The Xbox Games Showcase promises to be packed with all kinds of exiting reveals, news, gameplay footage and more for Xbox fans and gamers in general. What should we expect from the event? Read on to find out, starting with the likely highlights of the show.

A new look at Forza Motorsport

The latest sim racer from Turn 10 will almost certainly show up, and likely in a big way as the game is still slated to release this year—likely sometime in the fall. As Forza Motorsport is a proven franchise and one of Xbox Game Studio’s tentpole IPs, we would expect it to take a place of prominence in the showcase. Expect a new deep dive feature with lots of new footage of the game.

More on Fable (finally)

Last week we reported that Xbox strongly suggested on its Twitter account that the new Fable game would be present at the showcase. This reboot was first announced back at the Xbox Games Showcase in 2020 with a reveal trailer. Three years later, we still don’t know much about it, but it seems likely that that will soon change.

Starfield Direct

This will be an entirely separate showcase immediately following the Xbox Games Showcase. Starfield is one of the most anticipated games of recent memory, and Xbox has a lot riding on its success. Starfield will finally release in just a few short months on September 6, so the game has to be in a near-finished state at this point.

The Starfield Direct event will no doubt give us a deep dive into the upcoming open world action-RPG and the team behind it at Bethesda Game Studios. Expect plenty of new gameplay footage and developer interviews. With the game’s release immanent, we would also look for an appearance from BGS director Todd Howard himself.

An all-new game reveal

As it did with Hi-Fi Rush during the Xbox & Bethesda Developer_Direct back in January, Xbox may just end the showcase with the unveiling of a previously unseen game. Could it be Gears 6? There’s been some buzz surrounding this as-yet unannounced title recently. Or perhaps an all-new IP?

Other things to expect during  the Xbox Games Showcase

Here is a list of other things we would expect to see.

• Avowed gameplay trailer
• Halo Infinite season 4 tease
• Hellblade 2 release date announcement
• Bethesda’s Indiana Jones game first look trailer
• An update on The Outer Worlds 2
• Xbox Series X|S Pro reveal? (that one might be a bit of a stretch, but we’re hopeful!)

Tell us your Xbox Games Showcase predictions

So what are some of your predictions for what we’ll see at the Xbox Games Showcase? Let us know down in the comments what you think Xbox is going to show off at this year’s event. And don’t forget to tune in on June 11.

We’ve talked about how we’re experimenting with other models, like what does it mean for advertising in games which is more prevalent in mobile – are there models of that that work well in PC and console?

The mention of advertising in games didn’t go unnoticed by the Xbox community. Many of them went on social media to voice their displeasure at the mere mention of putting advertising in their games.

Same! Turn my back on Xbox the moment they will do this.

— Old Pixel (@OldPixel1984) May 18, 2023

I guess my Xbox will be a paper weight. No one will want too buy it then. I won't even play games on my phone that have ads. I'm sure not going to deal with it on xbox.

— Tifftaff (@shygirlfunny) May 23, 2023

Last year there were rumors circulating that Xbox could introduce a more affordable Xbox Game Pass tier that would be ad-supported. This came in the wake of video streaming platforms Netflix and Disney+ doing the same. A lower-cost, ad-supported Game Pass tier for those that want it would be one thing, but apparently having ads displayed in-game would be a bridge too far for some gamers.

It’s important to note that Microsoft in no way has said anything about bringing ads to Xbox games, and Bond only said it was something they were “experimenting with.” With that said, what’s your take on in-game advertising? It’s something that has mostly been restricted to mobile gaming, but how would you feel if it did come to Xbox games and other platforms? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Via Gaming Bible. 

Microsoft has for a long time shown its dedication and commitment to empowering people living with disabilities, and this year is no different. Building on this premise, the Xbox team has announced a plethora of new accessibility awareness and support features designed to enhance the gaming experience for users with disabilities.

Here’s everything you need to know:

The Xbox Ambassador program

A little over 7 months ago, Microsoft debuted the Xbox Ambassador program, a program designed to provide a safe space for gamers, where each member is celebrated and the gaming experience is elevated. And in a bid to enhance instances where gamers get to learn more about accessibility, the Xbox team debuted the Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Explorer Path.

The Xbox Ambassador Accessibility Explorer Path not only provides gamers with insightful information about accessibility but also provides them with first-hand experiences with the feature.

Ever since its debut, a little over 7 months ago, more than 110 quests have been incorporated into the platform. To date, ambassadors have been able to complete over 1 million accessibility-focused missions.

New accessibility updates making their way to Xbox

First up, Xbox will be updating its accessibility support pages to now cover more than 150 accessibility controls across PC and console. This builds on, Xbox’s redesigned and overhauled navigate support hub.

The new support pages can be accessed via the accessibility tab on Xbox App on PC, Xbox.com. Xbox further added that the feature will be coming to Game Bar soon.

Next up, Xbox unveiled a new accessibility settings menu in the Xbox App on PC back in March. The settings menu was categorized into two: Disable background images and Disable animations.

