All eyes were on the Xbox + Bethesda Game Showcase. Following the Microsoft-Zenimax purchase in 2020, how exactly Bethesda and Xbox would be working together has been a hot topic. Will all the new titles be exclusives, will they all be on Game Pass, what does this mean for Sony?
Well, now we know - and it’s just as many suspected. Bethesda is releasing plenty of Xbox exclusives, including Starfield and Redfall, a previously unknown IP from Arkane Austin. A list of older Bethesda titles is heading to Game Pass, too.
Read now: The 16 best games on Xbox Games Pass to play right now
But the showcase wasn’t all Bethesda. Over 30 games were on show at the E3 2021 event. From Forza Horizon 5 to the new Sea Of Thieves DLC, plenty is coming over the next few years to keep gaming fans happy - and finally, start plugging holes in the Series X|S catalogue.
Here are our top moments from the showcase:
Starfield
Starfield, the first new IP from Bethesda in 25 years, will be arriving on 11th November 2022. The game will be an exclusive Xbox title, playable on Xbox Series X|S, PC and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Starfield will be available to Xbox Game Pass members on day one, free of charge. Read more here.
Halo Infinite Multiplayer
We got to see the multiplayer side of Halo Infinite, running at 120fps on Series X. There are a lot of classic modes on offer and the usual Halo multiplayer madness. The grappling hook and iconic vehicles also made an appearance. The game, and the campaign, will be launching later this year. Read more here.
Redfall
The showcase closed on a lengthy cinematic trailer for a new IP from Arkane Austin. Redfall appears to be a seeming sci-fi and fantasy crossover, featuring robots, vampires and cults. It can be played solo or co-op, and if the trailer is anything to go by, will offer players a few classes to experiment with. It’s an Xbox exclusive, coming summer 2022.
The Outer Worlds 2
The Outer Worlds 2 is officially in development by Obsidian Entertainment. As the self-aware narrator points out, there is no gameplay to show. But it’s in the works, which is exciting enough.
Read more: The best sci-fi games
Flight Simulator and Top Gun Expansion
The gorgeous trailer for Microsoft Flight Simulator was not only some decent eye candy but an announcement that the game will be coming to the Xbox Series X|S on 27 July 2021. Additionally, a Top Gear Maverick expansion is heading to consoles this fall (date TBC).
Sea Of Thieves: A Pirates Life
One of the best games on Game Pass is getting a new storyline, featuring none other than Jack Sparrow of Pirates Of The Caribbean fame. It’s a free download, arriving on 22 June 2021.
Far Cry 6
Far Cry 6 is everywhere this at E3 2021. Following yesterday's appearance at Ubisoft Forward, this showcase provided us with yet more gameplay footage - which is never a bad thing.
Forza Horizon 5
The ultimate Xbox racer is getting its fifth outing. Forza Horizon 5 is heading to Mexico and the largest open-world map that the series has seen. The showcase gave us plenty of gameplay and walkthrough goodness, which in turn highlights the excellent graphics at work in the title. It’s heading to Xbox on 9 November 2021. Read more here.
Ten new Bethesda added to Game Pass
10 new games give members a chance to explore some Bethesda deep cuts and best-sellers, including Fallout 3, Doom and The Evil Within 2. Read the full list here.
Battlefield 2042
EA and DICE had finally given gamers a look at how Battlefield 2042 will look with the first gameplay trailer. Battlefield has always been about guns and immersive maps and Battlefield 2042 looks to be no different. The trailer is exactly what you'd expect of a first-person shooter and also showcases one of seven maps that will feature at launch. Read more here.
Back 4 Blood
From the creators and minds of Left 4 Dead comes their latest video game Back 4 Blood. In this multiplayer first-person shooter game, you'll get to submerge yourself in a four-player co-op experience, and pick whether you want to be a human and slay zombies or do the opposite. It's coming to Xbox Game Pass on October 12th. Read more here.
Bonus: Xbox Mini Fridge
It’s happening: The meme is becoming a reality this holiday season.