XBOX's Surprise Sequel Could Be A Recent Franchise, It's Claimed

With Gamescom 2026 looming around the corner, a sudden report has piqued the interest of Xbox owners and gamers alike. We know we’re in for a treat, with new game reveals and trailers, but XBOX allegedly has a trick hidden up its sleeve that could be “neat.”

Believe it or not, journalists can’t leak everything, and surprises do happen frequently!

XBOX is apparently plotting to drop a secret bomb on everyone during Gamescom 2026, and social media is like a who’s who of guesses right now.

Jez Corden first told his Patreon subscribers that XBOX has a surprise announcement ready to unveil at Gamescom 2026—presumably during Opening Night Live.

The game will be a shock sequel, and this got minds racing back through all XBOX franchises from down the years: Project Gotham Racing, Banjo-Kazooie, etc.

According to NateTheHate, it won’t be the latter: ‘Not Banjo. New game in a series.’

Not Banjo. New game in a series.

— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) August 17, 2026

But Nate added more details to the rumor, saying it’s ‘Not being developed by a MS-owned studio,’ and that it’s ‘A new entry to an existing IP.’

The details are unfortunately cryptic, with the only way we’re going to find out the game is by tuning into Gamescom 2026!

Nate did add that it’s piqued his interest.

Some of the best and most consistent guesses so far include Ori, Quantum Break, and Killer Instinct.

I’m just as intrigued as you are.

Something that has my interest & curiosity piqued.

— NateTheHate2 (@NateTheHate2) August 16, 2026

Get your guessing game on: Which franchise will it be? Let us know on the Insider Gaming Discord server.

---

For more, read ‘Deus Ex Creator Warren Spector is Retiring From Game Development,’ and don’t forget to sign up for our weekly newsletter