What to expect from this week’s Inside Xbox event, happening on May 7th

A few days ago we received word that Xbox would be holding a pretty substantial digital event with the intention to show us some Xbox Series X games. “The Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work on some big summer plans”, a Microsoft spokesperson said. And while we won’t get a good look at these exclusives until then, Thursday’s Inside Xbox Showcase will give us our first real look at next-gen gameplay.

One of the games confirmed to appear at the Inside Xbox event will be the recently-revealed Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, with Ubisoft stating that it will debut the first gameplay trailer for the game. Microsoft seems to have locked in promotional marketing for this game – hinted at when the Xbox Series X logo appeared at the end of last week’s cinematic reveal trailer. As for what else we be shown? It’s all a mystery for the time being, but don’t be too surprised to see appearances from other upcoming Ubisoft titles like Rainbow Six quarantine and Watch Dogs Legion.

So pumped to see our partners showing us a first look at Xbox Series X gameplay next week! Also know the Xbox Game Studios teams are hard at work on some big summer plans. More details soon! #GetHyped 🙌🏻🙅🏼‍♂️🔥 https://t.co/VXXsZnUYX5

— Aaron Greenberg 🙅🏼‍♂️❎ (@aarongreenberg) April 30, 2020

Other confirmed Xbox Series X games include Gods & Monsters, Halo Infinite, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Lord of the Rings: Gollum. Screenshots for the latter game popped up as recently as today on social media, so this might indicate that we’ll get a closer look during Inside Xbox on Thursday. You also can’t discount the possibility that Cyberpunk 2077 will be featured. After all, it’s only been a few weeks since we got the leak, then eventual reveal of the limited edition tie-in Xbox Series X console for that game.

Either way, props to Microsoft for introducing some excitement to what is admittedly a very weird time for the video game industry. Regardless of what games show up, Xbox Series X will be given the spotlight. And with reports indicating that Nintendo won’t be having any sort of Direct for May, this is likely the most we’ll hear about upcoming games for a while.

The Inside Xbox Showcase event will stream at 3.00pm GMT on Thursday