Xbox Games Showcase 2024: Highlights and Announcements

The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 has unveiled a plethora of exciting new games and updates. Fans of Activision, Bethesda, Blizzard, and Xbox Game Studios, along with their partners, were treated to glimpses of upcoming titles and beloved franchises. Key highlights include the return of iconic series such as Gears of War: E-Day and Doom: The Dark Ages, as well as new insights into games like State of Decay 3, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Perfect Dark, and South of Midnight.

One of the standout announcements was Starfield: Shattered Space, a highly anticipated release that continues to build excitement. World of Warcraft's next expansion, The War Within, was also given a release date, delighting fans of Azeroth.

Partner studios showcased impressive first looks, including gameplay from Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the debut of Dragon Age: The Veilguard, and a thrilling preview of Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater. New titles like Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, Atomfall, and Winter Burrow were also introduced, promising diverse gaming experiences.

In addition to software, Xbox announced three new Series X|S consoles, expanding their lineup with more design, storage, and pricing options.

The showcase culminated with the reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, along with a detailed dive into its campaign, multiplayer, and Zombies mode.

This week, the Official Xbox Podcast will offer deeper insights into these games, starting with an in-depth look at Avowed, followed by more exclusive content throughout the week.

Age of Mythology: Retold

World’s Edge, the studio behind Age of Empires, revealed the first gameplay trailer for Age of Mythology: Retold. This modern take on the 2002 classic combines updated real-time strategy elements with enhanced graphics and gameplay. The game is set to release on September 4, 2024, and will be available for pre-order.

Avowed's Captivating Story

Obsidian Entertainment's Avowed takes players on a journey through the Living Lands. The story trailer introduced Giatta, one of the game’s companions, and set the stage for an epic quest to stop the mysterious Dream Tide plague. Avowed is slated for a 2024 release.

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6 Details Unveiled

Call of Duty: Black Ops 6, developed by Treyarch and Raven Software, will launch on October 25. This installment, set in the early 1990s, introduces new gameplay mechanics like Omnimovement and brings back Classic Prestige, Theater Mode, and round-based Zombies.

Doom: The Dark Ages Announced

Doom: The Dark Ages, the prequel to Doom (2016), will see players taking on demonic hordes with a mix of over-the-top weaponry and a colossal Atlan-Mech. Set in a dark fantasy world, this single-player action FPS is expected to release in 2025.

Fable's New Trailer

The latest trailer for Fable introduced Humphry, played by Matt King, a former hero drawn out of retirement to save Albion. Playground Games, in collaboration with Eidos Montreal, will release Fable in 2025.

Gears of War: E-Day

Gears of War: E-Day takes players back to the Emergence Day, featuring Marcus Fenix and Dom Santiago battling the Locust Horde. The visually stunning trailer, created with Blur Studio, uses Unreal Engine 5 assets.

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle Gameplay

Indiana Jones and the Great Circle revealed new gameplay, showcasing Indy's adventure in the Himalayas. The game is set to release on November 19, 2024.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024

Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 promises an ambitious new installment with a vast array of aircraft and detailed environments. Set for release on November 19, it will be available on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass.

Perfect Dark Gameplay Revealed

The new Perfect Dark game offers a glimpse into Joanna Dark's mission to uncover global secrets. The gameplay trailer highlighted a blend of stealth, combat, and futuristic technology.

South of Midnight

Compulsion Games’ South of Midnight showcased its first gameplay trailer, featuring Hazel and her magical web powers in a setting inspired by the Mississippi Delta. The game is expected to launch in 2025.

State of Decay 3

The new trailer for State of Decay 3 gave a deeper look into the open-world zombie survival game. Set years after the apocalypse, players must reclaim and rebuild amidst an escalating zombie threat.

Upcoming Partner Titles

Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set in 16th-century Japan, Atomfall, a post-nuclear survival game, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, a surreal RPG, were among the new titles announced by partner studios. These games promise innovative gameplay and rich narratives.

