Microsoft made significant announcements during its Xbox Digital Broadcast at the Tokyo Game Show 2023, focusing primarily on Japan and Japan-inspired games. Xbox executives Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond emphasized the importance of the Japanese market, with Spencer acknowledging Japan’s contribution to innovative ways of play throughout the years. The broadcast revealed collaborations between renowned Japanese developers Hidetaka “Swery” Suehiro and Goichi “Suda51” Suda, as well as the announcement of an Xbox version of Octopath Traveler 2.
One of the main highlights was the introduction of Hotel Barcelona, a time looping horror-action game developed by Suehiro and Suda. The game is set to release on Xbox Series X and S in 2024. Additionally, an Xbox version of Square Enix’s RPG Octopath Traveler 2 was confirmed for an early 2024 release. The game is already available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Forza Motorsport, developed by Xbox Game Studios’ Turn 10, showcased its Hakone course and the 2020 Toyota GR Supra. The highly anticipated racing game is set to release on Xbox Series X and S, PC, and Game Pass on October 10. Players who purchase Forza will also receive a 2024 Chevrolet Corvette for use in the upcoming Forza Horizon 5.
Bethesda’s Fallout 76 announced an Atlantic City update, which will be split into two releases, with the first one coming out on December 5. The update features new locations, factions, missions, and rewards, including a casino. Steam players who already own the game can access Atlantic City on the Public Test Server starting from October 3.
Another significant announcement was the release of The Elder Scrolls Online in Japan. The fully localized Japanese version is set to launch on November 15, 2023, with the Necrom expansion coming to consoles in February.
Game Pass additions were also announced, including the Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney Trilogy, which will be available on Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass on September 26. Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy, featuring remasters of four, five, and six, is slated for an early 2024 release.
Other notable announcements include Altheia: The Wrath of Aferi, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes (which will be a Game Pass launch title on April 24, 2024), Capcom’s Exoprimal Season 2, Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name, Mineko Night Market, My Lovely Empress, Palworld, Party Animals’ Ori crossover, Persona 3 Reload, Persona 5 Tactica, updates to PUBG: Battlegrounds’ Erangel map, and Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty DLC.
Overall, the Xbox Digital Broadcast at the Tokyo Game Show 2023 brought exciting news and reveals for Japanese gamers and fans of Japan-inspired games. The announcements showcased Microsoft’s commitment to the Japanese market and their collaboration with legendary Japanese developers.