Microsoft is holding an Xbox Video games Showcase in June, which can be its first huge on-line occasion that includes video games from its still-relatively-new crown jewel, Activision Blizzard. It is also teasing a follow-on presentation just like the Starfield Direct stream in 2023 however targeted on an all-new sport, and whereas it is protecting the title of that sport underneath wraps for now, we’re fairly certain we all know what it’s.
First issues first, the related particulars: The Xbox Video games Showcase will happen on June 9, starting at 10 am PT/1 pm ET/6 pm BST, and can be livestream on Twitch (and with ASL), YouTube, and Fb. After the occasion, there can be every week of “updates and deep-dives on a ton of video games” on the Xbox Wire web site and the Official Xbox Podcast.
“This can even be our first Showcase that includes video games from our portfolio of studios throughout Activision, Blizzard, Bethesda and Xbox Recreation Studios, along with titles from our third-party companions,” Microsoft stated.
As for the [Redacted] Direct that may comply with the Xbox Video games Showcase, Microsoft described it as “a particular deep-dive into the subsequent installment of a beloved franchise.” It additionally dropped this picture:
It did not take lengthy for sharp-eyed observers to notice that the thriller picture certain seems to be like a three-headed canine, essentially the most well-known of which might be Cerberus, who stands guard on the gates of the Underworld. Cerberus—with only one head, alas—additionally seems in Zombies maps in Name of Obligation: Black Ops 2 and Black Ops 4, and the Cerberus image from these video games bears greater than a passing resemblance to the teaser picture shared immediately.
Cerberus can also be the identify of a Hound variant—principally a robotic tank—that seems in Black Ops 3, and in line with an Insider Gaming report it is also the inner codename for the 2024 version of Name of Obligation.
However wait! There’s extra! Within the fairly dependable cadence of Name of Obligation releases, which sees lead growth rotated between Infinity Ward, Sledgehammer, and Treyarch, 2024 is Treyarch’s flip, so to talk—Treyarch being the studio that gave us the Black Ops portion of the Name of Obligation collection that, what a coincidence, options so prominently up above. Allow us to additionally recall that Treyarch had been in line to drop a brand new Name of Obligation sport in 2023, however that was finally delayed to 2024.
A rumor a couple of return of Black Ops, which was final seen in 2020’s Chilly Warfare, surfaced in late 2023: A Home windows Central report stated the brand new sport can be set within the 1990-91 Gulf Warfare, through which a coalition of US-led forces invaded Iraq and toppled the Saddam Hussein regime, which I suppose is now far sufficient prior to now that it is okay to make a big-budget videogame about it. Rumors are rumors, however this new tease actually does not appear out of line with that earlier report.
Since we’re piling on, I might say laying that brand overtop a US greenback invoice is actually in tune with a “CIA inflicting hassle within the Center East” videogame. And take a look at this purposely-shoddily-redacted textual content—attempt to inform me that does not say Black Ops underneath there.
You already know it does.
Even when the tease is not precisely refined, this being Microsoft’s first correct spin with Name of Obligation—to not point out every little thing else Activision and Blizzard have on the go—means this can be a really attention-grabbing showcase to look at. I would not be in any respect stunned if additional teases are dropped over the subsequent six weeks main as much as the showcase: We’ll hold you posted.