Xbox & Bethesda Showcase LIVE: Starfield, Forza, Halo, and all the latest Xbox

Banjo Kazooie to appear at Xbox & Bethesda Showcase, says report

Could we see Banjo Kazooie at the show? That’s on the cards according to game developer and YouTuber ModernVintageGaming (also known as MVG). Speaking on Nate The Hate’s podcast, MVG claimed in no uncertain terms that beloved platforming franchise Banjo Kazooie will be present at the show in some form. 

“Banjo will be at this show, and it will be announced. I have spoken to a lot of people, I’m not an insider, I’m a developer. But sometimes I hear things and I was at GDC earlier this year and there were some people talking about Banjo.” MVG continued, “something is happening with Banjo, what I can’t tell you is what that is.” 

Microsoft is clearly intent on bringing Banjo back in some way, otherwise, I don’t think they would have antagonized fans by including the bird and the bear in Smash Bros. Ultimate on the Nintendo Switch. Microsoft has not shied away from diving into their back catalog of IP, admitting that they want to do “something” with dormant fighting franchise Killer Instinct, while investing heavily in rebooting Age of Empires on the side too. 

I haven’t heard anything about this particular rumor on my end, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. I give this rumor 3 shrimps out of 5. ??? — Jez Corden

We’re now less than 24 hours out from the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, where Microsoft and its partners will spend an hour and a half discussing the future of Xbox. We’re seeing various developers within Xbox Game Studios alluding to appearances during the event, with speculation rife on social media and online forums.

However, Microsoft’s biggest announcements still remain under wraps, with no significant leaks circulating ahead of the show. While it might not stay that way, all eyes are shifting to the final broadcast. — Matt Brown

Gearing up for Xboxmas 

T’was the night before Xboxmas, and all through the house… nothing was stirring, not even an RGB mouse. 

It ’tis I, your affable Xbox editor over here at Windows Central, gearing up for a weekend of previews, news blowouts, and honest-to-goodness marketing. That’s right, it’s E3 season once again (don’t call it E3, though), headlined by the big Xbox and Bethesda Showcase. 

For once, I actually know zero about what will be at the show, as I emphasized in Xbox & Bethesda preview predictions earlier this week. I know a few things that definitely won’t be there though. You certainly shouldn’t expect Fable or Perfect Dark to appear, as both titles are still deep in development and this show is expected to generally feature titles launching within the next fiscal year (the next 12 months essentially). There also won’t be a so-called “Gears Collection” remastering the first few games, despite rumors to the contrary. I’ve been told by trusted sources that this project doesn’t actually exist right now — but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t in the future. 

Another interesting tidbit that emerged this week was the possibility of a Minecraft RTS or strategy game. I’ve since linked it to a dormant codename I had here called Badger, which is a companion to Blackbird Interactive’s codename Squirrel otherwise known as the doomed mobile project Minecraft Earth. It seems that Blackbird’s experience with Minecraft Earth may have made them the perfect candidate to build a Minecraft strategy game, that will no doubt have mobile leanings perhaps akin to Clash of Clans or so, if one is to speculate. Could we see it at the showcase, though? It’s possible, but I also think it’s more likely a project like this might debut at a Minecon Live event instead. 

In any case, it’s going to be a fun show, with a diverse range of games from studios both huge and small, with a heavy focus on Xbox Game Pass titles. Keep it locked to Windows Central as we continue to update our coverage across the coming days. — Jez Corden, Windows Central Senior Xbox Editor 

Forza Motorsport set to make a splash at Xbox & Bethesda event

It’s well-known that Turn10 Studios and Xbox Game Studios are working on a Forza Motorsport reboot, which aims to rebuild the legendary racing franchise from the ground up on a brand-new ForzaTech engine. Unfortunately, nearly two years after its initial teaser reveal, we still don’t know much about the enigmatic simulation racing game.

The road to the Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase has been rife with conjecture and speculation, and one of the more prevalent rumors was that Forza Motorsport would finally make an appearance, possibly with a release date announcement. Nothing has been confirmed, but not only do I think it’s probable that Turn10 Studios will take the stage during the event, I sincerely hope it does happen.

With Xbox committing to at least five new…