But what are they up to, and are their offerings going to be enough to either go toe to toe with the PS5, or, at the very least, gather enough momentum to attempt reversing the two consoles’ fading fortunes? We’re here to help answer those questions.

Join us as we take a look at what Xbox Game Studios is cooking up for a year that’s shaping up to be just as good as the one before it on the gaming front. It’s also a big year as the Xbox turns 25, and as such, there’s going to be a lot to be excited about if you’ve been a fan over the years. Let’s get started.

The Coalition

The studio behind the Gears of War franchise is all set to take the meta-narrative it has established over the years back to its roots, bringing back Marcus and Dom to the stage for a prequel that has fans excited to learn more about the gruff soldier’s turbulent relationship with his superiors and the events that led to the Locusts rising as a threat to his world in Gears of War: E-Day.

In a look back at the year it had at 2025, which featured studio heads discussing future projects, Mike Crump (who heads The Coalition) was pretty excited to assert that E-Day is the franchise’s “most ambitious title yet”, and confirmed that it was on track to release later this year with Polish studio People Can Fly joining the studio to lend a helping hand.

We’re going to be watching out with very sharp eyes for a release date announcement, and we’re sure that those among you who love Gears of War share our enthusiasm.

Compulsion Games

The South of Midnight developer has been basking in the success of the title, expressing gratitude for its excellent reception and confirming that a new project is already in the works. It has been stated that the lessons it picked up from developing South of Midnight have allowed it to grow and mature as a studio, and that this new project is going to reflect those learnings to be a game that is made to impress.

However, the studio is likely to focus on the multiplatform release for South of Midnight over this year, and its new project is likely not going to surface in 2026.

Double Fine

The studio has been relatively silent since the release of Keeper last year, and with little to no news about its next project surfacing in the months that followed, we can only guess that the team behind a very unique game is getting some well-deserved rest while they put down ideas for their next big thing on the drawing board.

That’s not to say we may not hear from the studio over the course of the year, though, and we’re hoping for more unique ideas, given its last project was a game with no dialogue that still managed to keep us glued to our screens.

Halo Studios

It looks like Halo is taking the Gears of War route this year, with Halo Studios all set to release Halo: Campaign Evolved sometime this year for the PS5, PC, and Xbox. A remake of a timeless classic, the new game is slated to bring several improvements to the original’s gameplay loop, such as the ability to hijack vehicles, weapon zooming, a redesign for the Warthog, up to 4-player online coop and 2-player couch coop, and so much more.

The visuals are also getting a leg up with Unreal Engine 5 powering the experience. The game’s iconic multiplayer being given a pass is a bummer, though. However, getting to see the campaign in a whole new light is something we’re definitely excited about. The bonus missions that act as a prequel are another nice touch that we’re curious about.

InXile Entertainment

We’ve been looking forward to Clockwork Revolution ever since this title was announced by inXile back in 2023. With a solid look into how the game works last year, and rumors that it could be slated for release this year, which must be taken with a pinch of salt, this is definitely one to watch out for.

If you’re unfamiliar with the game, it brings a very interesting premise with some time-travel shenanigans that pits you against a manipulative antagonist and her quest to consolidate power with a customizable protagonist. It’s quite impressive, and we hope the rumors that it’s making its way to our screens later this year are true, although we’re only carefully optimistic on that front.

Mojang Studios

There’s a lot to be excited about if you’re into Minecraft, as Mojang is bringing eight new baby farm mobs to the game, replete with visual changes that make them quite adorable indeed. However, the drop is still in its testing phase, and you might have to wait a while for an official release announcement, depending on how things progress.

However, that’s still good news, and we’ll be sure to have an update for you as soon as we can confirm any changes to the status quo.

Ninja Theory

The studio behind Hellblade is reportedly working on a new title that’s focused on being more interactive and action-oriented than its past offerings while sustaining the cinematic quality that it is now known for, as per Windows Central’s Jez Corden.

While there is speculation that the new title could be Hellblade 3, it could very well be a new IP. Either way, it’s likely that 2026 might be a quiet year for Ninja Theory, but that could very well change in the coming months.