The Xbox Games Showcase 2024 has set the stage for an exciting year in gaming, with a host of new titles and updates sure to thrill gamers around the world.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Our Original Star

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure marks the return of the beloved narrative adventure series and its original protagonist, Max Caulfield. Years after the events in Arcadia Bay, Max, now an artist at Caledon University, finds herself embroiled in a new mystery when her friend Safi is murdered. With her evolved ability to shift entire timelines, players will explore two parallel realities to uncover the murderer. The game releases on October 29, with early access for Ultimate Edition pre-orders starting October 15.

Mecha Break Unveiled: Create Your Mech and Go to War

Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech shooter allowing players to customize their mechs and engage in combat against colossal war machines. The game features three modes: 6v6 Battlefield, 3v3 Arena, and a 60-player PvEvP mode. With the Xbox Closed Beta launching in August 2024, the full game will be available in 2025. Players can personalize their mechs with custom paint jobs and upgrades to suit their playstyle.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Reimagines a Classic

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater offers an immersive experience with enhanced visuals and sound, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 while retaining the original controls and voice acting. A new third-person camera and updated controls provide an intuitive introduction to the series, inviting players to relive Snake's iconic espionage adventure.

Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits Coming in 2025

From the creators of The Artful Escape comes Mixtape, a game where three friends embark on their final high school adventure, revisiting their formative memories through a curated playlist. Featuring a mix of playful activities and a soundtrack by artists like DEVO and Joy Division, Mixtape blends narrative and gameplay in a unique, music-driven experience.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Trailer Revealed

The new "Time of Opportunities" trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl showcases new locations, mutant encounters, and narrative elements. Highlighting the importance of the non-linear storyline, the trailer emphasizes the vast potential of this unforgiving landscape. With increased Ukrainian voice acting, the game aims to offer an authentic experience.

Winter Burrow: A Cozy Survival Adventure

Winter Burrow invites players to build their dream shelter and explore a charming, snow-covered open world as a small mouse. Combining cozy elements with survival mechanics, players will gather resources, craft decorations, and search for their missing aunt in this heartwarming game.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Announced

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a Souls-like action RPG set in the late Ming Dynasty, follows Wuchang, a pirate warrior with amnesia and a debilitating disease. Players will battle grotesque creatures, uncover ancient lore, and make choices leading to various endings, determining the fate of the land of Shu.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Arrives October 8

Diablo IV's first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, launches on October 8, introducing the Spiritborn class and new PvE co-op activities in the jungle region of Nahantu. Players will hunt Neyrelle and thwart Mephisto's plans, encountering new dungeons, fortresses, and enemies. Pre-orders offer immediate in-game rewards.

The Elder Scrolls Online Celebrates with New Trailer

Celebrating a decade of adventures, The Elder Scrolls Online invites players to explore Tamriel with a new trailer. The latest chapter, "Gold Road," launching in June, brings new storylines, abilities, and regions. Visit elderscrollsonline.com to learn more about the ongoing celebrations and the new content.

Fallout 76: Skyline Valley Release Date Announced

Skyline Valley, the next major expansion for Fallout 76, releases on June 12. Players will explore new areas, uncover Vault 63's secrets, and engage in new public events and boss battles. This expansion adds new challenges and lore to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 76.

Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update

Sea of Thieves introduces Captain Flameheart in a new world event, inviting players to battle his flagship and command a skeleton crew. Part of Season 13, this free update releases on July 25, offering new challenges and rewards for Xbox, PC, and PS5 players.

Starfield Shattered Space and June Update Highlights

Starfield's first major expansion, Shattered Space, explores the mysteries of House Va'ruun. The June update introduces new quests, official mod support, and enhancements to bounty hunting and melee combat. The update is now available for Xbox Series X|S and PC.

World of Warcraft: The War Within Launches August 26

World of Warcraft's tenth expansion, The War Within, releases on August 26. This first chapter of the Worldsoul Saga delves into the game's rich mythology, weaving together two decades of story. The expansion is available for pre-order, including the Welcome to Azeroth Bundle, offering a character boost and 60 days of game time.

Three New Xbox Series X|S Consoles Announced

Xbox unveils three new Series X|S consoles: a 1TB Series S in Robot White, a fully digital Series X, and a 2TB Series X Special Edition in Galaxy Black. These consoles will be available later this year, providing more options for gamers to enjoy the latest titles showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024.

