The date of the next Xbox Showcase has been revealed and it might just be accompanied by a direct revealing Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War, generally referred to as Black Ops 6. What else will be on tap though?
The full effects of the Activision Blizzard and Microsoft merger are coming into view at this point. The deal is effectively done, save some post-game contesting from the FTC, and the company is now being properly integrated into the Xbox brand. Part of that is sharing in the misery of Microsoft’s sweeping layoffs, but another part of it is being integrated into larger marketing efforts.
In this era of “direct” events replacing monolithic game expos and conferences, Xbox has put its best foot forward with Xbox Showcases and the next one could be its biggest. After the controversial third-party pivot, Phil Spencer and company will be looking to rebuild the broken trust diehard fans had with the Xbox brand. It seems like they’re actively trying to do so with what is reportedly a stacked lineup of games, many of which are set to be exclusives. At least in the short-term.
When is the next Xbox Showcase?
Xbox will host a Showcase event to show off upcoming games on June 9 at 10 am PT, 1 pm ET, or 7 pm CET.
Xbox confirmed the news after speculation and reports of an event taking place during the month. The company has run an event of this nature every June over recent years, showing off the likes of Forza Motorsport in 2022 and Starfield in 2023. The official announcement also revealed a direct event that will take place after with a “redacted” game. This secret game is suggested to be the next Call of Duty, which is slated to be the next installment in the Black Ops line of games.
What will be in the June 2024 Xbox Showcase?
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, Gears of War 6, and the Starfield: Shattered Space DLC are expected to be prominently featured in the next Xbox Showcase.
Xbox has more or less been promising fans a robust lineup of exclusive games “next year” since 2013. 2024 might finally be the year where that’s realized. A solid slate of Xbox exclusives are already officially announced. Hellblade 2: Senua’s Saga will be released a few weeks before the showcase event. Behind it are a number of major releases from the company.
Xbox is looking to manufacture its own Marvel’s Spider-Man with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and the game will likely be featured in some way. Alongside this, there have been months of reports and teases of the Gears of War franchise being brought back to life in the near future either in the form of Gears 6 or remasters of the previous games in the series.
Alongside this, Starfield moves closer to releasing its Shattered Space DLC expansion. Bethesda has been trying to reframe fan discussion surrounding the game both through direct interactions with fans and content updates. Shattered Space will look to add onto the game in a way that justifies an extra purchase without paywalling updates that might help the game more generally, and the sales pitch to fans will come at the June 2024 Xbox Showcase.
Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War likely to be revealed in CoD Direct after showcase
The June 2024 Xbox Showcase will likely be followed by a direct showing off Call of Duty: Black Ops Gulf War, or Black Ops 6.
Modern Warfare 3 was blasted by fans and critics alike for its short campaign and minimal additions relative to Modern Warfare 2. It wasn’t helped by normal hiccups like the unlocking grind and server issues. Activision might be trying to make up for that with the next game.
Black Ops Gulf War is reportedly set to be a significant shakeup to the existing CoD formula. This includes an open-world campaign and fan-favorite game modes and maps.
Alongside the reveal of the next Call of Duty game have been reports of the series’ back catalog being released on Xbox Game Pass. Ultimately, fans will get a good idea of what’s coming at the Xbox Showcase.