Obsidian Entertainment

There are reportedly four new projects in development, along with speculations that a remake of Fallout: New Vegas in the vein of last year’s Oblivion is likely coming this year. However, that remains currently unconfirmed, so hopefully this month’s Xbox Direct may bring news on that front.

But if you happen to miss it, fret not, since we’re definitely going to have your back on that one!

Playground Games

The long-standing staple of Xbox Game Studios is going to be front and center at the Developer_Direct event, with both Fable and Forza Horizon 6 slated to make an appearance in what is shaping up to be a big year for the studio.

With no gameplay currently available for both titles, we’re quite certain that we’ll be getting quite a close look at what each of them is bringing to the table. While Fable is poised to be a reboot of the franchise, aimed at modernizing it for a new generation of players, Forza Horizon 6 is going to take you to Japan this time around, with a map that’s touted to be the biggest one yet in the franchise and a lot to look forward to in it.

We expect a release date announcement later this month, although that could take a little longer. Both games are currently slated for a 2026 release, though.

Rare

While the cancellation of Everwild is sure to have been a blow to the Sea of Thieves developer, the appointment of Lousie O’ Connor as the Chief of Staff for Xbox Game Studios might help with dealing with that loss and the layoffs that affected the studio.

It’s looking like a quiet year that’s going to be spent figuring out a way forward for the studio; however, we’re hopeful that we at least get a hint at what it aims to do next.

Turn 10 Studios

The studio behind Forza Motorsport is going to stop updates to its flagship title in order to help Playground Games with Forza Horizon 6. While that news is bittersweet, we’re still happy that the studio has managed to survive the turbulence of last year and come out on top.

Who knows, we might even get news of a new project a little later down the line. But for now, it’s looking like a relatively quiet year for this one.

Undead Labs

We’re still waiting on news about State of Decay 3 after Undead Labs posted that very cryptic teaser ahead of the 2025 edition of Summer Games Fest. However, things have been very quiet on that front, and the studio’s layoffs from last year have us a tad worried about the title’s current status.

We’re still holding out hope, however, and would be delighted to hear some good news at Developer_Direct later this month. Fingers crossed, we’d say.

World’s Edge

The studio’s job postings from last year fuelled a lot of speculation that it was taking a more hands-on approach to Age of Empires, and that an Unreal Engine-powered new addition to the franchise was in the works. And while nothing is confirmed at this moment, that could very well change later this year.

It would make sense for the studio to bring out a new title in its flagship franchise, and you can bet that we’d be very happy to hear about it over the course of this year. Once again, we’re going to advise cautious optimism, but one can always hope, right?

And that’s a wrap on all of the big releases and potential announcements from Xbox Game Studios as it gears up for a year that’s quite the landmark for the iconic console. We can’t wait to get our hands on all of the titles that are coming our way, and hope to join you as we enjoy a year of great games from these talented studios.

The game, which is available for pre-orders now, will tout 4K support, a remastered soundtrack, and three expansions in the form of Lords of the West, Dynasties of India, and Dawn of the Dukes. Additionally, Microsoft has also unveiled another new expansion, The Three Kingdoms, which will launch the same day as the PS5 version and will be available on all platforms. The expansion will be based on the Chinese classic Romance of the Three Kingdoms, as its name suggests, and will bring five new civilizations, three new campaigns (totaling 15 missions), and more.

A Premium Edition of Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is also available on PS5. On top of the base game and all of its expansions (including The Three Kingdoms), it will also include five days of advanced access, and 24 bonus in-game animated profile icons.

Further details like pricing and a release date have yet to be revealed, though the development calls the next expansion “one of the most exciting” yet. It will feature “fresh new content” and new civilizations to control in Ranked play. Cross-platform play will also be available.

Stay tuned for more details in the coming months. Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is available for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and Xbox One. Based on the 1999 real-time strategy classic from Ensemble Studios, it features 4K visuals, a Scenario Editor, zoom options, and a remastered soundtrack. There are also multiple new campaigns and civilizations.

The title is the latest from Microsoft to make the jump to non-Xbox consoles, alongside Forza Horizon 5 and Age of Mythology: Retold. Rumors indicate that others like Fable, Starfield, Halo: The Master Chief Collection, and the unannounced Gears of War Trilogy Collection are also inbound.

