Image: DeborahForsans (Wikipedia)

Author: VANAS Team

What is the Xbox Games Showcase?

Table of Contents

1. What is the Xbox Games Showcase?
2. What Games Were Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025?
3. How is Game Animation Evolving with Technology?
4. Why is Animation Important in Modern Video Games?
5. How Can You Start a Career in Game Animation?
6. Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xbox Games Showcase?

The Xbox Games Showcase is a major event where Microsoft and its partners show off brand-new video games, updates to fan favorites, and exciting trailers. In 2025, it was part of Summer Game Fest, held live at the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles. Gamers all over the world tuned in on June 8 to catch the big reveals.

This year’s showcase stood out not just for the number of games announced but for how far video game animation has come. The event featured more than 60 partners, including Capcom, Square Enix, PlayStation, Nintendo, and of course, Xbox. Whether you’re into action games, role-playing stories, or competitive titles, the showcase offered something for everyone.

Most importantly, the games this year highlighted how essential animation is in creating exciting, emotional, and immersive gaming experiences.

What Games Were Revealed at Summer Game Fest 2025?

Fans were hyped for the big reveals, and the event didn’t disappoint. One of the most talked-about announcements was “007: First Light” by IO Interactive. It’s a new James Bond game that tells an original story about how Bond earned his 00 agent status. This game uses next-gen animation to make spy action feel even more cinematic.

Here are some of the other exciting announcements:

• The Outer Worlds 2 – Obsidian Entertainment gave us a fresh look at this sci-fi RPG sequel. The game showed off rich worlds, quirky characters, and smooth animations that bring its story to life.
• Borderlands 4 – This wild action shooter returns with even more chaos. Releasing on September 23, it features upgraded visuals and special effects that rely heavily on high-quality animation.
• Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Remake – Set to launch in July, these remakes are packed with stunning graphics and smoother character animation. Skateboarding never looked so realistic.

Each game demo showed that animation isn’t just for looks—it plays a major role in making gameplay feel fluid and fun.

How is Game Animation Evolving with Technology?

Game animation has come a long way, especially with the help of powerful tools like Unreal Engine and artificial intelligence (AI). Developers today use motion capture, facial scanning, and procedural animation to make characters move and react like real people.

Take “Death Stranding 2” by Hideo Kojima, for example. This upcoming game pushes the limits of realism. It uses advanced animation techniques to create detailed character emotions and lifelike movements. The result? A story-driven experience that feels more like a movie than a game.

As technology evolves, so does the role of animators in the gaming industry. They’re no longer just drawing movement—they’re building emotional, cinematic experiences for players.

Why is Animation Important in Modern Video Games?

Animation is more than just how characters move. It’s how they express themselves. It’s how a fantasy world feels believable. Without animation, games would be lifeless.

Imagine playing a sports game where players slide around like robots. Or a story game where the characters talk without showing emotion. Sounds boring, right? That’s why animators are such an important part of any game development team.

As one game designer said, “Animation is how we make characters feel human. It’s what connects players to the story.”

From realistic facial expressions in RPGs to dynamic camera moves in action scenes, animation is everywhere. It builds tension, creates excitement, and makes gameplay memorable.

How Can You Start a Career in Game Animation?

If you love video games and storytelling, becoming a game animator might be your dream job. It’s a career that mixes art and technology—and it’s in demand.

The gaming industry is always on the lookout for creative people who understand animation principles, 3D modeling, motion capture, and visual storytelling.

VANAS Online Animation School offers programs that can help you build these skills. Their Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Game programs are designed for students who want to break into the industry. Whether you're a beginner or looking to improve, VANAS can help you take that first step.

To launch your career in game animation, visit https://www.vanas.ca.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Xbox Games Showcase?

• It’s an annual event where Xbox announces upcoming games and features from its developers and partners.

Why does animation matter in video games?

• Animation makes games feel alive. It adds emotion, movement, and personality to characters and environments.

Can high school students become game animators?

• Yes! With the right training and practice, students can start building their skills early and even apply to animation schools.

Where can I study animation for games?

• VANAS Online Animation School offers programs in Animation, Visual Effects, and Video Games that you can take from anywhere.

What tools do game animators use?

• Game animators often use software like Unreal Engine, Maya, Blender, and motion capture technology to create realistic animation.

How are AI and new tech changing animation?

• AI can help create faster and smarter animations. It also allows animators to build more natural character movements and reactions.

What kind of jobs can you get in animation?

• You can work as a character animator, cinematic animator, VFX artist, 3D modeler, or even a technical animator for games and films.