Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Windows Central
Windows Central
Technology
Brendan Lowry

Xbox Games Showcase 2023 LIVE: Every Xbox & PC game announcement, reveal and trailer

Xbox Games Showcase 2023

Countless games come to the Xbox and PC gaming ecosystems every year, and it can be easy to lose track of all the ones you want to play. Fortunately, Microsoft is hosting the Xbox Games Showcase to highlight the most exciting, interesting, and creative video games coming to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs in the future. Windows Central is online (and at the show) to bring you all the latest and greatest news from the event.

The next section of the Not-E3 season this year, the Xbox Games Showcase 2023 follows the massive, multiplatform Summer Game Fest 2023. We're expecting to see new reveals, game announcements, a ton of slick new trailers, and a whole lot more for all the best upcoming Xbox games, and at least a few future additions to our best Xbox games list from first-party Xbox studios and partners. Directly after, the Starfield Direct will give us an in-depth look at Bethesda's upcoming sci-fi RPG. Sit back, relax, and tune in to Windows Central as we cover it all, live.

The Xbox Games Showcase officially starts on Sunday, June 11, at 10:00 AM PT / 1:00 PM ET / 6:00 PM BST.

Watch the Xbox Games Showcase here

Latest Xbox Games Showcase announcements

Greetings, friends! It's your friendly neighborhood noodle, Zachary Boddy, here at Windows Central. It's finally that time of year... When I have to work over the weekend. Oh, and it's also time for 2023's Xbox Games Showcase! We're expecting to see a huge number of announcements from Xbox's first-party studios and third-party partners, mostly centered around all the biggest games heading to Xbox over the next year or so.

I can't wait, personally. I hope to see news on Fable, Avowed, and Forza Motorsport (2023). State of Decay 3 may be a bit of a far-fetched dream at this point, but I'd certainly love to see it appear, too. Whatever we see, though, the Windows Central team will be here with exclusive commentary, instant live updates, and all the information you didn't realize you needed. Even if you're watching the Xbox Games Showcase yourself, tune into Windows Central anyway. — Zachary Boddy, Windows Central Staff Writer

Hello everyone! I'm Brendan Lowry, and I'm excited to welcome you to Windows Central's live coverage of Microsoft's Xbox Games Showcase event. You can expect plenty of awesome announcements and reveals for games coming to the Xbox and Windows PC ecosystem in 2023 and beyond. 

Before, throughout, and after the show, you can look forward to plenty of live reports, reactions, analyses, and more from Team Windows Central. Staff Writer Zachary Boddy and I will be covering the event from afar, with Windows Central Managing Editor Jez Corden and Contributor Samuel Tolbert sharing their unique perspective from the showfloor.

With games like Avowed, Fable, Hellblade 2, and STALKER 2 on the horizon as well as unannounced projects like Compulsion Games' Project Midnight and inXile's new RPG codenamed Cobalt in development, we expect that 2023's Xbox Game Showcase will be a fantastic show (and don't forget about the Starfield Direct!). Thanks for joining us for it, and make sure you stay tuned with us for all the latest updates and news drops. — Brendan Lowry, Windows Central Contributor

(Image credit: Summer Game Fest)

Everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2023

Before tomorrow's Xbox Games Showcase, there was 2023's Summer Game Fest presentation on Thursday afternoon. Hosted by Geoff Keighley and streamed live from the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles, Summer Game Fest gave fans around the world exciting sneak peeks at some of the biggest upcoming games that the industry is cooking up.

While Microsoft didn't have much of a presence at the show — they're saving all the good stuff for the Xbox Games Showcase! — developers and publishers like Ubisoft, NetherRealm Studios, SEGA, Remedy Entertainment, Epic Games, and Devolver Digital shared several of the titles they're bringing to Xbox, Windows PC, and other platforms soon. Check out the list below for all the highlights, or head to our SGF 2023 live blog to see everything announced at Summer Game Fest 2023 as it happened. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Matt Brown | Windows Central)

We asked fans what Xbox needs to deliver at the show. Here's what you said.

Between the poor reception to Arkane Studios' Xbox and PC exclusive Redfall and the overall lack of gameplay footage and release dates in recent presentations, Microsoft has struggled to convince gamers that the future of Xbox is a bright one. With most conversations around the publisher's platform being quite pessimistic and doubtful as of late, it's not farfetched to say that Microsoft needs to show up big with the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase and set a more optimistic tone.

