What to expect from Xbox Series X in 2024: Massive AAA exclusives, a banner year for Game Pass, and new hardware
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Xbox Series X console exclusives deliver a statement of intent
Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2was given a May 21 date, making it the first notable Xbox Series X exclusive of the year. Ninja Theory appears to be positioning the niche adventure as a true system showcase for the Xbox Series X, proof of what a nimble development team is able to achieve with a strong creative vision and the time to properly experiment with Unreal Engine 5 and new motion capture technologies. It looks utterly sublime, and news thatit’s being scoped to an eight-hour runtime is promising– the less bloat the better with something so psychologically intensive.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle looks like the best series adaptation since Temple of Doom on the Atari ST over 30 years ago
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Thankfully, MachineGames understands the value in showing rather than telling. The studio went all out with extensive insight into the production, a scene-setting trailer, and a look at the game in action – a phenomenal expansion of the work this team has achieved with titles like The Chronicles of Riddick: Escape from Butcher Bay, The Darkness, and Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus. The Great Circle looks to be a dream come true for Indiana Jones fans, and an incredible example of what is possible when an IP is properly matched up with a willing development team; promising, given thatArkane’s take onMarvel’s Bladeis on the distant horizon.
Stalker 2: Heart of Chornobylwas recently given a September 5 release date for Xbox Series X and Game Pass, with the long-awaited immersive first-person shooter set to deliver a stunning return to the Chornobyl Anomalous Exclusion Zone. Asobo is working on an expansive Microsoft Flight Simulator sequel this year too, building on the startling simulation of the Earth’s most open highways to support a wider variety of aviation career paths beyond commercial pilot.
Those two video games are guaranteed to command a lot of attention, but there’s some smaller titles that may have slipped under the radar that are well worth your attention. Microbird Games is making its debut with Dungeons of Hinterberg, a fun adventure game which has you exploring lush alpine environments armed with little more than a sword and a tourist guide for company. The Banner Saga developer Stoic is working on Towerborne, an entertaining co-op game that looks to capture the spirit of Castle Crashers for a new generation. And then there’s 33 Immortals, a delightful 33-player roguelike coming from Thunder Lotus Games – the studio behind Spiritfarer and Sundered.
A long-overdue refresh of the Xbox controller is said to include a rechargeable battery, an accelerometer, and improved haptic feedback.
Given that Candy Crush developer King has come under theXbox Game Studiosbanner as part of the Activision Blizzard deal, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Microsoft make a strong push into mobile gaming – setting up specific storefronts on Apple and Android devices. There’s also the question of Keystone too, a streaming-only device set to capitalize on Xbox’s gains in the cloud gaming market.
Josh West is the Editor-in-Chief of GamesRadar+. He has over 15 years experience in online and print journalism, and holds a BA (Hons) in Journalism and Feature Writing. Prior to starting his current position, Josh has served as GR+’s Features Editor and Deputy Editor of games™ magazine, and has freelanced for numerous publications including 3D Artist, Edge magazine, iCreate, Metal Hammer, Play, Retro Gamer, and SFX. Additionally, he has appeared on the BBC and ITV to provide expert comment, written for Scholastic books, edited a book for Hachette, and worked as the Assistant Producer of the Future Games Show. In his spare time, Josh likes to play bass guitar and video games. Years ago, he was in a few movies and TV shows that you’ve definitely seen but will never be able to spot him in.
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