Microsoft has scheduled an Xbox Partner Preview showcase for this week, promising updates on several games alongside "new reveals." As a Partner Preview event, the focus will be on titles from third-party publishers, meaning news from Microsoft's first-party studios won't be featured. Highlights include updates on Stranger Than Heaven, a third-person action-adventure game from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio (creators of Yakuza/Like a Dragon), The Expanse: Osiris Reborn, a Mass Effect-inspired game by Owlcat Games (developers of Warhammer 40,000: Rogue Trader), and Stalker 2 from GSC Game World. The showcase is expected to run for approximately 30 minutes.
In its announcement, Microsoft hinted at "new reveals" beyond these updates, raising hopes for fresh game announcements. "As always, Xbox Partner Preview is totally focused on sharing exciting game news from our talented partners across the world," Microsoft stated, likely tempering expectations about hardware news. "During Xbox Partner Preview, you’ll get multiple world premieres, first looks at gameplay, and updates on other great titles coming to Xbox, including some that will be available with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate on day one."
The Xbox Partner Preview is set for 10am PT / 1pm ET / 5pm UK time this Thursday, March 26. This event follows closely after Microsoft's Game Developers Conference 2026 keynote, which unveiled new details on the next-gen Xbox, codenamed Project Helix. It also comes in the wake of Microsoft's decision to scale back its controversial 'This Is An Xbox' marketing campaign, with new gaming boss Asha Sharma already making her mark.
Xbox has been in the spotlight recently due to management changes, including Phil Spencer's retirement, Sarah Bond's resignation, and Asha Sharma's appointment as Microsoft's new gaming boss. Reports indicate that the 'This Is An Xbox' campaign, launched under Bond's oversight, was unpopular among Xbox staff, contributing to the reshuffle. It remains to be seen whether Spencer will appear in the Xbox Partner Preview or if Sharma will host the proceedings.
