Unveiling the Most Anticipated New Xbox One Games of 2020
The year 2020 promised an extraordinary lineup for Xbox gamers, brimming with innovative titles, long-awaited sequels, and captivating remakes. As highlighted in the accompanying video, the sheer volume and diversity of **new Xbox One games** slated for release were truly remarkable. This period represented a pivotal moment for console gaming, showcasing advancements in storytelling, gameplay mechanics, and graphical fidelity. Consequently, players were treated to a robust roster of experiences, ranging from intense action to deep narrative adventures.
This comprehensive guide delves deeper into the **upcoming Xbox games 2020**, expanding on the video’s countdown to offer additional insights, developer backgrounds, and the significance of these titles within the broader gaming landscape.
Diverse Adventures and Narrative Depths
The year kicked off with a strong emphasis on narrative-driven experiences, a testament to the evolving artistry of video game storytelling.
Twin Mirror (DONTNOD Entertainment)
At the forefront of narrative innovation was *Twin Mirror*, an episodic adventure game from DONTNOD Entertainment, celebrated creators of *Life Is Strange* and *Vampyr*. This psychological detective thriller invited players to delve into the mind palace of its protagonist, a unique visualization technique for memory enhancement. While DONTNOD promised an absence of supernatural elements, the exploration of internal cognitive landscapes inherently introduces a layer of psychological complexity. This title was eagerly anticipated for its potential to blend intricate storytelling with player-driven choices, a hallmark of DONTNOD’s acclaimed work.
Tell Me Why (DONTNOD Entertainment)
Another significant **new Xbox game** from DONTNOD, *Tell Me Why*, further solidified their reputation for compelling, character-focused narratives. Presented as a three-episode mini-series, this game explored the powerful bond between twins returning to their childhood home in Alaska. Its central mechanic, requiring players to navigate conflicting memories and make decisions based on subjective recollections, represented an intriguing approach to interactive storytelling. The game’s setting and premise suggested a deeply personal and emotionally resonant experience.
The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope (Supermassive Games)
Following the success of *Man of Medan*, *The Dark Pictures Anthology: Little Hope* continued Supermassive Games’ tradition of cinematic horror. Known for their branching narratives and emphasis on player choice impacting survival, Supermassive Games consistently delivers atmospheric and suspenseful experiences. This installment promised further immersion into the shared Dark Pictures Universe, building on subtle clues and premonitions to weave a chilling tale that resonated with fans of interactive drama.
Way to the Woods
A distinct and visually striking entry was *Way to the Woods*, a third-person adventure game offering a unique perspective. Often referred to as “The Deer Game,” it tasked players with guiding two deer through an abandoned, human-less world. The developer cited inspirations from Studio Ghibli, notably *Princess Mononoke* and *Spirited Away*, alongside the survival elements of *The Last of Us*. This fusion of influences promised a visually stylized journey focused on exploration, survival, and discovery, setting it apart from more action-oriented titles.
Revitalized Classics and Genre Innovations
The gaming year also celebrated the return of beloved franchises through eagerly awaited sequels and meticulously crafted remakes, alongside bold new takes on established genres.
Session (Crea-ture Studios)
*Session* emerged as a highly anticipated skateboarding simulation, a genre that had seen limited successful entries in recent years. Originating from a Kickstarter campaign in 2017, the game distinguished itself with a focus on authentic physics and realistic controls, aiming to provide a deeper, more skill-based experience than its arcade-style predecessors. Its strong early access reception on Steam underscored the demand for a serious skateboarding title, positioning it as a significant release for both PC and **Xbox One games 2020**.
Beyond Good & Evil 2 (Ubisoft)
The long-gestating sequel to the 2003 cult classic, *Beyond Good & Evil 2*, captivated fans with its ambitious scope. Despite the original game’s commercial struggles, its unique blend of action-adventure gameplay, compelling characters, and distinctive art style earned it a dedicated following. The re-emergence of *Beyond Good & Evil 2* after years of silence signaled Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering a successor worthy of its predecessor’s innovative spirit, promising a universe rich in personality and expansive gameplay.