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure Brings Back Our Original Star

Life Is Strange: Double Exposure marks the return of the beloved narrative adventure series and its original protagonist, Max Caulfield. Years after the events in Arcadia Bay, Max, now an artist at Caledon University, finds herself embroiled in a new mystery when her friend Safi is murdered. With her evolved ability to shift entire timelines, players will explore two parallel realities to uncover the murderer. The game releases on October 29, with early access for Ultimate Edition pre-orders starting October 15.

Mecha Break Unveiled: Create Your Mech and Go to War

Mecha Break is a multiplayer mech shooter allowing players to customize their mechs and engage in combat against colossal war machines. The game features three modes: 6v6 Battlefield, 3v3 Arena, and a 60-player PvEvP mode. With the Xbox Closed Beta launching in August 2024, the full game will be available in 2025. Players can personalize their mechs with custom paint jobs and upgrades to suit their playstyle.

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater Reimagines a Classic

Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater offers an immersive experience with enhanced visuals and sound, utilizing Unreal Engine 5 while retaining the original controls and voice acting. A new third-person camera and updated controls provide an intuitive introduction to the series, inviting players to relive Snake's iconic espionage adventure.

Mixtape: Nothing But the Hits Coming in 2025

From the creators of The Artful Escape comes Mixtape, a game where three friends embark on their final high school adventure, revisiting their formative memories through a curated playlist. Featuring a mix of playful activities and a soundtrack by artists like DEVO and Joy Division, Mixtape blends narrative and gameplay in a unique, music-driven experience.

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl Trailer Revealed

The new "Time of Opportunities" trailer for S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl showcases new locations, mutant encounters, and narrative elements. Highlighting the importance of the non-linear storyline, the trailer emphasizes the vast potential of this unforgiving landscape. With increased Ukrainian voice acting, the game aims to offer an authentic experience.

Winter Burrow: A Cozy Survival Adventure

Winter Burrow invites players to build their dream shelter and explore a charming, snow-covered open world as a small mouse. Combining cozy elements with survival mechanics, players will gather resources, craft decorations, and search for their missing aunt in this heartwarming game.

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers Announced

Wuchang: Fallen Feathers, a Souls-like action RPG set in the late Ming Dynasty, follows Wuchang, a pirate warrior with amnesia and a debilitating disease. Players will battle grotesque creatures, uncover ancient lore, and make choices leading to various endings, determining the fate of the land of Shu.

Diablo IV: Vessel of Hatred Arrives October 8

Diablo IV's first expansion, Vessel of Hatred, launches on October 8, introducing the Spiritborn class and new PvE co-op activities in the jungle region of Nahantu. Players will hunt Neyrelle and thwart Mephisto's plans, encountering new dungeons, fortresses, and enemies. Pre-orders offer immediate in-game rewards.

The Elder Scrolls Online Celebrates with New Trailer

Celebrating a decade of adventures, The Elder Scrolls Online invites players to explore Tamriel with a new trailer. The latest chapter, "Gold Road," launching in June, brings new storylines, abilities, and regions.

Fallout 76: Skyline Valley Release Date Announced

Skyline Valley, the next major expansion for Fallout 76, releases on June 12. Players will explore new areas, uncover Vault 63's secrets, and engage in new public events and boss battles. This expansion adds new challenges and lore to the post-apocalyptic world of Fallout 76.

Sea of Thieves Season 13 Update

Sea of Thieves introduces Captain Flameheart in a new world event, inviting players to battle his flagship and command a skeleton crew. Part of Season 13, this free update releases on July 25, offering new challenges and rewards for Xbox, PC, and PS5 players.

Starfield Shattered Space and June Update Highlights

Starfield's first major expansion, Shattered Space, explores the mysteries of House Va'ruun. The June update introduces new quests, official mod support, and enhancements to bounty hunting and melee combat. The update is now available for Xbox Series X|S and PC.

World of Warcraft: The War Within Launches August 26

World of Warcraft's tenth expansion, The War Within, releases on August 26. This first chapter of the Worldsoul Saga delves into the game's rich mythology, weaving together two decades of story. The expansion is available for pre-order, including the Welcome to Azeroth Bundle, offering a character boost and 60 days of game time.

