Contrary to popular belief, Xbox didn’t have such a bad year. True, Starfield failed to win any award at The Game Awards and its public perception is crashing and burning as we speak. And, while Redfall is lucky the likes of The Day Before as well as The Lord of the Rings: Gollum came out in the same year that it did, or else we’d be talking about it as one of the worst releases this year. Despite all of what we just said, 2023 still marked a significant turnaround for Xbox, especially after its comparatively uneventful 2022.
This change in the company’s fortunes can largely be attributed to the strategic acquisitions and releases by Xbox Game Studios, notably the integration of Bethesda. This year witnessed the release of several high-profile AAA games, enriching the Xbox Game Pass library and bringing excitement back to the Xbox community.
The year kicked off with the surprise release of Hi-Fi RUSH in January, which was well-received for its vibrant gameplay and unique aesthetics. This was followed by mixed reactions to Redfall, which, despite its high expectations, couldn’t quite live up to the hype. Despite this, it did not diminish the enthusiasm for upcoming titles.
Two of the most anticipated releases this year were Starfield and Forza Motorsport. Most kept a close eye on Starfield, given Bethesda’s reputation for delivering expansive and immersive RPGs. While some players found Starfield slightly underwhelming, citing its lack of innovation in certain areas, others appreciated its detailed environments and combat system. Forza Motorsport also received its fair share of attention, impressing with its visuals and gameplay, though some debated its graphics and simulation aspects.
Furthermore, Halo Infinite also had a noteworthy year, with significant updates and content additions that revitalized a dying game. These updates brought back players and demonstrated Xbox’s commitment to improving and expanding existing franchises. It might be a case of “too little, too late” but its current trajectory, if 343 can keep it up, could see it last for a couple more years, which is a long enough time for Xbox and 343 to figure out where to take one of the brand’s most iconic franchises next.
Minecraft Legends, another addition from Mojang, added variety to Xbox’s first-party lineup, even if it wasn’t as good as Mojang’s “other” Minecraft spin-off. In addition, Ghostwire: Tokyo’s arrival on Xbox Series S/X in April was another high point, adding diversity to the platform’s game offerings.
The acquisition of Activision Blizzard by Microsoft was another major development, signaling Xbox’s serious intent to expand its gaming universe and potentially bringing iconic franchises under its wing.
Despite the successes, there were areas where Xbox could improve. Redfall, for instance, was criticized for not meeting the quality standards set by previous Arkane Studios games. Fans compared it unfavorably to Prey, noting a significant difference in the level of detail and love put into the game. The game was perceived as lacking depth and engagement typical of Arkane’s titles, resembling more a mobile game than a leading Xbox exclusive of 2023.
Forza Motorsport, while praised for its gameplay improvements over previous installments, also faced criticism. Some players expected it to be a graphical showcase like Gran Turismo but felt that it fell short. There were comments about the reuse of car models and a desire for a more simulation-focused approach.
Halo Infinite, another flagship title, improved significantly throughout the year, though it faced initial challenges. Its late content updates, although robust, highlighted the need for a more proactive approach from 343 Industries. The game’s eventual recovery is a positive step, but also as a lesson in timely content delivery and game management.
Overall, Xbox’s performance in 2023 saw more highs than the green team has seen in years. Aside from the games, the Game Pass improved as well. The last we heard, it’s making Microsoft a ton of money (while also costing it nearly just as much). Finally, the Xbox Developer’s Direct provided a promising blueprint for future showcases, signaling a positive direction for Xbox’s communication with its audience.
While not every release met every fan’s expectations, the year demonstrated Xbox’s ability to deliver a diverse range of gaming experiences and its commitment to evolving its gaming ecosystem.
As the company moves forward, the lessons learned and successes of this year will likely inform its strategy, helping to shape a promising future for Xbox gamers.