Destroy All Humans! Remake (Black Forest Games)
The *Destroy All Humans! Remake* was a standout **new Xbox game** for its faithful yet graphically enhanced recreation of the irreverent original. This title, known for its over-the-top humor and unique premise of playing as an alien invading Earth, benefited immensely from modern graphical capabilities while retaining the original voice acting. This commitment to authenticity, combined with contemporary improvements, ensured that both long-time fans and new players could fully appreciate its warped charm.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps (Moon Studios)
*Ori and the Will of the Wisps* built upon the critically acclaimed *Ori and the Blind Forest*, expanding its stunning Metroidvania-style platforming and emotional narrative. This sequel promised larger, more diverse environments and an evolved upgrade system reminiscent of *Hollow Knight*. The anticipation surrounding this title was immense, as its predecessor was lauded for its breathtaking art direction, poignant story, and tight gameplay, establishing a high bar for this new installment.
Resident Evil 3 Remake (Capcom)
Following the tremendous success of the *Resident Evil 2 Remake*, Capcom delivered the highly anticipated *Resident Evil 3 Remake*. This entry was particularly exciting for fans, as *Resident Evil 3* directly intertwined with the events of *Resident Evil 2*, providing a broader perspective on the Raccoon City outbreak. The meticulous reconstruction, blending modern graphics with classic survival horror tension, ensured that this retelling honored the original’s legacy while terrifying a new generation of players.
Action-Packed Thrills and Strategic Depth
For players seeking high-octane excitement and tactical challenges, 2020 offered a selection of titles that pushed the boundaries of action and strategy.
Minecraft Dungeons (Mojang Studios)
*Minecraft Dungeons* represented a thematic expansion of the beloved *Minecraft* universe, transforming it into a vibrant dungeon crawler. While retaining the iconic aesthetic, it eschewed traditional crafting and building mechanics in favor of randomly generated dungeons and four-player co-op combat. This strategic pivot aimed to offer a fresh experience, combining the familiarity of *Minecraft*’s world with the engaging loop of loot collection and monster slaying characteristic of the dungeon crawler genre. Its April 2020 release was met with significant enthusiasm, appealing to both *Minecraft* fans and genre enthusiasts.
Maneater (Tripwire Interactive)
*Maneater*, humorously dubbed “Shark Simulator,” delivered a truly unique open-world RPG experience where players assumed the role of a ferocious shark. This conceptually insane yet undeniably cool game incorporated RPG elements such as skill trees, boss fights, and environmental destruction, drawing comparisons to the dynamic gameplay of *Tony Hawk* or *Sunset Overdrive*. Its May 22nd launch offered a refreshing departure from conventional gaming, promising an experience filled with predatory thrills and aquatic mayhem.
Skull and Bones (Ubisoft)
Derived from the highly praised naval combat mechanics of the *Assassin’s Creed* series, *Skull and Bones* charted its own course as a dedicated action game focused on pirate warfare. Set in an open-world environment, it allowed for both single-player campaigns and multiplayer engagements with up to five other players. This expansion of a beloved gameplay system into a standalone title was a strategic move, offering naval combat enthusiasts a deep and engaging experience without the broader *Assassin’s Creed* narrative framework.
Grounded (Obsidian Entertainment)
Obsidian Entertainment, known for its intricate RPGs, ventured into the survival genre with *Grounded*. Imagined as “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” meets survival, the game placed players in a miniature world where ordinary insects became monstrous threats. This ingenious premise resonated deeply, offering a fresh perspective on resource gathering, crafting, and exploration within a familiar backyard setting. The spring 2020 release of this title proved that even in a crowded genre, innovative concepts could still captivate audiences.
Bleeding Edge (Ninja Theory)
*Bleeding Edge*, from the acclaimed Ninja Theory, introduced a distinct multiplayer combat experience. This game featured 12 diverse characters across damage, support, and tank classes, emphasizing melee combat with some ranged abilities. Its visually distinct and often unsettling aesthetic, coupled with the developer’s reputation for innovative combat systems, garnered considerable interest. A closed beta in March 2020 allowed players to experience its unique blend of character design and strategic team-based brawling.
