Given the absence of E3 in 2022, Sunday’s Xbox & Bethesda Game Showcase was one of the most anticipated gaming events of the year. And with more than 30 games shown throughout the stream (and not just “fillers,” but mostly games that are truly representative of next-gen gaming), it is safe to say that the event did not disappoint, at least for most, and the event’s reception has been generally positive.
The event focused on games coming to Xbox in roughly the next 12 months. We got a look at some upcoming AAA titles like Redfall, the new Forza Motorsport, and of course the star of the show (pun not intended), Starfield, which was showcased with an extended gameplay reveal to the delight of Xbox and Bethesda fans everywhere.
And there was also the big announcement from Riot Games unveiling the League of Legends creator’s new partnership with Xbox that will bring these five games (with noted perks) to Game Pass:
- League of Legends (PC): All Champions Unlocked
- League of Legends: Wild Rift (Mobile): All Champions Unlocked
- Legends of Runeterra (PC & Mobile): Foundations Set Unlocked
- Teamfight Tactics (PC & Mobile): Select Little Legends Unlocked
- VALORANT (PC): All Agents Unlocked
And really, that was the overarching theme of the showcase – “coming to Game Pass.” Almost all of the games featured in the event were titles that were coming to Microsoft’s gaming service in the next year, and a great many of them were day one Game Pass additions. Just judging from everything that was announced during Sunday’s event – and bear in mind that that isn’t even close to everything – it is clear that Game Pass Subscribers will have their hands full throughout the next 12 months.
While the Xbox & Bethesda Game Showcase for 2022 left us with plenty to be excited about, now that we’ve had a few days to take it all in it’s obvious that the real winner from the event was Game Pass, and by extension Xbox and Windows gamers. It’s pretty impressive to see how the best service in gaming continues to fortify itself, and one really can’t help but be excited for the coming year in Xbox.
