Xbox events at E3 have always been some of my favorites, especially after Phil Spencer took over. The past few years have been no exception, as we’ve seen memorable flashes like Keanu’s “You’re breathtaking!” moment, Xbox One getting backwards compatibility, Cyberpunk 2077’s total stage takeover, and more.
What will we see in 2022’s Xbox + Bethesda event? The sky’s the limit. Here are five predictions I have, and a bonus sixth prediction so wild I’m not sure why I’m sharing it with you.
1) We’ll see Starfield Gameplay
Starfield’s delay wasn’t entirely out of left field. It’s a HUGE, very ambitious game, and Bethesda wants to get this one right. I don’t think we’ll see a live demo on stage, but I have a feeling devs at Bethesda have been spending some time polishing a gameplay sequence we’ll see at the event.
Having gameplay at the event would also go a long way to assuaging fears that development has stalled or isn’t going well, which is a sentiment I often saw after the announcement of the delay.
2) Big Fable Segment
With Redfall and Starfield facing delays, it’s a perfect time to throw fans a bone with a more in-depth look at Playground Games’ take on Fable. In 2020, we got that great teaser with the fairy and the frog, and next to nothing since then. And, allegedly, it’s been in development for at least four years.
We’re about due for a more comprehensive look at what’s next in this beloved series. Pivoting from one genre to another worked well for Guerrilla Games; it’s time to see if Playground can make the same movement.
3) No new Fallout News
While on Twitter these past couple of weeks, I’ve seen a small but loud segment of folks asking for a new Fallout game from Obsidian. I know the love for Fallout runs deep, but I don’t see this in the cards.
Obsidian is busy working on The Outer Worlds 2 (announced last year in a very Obsidian-like fashion) and Avowed. I don’t see them forming a third team to work on another game, and I don’t see Xbox/Bethesda handing the IP over to another studio to make, either.
I would not mind seeing more Avowed, though. That trailer was WOW.
4) Big Game Pass News!
This one is a given, but I felt I had to include it anyway. Game Pass is the best/worst at the same time. I’ve discovered some outstanding games through the service, but on the other side, MY POOR BACKLOG.
We’re going to see some big upcoming AAA release (or releases) announced as being available on the service on day one. (Not from Bethesda or Xbox Games Studios, because those are, of course, coming to Game Pass.)
Whether it’s Hogwarts Legacy or The Callisto Protocol, or even the remakes of Dead Space or Resident Evil 4, I think it will be an outstanding event for Game Pass subscribers.
5) Ubisoft joins the Party
Ubisoft isn’t holding an event this Summer (that’s a bummer, but their events have been a bummer since they decided not to have Aisha Tyler host any more). I believe Ubisoft needs something of a presence at SGF, and since it didn’t happen at the PlayStation State of Play, this is the next logical spot.
The press around Ubisoft hasn’t been great lately, and I’m not even talking about the company culture. (Which still appears to be not great.) Between long delays for Skull & Bones and the Prince of Persia remake and the fact that Beyond Good and Evil 2 was reported to still be in pre-production in February, they’ve had more negatives than positives recently.
If this comes to fruition, it’s probably Avatar they’re showing off. However, a quick look at Ubisoft Toronto’s Splinter Cell remake (showing off Michael Ironside’s return, I’d hope), or Massive’s Star Wars game, would get them back in the positive news cycle, at least for June.
6) CRAZY Bonus Prediction! Final Fantasy to Xbox?
Here’s where I embarrass myself for the Internet to see!
Xbox has talked a big game in recent years when it comes to seeing more of the console in Japan, where Nintendo and Sony rule. What better way to show further commitment than having Final Fantasy games? Square Enix is a big fan of money, and Phil Spencer isn’t afraid of spending it.
It’s probably not going to happen, but who knows. Here’s my official prediction: Final Fantasy 7 will make its way to Xbox consoles before the end of March 2023.
The Countdown Begins!
The Xbox + Bethesda Showcase will be on June 12, starting at 10 am PT/1 pm ET, and will run for about 90 minutes. Not to be outdone by themselves, they will also be hosting another event on June 14th, starting at the same time.