The Xbox Games Showcase came to play, giving fans a look at a plethora of first-party titles, third-party titles, Xbox Game Pass releases, and more. Two of the biggest, for many fans, were the showcases of Fable and Avowed. While many fans were excited to see the small snippets of gameplay for Fable and Avowed, perhaps the most pertinent information ties into Xbox's current release schedule.
During the Showcase, Matt Booty told press and special attendees that Xbox Game Studios was aiming to get to 4 releases per year. It's not something that happens overnight, but with the various acquisitions and studios under its umbrella now, it's getting closer to possible. In regards to that pipeline, fans have a pretty clear picture of the next few years when it comes to the headlining, perhaps big holiday game.
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Starfield is currently positioned as *the* game of Fall 2023 for Microsoft, and its critical/commercial success is going to leave a significant impact on the generation. It's Bethesda's first new IP in many-a-year, and fans have high expectations. Next year, it seems Microsoft is pushing for that yearly-release goal with the planned launches of Avowed, Hellblade 2, and Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024. Arguably, perhaps none of these games are on the scale of Starfield, but neither do they have to be. Bethesda's game releases are seminal moments, as proven by Skyrim, and nothing really compares in the grand scheme of things. But what this tells fans is that Avowed will be at the forefront of games and marketing next year, alongside a handful of more titles.
Avowed showed up to the Xbox Games Showcase with a release window, and while delays are never impossible, it's clear that it's getting out in front of Fable. Fable, perhaps more than any other Xbox game in development, has the chance to rival Starfield as a system seller. It did not show up to the showcase with a release window, though, and this almost guarantees it's not a 2024 game. More than likely, Fable could be a 2025 title, taking the place of Avowed or Starfield in that year. 2026 is not impossible either, but it's hard to say for sure.
Notably, somewhere between the releases of Starfield and Avowed and eventually The Elder Scrolls 6, there will be more games filling the generation. One of the biggest complaints of the Xbox One generation was the lack of exclusives, and while fans still need to be patient, it doesn't seem that will be said about this generation when it's all said and done. Avowed getting out in front of Fable is good for both games, letting both games embrace the kind of experience its developer wants, but more importantly, it's good for the future of Xbox.
Avowed releases in 2024. Fable does not have a specific release window yet.
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