Five of the Best Xbox One Exclusive Games Releasing in 2015 and Beyond

The Xbox One’s 2014 software lineup was supported by a mix of titles. While it had a few standout full exclusives like D4: Dark Dreams Don’t Die and Sunset Overdrive, the console also relied on console exclusives such as Titanfall and cross-generation releases like Forza Horizon 2. Looking ahead, the future for games developed solely for Microsoft’s current-gen console appeared bright, with a number of significant projects slated for release in 2015 and beyond.

Notable Upcoming Titles

Before a list of the top five, a handful of other noteworthy Xbox One exclusives were on the horizon. A new installment in the Phantom Dust series was in development. The original game, released on the first Xbox, became a cult hit for its unique blend of card-based strategy and third-person action gameplay.

Another title was a new, tentatively titled Raiden game, which was expected to appeal to fans of hardcore shoot-em-up experiences. Also announced was Fable Legends, a spin-off of the well-known role-playing franchise. This entry shifted the series’ focus toward cooperative multiplayer, offering a different kind of experience for fans of the Fable universe.

The Top Five Most Anticipated Exclusives

From major franchise returns to brand new properties from acclaimed developers, the upcoming slate of exclusives held significant promise for the platform.

5. Gears of War 4

In 2014, Microsoft made the major move of purchasing the Gears of War franchise from its original creator, Epic Games. This investment secured one of the most influential properties from the Xbox 360 era, where the series’ cover-based, third-person shooting mechanics set a standard for the genre.

Development of the next chapter, which was being called Gears of War 4, was handed to Black Tusk Studios. At the time, very little had been revealed about the project, other than that it was still in the early stages of its development cycle. The immense potential of a new Gears of War on new hardware was clear, but the lack of concrete information placed it at the fifth spot on this list.

4. Crackdown 3

Crackdown 3 was officially announced at E3 2014 with a computer-generated trailer that hinted at the series’ return to chaotic, open-world action. The game was being developed by Cloudgine, a new studio that notably included Dave Jones, the creative director behind the original Crackdown.

The studio also specialized in cloud computing, a technology heavily promoted by Microsoft for the Xbox One. An early technical demonstration revealed how this technology would be applied, showcasing an engine capable of rendering massive buildings being completely destroyed in real-time. Based on these early details, Crackdown 3 seemed poised to recapture the destructive fun and freedom that made the first game a celebrated classic.

3. Quantum Break

Quantum Break was a new intellectual property from Remedy Entertainment, the acclaimed Finnish studio responsible for the first two Max Payne games and the cult-classic thriller Alan Wake. The project combined elements from the developer’s previous work, blending a third-person shooter with unique time-manipulation powers.

One of its most distinctive features was the integration of a live-action video series, creating an experience that bridged the gap between a game and a television show. Visually, the game was stunning, with its time-stopping effects being a particular highlight. Quantum Break was targeting a release in the second quarter of 2015.

2. Halo 5: Guardians

Developer 343 Industries had an uphill battle ahead of it. After Halo 4 disappointed some longtime fans and the launch of Halo: The Master Chief Collection was plagued with technical issues, the studio was hoping to make amends with its next major installment, Halo 5: Guardians.

The sequel was built using a new engine designed for the Xbox One, with a key technical goal of running at 60 frames per second. The story would feature a new playable character, Agent Locke, alongside the iconic Master Chief. The game’s multiplayer suite also saw significant changes, with the addition of increased player mobility and an aim-down-sights (ADS) system intended to freshen up the classic arena combat. Halo 5: Guardians was positioned to be the biggest and most important Xbox One exclusive release of 2015.

1. Scalebound

PlatinumGames, a developer widely regarded as one of the best in the industry for its stylish and deep action games, partnered with Microsoft for a completely new IP. Titled Scalebound, the game was revealed at E3 2014 with a trailer that showed a character fighting alongside and against gigantic beasts in a vibrant fantasy world.

While specific details about gameplay remained scarce, the project’s leadership inspired immense confidence. Hideki Kamiya, the celebrated creator behind genre-defining titles like Devil May Cry and Bayonetta, was serving as the game’s director. With such talent at the helm, gamers expected Scalebound to deliver another creative, polished, and excellent action experience exclusively for the Xbox One. The combination of a top-tier developer and an exciting new concept made it the most anticipated exclusive on the horizon.