Three New Xbox Series X|S Consoles Announced

Xbox unveils three new Series X|S consoles: a 1TB Series S in Robot White, a fully digital Series X, and a 2TB Series X Special Edition in Galaxy Black. These consoles will be available later this year, providing more options for gamers to enjoy the latest titles showcased at the Xbox Games Showcase 2024.

Polygon Unveils $640 Million Community Grants Program

Polygon has announced a substantial $640 million community grants initiative to support blockchain development on the Polygon Layer 2 and Ethereum networks. This program, backed by a community vote, will release the equivalent value in tokens over the next decade.

One Billion Tokens Allocation

The initiative will distribute one billion POL tokens, with around 100 million POL released annually. The first season will see the allocation of 35 million MATIC tokens, valued at $27 million, to projects on the Polygon Layer 2 blockchain and Ethereum ecosystem.

Community Treasury and Season 01 Funding

A newly established Community Treasury, overseen by a neutral Community Treasury Board, will manage the funds. Season 01 of the Community Grants Program (CGP) starts with the distribution of 35 million MATIC to selected projects, and grant applications are now open. Professional Grant Allocators will help distribute these funds, supporting developers who contribute to Polygon's growth.

Focus on Innovation and Community Growth

The initiative recognizes the contributions of Polygon’s developer community, which has been instrumental in the platform's expansion through hackathons, accelerators, and meetups. It aims to further foster innovation within the ecosystem.

Two Distinct Grant Tracks

The Community Grants Program offers two main tracks:

• General Grant Track: Open to projects building on Polygon, focusing on developer tools, protocol infrastructure, and decentralized applications (dApps).

• Consumer Crypto Track: Targeting projects that drive crypto adoption through consumer-led use cases such as gaming, gamified commerce, NFT innovations, and content co-creation.

Supporting Long-term Blockchain Development

The grants aim to support projects building on or migrating to Polygon, with an emphasis on long-term development and community governance. Notable projects like Quickswap, Keom, Jokerace, and Intraverse started with Polygon grants. The Community Grants Program is designed to encourage developers to innovate and explore new ideas, contributing to the growth of blockchain technology.

Polygon’s initiative underscores its commitment to creating a robust, community-governed network of chains, driven by the creativity and efforts of its developer community. Through this grants program, Polygon continues to support the advancement of blockchain technology.

Motorverse Revolutionizes Digital Motorsports with Web3 and Major Brand Partnerships

Motorverse is transforming the digital motorsports landscape through innovative web3 technology, securing partnerships with top car brands like Nissan, Honda, and Toyota. As part of Animoca Brands, the platform aims to merge digital and real-world motorsports, offering a unique, immersive experience for enthusiasts.

Evolution from REVV Motorsport to Motorverse

Launched in 2019, REVV Motorsport was the first web3 motorsport-focused ecosystem. It introduced the REVV token in 2020, which has now evolved into the Motorverse—a comprehensive digital hub centered around vehicle ownership, motorsport, racing games, and community. Motorverse leverages blockchain for true digital ownership and real-world IP integration.

Core Elements and Partnerships

The Motorverse ecosystem is powered by the interoperable REVV token, which underpins the platform's economy. The ecosystem benefits from Animoca Brands' extensive network of over 450 projects and the gaming expertise of studios like Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, and WePlay, collectively responsible for over 150 million game downloads.

Interoperability and User Experience

Motorverse allows users to purchase a digital car once and use it across multiple games within the ecosystem, thanks to blockchain integration and collaboration with notable licensors. This model replicates real-world vehicle ownership, enabling users to collect, trade, and race officially licensed digital vehicles.

Expanding Horizons and Real-world Integration

Beyond gaming, Motorverse partners with major motorsport IPs like Formula Drift, Formula E, and MotoGP, offering users access to real-world events and loyalty programs. The ecosystem aims to create a collaborative environment, enriched by the REVV token, which is already listed on exchanges such as OKX.

Diverse Game Portfolio

Motorverse features over 10 racing games, including:

• Torque Drift 2: A drifting game with AAA graphics and advanced physics.

• REVV Racing: An arcade-simulation game playable in a web browser.

• MotoGP Guru Predict: A fantasy app for MotoGP fans.

• MotoGP Racing 2024: The official mobile game for MotoGP.

