Xbox Showcase 2023: 5 Best Announcements

Despite the fact that E3 has been canceled this year, there has been a flurry of game announcements as a result of the other high-profile showcases taking place in June. From the Summer Game Fest to the Xbox Showcase and, finally, the Ubisoft Forward event, there is a lot to digest this month. So far, the Xbox Showcase has easily outperformed the competition. From start to finish, the Xbox Showcase 2023 was jam-packed with exciting game announcements, updates, trailers, and reveals.

So much so that we're having trouble deciding which of the five best announcements from Xbox Showcase 2023 to include in this list. As it's hard to narrow down just five titles in a showcase that had a sea of great ones. Nonetheless, these five announcements captured our attention the most, and are the ones we think you'll want to be aware of.

5. Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Official Trailer and Release Date

We'll kick off this list of the best announcements at the Xbox Showcase 2023 with one of the more laid-backed reveals. If you can even consider this one of the showcases, “laid back reveals”. But that just goes to show how stacked the Xbox Showcase truly was. Nonetheless, an official trailer for Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC was shown. During it, Keanu Reeves, known for portraying Johnny Silverhand in the game, took the stage to announce that well-known actor Idris Elba will be accompanying him in the DLC.

The best announcement of all, on top of all that, is that we got an official release date for the Phantom Liberty DLC for September 26, 2023. Better yet, pre-sales have begun following the official trailers release. So, you can lock in on the long-awaited Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty DLC.

4. Fable

The Xbox showcase began in one of the best ways possible, with a long-awaited update on PlayGround Games' Fable reboot. The teaser trailer was narrated by The IT Crowd's Richard Ayoade who took a humorous approach to outline the story and his role in the game as vegetable enthusiast, Dave. However, Dave is much more than that; he's actually a giant. And from what we can gather, it looks like we'll be climbing his massive beanstalk to confront him. So, it appears the Fable reboot will be along the lines of the classic Jack and the Beanstalk folk tale.

Unfortunately, we didn't get a release date or window alongside the teaser trailer. However, they did unveil that Fable will come to Xbox Game Pass as a day-one title. Which is just music to Game Pass subscribers' ears. Nonetheless, being the opening reveal, it made for one of the best announcements during the Xbox Showcase 2023.

3. Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

To many people's surprise, the Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 official trailer wound up being one of the best announcements at the Xbox Showcase 2023. A big reason why, is that Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 is expanding the game to new heights by introducing a flurry of real-life aviation careers to explore. From Search and Rescue, Helicopter Cargo Transport, Air Ambulance, Mountain Rescue, Skydive Aviation, Ariel Construction, Industrial Cargo Transport, Remote Cargo Drops, VIP Charter service, Air Racing, and so much more.

It was practically a trailer just showcasing all the new ways to take on the game's aviation. And, we won't lie, each one appears to be more intriguing than the last. From low-altitude flight training to hot air balloon exploration, Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 looks to be ushering into a new era for flight simulators that encompasses everything and anything to do with the sky.

2. New Starfield Trailer and Announcements

Of course, the big highlight this year is Bethesda's Starfield. It did receive a new story trailer for the Xbox Games Showcase 2023, as well as a lengthy segment from the developers that gave us an in-depth look at the gameplay and mechanics. They went into great detail about the game's exploration, mentioning that there are over 1,000 planets to explore. Furthermore, each of these planets has its own vegetation and wildlife that is not alien but appropriate for its biome.

Furthermore, they discussed ship customization, which appears to be as thorough as it can be. They also delved into the game world, showcasing NPCs found throughout cities and planets that you can recruit to your ship and team. You can even pay a visit to your parents on your home planet.

Overall, it appears that Bethesda is leaving no stone unturned with Starfield. Although it wasn't the best announcement at the 2023 Xbox Showcase, with titles such as South of Midnight, Clockwork Revolution, and 33 Immortals all being much “newer” reveals. However, with all of the buzz surrounding Starfield, which did a good job showcasing more of the gameplay at the event, it's difficult not to consider its segment to be one of the best announcements at the Xbox Showcase 2023.

1. Star Wars Outlaws

By far one of the best announcements at the Xbox Showcase 2023 was the official reveal of Star Wars Outlaws. Developed by Ubisoft and releasing in 2024 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC, this will be the first open-world game set in the Star Wars universe. Set between the events of Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Return of the Jedi, you play as Kay Vess, a new protagonist who will “attempt one of the greatest heists the Outer Rim has ever seen.”

Despite receiving an official reveal trailer, little is known about Star Wars Outlaws. However, because it will be open-world, you can expect to see all elements from the entire Star Wars cinematic universe to be in play. From a host of signature people, planets, and places, to a slew of entirely new concepts thrown into the mix. Nonetheless, it appears to be the next best Star Wars adventure for us young padawans to embark on.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? Are there other announcements you thought were the best at the Xbox Showcase 2023? Which game are you most excited for? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!