Last week, we asked you what Xbox needs to deliver at the Xbox Games Showcase on social media, as we were eager to see what you think Microsoft needs to do to win over the community and earn back its trust. Based on hundreds of responses, here's a look at some of the things you want to see most at the show. — Brendan Lowry

  • Actual Xbox gameplay: By far, the biggest request from Xbox fans for the show has been lots of actual gameplay rather than pre-rendered trailers and scripted cinematic sequences. While CG trailers have their place, many gamers are ready for a look at the type of experience they'll actually be able to have while playing upcoming titles like Avowed. Redfall's 30 FPS cap controversy in particular has highlighted the importance of showing gameplay on Xbox specifically, as the game's launch marketing showed it being played at 60 FPS on a PC. 
  • Release dates: Microsoft has teased a wide variety of projects over the last several years that still don't have official release windows, including Avowed, Hellblade 2, Everwild, State of Decay 3, Contraband, and more. While Microsoft no doubt wants to avoid getting itself into another "all these games are coming in the next 12 months" situation, lots of fans are asking (and expecting) updates.
  • New reveals: While you mainly want to see gameplay and release date information for the Xbox projects that have already been shown, plenty of fans want to see some new reveals as well. Hopefully we'll see some big announcements like Gears 6 or the official debut of inXile's upcoming RPG, codenamed Cobalt.
  • Xbox Game Studios partnerships: Announcements of collaboration with developers like Hideo Kojima and Avalanche Studios have been some of the most exciting in recent memory for Xbox gamers, so there's definitely a high demand for additional partnerships.
Space awaits. (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

Hello everybody! It's Samuel Tolbert, Windows Central contributor here, and I'm reporting live from L.A! While E3 may be dead this year, there's a number of great gaming events going on, and I'll be helping to cover the Xbox Showcase and Starfield Direct!

And since I'm a bit late to the conversation about what we're hoping to see, I'd like to re-emphasize Starfield. From being Bethesda Game Studios' first single-player game since Fallout 4 in 2015 (and first new IP since The Elder Scrolls: Arena!) there's so much to be excited for, and I can't wait to see what Todd Howard and the rest of the team have in store. — Samuel Tolbert, Windows Central contributor

(Image credit: Windows Central)

This time of year is rife with unfounded rumors and wild expectations, much of which never coming to pass. However, it's often fun to fan these flames and willingly explore your most ridiculous dreams and predictions. Our very own Alex Cope did exactly that with the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, highlighting what he'd love to see revealed during the event — Even if there's little chance of these things actually happening.

These wild predictions are pretty specific to their author, but everyone has their own dreams for what could happen during the Xbox Games Showcase. Alex wants to see a revival of the Killer Instinct fighting franchise on Xbox; Final Fantasy games like Final Fantasy 7 Remake to actually come to Xbox; Capcom and Xbox announce a closer partnership alongside announcements like Monster Hunter: World 2, a retro Monster Hunter collection, and the return of the Breath of Fire JRPG series; Rare announce a long-awaited sequel to Kameo; and for Battletoads to get the 'AAA' treatment it deserves.

As for me? I'd love to see a high-budget, high-effort Viva Piñata sequel from Rare, the announcement of a third DLC expansion for Forza Horizon 5 or a remake of the original Forza Horizon, and all of the PC, Switch, and PlayStation indie games I want to release on Xbox announced at the same time as heading to Xbox consoles and Game Pass. Yeah, these are all pretty unlikely, but a person can hope, right? — Zachary Boddy

(Image credit: Windows Central )

Here are our official Xbox Games Showcase predictions

It's always fun to speculate about what Microsoft has in store for its fans with its Xbox Game Showcases, and ahead of the 2023 show, Contributor Miles Dompier and the rest of Team Windows Central decided to do just that with a list of our official Xbox Game Showcase predictions. Based on industry insights and development timelines, we expect that the games highlighted below will appear at Microsoft's presentation.

Playground Games' Fable reboot and Obsidian Entertainment's fantasy RPG Avowed are at the top of our list, as neither haven't been seen since their reveal trailers in 2020. Notably, Phil Spencer mentioned Avowed and Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 when discussing titles that could arrive in the quarters following Starfield's September 6 release date, suggesting that both games aren't too far off and will likely appear at the show. We're also expecting to see more of the Forza Motorsport reboot, as it was shown earlier this year during the Xbox Developer_Direct show.

