Earlier this summer, at our Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, we outlined how we’ll be bringing the joy and community of gaming to everyone on the planet. Today, at gamescom, we shared more about how we want to accomplish this, revealing news and updates on titles from Xbox Game Studios and some of our great partners, as well as gameplay deep-dives into some of the games that will launch on Xbox Game Pass later this year. With so many amazing titles coming to Xbox Game Pass, we want to empower you to connect to friends and family through the power of play.
We’ve already kicked things off in a big way, bringing two critically acclaimed titles to Xbox Game Pass in Microsoft Flight Simulator for Xbox Series X|S and Psychonauts 2. With huge upcoming titles like Age of Empires IV, Forza Horizon 5, and Halo Infinite available to play on day one on Xbox Game Pass, there’s truly something for everyone in our biggest exclusive line-up ever. This is all part of our commitment to building the best, highest-quality, and most diverse video game line-up in the world.
If you missed the show, you can find a recap of all of our news below.
Forza Horizon 5 Unveils New Gameplay and Cover Cars
Ahead of the November 9 release of Forza Horizon 5, Playground Games shared the first eight minutes of pure, unadulterated Forza Horizon 5 gameplay featuring cargo planes, an active volcano, a race to the festival under beautiful Mexican skies, and more. The team also showcased Forza Horizon 5’s just-announced cover cars that will let you explore Mexico’s streets and vast terrain: the Mercedes-AMG ONE and the 2021 Ford Bronco Badlands. Lastly, Playground Games announced the Forza Horizon 5 Limited Edition Xbox Wireless Controller, inspired by the powder fireworks that go off throughout the day at the in-game Horizon Festival. For more information on all these announcements, read the in-depth post here.
Age of Empires IV unveils Hands on History Feature
The Age of Empires team revealed an exciting storytelling element from the upcoming Age of Empires IV, called Hands on History. This series of twenty-eight unlockable videos was filmed on location with experts around the world and give players a deeper look into the way people lived, fought and ruled in the past. Fans got an exclusive first look at one of the videos today, highlighting everyone’s favorite medieval weapon – the trebuchet! For more information on today’s news, visit the dedicated Wire post here.
Cloud Gaming Comes to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One Consoles
We revealed we’re bringing cloud gaming to Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One this holiday, enabling Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members to play 100+ games right from the cloud and discover new games with the click of a button. It’s a way for console gamers to play some of their favorite games as quickly as possible, jump into games with friends more easily, and try out Xbox Game Pass titles before installing them. For more details, read our dedicated Xbox Wire post.
Microsoft Flight Simulator Celebrates gamescom with Major Updates
We were proud to announce several exciting updates coming to Microsoft Flight Simulator over the next few months to Xbox Game Pass, PC and Xbox Series X|S. World Update VI, available September 7, celebrates the region of Germany, Austria and Switzerland with new aerial imagery, high-resolution elevation maps, brand-new 3D cities and the Junkers JU-52 aircraft. At gamescom, we also announced the VoloCity Air Taxi, releasing in November of this year, and our partnership with RARA (the Reno Air Racing Association) to bring the famous STIHL National Championship Air Races, the world’s fastest motorsport, to Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Cause mischief on the Sea of Thieves and earn the Mayhem ship set inspired by Gearbox Software.
During the show, Sea of Thieves surprised players with a stunning ship set designed in collaboration with the team over at Gearbox Software. Pirates will be able to earn the full Mayhem ship set by taking part in the Making Mayhem event, live from now until September 7! Head to the Sea of Thieves website for a full list of chaotic challenges you can tackle to unlock this eye-catching crossover livery
Return to Trumbull Valley with the State of Decay 2 Homecoming Update
Trumbull Valley: where it all began. The original map of the first State of Decay game is coming to State of Decay 2: Juggernaut Edition as a fully remastered, open-world playable map on Wednesday, September 1, in the Homecoming update. In this new version of the iconic map, players will learn about the latest developments in this area, discovering new characters and storylines and resolving long-running plot threads. Players can also look forward to six new bases, as well as unique weapons and outfits that can only be found in Trumbull Valley. New missions and new achievements await those who choose to settle on this new map. Find out more in our State of Decay 2 post here.