*Marvel’s Avengers* promised a cinematic action game, blending elements of the critically acclaimed *Spider-Man* PS4 title with a focus on multiple iconic Marvel heroes. While initial previews revealed a strong emphasis on quick-time events and dynamic combat, the game’s delayed September 4th release aimed to add further polish and refinement. This title was positioned to deliver a grand, interactive narrative that allowed players to embody their favorite heroes in a sprawling comic book adventure.
Watch Dogs: Legion (Ubisoft)
*Watch Dogs: Legion* took the techno-dystopian themes of the series to an ambitious new level, setting its narrative in an alternate, post-Brexit London. In this police state, players were tasked with building a resistance by recruiting any NPC in the game world, each with their own unique skills and backstory. This innovative “play as anyone” mechanic represented a bold direction for the open-world genre, offering unprecedented player agency and tactical depth in its March 6th launch.
Disintegration (V1 Interactive)
From V1 Interactive, a new indie studio co-founded by one of *Halo*’s creators, came *Disintegration*, a sci-fi first-person shooter with a genuinely original premise. In a future where humanity transfers consciousness into mechanical bodies to survive, players pilot flying motorcycles, engaging in both a single-player campaign and PvP multiplayer. Its intriguing blend of aerial vehicle combat and on-foot troop command set it apart as a unique entry in the FPS landscape.
Rainbow Six Quarantine (Ubisoft)
*Rainbow Six Quarantine* expanded on the popular “Outbreak” event from *Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege*, delivering a dedicated three-player tactical co-op experience. Players, as Rainbow Operators, were deployed into quarantine zones to combat an alien parasite. This full-game treatment of a beloved limited-time mode promised intense strategic gameplay, building on the tight mechanics and teamwork synonymous with the *Rainbow Six* franchise.
Outriders (People Can Fly)
Developed by People Can Fly, the studio behind *Gears of War: Judgment*, *Outriders* emerged as a three-player co-op game heavily influenced by the *Gears of War* aesthetic but with distinct RPG elements. Featuring different character classes and unique abilities, it invited players to explore a sci-fi world with a focus on customizable combat. Its Holiday 2020 release aimed to deliver a robust looter-shooter experience with a strong narrative backbone.
Doom Eternal (id Software)
*Doom Eternal*, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2016 *Doom* reboot, promised an even more intense and expansive demon-slaying experience. Critics and fans alike praised its predecessors for revitalizing the FPS genre with fast-paced, visceral combat. *Eternal* delivered bigger levels, more savage weapons, and the addition of a grappling hook shotgun, escalating the already high-octane gameplay to new heights. Its March 20th launch was a significant event for action game enthusiasts.
Expansive Worlds and Grand Simulations
The year 2020 also introduced games that offered vast worlds to explore or incredibly detailed simulations, appealing to players who craved immersion and scope.
Tales of Arise (Bandai Namco Studios)
*Tales of Arise*, the latest installment in the long-running *Tales* series, marked a significant evolution for the franchise. Moving from its proprietary engine to the more powerful Unreal Engine, it aimed for a visually stunning and more detailed presentation. Beyond the graphical overhaul, developers promised substantial alterations to gameplay, intending to evolve the series while retaining its core action RPG identity. Officially unveiled at E3 2019, its 2020 release was a major moment for JRPG fans.
Wasteland 3 (inXile Entertainment)
*Wasteland 3* continued the legacy of the isometric RPG series that served as a forerunner to *Fallout*. Set in a post-apocalyptic, frozen Colorado, it offered a distinct environmental twist on the genre’s typically arid landscapes. Developed by a team with experience on acclaimed titles like *Torment: Tides of Numenera*, the game promised deep tactical combat, complex choices, and a richly detailed world. Its May 19th release was a highly anticipated event for fans of classic role-playing games.
Gods & Monsters (Ubisoft Quebec)
From the creators of *Assassin’s Creed Odyssey*, *Gods & Monsters* (later renamed *Immortals Fenyx Rising*) emerged as a new open-world game deeply rooted in Greek mythology. It adopted a vibrant, stylized aesthetic reminiscent of *The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild*, a visual approach that resonated positively with players. This combination of Ubisoft’s open-world expertise and a beloved visual style positioned it as a compelling and refreshing **new Xbox game** for 2020.
