Xbox Game Studios Planned To Release At Least 9 Exclusives In 2023

Microsoft and Xbox Game Studios have big plans for next year. In 2021 and 2022, Microsoft had laid an internal schedule for its releases in 2023, according to industry Insider Jeff Grub, who spoke with the Xbox Expansion Pass podcast.

TAKEAWAYS:

• Microsoft originally planned at least 9 exclusives for release in 2023
• The list included high-profile games such as Perfect Dark and Avowed
• Some may not release next year at all. 

According to Jeff Grubb, Microsoft’s original internal schedule for 2023 included: 

• Hellblade 2
• Perfect Dark
• Fable 
• Contraband
• Avowed 
• Everwild 
• Unannounced InXile title
• Unannounced Compulsion Games title
• Unannounced Coalition title

(This list was, and is subject to change.)

Some of these games may not release in 2023. Everwild from Rare was rebooted and is aiming for a  possible 2024 release. Avowed, the Elder Scrolls-like RPG from Obsidian also stands on shaky grounds as it too was rebooted. While many of these games seem plausible for a 2023 release, the Covid pandemic has caused many titles from all across the industry to be delayed. 

Xbox has big plans for 2023. This comes after a somewhat disappointing release schedule for 2022. Xbox’s main AAA title Starfield will not release this year, and neither will Redfall from Arkane studios. Both games were not on Microsoft’s internal list from 2021-2 as they were both planned to release this year. 

Jeff Grubb notes that Hellblade 2 has a very strong chance of releasing next year, but could be delayed into 2024. Jeff also states that Avowed, Fable, and Contraband are up in the air when it comes to their release date. 

9+ exclusive AAA titles released in a single year may be a lot for players to digest. Back in 2020, Phil Spencer laid out plans to release 4-5 AAA games a year. Time will tell if Xbox Game Studios will finally be able to meet these projections.

Related: Japan’s Xbox Series X Supply To Improve In 2023, Says Phil Spencer.