June is set to be a blockbuster month in gaming, as Microsoft confirmed a showcase to unveil the upcoming slate of titles.
Microsoft confirmed an Xbox Games Showcase on June 9 at 10 AM PT, followed by a separate direct for an unnamed franchise. The Verge reports that the showcase will feature a new Gears of War installment and other confirmed titles such as Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024, Avowed, and Indiana Jones and the Great Circle. Additionally, The Verge’s report suggests Starfield’s upcoming Shattered Space expansion might get a release date.
Besides an orange wolf logo, there isn’t much to go off for what the mystery show will be about. However, The Verge claims that it will be dedicated to Call of Duty. All rumors point to 2024’s Call of Duty being a new Black Ops series entry developed by Treyarch. The next CoD will reportedly be set in the Gulf War, “with a strong focus on the CIA,” according to Insider Gaming. This is Treyarch’s first mainline franchise entry since Black Ops Cold War in 2020. The Verge reported that Activision is aiming for a late October release date for the rumored Black Ops title.
On top of that, Insider Gaming reported that Verdansk could be a part of CoD 2024. “If Call of Duty continues its annual trend of a late October – early November release, it suggests that Verdansk is set to return in December 2024,” Insider Gaming said. Microsoft didn’t go into detail about how long the presentation will be, but if this is anything like previous Xbox Showcases, players should be in for a treat.
The annual summer of games showcases is starting to come into focus, as more publishers and companies announce their plans. Geoff Keighley is still set to host a Summer Game Fest this year, showcase and all, after the official death of E3. IGN is also hosting its own event that same weekend.
As for other platforms, Sony has yet to announce a summer showcase. Same goes for Nintendo, who has hosted a Partner Showcase and several Indie World Showcases this year.
