We did this last year, and it was pretty fun. You can take a look in the thread and assess how you did there. What are your predictions for Xbox 2021?:
As for my predictions:
January: A quiet month. The Anacrusis hits Early Access and is decently well-liked.
February: CrossfireX gets mixed reviews. Couple this with the likely acclaim for Horizon and the mid-sized raves for GT7 (which should be reviewed by end of month) will lead to annoying dooming on the forum. However, to assuage fears, Xbox nabs a bigger release for Day One GP. I’m thinking Dying Light 2.
March: Tunic releases to good reviews, Xbox hosts an ID@Xbox Twitch showcase, Forza Horizon 5’s first big expansion is announced and releases. Redfall debuts gameplay footage in a Halo-Campaign style reveal and is dated for July.
April: STALKER 2 releases to a generally positive reception, MLB The Show 22 launches into Game Pass, Inside Xbox returns after 2 years with an Obsidian focused installment. Grounded’s release date is set, Pentiment is announced and a quick 5 second hype glimpse at Avowed. As Dusk Falls re-revealed for a May release.
May: Ghostwire Tokyo is launched to decent reviews on PS5 and PC, As Dusk Falls receives good reviews.
June: E3 time. Bethesda forgoes their usual strategy of releasing a trailer a week early and instead releases an In to The Starfield blog in the first week. Geoff hosts his SGF Kickoff and Xbox brings nothing. No need. Xbox hosts 3 shows that are technically 2. The first is the Xbox and Bethesda showcases which will be less unified this year and more delineated due to the level of content, but will be the same show. I’m talking XGS opens the show, then a 10 minute break, then the theme of the stage at the MS theatre flips over to Bethesda. Like how Star Wars and Marvel host presentations at D23.
The Xbox show has looks at Avowed, Fable, Perfect Dark, Hellblade 2, Pentiment (dated for August) and Forza Motorsport (dated for September). Reveals for Belfry (December), Age of Mythology Remastered (October, PC only), Age 4 Console (in October), Coalition’s New IP, Cobalt and Midnight. Lots of third parties, Game Pass and Indies (but no Indy).
The Bethesda show kicks off with a reveal of ZOS’ new project. Then we get updates for Fallout 76 and ESO. Transition into Redfall which comes out in July. Starfield big blowout 30 minute presentation with Todd Howard. Reiterated for 11/11/22.
Extended showcase later in the week with demos and smaller reveals.
July: Redfall is released to good reviews, but significantly more positive fan reception. Console Warriors debate why Sony got the “Better game” but for those who love Arkane’s style, Redfall hits all the right notes. Proverbial Prey to Dishonored 2 situation all over again, where the more accessible game gets the better reviews, but the deeper mechanics win over the Imm sim fans. Quakecon is hosted with updates on Starfield and the reveal of Deathloop for Xbox. Final moment is the reveal of Quake 5. Female ranger, return to gothic setting, 2023 release, Id, MachineGames and Roundhouse collabing on it with Roundhouse leading the MP, MachineGames the campaign and Id the tech.
August: Gamescom ONL returns and Xbox brings Starfield and Forza. Pentiment launches to mass critical acclaim.
September: Inside Xbox for latter half of the year with updates on forthcoming games. Project Mara is a surprise October release. Forza Motorsport receives positive reception in line with the others and reinvigorates the franchise.
October: Busy month. Age 4 makes a respectable conversion to Console, but it’s not perfect due to limitations on controller. Scores in the high 70s. AoM fans love the remasters. Mara is a short budget experience with killer graphics that provides the perfect level of chills and important social commentary in time for Halloween.
November: Starfield launches to reviews in line with Fallout 4 (high 80s) but is received incredibly positive by fans. GOTY contender. Praised for the world and exploration and polish is higher than expected.
December: Belfry is launched to very positive reviews. Xbox has a decent year at the TGAs in terms of awards if not as big as this year. Avowed is shown at the TGAs, Dragon is revealed and in a shocking twist, ES6 is given a title and setting.
Sega acquired. Daytona remake with graphics to make your eyes bleed
