The 2023 Xbox Games Showcase might’ve been one of Microsoft’s strongest shows since Phil Spencer became the Head of Xbox in 2014. It contained many first-party games from Xbox Game Studios like Fable, Avowed, Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II, Clockwork Revolution, Starfield, Forza Motorsport, and South of Midnight.

Now, with all the studios involved with Microsoft being over 20 with the acquisition of Bethesda, it should be expected to see a long list of new first-party games coming to the Xbox platform. During this showcase some of the more iconic IP of Xbox was not there and that’s Gears of War and Halo.

Many anticipated there being a tease for a Gears of War 6 from The Coalition, but that wish did not come true yet. In fact, there was a job posting in early March indicating that they’re working on the next Gears title. The wait for whatever the next Gears game will be could be longer because The Coalition are reportedly working on a brand new IP.

With Halo there always seems to be at least one side game that comes out in between the main series. A new Halo Wars some might’ve predicted or even a Halo 3 Anniversary which obviously came to be false. It seems 343 Industries focus right now is to make Halo Infinite the best it can be with content. Season 4 comes out on June 20 and comes with a new ranking system and Infection.

It’s understandable to see Halo be absent from the major showcase, but for Gears of War it seems the time for a new entry is near. Gears 5 came out September 6, 2019.