In a recently published report, Windows Central’s Jez Corden has claimed that Senua’s Saga: Hellblade 2, Gears of War: Ultimate Edition, and Age of Mythology: Retold are all headed for the PS5. That’s in addition to Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 and Halo: The Master Chief Collection. Corden says the latter two are also headed to the Nintendo’s Switch successor, but we don’t yet have word on whether that’s the case for the others (though he speculates it will be).

Currently, Microsoft only has one title officially confirmed for an upcoming multiplatform launch – Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, which launches for the PS5 this Spring.

August 21st’s broadcast will feature S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, Atomfall, Age of Mythology: Retold, and other titles. August 22nd focuses on Star Wars Outlaws, World of Warcraft: The War Within, Towerborne, etc. On August 23rd, we can look forward to games like Avowed and Ara: History Untold.

Bethesda will also have a stream each day at 5 AM PDT on Twitch, so stay tuned for potential announcements from the same. The Xbox @ gamescom 2024 live broadcast is in English but will also be available in Arabic, French, Korean, Japanese, German, and more. ASL and English Audio Descriptions are also included.

At Gamescom Opening Night Live, Microsoft announced with a new trailer that Age of Empires 4: Anniversary Edition has now launched for Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, and is, of course, also available via Xbox Game Pass.

The real-time strategy title’s console port comes with a handful of key changes and additions, including 4K support, a new user interface, new automatic tools to speed up gameplay, quality-of-life improvements, improved tutorials for a better onboarding experience, and more.

The improved onboarding, meanwhile, comes in the form of The Rise of a King, a new narrative-driven experience that takes place over a 20-year period leading up to the Battle of Hastings, which is where the main campaign kicks off.

Where multiplayer is concerned, players can compete, cooperate, or spectate with up to 7 friends in PvP and PvE multiplayer modes on Xbox Series X/S, and up to 3 friends on Xbox One.

Of the 16 civilizations, 3 will be available to play every week. The first set of playable civilizations will be the French, Haudenosaunee, and Russians. Trial players will also be able to try out the first campaign of the game, following Knight of St. John Morgan Black on his quest to the New World. Historical Battles are also available to play in the trial.

The new trial doesn’t affect players who already own the game, however, and those who wish to buy the title after giving the trial a shot will be able to get full access to the game. All game modes in the trial will be available to play solo, as well as in co-op, including Historical Battles, as well as skirmishes.

Age of Empires 3: Definitive Edition is available on PC.

This update includes two new civilizations, the Ottomans and the Malians. Each will have 15 new masteries and Art of War Challenges, while new Achievements, eight new maps, and two new biomes are also coming. An additional 11 languages are also being added, including Hindi, Danish, Swedish, Czech, Greek, Polish, Finnish, Hungarian, and more.

Current owners will get the Anniversary Update for free, and the date also marks the start of Season Three with Ranked Team Games, waypoint markers and improved naval balance. Taunts and Cheats along with bug fixes are also coming as per the roadmap in June. Stay tuned for more details and patch notes in the coming weeks.

Age of Empires 4 is getting a new free update on October 25 that will add two new civilizations- the Malians of West Africa and the Ottoman empire, the latter of whom will emphasize economic strategies, with the latter being focused on military might. Both civilizations will be playable in both multiplayer and skirmish matches, and will also come with 15 new masteries each and new Art of War challenges. Check out the trailer below.

Age of Empires 4 is available on PC.

https://youtu.be/dg00xdlQOSU

Season 2 of Age of Empires 4 will kick off on June 30,and it’s bringing some notable additions. The most notable of these is, of course, a new map called “The Pit”. In addition to that, the strategy title will also add the ability to fully remap hotkeys, being able to pick colours for players, a map preference system, and the expected seasonal events.

Meanwhile, later in the year, Season 3 will bring ranked team games, which has been highly requested by the player base for some time, as well as taunts and cheats, which have also been requested frequently. In addition to that, you can also expected bug fixes, balance changes, and more.

Age of Empires 4 is available on PC. Multiple developments over the past few months have suggested that the game could also be headed to Xbox. The strategy title’s developers have previously said they’re considering a console version, but no official announcement has yet been made.