IGN has kicked off its annual Fan Fest event with a thrilling new ID@Xbox Showcase, featuring a plethora of exciting announcements, including world premieres, Game Pass updates, release dates, and new gameplay footage from a wide range of talented indie developers working on Xbox titles.
The showcase highlighted the diversity and creativity of the indie gaming scene, with a mix of action-roguelikes, card games, cozy adventures, and innovative genres that defy categorization. This celebration of upcoming gaming experiences promises to deliver something for everyone, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the world of gaming.
For a comprehensive rundown of all the news and announcements from the showcase, keep reading.33 Immortals – Scheduled for Release on March 18
Initially unveiled at the 2023 Xbox Game Showcase, the long-awaited co-op action roguelike 33 Immortals is set to launch on March 18. This game challenges up to 33 players to battle against hordes of monsters and massive bosses, capturing the essence of MMO raids in a more accessible and engaging format. The release date trailer showcased the game’s dark cartoon-style visuals, frenetic gameplay, and support for large party sizes.
Balatro – Now Available on Game Pass
The award-winning roguelike poker game Balatro has surprised fans with a same-day release on Game Pass. In addition to this announcement, the game is also coming to Windows PC, and a new update, the fourth Friends of Jimbo collaboration, has been revealed, introducing themed cards based on popular franchises such as Fallout, Assassin’s Creed, and Civilization VII.
Blue Prince – Launching with Game Pass on April 10Blue Prince is an innovative game that seamlessly combines exploration, puzzle-solving, map-making, and card game mechanics, offering a truly unique experience. By solving mysteries and piecing together the rooms of Mount Holly manor, players will uncover the secrets of the game. Blue Prince is scheduled to launch on April 10 for Xbox Series X|S, Windows PC, and will be available on Game Pass from day one.Buckshot Roulette – Coming to Xbox and Game Pass
This haunting game, already popular on PC, takes the concept of Russian Roulette and adds a twist by incorporating a shotgun and additional rules, creating a grim tabletop strategy experience. The game’s announcement trailer revealed that Buckshot Roulette is coming to Xbox and Game Pass, promising a thrilling and unsettling experience for players.Descenders Next – Launching on April 9
As the sequel to the downhill biking Game Pass hit Descenders, Descenders Next expands its scope to include multiple ways to speed down mountains, promising to be the ultimate extreme sports game. With the introduction of snowboards and mountainboards, players will be able to tackle various biomes and experience the thrill of high-speed racing. The game is set to launch on April 9 with Game Pass.Echo Weaver – Coming to Xbox and Game Pass
This beautifully rendered “Metroidbrainia” game draws inspiration from classic adventure platformers and Outer Wilds to create a time-looping world where knowledge is the key to survival. The trailer offered clues about how players will piece together the story and shape of a collapsed utopia, escaping a temporal prison. Echo Weaver is coming to Xbox, with a release on Game Pass.Herdling – Coming to Xbox and Windows PC
Developer Okomotive, known for their work on Far: Lone Sails and Far: Changing Tides, is excited to announce their first fully 3D game, Herdling. A new trailer showcased the game’s mechanics, where players guide a herd of curious cattle across a ruined world, facing dangers along the way. The game is scheduled to launch on Xbox Series X|S and Windows PC this summer.Hotel Barcelona – Launching in 2025
The highly anticipated collaboration between legendary designers Suda51 and Swery is nearing completion. This 2.5D action-platformer pits players against horror-inspired enemies in the titular hotel, with a new trailer delving deeper into the Slasher Phantom game mechanic and showcasing the game’s arsenal of deadly weapons and abilities. Hotel Barcelona is scheduled to launch in 2025.Jump Ship – Coming to Xbox Game Preview
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