As the Xbox Series X/S enters its third year, Microsoft’s gaming platform has been steadily building a robust and diverse library of games. Consoles typically hit their stride in the latter half of their lifecycle when developers can focus exclusively on creating titles for the most advanced hardware, leaving behind the constraints of cross-generation compatibility. While the Xbox Series X/S has not yet reached that stage, it’s making significant progress in that direction. In 2022, the platform saw the release of several outstanding games, especially in the open-world genre. Notable titles included Elden Ring, Lego Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga, A Plague Tale: Requiem, and Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands, each offering unique gaming experiences.
The year 2023 seems to be continuing the trend of delivering highly anticipated titles for Xbox gamers. A diverse range of games, including Dead Space, Street Fighter 6, Hi-Fi Rush, Remnant 2,Starfield, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, is set to captivate players. This lineup suggests that Xbox gamers can look forward to a variety of gaming experiences throughout the year.
Diverse gaming experiences
September 2023 kicks off with the highly anticipated release of Starfield. Developed by Bethesda, this sci-fi epic has been in the spotlight for years and is now available on Xbox Game Pass. Featuring procedurally generated content, Starfield offers players the chance to explore over a thousand planets, promising to dominate gaming discussions not just in September but potentially throughout the year.
However, Starfield is not the only game to look forward to in September. The Crew Motorfest promises to be an enjoyable open-world racing experience, akin to titles like Forza Horizon. For those who prefer kart racing, Disney Speedstorm becomes free to play starting September 28. Additionally, Lies of P, following a well-received demo, is shaping up to be a noteworthy addition to the challenging Soulslike subgenre.
Fighting game enthusiasts have Mortal Kombat 1 to look forward to, featuring NetherRealm Studios’ latest take on the legendary franchise. First-person shooter fans with a penchant for heists can join their friends in Payday 3, which could become a massive hit if it follows in the footsteps of its successful predecessor. CD Projekt Red will also be releasing the “Phantom Liberty” expansion for Cyberpunk 2077, providing players with new adventures in the dystopian world of Night City.
Looking beyond 2023, the future of Xbox gaming appears promising. While specific release dates may not be confirmed, several highly anticipated titles are on the horizon:
Elden ring DLC: FromSoftware’s Elden Ring garnered immense praise, and fans can expect DLC content to further expand the game’s rich lore and challenging gameplay.
Fable: A beloved Xbox franchise, Fable is receiving a new installment that promises to combine the series’ signature humor and open-world exploration with modern gaming technology.
Senua’s Saga – Hellblade 2: The sequel to the critically acclaimed Hellblade. Senua’s Sacrifice is expected to continue the gripping narrative and psychological horror elements of its predecessor.
Perfect dark: A revival of the classic espionage-themed game, Perfect Dark is poised to deliver a fresh take on the franchise with updated graphics and gameplay.
Avowed: Obsidian Entertainment’s Avowed is an exciting upcoming RPG set in the same universe as their hit game Pillars of Eternity, promising a deep and immersive fantasy experience.
Anticipated titles beyond 2023
The Xbox Series X/S platform is steadily building an impressive library of games, with 2023 offering a diverse lineup of titles that cater to various gaming preferences. With highly anticipated releases like Starfield and a promising future lineup, Xbox gamers have plenty to look forward to both in the near term and beyond. Whether you’re into RPGs, open-world adventures, or competitive fighting games, the Xbox ecosystem continues to provide engaging experiences for players in North America and beyond.