Rangers Can Take on One Final Mission in Wasteland 3: Cult of the Holy Detonation
Deep within the Cheyenne Mountain military complex, mutant cults worship an ancient deity they call the Holy Detonation—a nuclear explosion held in stasis. Cult of the Holy Detonation expands the Wasteland 3 experience with entry into the Cheyenne Mountain complex, crammed with new characters, enemies, challenging combat encounters, and powerful new weapons and armor. It’s one last mission for the Rangers in Colorado, and the outcome is certain to be explosive—one way or the other. Cult of the Holy Detonation is the second and final expansion to Wasteland 3 and will be available for $6.99 on Steam, GOG, Xbox, and PlayStation. Xbox Game Pass members who want to purchase Cult of the Holy Detonation save 10%.
Head Back to the Post-Apocalypse with the Wasteland 3 Colorado Collection
The entire Wasteland 3 experience in one colossal collection. In addition to the award-winning tactical RPG Wasteland 3, the Colorado Collection includes both The Battle of Steeltown and Cult of the Holy Detonation expansions, as well as the Colorado Survival Gear bonus items. Wasteland 3 Colorado Collection will be available for $59.99 on Steam, GOG, Xbox, and PlayStation.
Techland Dives Deeper into Parkour and Combat in Dying Light 2
In the zombie-filled world of Dying Light 2, your survival is all about being creative.
Today, the developers at Techland gave fans a closer look at the game’s rich weapon modification system, which allows players the freedom to exercise a certain style of play or react to specific situations as they see fit. They also shared more about how they’re taking exploration to the next level with a new set of parkour skills and gear. From the new paraglider to a grappling hook, you’ll be able to traverse the environment with relative ease, sometimes hundreds of meters above the street level. For all of the details, read our Dying Light 2 blog post on Xbox Wire.
Crusader Kings III Conquers Xbox Series X|S Later this Year
Prepare to sit comfortably in your throne room as you command the fate of empires on your large screen television when Crusader Kings III conquers Xbox Series X|S later this year. Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy game lets you rule how you want. Power hungry strategy lovers on console can now experience the thrill of shaping or re-shaping history by guiding their dynasty of living and breathing characters with an adaptation specifically modified for the strengths of the next-gen console environment. Read more on Crusader Kings III here.
Humble Games is bringing incredible indies on day one with Xbox Game Pass
Humble Games announced that their lineup of indie games will be launching for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S on day one and available with Xbox Game Pass. Gamers across the globe will be able to enjoy the unique stories and experiences being crafted by creative developers from around the world that are partnered with Humble Games. Here’s a quick look at some of Humble Games indie lineup that’ll be heading to Xbox.
Discover the story of Acrea and its ancient legacy when Stray Blade lands on Xbox Series X|S in 2022
Today, 505 Games and Point Blank Games announced they’re joining forces to bring Stray Blade to Xbox Series X|S in 2022! In Stray Blade, you’ll fight to regain your freedom in hyper-responsive combat scenarios, explore ancient ruins for rare crafting materials, and survive glorious battles versus legendary foes. Learn more about this upcoming game that aims to blend Metroidvania elements with intense Souls-like combat. Read more about Stray Blade here.
The Gunk Re-Emerges in the Lead-Up to Launch this December
The Gunk is the first 3D project from the team that brought you the SteamWorld series, crafting a more cinematic and immersive experience than anything they’ve done before, with a story-driven sci-fi exploration game. With Smart Delivery support, you’ll be able to experience the best version available for your console. On Xbox One, you can expect a stable 30fps experience that offers the beautiful art design and graphical flourishes that you have seen in today’s trailer. If you’re playing on Xbox Series X|S, everything will be dialed up with a smooth 60fps gameplay experience at up to 4K resolution. Learn more about this upcoming [email protected] title here.