Other games we could see include Compulsion Games' Project Midnight, inXile's rumored and teased steampunk FPS RPG Project Cobalt, and possibly even The Coalition's Gears 6 on Unreal Engine 5. We wouldn't be surprised if Avalanche Studios' action-packed heist game Contraband, Stock Studio's fantasy side-scroller The Wandering Tower, State of Decay 3, Everwild, or Perfect Dark appear, either.

In addition to closer looks at Microsoft's upcoming projects, we could also see what its developers are working on for live service updates to games like Halo Infinite and Sea of Thieves. Halo Infinite Season 4 is slated to kick off on June 10, while Sea of Thieves Season 10 is expected to arrive at some point between July and August. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Windows Central)

The Xbox Games Showcase will run for 'roughly two hours,' says Microsoft

Wondering how long the show will be? Ahead of its arrival, VP of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg has confirmed on Twitter that the showcase will last "roughly two hours," meaning that fans can look forward to around 120 minutes of announcements, reveals, trailers, and more. Note that the Starfield Direct, a short presentation coming directly after the main showcase that will show off Bethesda's highly anticipated sci-fi RPG, has been factored into this runtime.

This puts the Xbox Games Showcase in line with other events like Summer Game Fest, but if you were hoping for a longer show, don't worry. Microsoft is holding an extended showcase on Tuesday, June 13 that'll have multiple developer interviews and additional updates.

"Like last year, we’ll also have our follow-up stream, Xbox Games Showcase Extended airing June 13 at 10 a.m. PT, with in-depth interviews focused on the news from our Xbox Games Showcase as well as game updates from our partners," wrote Joe Skrebels, the Editor-in-Chief of the official Xbox news website Xbox Wire. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Xbox's Aaron Greenberg: There will be no 'full CG trailers' at the show

One thing that's clear about the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase is that fans want to see plenty of in-game and/or in-engine footage. Evidently, Microsoft has heard that desire loud and clear, because VP of Xbox Games Marketing Aaron Greenberg has announced on Twitter that the presentation won't feature "full CG trailers."

"None of our first party games in the show are full CG trailers. Everything is either in-game footage, in-engine footage, or in-game footage with some cinematics," Greenberg wrote. "Each of our trailers will be labeled so it is hopefully clear for our fans."

This has us even more excited for the Xbox Games Showcase than we already were. Bring on the gameplay! — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Microsoft)

How to watch the 2023 Xbox Games Showcase

Interested in watching the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct? You're in luck. Microsoft is livestreaming the event across a handful of popular platforms, including Twitch, YouTube, and Facebook. Below, you'll find links to all three of these streams.

Like previous Xbox Game Showcases, this one is scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. The show will run for "roughly two hours," with a dedicated presentation for Bethesda's upcoming RPG Starfield closing out the show. There will also be an Xbox Games Showcase Extended with additional developer interviews and game updates on Tuesday, June 13 at 10 a.m. PT / 1 p.m. ET. — Brendan Lowry

Soon. (Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

Hello there! It's the morning of the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct. I've been talking to a number of members of Team Xbox and the Xbox fan community recently, and the energy is real. People are excited, and everyone is so happy to be coming together again for an in-person gathering after the last couple of years. No spoilers, but this definitely seems like it's going to be a great show.

If you've got last-minute predictions, now is the time to start getting them in. — Samuel Tolbert. 

(Image credit: GSC Game World)

Here's what Team Windows Central wants to see at the Xbox Games Showcase

The Xbox Games Showcase is only a little over 30 minutes away now, and everyone here at Windows Central is absolutely stoked to see what Microsoft has in store for Xbox and PC gamers around the world. Ahead of the show, I asked several of my colleagues what they're hoping to see and why. Here's what they said:

"I'm hoping to see some Xbox JRPGs at the show. We already know the Persona 3 remake will be there because of the leak, but I'm interested in seeing news for the indie JRPG Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes because that looks like a fun throwback to the PlayStation One era of JRPGs.

