinely awe-inspiring environments, and hellishly creepy androids, this looks like an unmissable horror game. Routine doesn't have a release window, but it is set to launch on Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Xbox Game Pass.
State of Decay 3
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: Undead Labs / Xbox Game Studios
Game Pass: Yes
State of Decay is back with the third entry in the zombie survival-horror series. Cleverly called State of Decay 3. Currently in early development, it's looking to bring fans the 'ultimate' zombie survival sim, and from the looks of the first trailer, it's going to brutal. Zombie deers, folks. Zombie deers. Graphically the game looks fantastic, so expect things to be even more gruesome than ever before.
New Perfect Dark
Release date: TBC
Developer / Publisher: The Initiative
Game Pass: Yes
This one came as quite the surprise at the Game Awards 2020 - there's a new Perfect Dark game en route from new Xbox Game Studios developer, The Initiative. Rather than another remaster, this is a reboot of the series that keeps the secret agent gameplay and our hero, Joanna Dark, into an eco sci-fi tale set in the near future. Expect plenty of spy gadgets, some gloriously hybrid buildings, and some aliens along the way.
Indiana Jones
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: MachineGames / Bethesda / Lucasfilm Games
Game Pass: Unknown
There's a brand new Indiana Jones game in the works, and if the cheeky hints in the very short teaser trailer are anything to go by, it could see Indy exploring Rome in 1937. In development at Bethesda's MachineGames studio in conjunction with Lucasfilm Games, it may well involve standing stones and stone circles, and even a lost race of giant cyclops. Don't expect to hear anything about it for a while though, but we're more than intrigued already. It hasn't technically been confirmed for any platforms yet, but if it's not on Xbox Series X, we'll eat our fedora.
Ubisoft's Star Wars game
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: Massive Entertainment / Ubisoft / Lucasfilm Games
Game Pass: Unknown
Massive Entertainment is working on a brand new, open-world Ubisoft Star Wars game. Not much is known about the title yet, but expect it to take elements from Massive's previous releases - The Division series. It could, therefore, be a photorealistic action-adventure with RPG elements involved, and we do know it is running on Massive's own Snowdrop game engine. But apart from that, any more info is in the air, including official platforms. However, we'd be very surprised not to see it launch on Xbox Series X whenever it does get released.
Project 007
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: IO Interactive
Game Pass: Unknown
Although not much is known about Project 007 yet, it's exciting to think that a brand new James Bond game is in the works. In development at IO Interactive (of Hitman fame), the game is an entirely original James Bond story focused on his origins. Aside from that though, it's a mystery that we can't wait to hear more about.
Contraband
Release date: TBC
Developer/Publisher: Avalanche / Microsoft
Game Pass: Yes
From the creators of Just Cause comes Contraband. This is a brand new, open-world, co-op game that is set in the fictional world of Bayan during the 1970s. This smugglers paradise is a bit of a mystery at present, as is the core gameplay, so watch out for more details on this one.
Star Trek: Resurgence
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer/Publisher: Dramatic Labs
Game Pass: No
Star Trek: Resurgence is a brand new third person, choice-driven adventure, from a team of former Telltale developers. Set within the Star Trek universe, you'll meet some new and other more familiar faces as you take on the roles of First Officer Jara Rydek and Engineering Crewperson Carter Diaz, as they navigate a mystery involving two alien civilizations on the brink of war.
Open Roads
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Fulbright / Annapurna
Game Pass: No
Join Tess and her mother Opal on a road trip to discover a whole raft of family secrets. After discovering hidden notes and letters in their home, the mother-daughter duo must travel to long-abandoned family residences to reveal the buried family secrets. They'll embark upon a "journey into the past they'll never forget". Brought to you by Fullbright, the team behind Gone Home and Takoma, it also features the voice acting talents of Keri Russel and Kaitlyn Dever.
Forever Skies
Release date: TBC 2023
Developer / Publisher: Far From Home
Game Pass: Unknown
This intriguing, super ambitious apocalyptic survival game is in development at Far From Home, a brand new studio made up of devs from Techland (Dying Light, Dead Island), The Farm 51 (Chernobylite), Bloober Team (Layers of Fear, Blair Witch), and Larian Studios (Divinity: Original Sin, Baldur's Gate 3). It's designed to capture the world as it might look if we never course-correct on the climate change issue, which is terrifying to think about but also makes for a timely and unique setting for a survival game. You'll descend into the now-inhospitable planet in a futuristic zeppelin, which will serve as one of your tools for survival and possibly hold the key to reversing the damage done to the planet by climate change.
Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League
Release date: Feb 2024
Developer/Publisher: Rocksteady / Warner Bros
Game Pass: No
A game about the Suicide Squad set in the Batman: Arkham universe? Yes please. Well, thankfully, that's exactly what Rocksteady's making. Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League has got 1-4 player co-op, the same playful tone, and plenty of excellent casting. You can play as Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang, or King Shark, who each come with their own signature weapons. You can switch between them at any time, and it looks beautifully chaotic.
