The gaming industry has consistently pushed boundaries, with developers striving to deliver experiences that captivate players globally. For those invested in the Xbox ecosystem, the period spanning 2022 and 2023 has been anticipated with considerable excitement. A diverse collection of new Xbox Series X games, ranging from innovative independent titles to blockbuster sequels, has been scheduled for release, promising to enrich the platform’s library significantly.
As highlighted in the accompanying video, the landscape of upcoming Xbox games is vibrant, showcasing significant investments in exclusive content and day-one Game Pass titles. This period is marked by a blend of established franchises and daring new intellectual properties, each aiming to redefine player expectations. From horror and action to deep role-playing experiences, a compelling array of games has been prepared for the dedicated Xbox audience.
Exploring the Horizon: Anticipated Xbox Series X Games
The forthcoming releases for Xbox Series X and S consoles present a compelling roster of titles that have garnered significant attention. Many of these games are not only designed to leverage the advanced capabilities of the current generation hardware but also offer entry into the Xbox Game Pass library from day one. Such accessibility ensures that a broad spectrum of players can experience these new worlds.
Intriguing New IPs and Exclusive Adventures
Several entirely new intellectual properties are making their debut on the Xbox platform, bringing fresh narratives and gameplay mechanics. These innovative titles are crucial for expanding the gaming universe and attracting new players.
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Routine: A sci-fi horror game that is exclusive to Xbox, Routine is set to launch directly into Game Pass. Players are transported to an abandoned lunar base in the 1980s, where an unsettling atmosphere is crafted with a strikingly creepy art style. The inclusion of Mick Gordon, renowned for his work on Doom, as the music composer further elevates its potential for atmospheric dread.
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The Last Case of Benedict Fox: This hauntingly beautiful Metroidvania title aims to distinguish itself within an increasingly crowded genre. Its Lovecraftian aesthetic is immediately apparent through horrifying enemies and intricate environmental designs. Set in 1925, the protagonist’s quest to uncover the truth behind a mysterious mansion offers a dark and engaging narrative. This game is also an Xbox exclusive, arriving on Game Pass.
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Scorn: Noted for its nightmarish and Alien-esque world, Scorn has captured considerable attention among Xbox fans. The game plunges players into an incredibly atmospheric, and at times grotesque, environment as a skinless humanoid. Gameplay elements reminiscent of Metroidvania are incorporated, with players attaching different weapons and abilities to navigate a cohesive, puzzle-laden world. Scorn launched directly into Game Pass on October 21st, solidifying its place as a unique Xbox exclusive.
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Flintlock, The Siege of Dawn: From A44, the studio behind the highly regarded Souls-like title Ashen, comes a more ambitious open-world action RPG. This title combines axe-wielding combat with magic and gunplay, offering a diverse combat system. The inclusion of a magical creature companion suggests a rich gameplay dynamic. It was scheduled for a 2022 release directly into Game Pass, promising a grand adventure.
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High on Life: A hysterical first-person shooter from Squanch Games, co-created by Justin Roiland of Rick and Morty fame. Following the success of Trover Saves the Universe, High on Life features humanity being threatened by an alien cartel. Players partner with talking guns to combat this threat, ensuring a unique blend of humor and action. This anticipated title launched directly into Game Pass on October 25th as an Xbox exclusive.
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Atomic Heart: This new IP stands out for its immense potential and stunning visuals. Set in an alternate 1955 Soviet Union, it presents a first-person shooter with RPG elements amidst crazy-looking robots and a brilliant atmosphere. The game’s graphical fidelity and unique setting make it a visual spectacle, and it is also set to release day one into Xbox Game Pass.
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Callisto Protocol: Hailed as a spiritual successor to Dead Space, this game comes from its original creator, Glenn Schofield. Set 300 years in the future at Black Iron Prison on Jupiter, it plunges players into a brutal and terrifying survival horror experience. Inmates turning into monstrous creatures set the stage for a game demanding courage and strategic survival, exploring spooky environments and uncovering dark secrets.
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Starfield: Bethesda’s first new IP in decades, Starfield is a massive space-faring RPG described by many as “Fallout in space.” Its sheer ambition is evident in multiple handcrafted planets, far larger than previous Bethesda titles, complemented by procedurally generated worlds for endless exploration. Extensive customization, including aircraft design and aerial combat, completes this highly anticipated Xbox console exclusive, launching directly into Game Pass.
Highly-Anticipated Sequels and Franchise Returns
The gaming calendar is also filled with sequels to beloved titles and the return of iconic franchises, promising to build upon established foundations while introducing fresh elements.
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Ark 2: The sequel to the highly successful survival game, Ark: Survival Evolved, promises a more Souls-like combat system. Starring Vin Diesel, this Xbox console exclusive is slated for release in 2023. While gameplay details remain scarce, the success and addictive nature of its predecessor ensure high anticipation for its prehistoric, survival-driven world.
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Hollow Knight: Silksong: As the sequel to one of the most revered Metroidvania games, Silksong carries immense expectations. Players take on the role of Hornet, whose acrobatic playstyle offers a distinct combat feel. The dark atmosphere, challenging platforming, and the introduction of 150 new foes and bosses ensure that this title will be another must-play for genre enthusiasts. It is launching day one into Xbox Game Pass.
