The Xbox Games Showcase came to play, giving fans a look at a plethora of first-party titles, third-party titles, Xbox Game Pass releases, and more. Two of the biggest, for many fans, were the showcases ofFableandAvowed. While many fans were excited to see thesmall snippets of gameplay forFableandAvowed, perhaps the most pertinent information ties into Xbox’s current release schedule.
During the Showcase, Matt Booty told press and special attendees thatXbox Game Studios was aiming to get to 4 releasesper year. It’s not something that happens overnight, but with the various acquisitions and studios under its umbrella now, it’s getting closer to possible. In regards to that pipeline, fans have a pretty clear picture of the next few years when it comes to the headlining, perhaps big holiday game.
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What We Know About Avowed and Fable’s Release Dates
Starfieldis currently positioned as the game of Fall 2023 for Microsoft, and its critical/commercial success is going to leave a significant impact on the generation. It’s Bethesda’s first new IP in many-a-year, and fans have high expectations. Next year, it seems Microsoft is pushing for that yearly-release goal with the planned launches ofAvowed, Hellblade 2,andMicrosoft Flight Simulator 2024.Arguably, perhaps none of these games are on the scale ofStarfield,but neither do they have to be. Bethesda’s game releases are seminal moments, as proven bySkyrim, and nothing really compares in the grand scheme of things. But what this tells fans is thatAvowedwill be at the forefront of games and marketing next year, alongside a handful of more titles.
Avowedshowed up to the Xbox Games Showcase with a release window, and while delays are never impossible, it’s clear that it’s getting out in front ofFable. Fable, perhaps more than any other Xbox game in development, has the chance to rivalStarfieldas a system seller. It did not show up to the showcase with a release window, though, and this almost guarantees it’s not a 2024 game. More than likely,Fablecould be a 2025 title, taking the place ofAvowedorStarfieldin that year. 2026 is not impossible either, but it’s hard to say for sure.
Notably, somewhere between the releases ofStarfieldandAvowedand eventuallyThe Elder Scrolls 6, there will be more games filling the generation. One of the biggest complaints of theXbox One generation was the lack of exclusives, and while fans still need to be patient, it doesn’t seem that will be said about this generation when it’s all said and done. Avowed getting out in front of Fable is good for both games, letting both games embrace the kind of experience its developer wants, but more importantly, it’s good for the future of Xbox.
