The anticipation surrounding the Xbox Games Showcase is palpable as it approaches once more, promising a cascade of game reveals and announcements. Scheduled for Sunday, June 8, at 10 AM Pacific, this event is set to captivate gamers and industry watchers alike. With Microsoft acquiring numerous studios over recent years, the landscape of potential announcements for 2025 is vast, making it essential to sift through the possibilities. Our team will be on the ground in LA, providing behind-the-scenes insights and hands-on impressions, while also hosting our own PC Gaming Show on the same day. For those eager to stay updated, all related stories will be tagged under the Summer Game Fest 2025 for easy access in the coming weeks.
Anticipated Titles and Studios
As we look ahead, several titles are already generating buzz:
- Halo Studios (formerly 343 Industries): Given recent layoffs and a transition to Unreal Engine, it seems unlikely that this rebranded studio will have anything to showcase this year. The next Halo installment appears to be further down the road.
- World’s Edge: The future of the Age of Empires team remains uncertain. A new sequel seems improbable, but perhaps a fresh expansion for AoE 2 or a remaster of the original could be on the horizon.
- The Coalition: A detailed look at Gears of War: E-Day feels like a safe bet, especially since it’s been a year since the initial CG trailer was unveiled.
- Compulsion Games: With South of Midnight just released earlier this year, it’s unlikely that this smaller studio will announce anything new.
- Double Fine: Four years post the launch of Psychonauts 2, the timing seems right for a new project from Double Fine. Expect the unexpected.
- The Initiative: Following last year’s gameplay reveal, a more substantial demo and a release window for Perfect Dark seem very plausible.
In addition, The Outer Worlds 2 will be featured in its own “deep-dive” stream following the main showcase.
- InXile: After revealing the BioShock-inspired Clockwork Revolution last year, a gameplay-focused look is anticipated this time around.
- Mojang Studios: Expect a fresh glimpse at Minecraft‘s upcoming Chase the Skies update, along with potential hints at future expansions or spin-offs.
- Ninja Theory: A teaser for Project Mara could be on the agenda, though it seems early in development.
- Obsidian: The Outer Worlds 2 Direct will showcase new gameplay and possibly a launch date, alongside potential announcements for additional projects.
As we await a more comprehensive look at State of Decay 3, the following studios are also worth noting:
- Playground Games: An extensive gameplay reveal for Fable seems likely, especially with a 2026 release date in sight. Additionally, an announcement for Forza Horizon 6 could be imminent.
- Rare: After a long silence, a gameplay reveal for Everwild would reassure fans that the project is progressing.
- Turn 10: A new Forza Motorsport announcement seems plausible, though it’s unusual to see both a Motorsport and a Horizon title announced simultaneously.
- Undead Labs: Following last year’s cinematic trailer, a more substantial look at State of Decay 3 is expected, potentially including a rough release date.
Bethesda Studios Insights
- Bethesda Game Studios: Anticipate a look at upcoming DLC for Starfield, likely titled Starborn. While there may be a glimpse of The Elder Scrolls 6, significant updates are not expected yet.
- Zenimax Online: With The Elder Scrolls Online thriving, an expansion announcement seems likely, as does news for Fallout 76, especially with the renewed interest from the Fallout TV series.
- Id Software: Following the recent release of Doom: The Dark Ages, substantial news from this studio is not anticipated.
- Arkane: A more detailed look at the Blade game would be welcome, given the time since its announcement.
- Machine Games: There may be a mini-sequel or standalone expansion announcement related to last year’s Indiana Jones and the Great Circle.
Activision Studios Updates
- Blizzard: The spotlight will likely shine on the next Diablo 4 expansion, along with updates for Overwatch 2. While a new game tease is possible, it seems less likely given their current portfolio.
- Infinity Ward/Treyarch/Sledgehammer: With Infinity Ward at the helm, an announcement for the new Call of Duty game, likely Modern Warfare 4, is anticipated.
Summary of Expectations
As we prepare for the showcase, the headlines are shaping up to include better looks at Gears of War: E-Day, Perfect Dark, Clockwork Revolution, Fable, Everwild, and State of Decay 3. If fortune favors us, we may also glimpse Blade. Following the main event, The Outer Worlds 2 will take center stage in its dedicated stream.
We can expect announcements for Forza Horizon 6 or a new Forza Motorsport, alongside Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, fresh insights from Double Fine, and perhaps a teaser for Ninja Theory’s Project Mara. There remains room for surprises from Obsidian, World’s Edge, MachineGames, and possibly Mojang.
While substantial updates on Halo and The Elder Scrolls VI seem unlikely, the showcase promises to deliver excitement and intrigue. Stay tuned for comprehensive coverage from PC Gamer throughout the Summer Game Fest 2025.