I'm also hoping that the release date for the Suikoden I & II HD Remaster will be announced at the event because I never got the original versions on PlayStation One, and the idea of having literally over a hundred party members sounds intriguing." — Alexander Cope, Contributor

"Beyond the obvious excitement for finally seeing Starfield fully demonstrated, I'm really hoping that we see some of Xbox's so-called "elusive five," games that were announced years ago but have yet to really show up. Fable, State of Decay 3, Avowed, Everwild, and Contraband have largely been MIA since their announcements, and it would be nice to get some more information on them. I personally expect Avowed and Fable to be there based on developmental timelines, but a shroud of mystery surrounds State of Decay 3, which is a personal favorite Xbox franchise for me. Even though I'm full of admiration for how well Undead Labs has supported State of Decay 2, it makes me wonder how much time is actually being given to State of Decay 3. The CGI trailer for State of Decay 3 set a very high bar visually, and I'm already preparing myself for a pang of disappointment if it doesn't come close to that level of visual detail.

Beyond that, it would be nice to get some genuinely epic and unexpected surprises. I still remember announcements like Xbox backward compatibility and Killer Instinct, since they were both previously completely unexpected. It would be nice to get that level of excitement back into the mix, especially as Xbox is coming in from a relatively negative press cycle following the troubles of the ABK acquisition, and the poor reception of Redfall." — Jez Corden, Managing Editor

"Like many Xbox fans, I'm incredibly excited to see what the teams at Xbox Game Studios have been crafting behind the scenes. Fable, Avowed, and. Hellblade 2 are likely candidates for high-profile spotlights during the event, but I'd love to see updates for Everwild and State of Decay 3. Rare continues to push fresh, innovative game worlds and Everwild stands confidently as one of my most anticipated first-party Xbox games. An official game reveal for the long-rumored Xbox and Kojima collaboration would also be a fantastic way for Microsoft to demonstrate it's commitments to Japanese creators." — Miles Dompier, Contributor

"It's a long shot, but I'm hoping to see what Compulsion Games is working on. I think they are long overdue a comeback after We Happy Few received some overblown criticisms, I personally enjoyed the art direction and the narrative despite its bugs and repeated environments and am optimistic about what they are going to bring out next following learnings from what went wrong there. They've been pretty incognito since, other than rumblings about Project Midnight, so they could surprise us." — Jennifer Young, Contributor

"I've tried to hold back from any potential speculations because I really want to just be surprised. I am desperate for some State of Decay 3 and Everwild crumbs, though. 

State of Decay is such an underrated franchise, but I may be biased because I have a Bronto Gas sign hanging in my living room. Undead Labs has made ridiculous leaps from the first game to the second, and I just can't wait to see what they have up their sleeve.

Rare has definitely earned respect for their talent, we know what they're capable of and Everwild is a bit of a gotcha that it's going to be good. I'm curious if the "its Viva Piñata-esque" rumors have merit. I wouldn't be mad.

I feel like we've gotten enough peeks at Hellblade 2 that I don't mind waiting for it a little longer, but State of Decay 3 and Everwild both live rent free in my head." — Cole Martin, Contributor

"I'm actually surprised by how much my own desires mirror those of my colleagues. While Forza Motorsport (2023) and Starfield are undoubtedly massive hits for Xbox and are just around the corner, other titles that are likely a bit farther out have a tighter grip on my heart. I desperately want to see more of State of Decay 3, as I've put dozens upon dozens of hours into the incredible State of Decay 2 and am dying to know (pun intended) what Undead Labs is cooking up for the long-awaited sequel.

I also love Rare and their ceaseless creativity, only on part with other studios like Double Fine, so I can't wait to see what Everwild is going to add to the world. Its reveal trailer piqued my interest with its stunning art direction, but I want to know what the title will be from a gameplay perspective. I'd also love to hear that it's a bit closer than any of us thought it'd be.

Avowed from Obsidian Entertainment has been one of my most anticipated upcoming games since its initial teaser trailer, as I'm a huge fan of fantasy RPGs and Obsidian has crafted some of my favorite games in recent memories. I have high hopes for Avowed, and there's not a doubt in my mind that it'll end up as one of the best games of the year whenever it releases. I just hope that the "when" is sooner rather than later.

Finally, I want to see renewed commitment from Xbox to invest in more creative, oft-experimental experiences that other major publishers tend to avoid. Grounded, Pentiment, and Hi-Fi Rush are genuinely some of my favorite games of all time, and they all released because Xbox put its faith (and money) in smaller teams at its various studios. I want to see more games like that out of the Xbox family of studios, and I hope to see some announcements during the Xbox Games Showcase. Although, hoping for another shadow-dropped title on the same caliber as Hi-Fi RUSH is probably far too much to ask for." — Zachary Boddy, Staff Writer

As for me, the game I want to see most at the show is STALKER 2, GSC Game World's sequel to its trilogy of open world survival shooters set in a fictional and supernatural version of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone. I've been a massive fan of the STALKER series for years now, and routinely return to the original games as well as open source fan-made mod projects like STALKER Anomaly.

