The Xbox Games Showcase 2026 delivered exactly what fans have been asking for. Microsoft arrived with a packed presentation featuring blockbuster first-party exclusives, long-awaited franchise returns, major release date announcements and even brand-new hardware celebrating 25 years of Xbox.
From the first gameplay reveal of Gears of War: E-Day to a fresh look at Fable, the return of Spyro, a new chapter in the DOOM universe and plenty more besides, the showcase demonstrated that Xbox has an impressive line-up heading into 2027.
This is Part 1 of our complete Xbox Games Showcase 2026 roundup, covering the biggest first-party reveals and some of the most exciting third-party announcements shown during the event.
Xbox Celebrates 25 Years with Special Edition Hardware
Before diving into the games, Microsoft opened the showcase by celebrating a major milestone. The company unveiled a special collection of Xbox hardware inspired by the original console that launched gaming’s green brand back in 2001.
The limited-edition Xbox Series X25 features a translucent design inspired by the iconic original Xbox aesthetic, while the accompanying Xbox Wireless Controller X25 brings back several visual elements longtime fans will instantly recognise.
The anniversary collection is scheduled to launch in November and will be available in selected markets, giving collectors a unique way to celebrate a quarter-century of Xbox history.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4 Introduces the Return of DMZ
Activision used the showcase to unveil a brand-new look at Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 4, focusing heavily on the return of DMZ.
The extraction-based mode places players inside dangerous conflict zones where every deployment carries risk. Whether venturing in alone or with a squad, players will search for valuable technology, battle rival operators and attempt to escape with whatever loot they can secure.
The trailer highlighted a dynamic sandbox environment where alliances, betrayals and split-second decisions can dramatically change the outcome of each mission.
Modern Warfare 4 launches on October 23 and looks set to deliver one of the franchise’s most ambitious multiplayer experiences yet.
Clockwork Revolution Continues to Impress
One of Xbox’s most intriguing projects made another appearance during the showcase.
Clockwork Revolution returned with a lengthy new trailer that offered a deeper look at its steampunk-inspired world and time-manipulation mechanics.
Players follow Morgan, a member of the Rotten Row Hooligans, who becomes entangled in a dangerous struggle involving powerful figures and the mysterious Chronometer. The device allows players to alter events in the past, creating consequences that ripple throughout the future.
The latest footage showcased gunfights, social hubs, atmospheric city streets and reactive storytelling systems that appear central to the game’s design. The combination of RPG mechanics, player choice and time travel continues to make Clockwork Revolution one of Xbox’s most exciting upcoming exclusives.
DOOM: The Dark Ages Expands with Revelations
id Software revealed a major new expansion for DOOM: The Dark Ages.
Known as Revelations, the expansion takes the Doom Slayer into a frozen purgatory filled with terrifying new enemies, dangerous environments and hidden mysteries.
The expansion introduces new levels, expanded puzzle-solving opportunities and the Chain Spear, a weapon designed to increase both mobility and combat options.
For players eager to continue the Slayer’s latest journey, Revelations launches on July 7 and promises another brutal chapter in the legendary franchise.
Fable Finally Receives a Release Date
After years of anticipation, Playground Games finally confirmed when players will return to Albion.
Fable launches on February 23, 2027, with Premium Edition owners receiving early access several days before release.
The newest trailer introduced Isabel, a powerful Hero portrayed by actress Hayley Atwell. Once a promising student, Isabel’s relentless pursuit of justice has pushed her down a darker path, creating what appears to be one of the game’s central conflicts.
Longtime fans were also treated to a surprise tease involving the return of Jack of Blades, one of the most iconic villains in the franchise’s history.
With its stunning visuals, trademark British humour and modern interpretation of Albion, Fable is shaping up to be one of Xbox’s biggest releases of the generation.
Gears of War: E-Day Finally Shows Gameplay
Few reveals generated as much excitement as the first gameplay demonstration of Gears of War: E-Day.
The upcoming title serves as an origin story for Marcus Fenix and Dominic Santiago, taking players back to the terrifying day the Locust Horde emerged and changed humanity forever.
The footage delivered everything fans hoped to see, including brutal combat, intense firefights, stunning visuals and emotional storytelling. While the game retains the core DNA that made Gears famous, The Coalition appears to be introducing fresh mechanics designed to modernise the experience.
The showcase was followed by a dedicated developer presentation that explored the game’s story, gameplay systems and the significance of E-Day within the wider Gears universe.
