Microsoft’s Xbox Games Showcase 2025 proved that Xbox gaming continues expanding beyond traditional boundaries, showcasing an impressive lineup of first-party exclusives, exciting partner collaborations, and hardware that puts players at the centre of everything. The event packed fresh reveals from established franchises alongside surprising new ventures, all unified by Xbox Play Anywhere compatibility and day-one Game Pass availability.
Perhaps the biggest hardware surprise came with the reveal of the ROG Xbox Ally and Ally X handhelds, launching later this year in partnership with ASUS. These devices represent Xbox’s commitment to letting players access their entire gaming library wherever they are, supporting not just Xbox titles but games from Battle.net and other major PC storefronts. I’ve always appreciated when gaming companies think beyond their own ecosystem, and this feels like a natural evolution of Xbox’s strategy.
First-party studios deliver ambitious sequels and fresh concepts
The showcase highlighted Xbox’s internal development strength with several major announcements. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 marks the first time in franchise history that Treyarch and Raven Software are delivering consecutive Black Ops titles, setting the story in 2035 with psychological warfare taking centre stage. The brief teaser suggests they’re pushing the narrative forward in interesting ways, building on the foundation established in Black Ops 2 and 6.
Obsidian Entertainment stole considerable attention with a double announcement featuring The Outer Worlds 2 and the surprise reveal of Grounded 2. The former promises deeper RPG systems and enhanced storytelling set in the colony of Arcadia, launching 29th October 2025. Meanwhile, Grounded 2 ventures beyond the original’s backyard setting into Brookhollow Park, introducing rideable buggies and the versatile Omni-Tool. The game enters Xbox Game Preview and Steam Early Access on 29th July, giving players early access to shape development.
inXile Entertainment provided an extended look at Clockwork Revolution, their time-bending steampunk RPG that’s shaping up to be their most ambitious project yet. The new trailer revealed more of Avalon’s grittier districts, where protagonist Morgan discovers that history itself has been manipulated by the ruling Lady Ironwood. The concept of using time travel to reshape past events feels genuinely compelling.
Team Ninja and PlatinumGames’ collaboration on Ninja Gaiden 4 promises to blend signature combat styles from both studios. The gameplay footage showcased young ninja Yakumo’s arsenal and introduced new mechanics like seamless weapon switching and Bloodbind Ninjutsu. Having experienced Team Ninja’s recent work on Nioh and Rise of the Ronin, I’m curious to see how PlatinumGames’ dynamic flair influences the formula when it launches 21st October.
Partner collaborations bring diverse experiences
The showcase demonstrated Xbox’s strengthening relationships with external developers through several significant announcements. Square Enix surprised everyone by making Final Fantasy XVI available immediately on Xbox platforms, whilst confirming Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade arrives this winter. This means every mainline single-player Final Fantasy title is now playable on Xbox, which represents a massive shift in the traditionally PlayStation-focused franchise.
Atlus revealed Persona 4 Revival, a remake of the beloved JRPG with updated visuals that maintains the original’s rural Japanese setting and mysterious TV channel storyline. Game Freak, known primarily for Pokémon, announced Beast of Reincarnation, an action-RPG set in post-apocalyptic Japan featuring protagonist Emma and her dog companion Koo.
Several sequels to successful indie titles received announcements, including Super Meat Boy 3D, High on Life 2, and Planet of Lana II: Children of the Leaf. The latter promises double the scope of the original whilst exploring Lana and Mui’s relationship in a world changed by robot invasion.
Looking ahead to Xbox’s 25th anniversary
Phil Spencer closed the showcase by teasing Xbox’s upcoming 25th anniversary celebrations in 2026, promising new entries in the Fable and Forza franchises, alongside Gears of War E-Day and “the return of a classic that’s been with us since the beginning.” This mysterious tease has already sparked considerable speculation amongst the gaming community.
The showcase continued with The Outer Worlds 2 & Grounded 2 Direct, providing deeper dives into both Obsidian titles with additional gameplay footage and developer insights. The dual presentation format worked well, allowing Xbox to cover broad announcements before focusing on specific games that deserved extended attention.
Xbox Play Anywhere strengthens the ecosystem
Perhaps most importantly, every announced game supports Xbox Play Anywhere, meaning single purchases work across Xbox consoles, PC, and the new Xbox Ally devices with shared progress and achievements. This cross-platform approach reflects Xbox’s broader strategy of making games accessible regardless of hardware choice.
