Microsoft is bringing Starfield and Forza to Gamescom but won't be available to play

An astronaut in a Starfield Unreal Engine 5 demo
(Image credit: Pasquale Scionti)

Players will get to experience Microsoft's biggest-ever booth at Gamescom this year as the publisher is gearing up to bring two big names, among others, to the convention. 

You'll be able to find both Starfield and Forza Motorsport on the show floor this year via "exclusive theatre presentations" - but, sadly, these two big-name releases won't be available to play. 

However, luckily, there will still be a ton of new games to enjoy, and with 25 playable games on Microsoft's bumper booth, you'll be spoilt for choice. There's Armored Core 6: Fires of Rubicon, Persona 5 Tactica, and Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty expansion

Players will also be able to experience Towerborne, Payday 3, and Stalker 2 for the first time. We got to sample Payday 3 in all its preview glory already, finding that this title is one hell of a good time, "it feels like you're pulling off actual robberies". While the closed beta begins this week for players on Xbox Series X|S and PC. 

When it comes to first-party Xbox games, players can expect to see Microsoft Flight Simulator and The Elder Scrolls Online in some capacity. Although nothing from the 2024 Xbox lineup will be appearing this time around. It's hardly surprising as we've already had not one but three showcases this year.  

These showcases gave us glimpses into a number of titles, but the stand out was the dedicated Starfield Direct which demoed a bunch of new features in the game. In this, we got to see 45 minutes of new features, including a preview of character creation and map size with some of the best rocks fans have ever seen

The other two showcases gave players a glimpse of several different titles that are set to come to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. Whether it's Persona 5 Tactica or Phasmophobia, players can expect a ton of games, new and old, in 2024 from Xbox.

Check out all the new Xbox Series X games coming out in 2023 and the best Xbox Game Pass games available to play right now.

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Elie Gould
Features Writer

Elie is a Features Writer for TechRadar Gaming, here to write about anything new or slightly weird. Before writing for TRG, Elie studied for a Masters at Cardiff University JOMEC in International Journalism and Documentaries – spending their free time filming short docs or editing the gaming section for their student publications. 

Elie’s first step into gaming was through Pokémon but they've taken the natural next step in the horror genre. Any and every game that would keep you up at night is on their list to play - despite the fact that one of Elie’s biggest fears is being chased. 

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