Table of Contents
Introduction: More Than Just News
The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase is always a massive event, but for us in the #speedrun community, it's a treasure trove of potential. We're not just looking at release dates; we're analyzing mechanics, level design, and any hint of exploitability that could lead to a new #world record.
In my experience, these showcases often reveal games that, with a bit of community effort, can become speedrunning titans. Let's break down what was revealed and what it means for our quest for the fastest times.
Key Announcements & Speedrun Potential
The showcase was packed, but certain titles immediately caught my eye. The emphasis on first-party titles and upcoming Game Pass additions signals a strong future for Xbox gaming, and by extension, its speedrunning scene.
We saw major updates on established franchises and exciting new IPs. My focus, as always, is on the games that promise deep mechanics and potential for emergent strategies. The goal is simple: find the fastest way from start to finish, often in ways the developers never intended.
Starfield: A New Frontier for Speed
Bethesda's ambitious new RPG, Starfield, was a major highlight. While details are still emerging, the sheer scale of this space exploration game is mind-boggling. For speedrunners, this means exploring numerous possibilities:
- Exploitable Mechanics: Will there be physics glitches, AI pathing issues, or quest skips?
- Fast Travel Systems: How efficient is the fast travel? Can it be manipulated?
- NG+ Potential: Many Bethesda games benefit from New Game Plus for WR attempts.
I'm particularly interested in how the procedural generation aspects might interact with speedrun strategies. Consistency could be a challenge, but the potential for unique runs is immense. We'll be watching closely for early POG moments from the community.
The scale of Starfield presents a monumental challenge and opportunity for speedrunning. Discovering the optimal path through a universe this vast will be a community-driven effort.
Redfall: Vampire Slaying at Warp Speed
Arkane Austin's Redfall, a co-op vampire shooter, looks stylish and intriguing. From a speedrunning perspective, the key questions are:
- AI Behavior: Can enemy AI be manipulated or bypassed easily?
- Traversal Abilities: How fast can players move through the environment? Are there any movement exploits?
- Co-op Strats: If played in co-op, what are the most efficient team strategies?
Arkane games often have intricate level design that can hide shortcuts. I'm hoping for some clever #skips!
Hollow Knight: Silksong - The Elusive WR
The long-awaited Hollow Knight: Silksong finally had a gameplay trailer, and the hype is real! This is a game many have been waiting for, and the speedrunning community is practically vibrating with anticipation. Silksong, like its predecessor, is ripe for optimization:
- Boss Strategies: Faster ways to defeat bosses are always a priority.
- Movement Tech: Expect deep dives into the new movement abilities.
- Sequence Breaks: Identifying any way to tackle objectives out of intended order.
Securing the first #WR for Silksong will be an intense race. I have a good feeling about the potential for insane #PB improvements once the community gets their hands on it.
Hollow Knight's intricate world design is a speedrunner's dream. Silksong promises the same, if not more, depth for optimization.
Diablo IV: Hell's Fastest Descent
Blizzard's return to the dark world of Diablo IV looks promising. While ARPGs can be complex to speedrun due to RNG, there's always a demand:
- Itemization RNG: Strategies to mitigate bad luck or capitalize on good drops.
- Build Optimization: Finding the quickest clearing builds for campaign or specific objectives.
- Dungeon Skips: Are there ways to bypass certain dungeon segments?
The grind for a good character build could be a run in itself, but the endgame could offer fascinating speedrunning possibilities, especially if there are competitive modes or challenges announced later.
Other Noteworthy Mentions
Beyond the big hitters, several other titles deserve a mention for their speedrunning potential:
- Forza Motorsport: Racing games often have established speedrun categories focused on optimal lines and perfect execution.
- Grounded (Full Release): Surviving the backyard might have surprising routes and resource management challenges for speed.
- High on Life: A unique premise; I'm curious about the pacing and potential for comedic #glitches.
Each of these games, regardless of genre, holds the possibility for unexpected speedrunning discoveries. It’s this element of surprise that keeps the #speedrunning community so alive.
Impact on the Speedrun Community
Events like the Xbox & Bethesda Showcase are crucial for the health of the speedrun scene. They introduce fresh content, attract new players, and revitalize existing communities.
Discovery is Key: When a new game launches, the first few weeks are a gold rush for the fastest players. Finding glitches, understanding core mechanics, and developing initial strategies is a thrilling process. I remember the early days of discovering skips in games like #ocarina of time – pure magic!
Community Collaboration: The true power of speedrunning lies in collaboration. What one runner finds, they share, leading to faster times for everyone. Platforms like Speedrun.com are essential hubs for this, but Discord servers and live #streaming play a massive role too.
The cycle of discovery, optimization, and community sharing is what makes speedrunning so dynamic and exciting.
The games shown at this showcase will undoubtedly fuel discussions and practice sessions for months, if not years, to come. It's a fantastic time to be a #gamer and a speedrunner.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most anticipated game from the showcase for speedrunners?
While highly subjective, Hollow Knight: Silksong and Starfield are generating immense buzz. Silksong for its potential for intricate movement tech and Starfield for its sheer scale and the possibilities it unlocks.
How can I get involved in speedrunning a new game?
Start by playing the game extensively. Watch existing runs (even for similar games), join the game's community Discord, and don't be afraid to experiment and share your findings. Patience and persistence are key!
Will these games be available on PC?
Yes, most of the major titles announced, including Starfield, Redfall, and Diablo IV, will be available on #pc, alongside Xbox consoles.
What does "POG" mean in speedrunning?
"POG" or "POG Moment" is internet slang, often used in gaming streams, to express excitement or impressiveness, typically referring to a skillful play or a significant breakthrough in a speedrun.
Are there any known glitches or skips for these games yet?
Since most of these games haven't been released or extensively played yet, there are no known glitches or skips. The discovery phase is what makes the launch of a new potential speedgame so exciting!
The Xbox & Bethesda Showcase 2022 delivered a feast of gaming news, but for us speedrunners, it's more than just a list of upcoming titles. It's a glimpse into the future of optimized gameplay, a call to arms for discovery, and a promise of countless hours spent perfecting every frame. Which game are you most excited to see tackled by the speedrunning community? Let us know in the comments below or join the discussion on our Discord server! Keep practicing, keep pushing, and may your splits be ever in your favor!