Xbox Series X--Here's An Update On The July Games Event

Microsoft's next Xbox Series X event is poised to be the biggest and most exciting one yet. During the company's July Xbox 20/20 event, Microsoft will showcase a series of first-party Xbox Series X games, including Halo Infinite. The company may also use the show to reveal the long-rumored all-digital next-generation Xbox. A Microsoft executive has teased what to expect, and it sounds like fans are in for a big show. We haven't seen much gameplay from Xbox Series X yet, so this could be our chance. Fans won't want to miss this one. [Update: Microsoft has now confirmed the date of the event; the Xbox Series X Games Showcase will take place on July 23 at 9 AM PT. That date lines up with one that was previously rumored.]

Xbox marketing director Aaron Greenberg--who heads up planning for these events--said on Twitter that Microsoft conducted an internal review of the event just this week with Phil Spencer. The team at Microsoft is "working hard on it," but Greenberg said the company isn't ready just yet to announce more details, like a date or a rundown of what will be shown off during the program.

"Team working hard on it," Greenberg said to a fan on Twitter who asked for an update. "Good content review today in fact with the big boss. We will share more details when all is locked. Kindly ask for patience in the meantime."

Microsoft's first Xbox 20/20 show in May focused on third-party games, like Assassin's Creed Valhalla. The show failed to live up to the hype, and Greenberg acknowledged that Microsoft set the wrong expectations for the event. Fans will be understandably looking for a stronger event in July, and with Halo Infinite leading the way, it seems like Microsoft is poised to deliver the goods.

Halo Infinite is the first mainline entry in the series since 2015's Xbox One game Halo 5: Guardians. Microsoft created an entirely new engine, the Slipspace Engine, for Halo Infinite, and the company is promising to deliver an exciting new experience with the game.

Microsoft now operates 15 game studios, and all of them are working on titles for Xbox Series X. In addition to Halo Infinite from 343 Industries, we know Ninja Theory is making Senua's Saga: Hellblade 2 for Xbox Series X using Unreal Engine 5, while Sea of Thieves developer Rare is making a new game called Everwild. Additionally, Microsoft's new studio The Initiative has teased a new project coming from the writer of Red Dead Redemption. Some of the rumored games for Xbox Series X include Fable 4 and a new Forza title.

We'll report back with more details on the Xbox 20/20 event for July when they're announced.