These settings were put in place to help gamers establish more control over visual components to reduce instances where they encounter irritation, confusion, and more.

What’s more, Microsoft also shipped a new update for the Microsoft Store on Xbox.com. As such, the new experience caters to gamers with disabilities, in that, they are able to filter their searches while incorporating their “accessibility needs and preferences, as well as search for games based on their Supported Language, with over 17 supported languages.”

Additionally, Xbox has made enhancements to its Microsoft Game Accessibility Testing Service. It launched this program with the objective to help publishers and developers validate the accessibility of their games.

Xbox has since made improvements to the program by adding more information detailing how developers can validate Accessibility Feature Tags in their games. And to further build on this premise, the Team has further included 119 more test steps as well as 124 examples to its Accessibility Feature Tags platform.

The company has provided more insights on its dedication to this cause that you can catch up on over at its blog post. Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.

We’ve talked about how we’re experimenting with other models, like what does it mean for advertising in games which is more prevalent in mobile – are there models of that that work well in PC and console? Are there other models where you might have timed slices of games and stuff like that? Providing creators with options and choice enables them to experiment and do what they like, and actually create more immersive and creative experiences without having to fit into a mould.”

As for advertising in games, it wouldn’t be too surprising—last year there was some noise going around the internet that Microsoft could start allowing ads in free-to-play games. There were also rumors of a cheaper, ad-supported Xbox Game Pass tier in the works. So far neither has become a reality.

Bond didn’t elaborate on what exactly was meant by “timed slices of games,” but it sounds like episodic releases for certain games, which has been done in the past with as with certain Telltale Games releases. Or it could simply mean paid game trials, as a way for gamers to try out a title at a smaller cost before going all-in on a full game purchase.

Wither way, better business model diversity can only spell a win for Xbox game developers.

• Intermittent issues with audio across the dashboard, games, and apps.
• An issue in which titles in the My Games & Apps section incorrectly appear with a “trial” tag.
• TV may display at the incorrect resolution upon booting up the Xbox console.

Users should use Report a problem to give feedback if they encounter these issues. Xbox Insiders can also make use of the community subreddit to find support.

Alpha #XboxInsiders can expect a new 2306 update (2306.230515-2200) to be available at 2:00 p.m. PT today. More info on what's new can be found in the blog post linked below: https://t.co/2TYJ7O8ESL

— Xbox Insider (@xboxinsider) May 17, 2023

View Microsoft Rewards points balance right on the Home screen

Undoubtedly the most exciting new feature this update will bring allows users to see their Microsoft Rewards points right on the Xbox dashboard’s Home screen, instead of having to navigate to it. As per the release notes published on Xbox Wire,

Starting today, a random subset of users will see their Rewards points balance right from the Home screen! To find it, look no further than the top corner where you typically find your Xbox gamertag. Some users will see the balance as the information cycles, while others will see it alongside their gamerscore.

Bear in mind that this update is currently only available in preview for the Xbox Insiders Alpha Skip-Ahead ring. If you are interested in enrolling in the Xbox Insiders Program, you can do so here. You can also learn more about it over on the Xbox Insiders FAQ page.

The PlayStation 5 and even the Nintendo Switch have features that allow the system to go into a low-power mode without losing game progress. However, neither has the Quick Resume instant startup. In the case of the PS5 Switcher, it allows users to swap between recently used apps and games without navigating back to the Home screen, but lacks the save states used by Quick Resume, meaning instead the games and apps reboot normally.

Microsoft Head of Xbox Software Roanne Sloanes recently said something that suggests Quick Resume might be coming to Windows, as pointed out by Tom Warren of The Verge.

Microsoft dropping hints that it’s thinking about bringing Xbox Quick Resume or something similar to Windows. This would be great for PC gamers. Here’s Roanne Soanes, head of Xbox hardware, discussing improving the Windows experience here pic.twitter.com/8eT87PhYoy

— Tom Warren (@tomwarren) May 11, 2023

“How do we think about the idea of you start on your PC and then you just want to take this with you and you want to pick up where you left off and you want to be immediately ready to go…How do we think about integrating this into the Windows platform?”

It seems likely the new DirectStorage feature would play a part in making this happen. No doubt this would be a great boon for PC gamers. While Alt+Tab is always an option, a genuine Quick Resume feature would naturally be a more resource-efficient one.

Larry Hryb, better known as “Major Nelson,” reached out on Twitter to offer congratulations to Nintendo on the Tears of the Kingdom launch. In his post Hyrb stated “I look forward to the mystery and challenges that await in Hyrule.”

Congrats to @thetruebowser and the entire @Nintendo and @NintendoAmerica teams on #TearsOfTheKingdom launching. I look forward to the mystery and challenges that await in Hyrule.

— Larry Hryb (@majornelson) May 12, 2023

Following up that sentiment, the official Xbox Twitter account posted a tweet saying “It’s good to be back in Hyrule.”

