Here’s a quick recap of Xbox and Bethesda Developer_Direct, including a surprise launch of HI-FI-RUSH

Xbox and Bethesda recently held their Developer_Direct showcasing upcoming PC and Xbox games along with a surprise or two. I’ll include all the official notes below, but thought I’d share some of my thoughts. The biggest surprise was the announcement of High fedelity by Tango Gameworks and its immediate release on Xbox Series X|S and PC via Xbox Game Pass (affiliate link). It seems that this game can be a lot of fun. It’s an action game that rewards you for sticking to the beat of the soundtrack. I also like comic style art. If you’re a Game Pass subscriber, it’s probably worth checking out. Other titles touched include Redfall, Go Motorsport, MinecraftAnd The Elder Scrolls Online: Negrom. If you were hoping for some Starfield info, you’ll have to wait while the team is putting together a standalone show for that game. What has been the biggest success for you in this Developer Direct?

MINECRAFT LEGENDS – LAUNCHING APRIL 18

Mojang Studios, in collaboration with Blackbird Interactive, has announced that the upcoming action strategy game Minecraft Legends will be released on Tuesday, April 18th. Within the story-driven campaign, players can explore a world filled with treasure and danger, reunite with familiar mobs, meet mysterious new characters, and strategize with allies in epic battles against piglets. Minecraft Legends will also introduce a PvP mode (a first for the Minecraft series) where two teams of up to four players each work together to gather resources, build a base, and besiege opposition forces.

Minecraft Legends will be released on Tuesday, April 18 on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 5|4, Steam and Nintendo Switch. For full details, visit Minecraft.net.

FORZA MOTORSPORT – LAUNCH 2023

Turn 10 Studios has shown how it’s making Forza Motorsport look, sound and feel real – through its cars, tracks and audio – all while delivering a generational leap in fidelity, immersion and realism. Forza Motorsport is the most technically advanced and authentic racing game the team has ever made; built to take full advantage of Xbox Series X|S consoles.

Forza Motorsport is coming to Xbox Series X | S and Windows PC this year and will be available as part of Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass, including Cloud Gaming (Beta). It will feature an amazing new online racing mode and a brand new single player career focused on building cars.

HI-FI RUSH – OUT NOW

Tango Gameworks surprised viewers with the announcement and release of a never-before-seen game: Hi-Fi Rush. Unlike anything previously released by Tango Gameworks, Hi-Fi Rush is an over-the-top single-player rhythm action game where the entire world moves to the beat.

Players take on the role of Chai, a free-spirited slacker with rock star ambitions whose music player is fused into his chest. Chai must defend himself through rhythmic combat with licensed tracks from iconic rock bands including Nine Inch Nails and The Black Keys, with help from a motley crew of allies.

Hi-Fi Rush is NOW available via Game Pass on Xbox Series X/S and PC.

THE ELDER SCROLLS ONLINE: NECROM – LAUNCHING JUNE

ZeniMax Online Studios has revealed the key details ESO players have been waiting for about this year’s massive Chapter update. The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom, releasing in June, will take players back to the alien lands of Morrowind, adventuring in its unexplored eastern regions. The chapter will also introduce the most requested feature by fans: a new playable class, the Arcanist. The Arcanist will bring new abilities and mechanics and will mark the third new class introduced since the game’s launch.

ZOS also announced, starting today and for a limited time, a free trial of ESO Plus, which will make all past chapters (excluding High Isle) and past DLC available to all players with the ESObase game, including those who play via Game Pass. You can find out much more about Necrom in the ESO Global Reveal Event, right after the Developer_Direct.

The Elder Scrolls Online: Necrom will launch on PC/Mac, as well as Xbox and PlayStation consoles this June.

REDFALL – LAUNCHING MAY 2nd

Arkane Austin has taken the mantle off Redfall, with expanded new gameplay showcasing the open world, evil vampires (including a sneak peak at the mighty vampire gods), player customization, psychic vampire nests, and much more.

And the best part: The story-driven first-person shooter Arkane arrives May 2, bringing single-player and multiplayer vampire hunting to the bloody streets of Redfall, Massachusetts. Arkane also announced the game’s fierce pre-order bonuses and the Bite Back Edition upgrade, which adds a Hero Pass for future additions to your kill list of vampires, outfits, weapons, and more.

Redfall will be available via Game Pass for Xbox Series X/S and PC.