The Xbox Games Showcase, a highly anticipated event for gamers worldwide, unfolded Sunday with a barrage of announcements that left many reeling. From surprise revivals to unexpected sequels, the showcase offered a glimpse into the future of Xbox gaming. While first-party titles like Grounded 2 and Keeper garnered attention, it was the third-party reveals , a resurrected Persona 4, a gritty new IP from Pokémon‘s Game Freak , that truly stole the show.
The event wasn’t without its controversy, however. Some fans voiced concern over the sheer volume of games announced, questioning whether Microsoft could realistically deliver on all promises. The presentation of a new Xbox-branded Asus ROG Ally handheld, intended to rival the Steam Deck and Nintendo Switch, also sparked debate about market saturation and the device’s overall value proposition.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 Announced
Treyarch and Raven Software are doubling down on the Black Ops franchise with Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, a direct sequel to last year’s installment. Set in 2035, the game returns to the narrative threads established in Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 6, bringing back David Mason as the protagonist.
“The year is 2035 and the world is on the brink of chaos, ravaged by conflict and psychological warfare… With cutting-edge technology in hand, the Black Ops team led by David Mason must fight back against a manipulative enemy,” reads the official Xbox Wire announcement.
While details remain scarce, Black Ops 7 is expected to feature a co-op campaign, multiplayer modes, and the series’ signature zombie experience. A full reveal is promised this summer, leaving fans to speculate about the game’s storyline and gameplay innovations. Some gamers wonder if the yearly Call of Duty release schedule is getting old. “Its always the same,” user xX_GamerDude69_Xx posted on X.com, “How about some originality, Activision?!”.
Grounded 2 Announced
Obsidian Entertainment surprised fans with the announcement of Grounded 2, a sequel to their popular survival-adventure game. Set two years after the original, in 1992, the game takes place in Brookhollow Park, with the starting zone rivaling the entire backyard map of the first game in scale.
The original teenage protagonists return, slightly older, to face new challenges in a larger, more diverse environment. Grounded 2 promises enhanced combat mechanics and a host of new bugs (the insect kind), with Obsidian collaborating with Eidos Montreal on the title. The game will be available in Game Preview for Xbox Series S/X, PC, and Xbox Cloud on July 29, 2025, and will be a day-one release on Xbox Game Pass. Many are excited to jump into the survival adventure.
Keeper Announced
Double Fine Productions, the studio behind Psychonauts 2, unveiled Keeper, a third-person adventure game where players control a walking lighthouse exploring a vibrant island. Using their beam of light, players can manipulate the environment and solve puzzles, aided by a seabird companion.
The game’s trailer showcased a colorful, psychedelic world threatened by a growing malevolent presence. Keeper will launch on Xbox Series S/X and PC on October 17 and will be available on Game Pass from day one.
Beast of Reincarnation Announced
Perhaps one of the most unexpected announcements was Beast of Reincarnation, a new action-RPG from Pokémon developer Game Freak. Set in a post-apocalyptic Japan teeming with wild beasts, players assume the role of Emma, a cursed outcast who battles these creatures with her canine companion, Koo.
The game’s trailer featured gigantic beasts and action-combat reminiscent of Soulslike titles. Beast of Reincarnation is slated for release next year on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, and will be a day-one Game Pass title. Some fans, however, have raised concerns about Game Freak’s ability to juggle development on both Pokémon and this new IP. There was a sense of unfolding, a realization that this was not the kind of game many expected from Game Freak. Whether it’s a bold new direction or an overreach remains to be seen.
Persona 4 Revival Announced
After weeks of rumors and leaks, Atlus officially confirmed Persona 4 Revival at the Xbox Games Showcase. The remake promises updated visuals and various enhancements, inviting players to return to Inaba, a rural Japanese town plagued by a series of mysterious murders.
As a new transfer student, players must navigate the challenges of high school life while uncovering the truth behind the serial killings. Persona 4 Revival will launch on PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PS5, and will be available on Game Pass from day one. Many have already started wishlisting across supported platforms.
Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy
Asobo Studio is expanding the A Plague Tale universe with Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, a prequel set 15 years before the events of A Plague Tale: Requiem. This installment introduces Sophia, a new protagonist who journeys to Minotaur’s Island to uncover the origins of the Macula curse.
Sophia wields a sword in one hand and a light in the other, hinting at changes to the combat system. Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy is scheduled for release in 2026 on PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X, and will be a day-one Game Pass release.
Everything Else Announced at Xbox Games Showcase
- Clockwork Revolution new trailer (PC, Xbox Series S/X)
- Gears of War: Reloaded new trailer (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , August 26, 2025)
- Ninja Gaiden 4 release date announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , October 21, 2025)
- The Outer Worlds 2 new trailer, deep dive (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , October 29, 2025)
- Mudang: Two Hearts announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- Planet of Lana II announced (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch , 2026)
- Aniimo announced (PC, Xbox Series S/X, iOS, Android , 2026)
- Aphelion announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- At Fate’s End announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- The Blood of Dawnwalker new gameplay trailer (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- Cronos: The New Dawn launch window announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , Fall 2025)
- High On Life 2 announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , Winter 2025)
- Invincible VS announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- Solo Leveling: Arise Overdrive announced (PC, Xbox Series S/X , Fall 2025 on PC, Xbox consoles in 2026)
- Super Meat Boy 3D announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , early 2026)
- There Are No Ghosts at The Grand announced (PC, Xbox Series S/X , 2026)
- Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4: Foundry Demo released (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X)
- Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade announced for Xbox (Xbox Series S/X , Winter 2025)
- Final Fantasy XVI released on Xbox (Xbox Series S/X , June 8, 2025)
- Age of Mythology: Retold , Heavenly Spear DLC announced (PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X , Fall 2025)
- The Elder Scrolls Online Seasons of the Worm Cult (Now available on PC; coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X on June 18)
- Fallout 76 Gone Fission update released (PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X)
- Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants DLC announced (PC, Xbox Series S/X, PS5 , September 5, 2025)
- Sea of Thieves Season 17: Smugglers’ Tide announced (PC, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X , August 2025)
The Xbox Games Showcase delivered a diverse array of announcements, but the real test lies ahead. Can Microsoft and its partners deliver on these ambitious projects? And will these games find an audience in an increasingly crowded market? Only time will tell. Its clear that Microosoft wants to become the premier gaming ecosystem. But are they spreading themselves to thin? Only time will tell, typo and all.