The game's development — and more importantly, the lives of GSC's developers and their families — has been impacted severely by Russia's war of aggression in Ukraine. Though 200 of GSC Game World's staff have reportedly evacuated to Prague in the Czech Republic, 130 are still in Ukraine, with many developers serving on the front lines or doing volunteer work for their local communities. I'm proud to show my support for GSC with a preorder, both as a STALKER fan and as a human being horrified by the devastation caused by the ongoing conflict.

STALKER 2 was originally scheduled to release in April 2022, but its launch was delayed to some point this year due to Russia's invasion. I expect that if STALKER 2 appears at the show, we'll get to see some new gameplay footage and will be given a new official release date to look forward to. — Brendan Lowry, Contributor

Live from Los Angeles! (Image credit: Samuel Tolbert / Windows Central)

This is it! Jez Corden and I are here at the theater where the Xbox Games Showcase is being held. I hope that everyone has fun watching as me, Jez, and the rest of Team Windows Central work to cover this event. — Samuel Tolbert

Xbox Games Showcase kicks off with gorgeous new Fable trailer

The first game shown during the Xbox Games Showcase was Playground Games' Fable reboot. In the gorgeous new trailer with in-game footage, we got introduced to a humorous new character named Dave the Vegetable Enthusiast. — Brendan Lowry

Compulsion Games announced South of Midnight for Xbox and PC

Compulsion Games' Project Midnight has turned out to be South of Midnight, a new IP coming to Xbox and PC through Steam. — Brendan Lowry

Star Wars Outlaws announced, coming to Xbox in 2024

During the showcase, a new Star Wars game called Star Wars Outlaws from Ubisoft was announced for Xbox Series X|S. The game is scheduled to come in 2024, with more information coming in tomorrow's Ubisoft Forward. — Brendan Lowry

33 Immortals, a roguelike with 33-player co-op is coming to Xbox and PC in 2024

33 Immortals, a new co-op action roguelike from Thunder Lotus, is coming to Xbox in 2024. Notably, the game has wild 33-player co-op functionality. — Brendan Lowry

Avowed gets 2024 release window, coming to Xbox and PC

A new Avowed trailer with tons of gorgeous in-game footage has confirmed that Obsidian's new fantasy RPG is releasing in 2024. It will be available on both Xbox and PC. — Brendan Lowry

Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island coming July 20th

A new content drop for Sea of Thieves called Sea of Thieves: The Legend of Monkey Island is coming to Rare's beloved pirate game on July 20th. New story content will be available for free for all players, with the new additions themed around the classic series. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Ninja Theory)

Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 gets beautiful trailer, 2024 release window

An absolutely beautiful new trailer of in-engine Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 footage has revealed that the game is coming in 2024. It's coming to both Xbox and PC. — Brendan Lowry

New Fallout 76 'Atlantic City' expansion announced

Bethesda has announced a new expansion for Fallout 76 called Atlantic City. We didn't get a release date, though we were shown a Vault-Tec style training video as a trailer with some snazzy tunes. — Brendan Lowry

Capcom announces Path of the Goddess, coming to Xbox and Game Pass

Capcom has announced Path of the Goddess, an exciting new action game with an emphasis on Japenese-style combat and visuals. It's coming to Xbox, and will be available on Game Pass. — Brendan Lowry

Forza Motorsport gets October 10, 2023 release date, coming to Xbox and PC

In a spectacular new trailer with plenty of gameplay and in-engine footage, it was announced that the Forza Motorsport reboot is launching on October 10, 2023. The game is coming to Xbox and PC, and will be on Game Pass. — Brendan Lowry

'A new adventure begins' for Overwatch 2 on August 10

A new trailer for Overwatch 2 has hinted that "a new adventure begins" on August 10, with a new Flashpoint game mode, Hero Mastery and Firing Range modes, and our first look at PvE story missions being shown. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Bethesda Softworks)

Starfield trailer reminds everyone to stay tuned for the Starfield Direct

A lovely new Starfield trailer that shows more of the game's expansive worlds, factions, and more was shown during the Xbox Games Showcase. The end of the trailer included a reminder that there's more to come of Starfield after the show with the Starfield Direct. — Brendan Lowry

