Xbox’s June Event Goes Galactic With Outer Worlds 2 as the Star Attraction

It’s that time of year again when Xbox fans gather ‘round the livestream campfire for announcements, trailers, and the occasional surprise guest star (we’re looking at you, Phil Spencer in a leather jacket). Microsoft has officially confirmed the Xbox Games Showcase 2025 will air on Sunday, June 8, and yes — it’s got some serious sci-fi flavor this time around. The show kicks off at 6 pm UK / 1 pm Eastern / 10 am Pacific, followed directly by a dedicated The Outer Worlds 2 Direct, giving Obsidian’s follow-up to the cult-favorite space RPG a full-on solo spotlight.

This post-show tradition — where a single title gets the VIP treatment — has previously been reserved for heavyweights like Starfield and Call of Duty: Black Ops 6. So naturally, there’s a bit of eyebrow-raising over the choice of The Outer Worlds 2 as this year’s deep-dive darling. Not because it isn’t deserving, but let’s be honest: this is a game that literally poked fun at how early its own trailer was when it first dropped. Now, we’re apparently ready for a closer look at what’s next in this quirky space-opera universe. And we’re not mad about it.

The Outer Worlds 2 Gets the Star Treatment

Back in 2019, The Outer Worlds launched as a breath of fresh (albeit heavily irradiated) air. It was witty, colorful, and full of choices — basically Fallout in space with better jokes and fewer super mutants. It quickly became a cult hit, and Obsidian’s announcement of a sequel felt like a no-brainer.

But for the sequel to now take the flagship Direct spot in the Xbox showcase? That suggests Microsoft is banking on it being a major tentpole — or, maybe, it’s a very strategic call. After all, we’re heading into a post-Starfield era where the appetite for space RPGs is still strong, and Bethesda’s big bet didn’t fully land for everyone. The Outer Worlds 2 could very well be the next big cosmic redemption arc. Expect this deep dive to go beyond a flashy trailer — we’re probably getting gameplay, story beats, and a bit of that classic Obsidian sass. And fingers crossed for some quirky new companions (one that talks only in legalese, perhaps?).

Xbox Goes First — Again

With Microsoft being the first of the big three (Xbox, PlayStation, Nintendo) to officially plant its June flag, all eyes are now on what Sony and Nintendo will do. Let’s not forget: Summer Game Fest is set for Friday, June 6, just two days before the Xbox show. Geoff Keighley’s event usually pulls in heavy hitters and third-party publishers, but Microsoft’s early reveal might give them a narrative advantage — especially if they bring the thunder with unexpected announcements, shadow drops, or a surprise Fable tease (we can dream).

Meanwhile, Nintendo’s Switch 2 drops June 5, so don’t be shocked if a Nintendo Direct conveniently shows up just before or after Xbox’s show, trying to steal a little thunder with new Mario footage or a surprise Metroid Prime 4 release date. (Okay, that last bit might just be wishful thinking.)

The Quiet (But Loud) Absences

If you’re wondering, “Wait, what about Fable or Perfect Dark?” — well, you’re not alone. There’s been plenty of speculation that Fable might’ve been the original pick for the solo deep dive slot, before its delay to 2026 nudged Obsidian into the spotlight. And with Perfect Dark still somewhere in that murky “in development” haze, The Outer Worlds 2 becomes the safe, solid pick: it’s known, it’s in active development, and it’s got personality to spare.

Of course, don’t count out other appearances — Avowed, Hellblade II, and even the long-rumored Gears 6 could still pop up during the main showcase. Xbox likes to go big or go home, and if they’re kicking off the summer schedule, they’ll want to keep that hype rocket fueled.

What This Means for Xbox in 2025

This showcase sets the tone for what Xbox’s roadmap looks like as we push deeper into 2025. With new studios, Game Pass expansions, and a growing cloud ecosystem, Xbox is trying to position itself as the platform for diverse gaming — from gritty shooters to weird RPGs about space capitalism.

Choosing The Outer Worlds 2 as the centerpiece might seem unexpected to some, but it’s a signal: Xbox is doubling down on personality, variety, and humor in a landscape often crowded by gritty realism and cookie-cutter open worlds. So charge your DualSense — wait, wrong console. Dust off your Xbox controller, clear your Sunday schedule, and get ready for a week of gaming chaos. We’ll be watching, tweeting, overanalyzing, and probably yelling when someone utters the phrase, “One more thing…”