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Street Fighter 6: Marking the return of the iconic fighting game franchise to Xbox after its absence last generation, Street Fighter 6 represents a significant evolution. Capcom has adopted a more realistic yet stylized visual approach and introduced an open-world-like environment for its story mode. This major step up for the series is expected in 2023, offering innovative gameplay and visual flair.
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Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2: This continuation of the classic Modern Warfare reboot features beloved characters like Soap and Captain John Price. Set in 2022, it promises a gripping story and introduces new multiplayer modes such as Knockout and Prisoner Rescue, drawing comparisons to tactical shooters like Rainbow Six Siege. It launched on October 28th, with Warzone 2.0 also planned for later that year.
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Star Wars Jedi: Survivor: The sequel to the critically acclaimed Fallen Order, this title continues Cal Kestis’s journey five years after the first game. Developed by Respawn Entertainment, known for Titanfall and Apex Legends, the game is expected in 2023. Cal must outmaneuver the Empire, grappling with the immense weight of being one of the last surviving Jedi, making this an essential follow-up for Star Wars fans.
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Hogwarts Legacy: For fans of the Harry Potter franchise, Hogwarts Legacy fulfills a long-held dream: living and exploring the world of Hogwarts as a student. This ambitious RPG allows players to create their own character, attend classes, befriend characters, and uncover secrets within and beyond the school grounds. Its extensive world and magical combat promise an immersive wizarding experience.
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A Plague Tale: Requiem: Building on the emotionally driven narrative and stealth-based gameplay of its predecessor, Requiem expands Amicia’s options for evasion. The gripping story of two young kids navigating a rat plague-ridden world and the Inquisition continues, offering a legitimately great stealth experience in a genre where such games are increasingly rare. This title was also a day-one Xbox Game Pass release.
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Stalker 2: This much-anticipated first-person shooter is an Xbox console exclusive known for its atmospheric survival in a post-apocalyptic nuclear zone. Stalker 2 promises stunning visuals that push the Xbox Series X to its limits, offering groundbreaking customization and a non-linear story where player choices shape the fate of the zone. Mutant creatures and radiation hazards create a uniquely terrifying and immersive environment. It is launching directly into Xbox Game Pass.
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Forza Motorsport: The flagship Xbox racing franchise returns in Spring 2023 with an emphasis on realism and visual fidelity. Developer Turn 10 has leveraged the power of the Xbox Series to introduce ray tracing, dynamic night and day cycles, and realistic weather effects. The eighth installment focuses on improving world-class physics, emphasizing traction and grip to deliver an unparalleled simulation racing experience.
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Alan Wake 2: After a 12-year wait, the sequel to the cult classic thriller, Alan Wake, is finally on its way. The original game, an overlooked Xbox 360 exclusive, captivated players with its intriguing and mysterious story of an author living out his own novel. The sequel is expected to lean even more heavily into horror elements, promising a gripping conclusion to Alan Wake’s story and a deeper dive into psychological terror.
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Resident Evil 4 Remake: Following the success of Capcom’s previous Resident Evil remakes, the highly popular fourth installment receives a modern reimagining. While featuring state-of-the-art visuals, this version is expected to lean further into horror rather than action, offering a more terrifying experience than the original. This remake represents a significant event for horror fans, bringing one of the greatest survival horror games back to contemporary audiences.
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Dead Space Remake: An all-time great sci-fi horror game is receiving a full remake, promising an even more haunting atmospheric world. Dead Space is renowned for its unique third-person shooting mechanics, requiring players to strategically dismember Necromorphs rather than aiming for headshots. The dark, claustrophobic corridors will be enhanced with modern visuals, striking real fear into players as they navigate the terror of the USG Ishimura.
A Strong Showing of Japanese RPGs
Xbox has notably increased its support from Japanese developers, bringing a wealth of acclaimed JRPGs to the platform, many for the first time.
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Soul Hackers 2: From Atlus, this supernatural turn-based RPG is part of the legendary Shin Megami Tensei and Persona franchises. Players summon demons to fight in a world where deep narrative and strategic combat converge. While technically a sequel, it is designed to be fully enjoyable as a standalone experience, introducing a new audience to the Devil Summoner series.
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Persona 3, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 5 Royal: Atlus is also bringing these three exceptional turn-based RPGs to Xbox, a significant move for the platform. These games seamlessly blend dungeon crawling with social simulation, allowing players to manage their everyday school life and form bonds with characters. Deepening these social relationships not only enhances the narrative but also provides in-game benefits in battles. Persona 5 Royal, in particular, launched day one into Xbox Game Pass, making these critically acclaimed JRPGs highly accessible.
Noteworthy Cross-Platform Titles
Beyond exclusives, the Xbox platform is also set to host other creative and highly-rated games that may have seen initial releases elsewhere but are now making their way to the console.
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Deathloop: While not technically confirmed at the time of the video, Deathloop’s arrival on Xbox was widely anticipated following its one-year PlayStation exclusivity and the Bethesda acquisition by Xbox. This creative first-person shooter traps players in a time loop, tasking them with eliminating eight targets before midnight. Its innovative gameplay offers immense creative freedom in how players navigate its world and execute their mission, all within an entertaining story that contributed to its high ratings upon release.
The commitment to bringing a wide array of new Xbox Series X games to players, whether through exclusive deals, day-one Game Pass launches, or by expanding the reach of beloved franchises, highlights a significant period for the platform. Gamers are presented with a rich tapestry of experiences that promise countless hours of engagement and discovery throughout 2022 and 2023.
