All First-Party Games In The Xbox Showcase Will Have Actual Gameplay And No “Full” CGI Trailers

We’re no more than a week away from the highly anticipated Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct Double Feature and it appears there’s more reason to get excited about it now. According to the VP of Xbox Games Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, the upcoming event will run for about two hours—approximately an hour more than the PlayStation Showcase—and feature no full CGI trailers for Xbox’s first-party, exclusive titles. 

Aaron clarified while replying to a comment under his tweet, “None of our first party games in the show are full CG trailers. Everything is either in-game footage, in-engine footage, or in-game footage with some cinematics. Each of our trailers will be labeled so it is hopefully clear for our fans.” It’s customary for trailers now to feature a designated label at the bottom to explain whether the video is CGI or actual gameplay. 

None of our first party games in the show are full CG trailers. Everything is either in-game footage, in-engine footage, or in-game footage with some cinematics. Each of our trailers will be labeled so it is hopefully clear for our fans.

— Aaron Greenberg @ The Game Awards (@aarongreenberg) June 4, 2023

This does come off as a breath of fresh air, as the practice of giving away unrealistic computer-generated trailers during events like these sets fictional expectations, with little to no realism in place. Visualizing the gameplay of a title from day one at least tells us what to expect going forward. Greenberg also said no to the 12-month release window for the titles showcased in the event. This was something that was practiced last time.

Moreover, it bears noticing here that some elements of CG footage may be present in some soon-to-be-revealed games in the Showcase. According to Aaron, “some cinematics” can seep their way into the gameplay footage, but that’s no worry, as long as the focus is on the gameplay. The scenario would play out similarly to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 announcement, which kicked off with a reveal of Kraven the Hunter—all cinematic and CGI. 

It’s no overstatement to say that Xbox fans are longing for a Sony-like exclusive for their platform as well. That is why one person asked for no movie trailers from Aaron Greenberg, to which the VP replied in a positive connotation, confirming how the Xbox Games Showcase will be exempt from such footage. It’s playable, high-quality games that are being demanded at the moment, and rightfully so. 

Can confirm there will be no movie trailers in our games show. 💚

— Aaron Greenberg (@aarongreenberg) June 4, 2023

In retrospect, the PlayStation Showcase just got done with its major announcements and reveals late last month, putting up quite the show but exhibiting disappointment for many all the same. Fans and critics are expecting Xbox to pull something of a much grander nature on this front and take us aback with at least a respectable show of exclusive titles, with Fable being one of them reportedly. 

Tune into the Xbox Games Showcase and Starfield Direct on June 11 on any of the platforms the event will be live streamed on, including YouTube and Twitch. Moreover, the event will be aired in about 25 movie theaters in the United States for free via Fathom Events’ collaboration. All you have to do is sign up for Xbox FanFest and try and see if you can still get tickets. Attendees will even get $10 in credit to grab a snack as the event takes place.