We are calling all Xbox fans! Mark your calendars for June 9th because Microsoft is throwing a digital extravaganza – the Xbox Games Showcase. This E3-style event promises a treasure trove of announcements, including the highly anticipated next installments of Call of Duty and Gears of War.
The showcase will be streamed live on Xbox’s YouTube, Twitch, and Facebook channels at 10:00 AM PT. It will feature upcoming titles from Xbox Game Studios, Activision Blizzard (now under Microsoft’s wing), and Bethesda. While Microsoft remains tight-lipped about the event’s duration, one thing’s for sure – gamers are in for a treat.
The rumor mill has been churning about the showcase’s potential reveals. Top billing is reserved for the next Call of Duty. Leaks suggest this could be Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War, developed by Treyarch. Reports hint at an open-world campaign, a major shakeup for the traditionally linear Call of Duty experience.
Following the showcase, a dedicated “Call of Duty Direct” event will explore the upcoming title further. This is a clear indication that Microsoft intends to make Call of Duty a centerpiece of its summer plans.
Another highly anticipated reveal is the next Gears of War—the last mainline entry, Gears 5, was released in 2019, leaving fans hungry for more. While there’s no official confirmation, rumors indicate Gears of War 6 gracing the showcase’s stage (or rather, the livestream). With The Coalition, the franchise’s developer, under Microsoft’s umbrella, expectations are high for a next-gen Gears experience.
Beyond these two heavy hitters, the showcase will likely unveil release dates for many upcoming titles. Games like Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Avowed (an open-world fantasy RPG by Obsidian Entertainment), and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle are all rumored to get their release window confirmed.
This focus on release dates aligns with Microsoft’s recent strategy. In April, they revealed release windows for the rest of 2024, including the highly anticipated World of Warcraft expansion, The War Within, for their newly acquired Blizzard Entertainment.
With studios like Bethesda, Obsidian, and The Coalition under their banner, Microsoft has a formidable arsenal of developers. The Xbox Games Showcase is a chance for them to showcase the fruits of these collaborations and solidify Xbox’s position as a powerhouse in the gaming industry.
For gamers, June 9th promises to be a day filled with exciting announcements and a glimpse into the future of Xbox. Whether you’re a die-hard Call of Duty fan, a Gears enthusiast, or simply looking forward to new adventures, the Xbox Games Showcase is an event to be noticed. So, grab your controllers, mark your calendars, and prepare to be hyped!
