The two-hour Xbox Games Showcase presentation in June 2025 concluded with massive announcements of gaming projects, including standouts like The Outer Worlds 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, new Final Fantasy titles, Super Meat Boy 3D, and many other titles. Microsoft showcased another packed show with exciting premieres: the long-awaited continuation Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, expansion of the Final Fantasy library for Xbox platform, updated Persona 4 Revival, sequel Grounded 2, and dozens of other projects. Despite the absence of information about The Elder Scrolls 6 from Bethesda and new developments from 343 Industries for the Halo franchise, the presented materials generously filled the gaming calendar for 2025-2026 with projects at various stages of development. We've gathered the most interesting announcements.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 7
The main surprise of the Xbox Game Showcase 2025 finale was the announcement of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 — another numbered entry in the famous series about alternative history. The cinematic trailer for the seventh installment primarily appealed to the legacy of previous franchise games, however details about innovations and mechanics remain a mystery until the project's official release. The developers focused on demonstrating recognizable series elements, leaving gamers room to speculate about what revolutionary changes await fans in the new Black Ops episode upon its eventual launch.
Hollow Knight: Silksong
The highly-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong appeared literally for a moment during the Xbox Games Showcase event as part of the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld game console's reveal. After a preview of some fleeting gameplay footage, Xbox president Sarah Bond promised that Team Cherry's sequel will hit both the new handheld console and the Game Pass collection at the same time with the launch of the Ally X sometime this holiday season. Even though the official release date is not certain, such news during the middle of the year makes sure that metroidvania fans have some hope in their hearts. Silksong's inclusion in the context of fresh hardware provides a clue towards the soon-to-happen long-awaited release after years of anticipation by the gaming world.
Final Fantasy VII Remake INTERGRADE
Square Enix Xbox fans have been waiting years for big Final Fantasy titles on Xbox Series X|S — for some of them, the wait is over today. Final Fantasy 16 is already available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC and Xbox Cloud, Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will come out in winter. This is a significant milestone in the Japanese publisher's history with Microsoft, as these JRPGs were once competitor exclusives. Xbox owners get to experience current Square Enix titles.
The Persona 4 Remake
Atlus finally announced Persona 4 Revival — a reworked version of the cult RPG for PC and consoles without a specific release date. Although the announcement was expected, early gameplay showing gave players at least some details before waiting for release.
Super Meat Boy 3D
Super Meat Boy 3D was presented — the first three-dimensional game in the series, which brings the hardcore platformer into volumetric space. Developers promise to preserve signature elements: extreme difficulty, lightning-fast gameplay, and bloody character trails. New mechanics include sliding on vertical surfaces and navigation in 3D mazes packed with deadly traps. The demonstration showed familiar saws, presses, and an unexpected green pipe in Mario style. Release is scheduled for early 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series, with immediate addition to Game Pass.
Ninja Gaiden 4
The iconic Ninja Gaiden series returns for the first time in a decade — and it's enormous. A new trailer revealed that a sequel to the series was on the way, developed in collaboration by Team Ninja, PlatinumGames, and Koei Tecmo. The game follows the story of Raven Clan's Yakumo as he battles against mysterious Order of the Heavenly Dragon in a polluted Tokyo. The combat system will be an authentic test of skill, blending traditional ways with new moves and handsome new moves and effects. Don't deceive yourself — this is a hardcore slasher straight down the line, and there are no accommodations to be made for newcomers. Already, the trailer has gruesome fights and mouth-dropping combo attacks. Ninja Gaiden 4 is out on October 21, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5, and also appears in Game Pass on day one.
The Outer Worlds 2
Obsidian comes back with a sequel to their sci-fi RPG spoof — this time a new hero and completely new star system. All aboard Arcadia, where something is off: mysterious rifts have begun to threaten humanity's survival. There will be a return to varied biomes, investigating anomalies, and facing tough moral decisions. The friend system also returns, with each bringing along their own tale brought about by your choices. The Outer Worlds 2 kicked off the Xbox Showcase in a big way with a beautiful trailer, and later was treated to a special section all its own where it was explored in terms of gameplay and story. The game releases on October 29, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5 — and yes, it will release on Game Pass day one.
Indiana Jones and the Great Circle: The Order of Giants
Bethesda announced the initial DLC for Indiana Jones and the Great Circle titled The Order of Giants. The add-on takes the action to Italy — from Rome streets to catacombs and ruins beneath the city. The story unfolds during the main campaign and is dedicated to an ancient nephilim cult. Priest Father Ricci and Indy search for a secret artifact, having encounters with the Mithra cult and gladiatorial battles from the Nero days. New puzzles, enemies, and areas to explore are added through DLC. Release is September 4, 2025 on Xbox Series, PC, and PlayStation 5 in Premium and Collector's Edition.
Grounded 2
Obsidian brought us Grounded 2 — more cooperative survival in the bug world. The game is set in Brookhollow Park in 1992 with dozens of new biomes and locations on the scale of the original backyard. Adult heroes are returning with support for first and third-person perspective. Key innovations: riding and combat taming of insects, universal multitool, and improved combat system with advanced enemy AI. Early access on July 29, 2025 on Xbox Series and PC, including day one on Game Pass.
Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4
Gameplay for Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4 was presented — a remake of two classic skateboard simulators. The updated versions received reworked graphics and expanded customization, while Pro Skater 4 abandoned the open world in favor of traditional two-minute runs. Added are 8-player multiplayer, improved character and park editors, New Game+ mode, and themed skins including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Pre-orders get access to a demo version of the Foundry level. Release — July 11, 2025 on all major platforms including Nintendo Switch, with addition to Game Pass.
Gears of War: Reloaded
A trailer for a complete remake of the first Gears of War on Unreal Engine 5 was shown. The project includes a reworked campaign, all DLC, and multiplayer modes with support for up to 120 FPS and crossplay. The campaign supports split-screen co-op with 4K, HDR, and 60 FPS. Online works up to 144 FPS on PC. Technical improvements: updated lighting, new models, Dolby Vision, VRR, FSR 3.1, and DLSS 3.5. Cross-platform progress transfer is available, simplified controls for newcomers, and classic scheme for veterans. Release — August 26, 2025 on PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5, including Game Pass.
Phil Spencer hints at future games
To cap off Xbox Games Showcase, Xbox boss Phil Spencer gave a teaser of the imminent 2026 as the year of the release of the platform's largest exclusive franchise titles. The studio has in the works refurbished Fable, prequel-story Gears of War: E-Day, new Forza, and the mysterious "return of a classic series that's been with us from the beginning." The second statement already garnered a wave of rumor among players, with most of the fans connecting these terms with the renewed prospect of the Halo franchise. Spencer's vague use of words leaves the door open for speculation, but fans already have some theories on what particular "classic" project is being brought back to the gaming world after years on the back burner.
Conclusion
Xbox Games Showcase 2025 showcased an impressive lineup of games for the next two years. From highly anticipated franchise sequels to surprise announcements, Microsoft showcased a variety of content for all types of players. Most notably, most projects will be available on Game Pass from day one of release, making the Xbox ecosystem even more appealing to gamers.
FAQ
Q1 When did Xbox Games Showcase 2025 take place? Xbox Games Showcase June 2025 was held in June 2025 and lasted two hours, presenting major game announcements and numerous gaming projects.
Q2 What were the most significant announcements at Xbox Games Showcase? Among the standouts of the presentation were The Outer Worlds 2, Call of Duty: Black Ops 7, new Final Fantasy titles, Super Meat Boy 3D, Hollow Knight: Silksong, Ninja Gaiden 4, and many other projects.
Q3 When will Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 be released? Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 was the main surprise of the Xbox Game Showcase 2025 finale. This is another numbered entry in the famous series about alternative history, however the exact release date has not been announced yet.
Q4 Will Hollow Knight: Silksong be available in 2025? Yes, Hollow Knight: Silksong sets sights on 2025 release. Team Cherry's sequel will appear on the ROG Xbox Ally X handheld game console and Game Pass collection simultaneously with the launch of the Ally X during holiday season.
Q5 Which Final Fantasy games will come to Xbox? Final Fantasy 16 is already available on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox PC and Xbox Cloud, while Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade will come out in winter. This is a significant milestone in Square Enix's history with Microsoft.
Q6 What is known about Persona 4 Revival? Atlus announced Persona 4 Revival — a reworked version of the cult RPG for PC and consoles without a specific release date. Early gameplay showing gave players some details about the project.
Q7 When will Super Meat Boy 3D be released? Super Meat Boy 3D is the first three-dimensional game in the series, which brings the hardcore platformer into volumetric space. Release is scheduled for early 2026 on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series with immediate addition to Game Pass.
Q8 Who is developing Ninja Gaiden 4? Ninja Gaiden 4 is being developed in collaboration by Team Ninja, PlatinumGames, and Koei Tecmo. The game releases October 21, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5, appearing in Game Pass on day one.
Q9 When is The Outer Worlds 2 release date? The Outer Worlds 2 from Obsidian releases October 29, 2025, for PC, Xbox Series, and PlayStation 5 and will be available on Game Pass day one. The game features a new hero and completely new star system.
Q10 What does the Indiana Jones and the Great Circle DLC include? The Order of Giants DLC takes the action to Italy from Rome streets to catacombs and ruins. The story is dedicated to an ancient nephilim cult with release on September 4, 2025 on Xbox Series, PC, and PlayStation 5.
Q11 When does Grounded 2 early access begin? Grounded 2 early access starts July 29, 2025 on Xbox Series and PC, including day one on Game Pass. The game is set in Brookhollow Park in 1992 with dozens of new biomes.
Q12 What's new in Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4? The remake of two classic skateboard simulators received reworked graphics and expanded customization, 8-player multiplayer, improved character and park editors. Release — July 11, 2025 on all major platforms including Nintendo Switch.
Q13 What engine is Gears of War: Reloaded built on? The complete remake of the first Gears of War is built on Unreal Engine 5 with a reworked campaign, all DLC, and multiplayer modes with support for up to 120 FPS and crossplay. Release — August 26, 2025.
Q14 What did Phil Spencer announce for 2026? Phil Spencer gave a teaser about 2026 as the year of release of the platform's largest exclusive franchise titles: refurbished Fable, prequel-story Gears of War: E-Day, new Forza, and the mysterious "return of a classic series," which could mean the return of the Halo franchise.
Q15 Which franchises were absent from the presentation? Despite the absence of information about The Elder Scrolls 6 from Bethesda and new developments from 343 Industries for the Halo franchise, the presented materials generously filled the gaming calendar for 2025-2026 with projects at various stages of development.
