XBOX Game Studios dropped a huge bombshell about how long it takes to develop a big-budget game these days.
Previously, the average cycle for a triple-A game was around two or three years.
Here’s everything that was shown.
However, as technology improves, the scope of games increases, leaving the new normal at around five or six years.
Fans expect bigger and better games.
Compare how much Breath of the Wild did, to how much further Tears of the Kingdom had to push boundaries in order to see the same reaction.
The change in the length of development cycles was not something that companies were originally prepared for.
This includes Xbox, with many Microsoft exclusives missing console launch windows, and leaving years without big releases.
However, Xbox claims the investments it put in longer developments are going to pay off over the next few years.
GLHF attended the Xbox Games Showcase watch party in LA, and the mood was electric, with people screaming so hard your eardrums might burst.
This was not only because it’s American culture to do so, but because this was one of the best showcases Xbox has ever held.
The focus was firmly on the games, with all footage shown in-engine, featuring both cutscenes and gameplay.
Fable opened the show, and after a long silence we were pleased to see that it looks great and full of the British humour the series is known for.
Next we saw South of Midnight with a striking artstyle, and 33 Immortals, an MMO which allows up to 33-person multiplayer in raids.
There was Forza Motorsport and the BioShock-inspired Clockwork Revolution.
But most of all there was the hour-long deep dive into Starfield, which increased hype around its release higher than we’ve ever seen for a game.
The best impression that the Xbox showcase left us with, was just how many games will be arriving on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
The company’s commitment to giving people access to games when they release for a lower price is a big boon for all.
The next few years look good for Xbox, and there were many games we know are in development that we still haven’t seen.
With no news of a Nintendo Direct, it feels like Xbox has won the battle of the summer showcases, and we can’t wait to get our hands on its games.
Written by Georgina Young on behalf of GLHF.