• Formula E – High Voltage: A racing management game for the Formula E championship.

Leadership and Vision

With Will Griffiths at the helm as General Manager, Motorverse benefits from his extensive experience in product and strategy leadership, including roles at Electronic Arts and VGW. Under his guidance, the platform aims to integrate web3 motorsports into digital culture, fostering a global community of car and racing enthusiasts.

Roadmap and Future Developments

Motorverse's roadmap includes significant milestones like the launch of the Motorverse Hub and brand reveal, as well as the release of a detailed whitepaper outlining its vision and technology. Upcoming plans for Q2 include new feature launches, a major site update, and the first NFT minting event, aiming to enhance user engagement and platform functionality.

OwnPlay's CityVerse Tycoon Debuts on Base, Coinbase's Ethereum Layer 2

OwnPlay, a developer of web3 mobile games, is launching its flagship title, CityVerse Tycoon, on Base, the Ethereum layer 2 platform by Coinbase. Set for release in June 2024, this move aims to make web3 gaming more accessible through Progressive Web Apps (PWAs).

About CityVerse Tycoon

CityVerse Tycoon immerses players in a virtual real estate market where they can buy, sell, and trade digital replicas of real buildings in New York City. Starting as Renters, players can advance to Homeowners and Landlords, navigating a dynamic urban environment. The game leverages PWA technology to provide a seamless experience without the need for app store downloads, making it accessible on any device with a modern web browser.

Why Base?

Base offers a fully EVM-equivalent environment, ensuring lower costs and scalability. Tomer Pascal, Co-CEO and Co-Founder of OwnPlay, highlighted Base's security and low transaction fees as critical factors in their decision, aiming to bring CityVerse Tycoon to the broad Coinbase ecosystem.

The Base Blockchain

Base, launched by Coinbase in August 2023, uses the OP Stack from Optimism to offer near-zero gas fees and fast transactions. It aims to be a decentralized, permissionless platform that supports seamless asset transfers between chains built on the OP Stack. Sarah Wolf, Head of Marketing at Base, expressed excitement about welcoming CityVerse Tycoon, emphasizing its potential to attract new gamers to the blockchain ecosystem.

With CityVerse Tycoon, OwnPlay is set to revolutionize web3 gaming by combining innovative technology with engaging gameplay, making blockchain-based gaming more accessible and enjoyable for a wider audience.Quick Questions or Ideas?

The Sandbox Secures $20 Million Funding at $1 Billion Valuation

The Sandbox, a prominent user-generated content (UGC) metaverse platform under Bacasable Global Limited, has successfully raised $20 million through convertible promissory notes, setting its valuation at $1 billion. This funding will enhance its platform, focusing on creator tools, mobile expansion, and partnerships with global brands.

About The Sandbox

The Sandbox transitioned from mobile gaming success to blockchain innovation, empowering creators with true ownership of their creations via NFTs. The platform, built on the Ethereum blockchain, allows users to build, own, and monetize their gaming experiences using its utility token, SAND.

Funding and Future Vision

Led by Kingsway Capital and Animoca Brands, the $20 million funding round includes contributions from LG Tech Ventures and True Global Ventures. The Sandbox aims to expand its decentralized virtual world by updating creator tools like the Game Maker and VoxEdit 3D editor, introducing new social interactions and multiplayer gameplay, and launching a mobile version of its metaverse by 2025.

Expanding the Metaverse

The Sandbox has formed over 400 partnerships with major brands like Lionsgate, Warner Music, Ubisoft, Snoop Dogg, and Gucci. It plans to launch over one hundred branded experiences throughout 2024, continuing its mission to blend culture and gaming. With over 330,000 unique creators engaging with its no-code Game Maker, the platform has published over 1,000 user-generated experiences and connected more than 5.7 million user accounts.

Commitment to Global Ecosystem

The Sandbox supports a thriving creator economy, with over 25,000 virtual real estate owners publishing LAND experiences and more than 11,000 unique digital assets minted and sold. Its 250 Trusted Partners help brands build metaverse experiences, with plans to expand into new markets like Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Africa. This growth is expected to unlock transformative opportunities for the global creators' economy, solidifying The Sandbox's position as a leader in the open metaverse.