Microsoft kicked off its annual Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday, revealing an all-digital version of its Xbox Series X and S consoles, along with trailers for over a dozen games, including the next installment of “Call of Duty.”
The showcase comes at a pivotal moment for Xbox and Microsoft as the gaming industry experiences a downturn, with publishers facing reduced sales, layoffs, and studio closures.
Microsoft introduced three gaming consoles: a disc-less version of the Xbox Series X and S, and a special edition of the Series X featuring 2 terabytes of storage. This hardware update aims to boost Xbox console sales, positioning them competitively against Sony’s PlayStation 5.
Among the showcased games were “Doom: The Dark Ages,” the latest in the storied “Doom” franchise, and a sneak peek at the newest “Gears of War” title, ending a five-year wait for one of Xbox’s most beloved series.
A significant number of games, including the new “Doom” and “Call of Duty,” will be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. This move signals Microsoft’s strong commitment to its subscription service as it seeks to attract consumers in a challenging economic environment.
Following the showcase, a special feature from Activision Blizzard’s studios highlighted “Call of Duty: Black Ops 6,” set for release in October. Developers Treyarch and Raven Software presented clips from the game’s campaign, set in the early 1990s, showcasing a new movement system that allows players to sprint in all directions, and a preview of the popular “Zombies” mode.
