Xboxhas come swinging out the gates this generation with not one but two separate console experiences designed for two different demographics. Microsoft has clearly put a lot of work into makingXbox Game Pass the quintessential part of owning an Xbox console, and Microsoft seems to have solid plans for the future of the platform, with plenty of seemingly great content in the works.
In addition to this,Xbox Game Passhas allowed Microsoft to sign a number of deals with publishers for launch day exclusivity on the platform, as well as third-party deals. The month of August saw two such releases that fall under both banners, which has set the ball rolling for the near future of Xbox.
RELATED:Psychonauts 2 Has a Major Advantage As Opposed To The First Game
Two Of The Best Releases This Month Are On Xbox Game Pass
Xbox started the month right on the heels ofNeon Giant’sThe Ascent, an isometric ARPG with some great cyberpunk art direction. Beyond that, August doubled down on quality releases for the platform. Luis Antonio’sTwelve Minutesis another great point-and-click adventurethat challenges the stereotypes of the genre in many ways, all the while boasting its star-studded cast. The game’s narrative choice remain contentious for now, but many fans — including game designer Hideo Kojima — have had a fun time with it nevertheless.
Lastly, Double Fine’s highly-anticipatedPsychonauts 2is right around the corner, and reviews have lauded it to be Game of the Year material. The road to the game’s development has been a rocky one, and it’s certainly great to witness years of hard work finally paying off. While it’s not exactly an Xbox exclusive, being developed by Xbox Game Studios makes it roughly fall under the same umbrella of first-party content.
Both of these releases paint a positive picture for the future of Xbox, which seems set to dominate the holiday season with two notable first-party exclusives:Halo InfiniteandForza Horizon 5. While the former’s release date is yet to be ascertained,Forza Horizon 5will be releasing on June 16, 2025.
Halo Infinite and Forza Horizon 5 Seem Are Xbox’s Big Holiday Releases
Halo Infinite’s recent flight test garnered positive reactions from fans around the globe, whileForza Horizon 5was collectively voted as the Most Anticipated Game at this year’s all-digital E3 event. Both games are easily two of the most-anticipated releases this year, and Microsoft’s E3 showings this year indicate the onslaught of releases have just begun. Furthermore,games likeBright Memory Infinite, Remedy’sCrossfireX, andThe Gunkare other exclusives that are still shrouded in mystery when it comes to release dates — some of which could still release this year.
While Sony does haveDeathloopandKena: Bridge of Spiritsreleasing next month, the entirety of its first-party content has been moved to 2022. The fan-namedGod of War: Ragnaroksequel has been officially confirmed to be delayed, andHorizon Forbidden Westseems to be on the verge for the same. There’s still no news regardingNaughty Dog’sThe Last of Us 2’s multiplayer component’s release dateas well.
Ultimately, it’s best to delay games until they are ready to be released without resorting to prolonged periods of crunch, rather than rushing them out the door to meet release dates. Furthermore, Sony historically never banks on Holiday releases unless it’s a console release year — but the current scenario does give ample room for Microsoft to strike.