It’s good to be back in Hyrule.​

Congrats @NintendoAmerica on Tears Of The Kingdom!

— Xbox (@Xbox) May 12, 2023

The official Sea of Thieves account provided a funny post on the Tears of the Kingdom launch as well.

We won't shed any tears if you're too busy in another kingdom for a sail today. pic.twitter.com/CbMauRvyDP

— Sea of Thieves (@SeaOfThieves) May 12, 2023

Sea of Thieves is developed by British studio Rare, which of course was long associated with Nintendo before being acquired by Microsoft in 2002. Rare’s partnership with Nintendo produced a string of games that have since become classics, so its no surprise to see the team at Rare give a nod to its former publishing partner.

The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom is the follow up to 2017’s Breath of the Wild. The sequel has garnered a tremendous amount of praise from critics, with many outlets giving the game perfect review scores.

Featured image via Nintendo Life. 

See Discord friend’s Xbox gamertags 

You will now be able to see your Discord friend’s Xbox gamertags on your console while connected to Discord Voice. That is, provided your Discord account is linked to Xbox.

New sort and filter options on the Xbox Store

These new options on your Xbox console and Xbox.com allow you to sort and filter search results by price, subscriptions, supported languages, and accessibility features. Finding exactly what you’re looking for has never been easier.

Firmware update for Xbox Wireless Controller

This update includes bug fixes to improve battery efficiency as well as improving connection stability when using headphones with 4K, 120Hz, and VRR enabled.

New Rewards tab makes it easier to find Game Pass Quests

Xbox Game Pass and Game Pass Ultimate subscribers can earn Microsoft Rewards points by completing Game Pass Quests. These quests are now easier to find thanks to the new Rewards tab implemented in the May Xbox Update.

Quests can also be found by bringing up the guide by pressing the Xbox button, selecting Profile & system, selecting your profile, then selecting My rewards. You’ll still need to head over to the Microsoft Rewards app to spend points.

Find out more about the Xbox May Update by heading over to the official Xbox support site.

The double feature will begin at 10amPT with the Xbox Games Showcase. Like with previous XGS events, there will be plenty of Xbox and Xbox Game Pass related news in addition to first-looks at new upcoming games and more. The showcase will be followed up with an Xbox Games Showcase Extended stream on June 13th, at 10amPT.

Immediately following the June 11 showcase will be the Starfield Direct. This special event will take us inside Bethesda Game Studios to learn much more about one of the most highly anticipated games ever, with new gameplay footage and developer interviews.

When and where to watch

Airtimes for the June 11 double feature can be found below.

• PT: June 11, 10am
• ET: June 11, 1pm
• BST: June 11, 6pm
• CET: June 11, 7pm
• JST: June 12, 4am
• AEST: June 12, 5am

You can watch the double feature showcase here:

• YouTube.com/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/Xbox
• Twitch.tv/XboxASL
• Facebook.com/Xbox

The livestream will be available in over 30 languages. Also, in-person FanFest events will be held in Los Angeles, Mexico City, São Paulo, Melbourne, and Warsaw. Head over to aka.ms/XboxFanFest to win for a chance to attend one of these FanFest events. Note that this is only open to for those 18 and up, and ends on May 9th, 2023. You can check out the official rules here.

Featured image via Xbox Wire.

The Xbox team behind the new design further indicated that:

As we mentioned when we paused our experiments last month, we heard you tell us that the changes to the top of Home felt crowded and didn’t leave enough space for you to enjoy your background. So, we designed hundreds of options, then refined with prototypes and finally user-tested in our Research labs until we found one we hope you’ll love. It balances the experience, accessibility, function, and the needs of our community.

Here’s what you can expect as far as the new Xbox Dashboard is concerned:

First up, the new experience facilitates easier navigation to the library, the Microsoft Store, Xbox Game Pass, search, and settings for users. The update will ship with a new quick access menu at the top of the Home page.

The layout has also been simplified and now features more space that allows the user to view the background properly. The size of the tiles has been reduced significantly and they’ve also been moved to the bottom of the screen to create more space.

The update also ships with a responsive game art feature that’s designed to “update the default background and show off the beautiful art associated with each title when you hover over the tiles.”

And finally, the tile that opened “My games & apps” (the first tile in the second row) has also received a significant update. Users will now get a notification when something new pops up or when there’s something that requires immediate action. The company has further stated that it’s a work in progress and that users are likely to encounter updates from the library or the Microsoft Store.

Towards the end of last year, Microsoft expressed its intentions to make changes to Xbox’s Dashboard. It was even reported that the Dashboard would lose many of its customization options, though this odd change is not part of this new update. In fact, users have been sending out feedback to the Xbox team asking them to incorporate more customization features into the Dashboard.

If you want to test out the overhauled Xbox Dashboard experience, you’ll need to join the Xbox Insider Program and download the Xbox Insider Hub. Microsoft has indicated that it intends to make more significant changes and improvements to the Dashboard and that it is still taking feedback into consideration while at it.