Players will be able to jump into the action when Gears of War: E-Day launches on October 6.
Halo: Campaign Evolved Returns Master Chief to the Spotlight
Halo fans finally received a release date for Halo: Campaign Evolved.
Launching on July 28, 2026, the game will introduce a new story campaign featuring Master Chief and Sergeant Johnson during a dangerous mission known as Operation: METEORITE.
The showcase trailer revealed fresh locations, intense battles and cinematic moments that aim to expand Halo’s legendary universe.
Microsoft also confirmed several editions of the game, including a collector’s edition designed for dedicated fans of the franchise.
With Halo remaining one of gaming’s most recognisable brands, Campaign Evolved could mark an important new chapter for the series.
Minecraft Dungeons II Brings a Bigger Adventure
Mojang confirmed that Minecraft Dungeons II will launch on September 29.
The sequel builds upon the foundation established by the original dungeon-crawling spin-off while introducing larger environments, tougher enemies and deeper character customisation.
The trailer showcased new locations, powerful gear and dangerous bosses, including the intimidating Twisted Warden.
Fans of cooperative action RPGs should find plenty to enjoy when the game arrives later this year.
Senua Takes the Hellblade Universe in a New Direction
One of the show’s biggest surprises came from Ninja Theory.
Rather than revealing another Hellblade sequel, the studio announced Senua, a standalone action-adventure game set within the same universe.
The game follows the Celtic warrior as she navigates a fragmented vision of purgatory in search of those she has lost. The reveal showcased a stronger focus on action, larger environments and more traditional adventure gameplay than previous entries.
Combat appears faster and more tactical, while exploration, puzzles and boss encounters all play a larger role in the overall experience.
Arriving in 2027, Senua could introduce a whole new audience to one of Xbox’s most fascinating worlds.
Spyro Returns in His First Original Adventure in Nearly 20 Years
One of the loudest cheers of the evening was reserved for a familiar purple dragon.
Spyro: A Realm Beyond marks the first completely original Spyro game in almost two decades.
Developed by Toys for Bob, the game introduces an entirely new adventure featuring expanded exploration, larger environments and true free-flight mechanics that allow Spyro to soar across the world like never before.
Longtime voice actor Tom Kenny returns, ensuring the beloved dragon retains the personality fans have cherished for years.
The game is currently targeting a Spring 2027 release window.
Watch the short reveal trailer here
State of Decay 3 Finally Reveals Gameplay
After years of anticipation, Undead Labs finally pulled back the curtain on gameplay from State of Decay 3.
The trailer highlighted an expansive open world ravaged by a deadly zombie outbreak where survival depends on building communities, managing resources and working together.
Players can tackle the apocalypse alone or team up with friends in cooperative multiplayer.
The footage also introduced new zombie variants and environmental threats, suggesting that survival will be more challenging than ever.
State of Decay 3 is currently scheduled for release in 2027.
Additional Highlights from the Showcase
Bad Magpie
Milktooth revealed its debut project, a quirky adventure starring a mischievous one-winged magpie. The game combines humour, destruction and mystery in what could become one of the showcase’s most memorable indie titles.
Watch the announcement trailer here
Castlevania: Belmont’s Curse
Konami announced a brand-new 2D Castlevania adventure arriving on October 15. Featuring Rose Belmont as its protagonist, the game blends classic exploration with modern gameplay systems and progression mechanics.
Watch the new announcement trailer here
Crazy Taxi: World Tour
SEGA confirmed the return of one of its most iconic arcade franchises. Crazy Taxi: World Tour expands the formula with a story campaign, online multiplayer, vehicle customisation and multiple international cities to explore.
Watch the announcement trailer here
Final Thoughts
Xbox Games Showcase 2026 delivered one of Microsoft’s strongest presentations in years. Between the first gameplay reveal of Gears of War: E-Day, the return of Spyro, major updates for Fable and Halo, and several promising new projects, Xbox demonstrated that it has a diverse and ambitious line-up planned for the years ahead.
Part 1 focused on the biggest first-party reveals and several standout third-party announcements, but there was still plenty left to uncover.
In Part 2 we’ll cover Persona 6, Metro 2039, Wo Long 2, Resonance: A Plague Tale Legacy, Sea of Thieves, Fallout 76, Microsoft Flight Simulator and every remaining announcement from Xbox Games Showcase 2026.
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