On Sunday, Microsoft kicked off its Xbox Games Showcase by revealing new digital versions of the Xbox Series X and S consoles. This move is part of Microsoft's strategy to modernize its gaming hardware and cater to a growing digital-first audience. Alongside the regular Series X and S models, they also unveiled a special edition of the Series X with an impressive 2 terabytes of storage.

 

Importance of the Exhibition

This showcase is crucial for Xbox and Microsoft, especially as the gaming industry faces challenges like lower revenues, layoffs, and studio closures. The new disc-less Xbox Series X and S could help boost sales, positioning Xbox as a strong competitor to Sony’s PS5. This updated hardware is part of Microsoft's broader plan to attract gamers in tough market conditions.

 

Exciting New Games and Franchises

The event featured trailers for over a dozen games, including the much-anticipated new "Call of Duty." Highlights included "Doom: The Dark Ages," the latest in the famous "Doom" series, and a sneak peek at the next "Gears of War" game, ending a five-year wait for fans. Many of these games, including "Doom" and "Call of Duty," will be available on Xbox Game Pass from day one, showcasing Microsoft’s commitment to its subscription service.

 

Special Feature on Call of Duty

After the main presentation, there was a special segment from Activision Blizzard’s studios, focusing on "Call of Duty: Black Ops 6," which is set for release in October. Developers Treyarch and Raven Software shared clips from the game’s campaign, set in the early 1990s. They introduced new features like a movement system allowing players to sprint in any direction and provided a glimpse of the popular "Zombies" mode. This feature highlighted the strong partnership between Microsoft and Activision Blizzard, emphasizing their dedication to delivering top-quality gaming experiences.