Xbox and Bethesda showcase reportedly airing this month with Redfall, Forza Motorsport, more
UPDATE: Confirmed, with Starfield a no-show.
UPDATE 11/1/23: As previously leaked, Microsoft's upcoming Xbox Developer_Direct announcement showcase will be broadcast later this month on 25th January at 8pm UK time.
Today's official confirmation largely firms up what we knew already: The Elder Scrolls Online (its major Chapter update and another new feature), Forza Motorsport (including gameplay footage), Minecraft Legends (a look at its PVP multiplayer) and Redfall (single and multiplayer gameplay) will be shown.
As expected, there will be no Starfield here. "To dedicate the proper amount of time for a deep dive into Bethesda Game Studios’ Starfield, a standalone show is in the works," Microsoft said today.
ORIGINAL STORY 9/1/23: Microsoft is set to broadcast an "intimate" Xbox showcase later this month, featuring appearances from the likes of Forza Motorsport, Redfall, and Minecraft Legends.
That's according to Windows Central's Jez Corden, who claims the showcase - reportedly titled Xbox Developer_Direct - will air on Wednesday, 25th January at 12pm PT/8pm in the UK.
Citing a "variety of sources familiar with Microsoft's plans", Corden says the showcase will focus on content from Xbox and Bethesda, offering an "intimate" look at "major" first-party titles for 2023. These will reportedly include Arkane's delayed Redfall, Turn 10 Studios' latest Forza Motorsport, Mojang's action-strategy spin-off Minecraft Legends, and unspecified "content" from content from ZeniMax Online Studios.
Corden claims Bethesda's hugely anticipated space RPG Starfield may be skipping January's showcase for a "bigger marketing beat later on".
Microsoft came in for criticism following its underwhelming presence during December's Game Awards, and Corden says January's showcase is part of a "new initiative" from the company to increase transparency and offer information on upcoming games more frequently in 2023.