ID@Xbox Showcase August 2021: Game announcements, trailers, and everything you missed
A collection of unique experiences, all heading to Xbox
ID@Xbox is one of the best parts of Xbox at Microsoft, as it provides a stage and spotlight for smaller indie developers to show off their unique games and projects, like at the ID@Xbox Showcase in March, 2021. ID@Xbox came back for round two, and the second ID@Xbox Showcase just concluded with all-new game reveals, announcements, and updates for some of the most exciting indie games heading to Xbox platforms. How many of these indie games are destined to become some of the best Xbox games around?
The games featured during the ID@Xbox Showcase offer a vast variety of different gaming experiences, and can arrive on a number of platforms, including Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Xbox One, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Many of these indie gems are also arriving on Xbox Game Pass, making it easier than ever for players to jump in and play.
Without further ado, here is everything you need to know about the ID@Xbox Showcase event in Aug., 2021.
This article is being revised and updated as more details and trailers are released.
All your gaming needs, in one subscription.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. The second ID@Xbox Showcase event featured tons of awesome indie games, many of which are coming to Xbox Game Pass.
What are the major announcements from the ID@Xbox Showcase?
While no one should be expecting major "AAA" games like Halo Infinite or Forza Horizon 5 to make an appearance at an ID@Xbox Showcase event, there are still a handful of more significant announcements that dominated the overall event. Here are the major announcements from the ID@Xbox Showcase.
Xbox Game Pass announcements
While Xbox Game Pass was absolutely not the focus of todays ID@Xbox Showcase, there was still a handful of incredible looking indie games that are still slated for an Xbox Game Pass release. We counted at least six games shown off during the event that are coming to Xbox Game Pass, highlighting that Xbox Game Pass is the best place to find and play unique experiences. You can find all the Xbox Game Pass announcements below.
Stardew Valley Xbox Game Pass announcement
Stardew Valley is one of the most infamous indie games released in the last few years, as its addictive and relaxing gameplay has convinced thousands of players to devote countless hours. Now, Stardew Valley is heading to Xbox Game Pass. Expect Stardew Valley on Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC sometime in Fall 2021.
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Library of Ruina Xbox and Xbox Game Pass launch
Library of Ruina is another hit indie game, and now it's finally launching for Xbox consoles and PC through the Microsoft Store. Not only will players now be able to experience everything that this innovative game has to offer, but it seems Library of Ruina is also coming to Xbox Game Pass. Library of Ruina surprised launched today, and is now available.
Library of Ruina is a beloved indie game on PC, and now it's available for Xbox consoles as well. Library of Ruina's surprise launch on Xbox consoles today brings yet another amazing experience to players. Libary of Ruina is also available through Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Evil Genius 2: World Domination Xbox and Xbox Game Pass announcement
Evil Genius 2: World Domination just released to critical acclaim on PC, and now it's also making the jump to consoles later this year. Sometime in Winter 2021, players will be able to embrace their evil side on Xbox and PlayStation, but Xbox players will have the advantage when Evil Genius 2 launches into Xbox Game Pass day one.
What is every announcement from the ID@Xbox Showcase?
If you want the quick rundown of everything that was shown off during the ID@Xbox Showcase, without needing to sit through the entire event, this is the section for you. We've brought together every game that was revealed and every trailer. Here's every announcement from the ID@Xbox Showcase.
Lightyear Frontier reveal
The Wandering Village Xbox reveal
Lab Rat gameplay trailer — 2022
RPG Time: The Legend of Wright gameplay trailer — Winter 2021
OlliOlli World trailer — Winter 2021
Inked: A Tale of Love trailer — Aug. 27, 2021
Sam & Max Save the World Remastered launch trailer — Available now
Sam and Max return to Xbox to save the world once again, this time remastered in full 4K. Even better, Sam & Max Save the World is available right now.
Aeon Drive gameplay trailer — Fall 2021
The Big Con preorder trailer — Aug. 31, 2021
The Vale: Shadow of the Crown — Aug. 19, 2021
Aragami 2 Xbox Game Pass trailer — Sept. 17, 2021
Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous gameplay trailer — March 1, 2022
Watch the trailer on YouTube.
Pupparazzi Xbox Game Pass trailer
Evil Genius 2: World Domination Xbox Game Pass trailer — Winter 2021
Stardew Valley Xbox Game Pass announcement — Fall 2021
Library of Ruina Xbox Game Pass trailer — Available now
Library of Ruina is a beloved indie game on PC, and now it's available for Xbox consoles as well. Library of Ruina's surprise launch on Xbox consoles today brings yet another amazing experience to players. Libary of Ruina should also be available through Xbox Game Pass and Xbox Cloud Gaming.
Spacelines From the Far Out preorder trailer — Fall 2021
The Artful Escape gameplay trailer — Sept. 9, 2021
What is every Xbox Game Pass announcement from the ID@Xbox Showcase?
Xbox Game Pass is undeniably a major force in the video games industry nowadays, and enjoys a constant influx of new games to bolster its reputation as the premier games subscription service. Of course, the ID@Xbox Showcase featured several games that are slated to head to Xbox Game Pass in the future (or are already available!). Here's every Xbox Game Pass announcement from the ID@Xbox Showcase.
- Aragami 2 (Xbox Series X|S Optimized & Xbox One) — Sept. 17, 2021
- Evil Genius 2: World Domination (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) — Winter 2021
- Library of Ruina (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & Xbox Cloud Gaming) — Aug. 10, 2021
- Pupparazzi (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) — No release date
- Stardew Valley (Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, & PC) — Fall 2021
- The Artful Escape (Xbox Series X|S & Xbox One) — Sept. 9, 2021
All your gaming needs, in one subscription.
Is the Xbox Game Pass Ultimate the best value in all of gaming? It's possible. Ultimate bundles your Xbox Live Gold subscription, an Xbox Game Pass subscription for both Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Xbox Cloud Gaming for on-the-go. The second ID@Xbox Showcase event featured tons of awesome indie games, many of which are coming to Xbox Game Pass.
Zachary Boddy (They / Them) is a Staff Writer for Windows Central, primarily focused on covering the latest news in tech and gaming, the best Xbox and PC games, and the most interesting Windows and Xbox hardware. They have been gaming and writing for most of their life starting with the original Xbox, and started out as a freelancer for Windows Central and its sister sites in 2019. Now a full-fledged Staff Writer, Zachary has expanded from only writing about all things Minecraft to covering practically everything on which Windows Central is an expert, especially when it comes to Microsoft. You can find Zachary on Twitter @BoddyZachary.