Kerbal Space Program 2 (Star Theory Games)
*Kerbal Space Program 2* set out to significantly expand on its predecessor’s beloved space exploration and rocket-building simulation. Despite a change in developers, the sequel aimed to build upon almost every system, with one of the most ambitious additions being colonizing celestial bodies. This introduced complex resource management and environmental adaptation challenges, promising a massive expansion of exploration possibilities and a deeper dive into scientific realism for simulation enthusiasts.
LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga (TT Games)
*LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga* was poised to be the most ambitious *LEGO Star Wars* game yet, spanning all nine main *Star Wars* films. Known for their humorous retelling of iconic stories and engaging gameplay, *LEGO Star Wars* titles appeal to both children and adults. This installment promised an expansive and comical journey through the entire saga, offering a definitive *LEGO Star Wars* experience for fans of all ages.
Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 (Hardsuit Labs)
A sequel to the 2004 cult classic, *Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2* returned players to the dark and complex world of vampires, werewolves, and demons. This action RPG allowed players to create their own vampire character and navigate a rich, lore-driven narrative within the World of Darkness. The original game’s unique atmosphere and deep role-playing elements created immense anticipation for this new installment, promising a return to its intricate storytelling and moral ambiguities.
Microsoft Flight Simulator (Asobo Studio)
*Microsoft Flight Simulator* represented a groundbreaking return for the revered simulation series, leveraging Bing Maps data and artificial intelligence to create a photorealistic, global environment. The level of detail in its 3D models of buildings and its sophisticated physics simulation was unparalleled. This title promised an incredibly accurate and visually stunning virtual piloting experience, appealing to both aviation enthusiasts and those seeking a truly immersive simulation.
Cyberpunk 2077 (CD Projekt Red)
Perhaps the most highly anticipated **new Xbox game** of 2020, *Cyberpunk 2077* from CD Projekt Red, the acclaimed creators of *The Witcher 3*, was a first-person RPG of immense scope. It promised a detailed, sprawling cyberpunk world with deep narrative choices, compelling characters, and extensive customization options. Although delayed to September 17th to ensure maximum polish, the promise of a game combining the depth of a CD Projekt Red RPG with a vibrant, immersive cityscape kept anticipation at a fever pitch.
Halo Infinite (343 Industries)
As a flagship title for Xbox, *Halo Infinite* was undeniably one of the most significant **upcoming Xbox games 2020**. Built on the new Slipspace Engine, it was billed as Master Chief’s greatest adventure yet and the third chapter of the Reclaimer Saga. Key details revealed a return to the classic Master Chief aesthetic, a “more human” storyline, and an open-world setting on a Halo ring. This blend of traditional *Halo* elements with modern open-world design generated considerable excitement for its Q4 2020 launch, intended to be a cornerstone for the new generation of Xbox gaming.
Bonus Titles: More to Look Forward To
Beyond the ranked list, several other promising **new Xbox games** were on the horizon, though some faced uncertainties regarding their 2020 release.
Dying Light 2 (Techland)
The sequel to the popular parkour zombie game, *Dying Light 2*, aimed to vastly expand its narrative capabilities, offering players more meaningful choices that impacted the game world. While initially slated for 2020, it was delayed indefinitely, leaving its release window uncertain but its potential highly anticipated.
Carrion (Phobia Game Studio)
*Carrion* presented a unique “reverse horror” concept, allowing players to embody a monstrous, amorphous creature. This Metroidvania-style game reversed traditional roles, making players the terrifying threat. Its innovative gameplay and unsettling aesthetic were expected to deliver a fresh horror experience.
Gears Tactics (Splash Damage / The Coalition)
*Gears Tactics* brought the gritty *Gears of War* universe into the realm of fast-paced, turn-based strategy. While it launched on PC in April, its console release for Xbox was confirmed for later in the year, bringing a new strategic dimension to the beloved franchise.
Rust (Facepunch Studios)
The highly popular survival game *Rust*, known for its intense multiplayer interactions and unforgiving gameplay, was finally confirmed for a console release on Xbox in 2020. This brought one of PC gaming’s most challenging and rewarding survival experiences to a new audience.