Still Wakes the Deep arriving 2024 on Xbox and Game Pass

Still Wakes the Deep, a game that looks like it's part of the horror genre and is set on an abandoned oil rig, is coming to Xbox and Game Pass in 2024. We'll embed the trailer here as soon as it's available. — Brendan Lowry

Keanu Reeves excitedly shows off new Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty trailer, September 26 release date revealed

At the Showcase, Keanu Reeves (Johnny Silverhand in-game) introduced fans to a new trailer for Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty. Showing gameplay and in-engine footage, the trailer revealed that the DLC is coming to all of the game's platforms on September 26 and will be centered around trying to find a way to save V's life. — Brendan Lowry

Cities: Skylines 2 announced, coming October 24 on Xbox and Game Pass

A sequel to the beloved city-builder Cities: Skylines was announced with a new trailer. The sequel is called Cities: Skylines 2, and will release on October 24 on Xbox and Game Pass. — Brendan Lowry

inXile officially announces Clockwork Revolution, coming 'in due time'

inXile Entertainment of Wasteland 3 fame has officially announced its next game, a FPS steampunk RPG named Clockwork Revolution (previously known by its codename Cobalt). The game is coming to Xbox, PC, and Game Pass, with its release expected "in due time." — Brendan Lowry

New Black Xbox Series S with 1TB SSD announced, more Xbox Series X consoles available

Phil Spencer has announced that Microsoft is releasing a new Black Xbox Series S console with a 1TB SSD that will cost $350 — just $50 more than the standard system. It's scheduled to release September 1, and preorders are live now. Additionally, Spencer has also confirmed that Microsoft has increased its supply of Xbox Series X consoles, meaning that they should be easier to purchase. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Jez Corden / Windows Central)

The Starfield Direct is live now! Tune in to learn more about Bethesda's new RPG.

The Starfield Direct has begun! Right now, we're getting some detailed looks at the game's massive scale and plenty of raw gameplay footage. This includes RPG dialogue conversations, exploration mechanics, inventory screens, various locations and settlements, character creation and generation systems, and more. We'll upload the full presentation here as soon as it becomes available, but if you're quick, you can tune in right now and watch the Starfield Direct live. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Here's how Starfield's skills will work

During the Starfield Direct, Bethesda explained that skills in Starfield work similarly to the ones from previous games like Skyrim. There are multiple different skill trees with multiple different skills to unlock, and each skill will have multiple tiers you can progress through by completing gameplay challenges. The challenges will get more difficult as you go, but the benefits of fully upgraded skills will be worth it. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Starfield's ship customization is at the core of exploration

The Starfield Direct confirms what everyone was expecting: while exploring the universe, customizing and upgrading your ship will be vital. While you'll be able to make simple upgrades for things like your shields and engines, you can also go more in-depth and completely build (or rebuild) your ship from the ground up. Different modules will provide different benefits and incur specific drawbacks, giving players tons of opportunities to tweak their ship for specific needs and playstyles. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Here's how you can interact with Starfield's immense galaxy

Bethesda has given fans a closer look at the various ways you'll be able to interact with Starfield's universe. While you can expect lots of experiences and interactions with individual characters and companions (including potential romances!), you'll also be able to engage with various factions and either ally with or oppose them. Additionally, you can choose to be a space pirate and board or steal other vessels, claiming them as your own and adding their parts to your collection. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Bethesda Softworks | Xbox)

Starfield-themed wireless Xbox controller and headset officially revealed

During a break in the Starfield Direct, Bethesda's Todd Howard revealed a Starfield-themed wireless Xbox controller and headset. The controller's primarily white color is accented by grey, red, gold, and rainbow-colored trims that scream Starfield, and the headset's red and white coloration fits right in with the game's "NASA punk" style. — Brendan Lowry

(Image credit: Xbox Game Studios)

Starfield preorders are LIVE NOW for Xbox and PC

At the end of the Starfield Direct, it was announced that the game is officially available to preorder now on Xbox and PC. There are three editions of the game: the Standard Edition, the Premium Edition, and the Constellation Edition (a Collector's Edition-style package with lots of physical collectibles).

We're keeping an eye on the Xbox Store and other retailers for links to where you can buy each edition. We'll be updating our Starfield preorders post as soon as we do, so stay tuned! — Brendan Lowry

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.