Microsoft had a lot to prove with its Xbox Games Showcase on Sunday. The Xbox maker has faced big concerns over the past year, with reports that console sales have fallen short of expectations, especially after multiple price increases. Adding to the pressure, its portfolio of studios isn't selling as many games as expected, while Xbox Game Pass is costing it a ton of sales.
However, with recent high-profile leadership changes and a business reset following an Xbox Game Pass price increase, it seems like Microsoft is course correcting before a next-gen console is announced. And this showcase was another step in the right direction.
More than 25 trailers were shown in Sunday's showcase. While there were updates for several live service games, such as Fallout 76 and Sea of Thieves (a tactic that Sony avoided with its State of Play), Microsoft showed off a number of major titles. Some were exclusive, such as Gear of War: E-Day, but others were revealed for the first time at the show and will be available on day one for Game Pass, including Persona 6.
Microsoft didn't have a reveal on the scale of Sony's God of War: Laufey, but it's clear the company is leaning into its strengths: big titles that'll also be available on Xbox Game Pass at launch. Will that help Microsoft move more consoles or attract more Xbox Game Pass subscribers? It's hard to say, but at least the company doesn't appear to be fading anytime soon.