Xbox Addict

A Summation of All of Microsoft’s Xbox News from Their E3 Briefing

The fine folks at Xbox Canada provided us with a nice neat list of everything Xbox related that was announced at their briefing.  If you want to rewatch the full briefing again, or see if for the first time after the fact, the video below is the full briefing from the past Sunday (June 9th).

With that being said, here is a SUMMARY of what was announced:

As a numerical summary, Xbox showcased a lineup of 60 games for both console and PC in its Xbox E3 Briefing. Along with that they managed to share a glimpse of the future with Project Scarlett, which launches alongside “Halo Infinite” in 2020. Headlined by the biggest game of 2019, “Gears 5,” along with 34 games premiering in Xbox Game Pass, the Xbox E3 Briefing delivered 11 world premieres and a record 14 games from Xbox Game Studios, which will soon include legendary game development studio Double Fine Productions.

Here are some of the announcements that might just interest you here at Xbox Addict:

• Xbox also announced the launch of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a new plan combining the curated games library for console and PC with Xbox Live Gold.

• In addition, Xbox announced a variety of new blockbuster games that are available with Xbox Game Pass for Console starting this past Sunday, including “Metro Exodus,” “Hollow Knight: Voidheart Edition,” “Borderlands: The Handsome Collection” and “Batman: Arkham Knight.”

• The Xbox E3 Briefing also showcased new Xbox Game Studios titles that will premiere in Xbox Game Pass, including “Gears 5,” “Battletoads,” “Bleeding Edge,” “The Outer Worlds,” “Ori and the Will of the Wisps,” and 25 games from the ID@Xbox program.

• In a surprise announcement Xbox announced the intent to acquire legendary game development studio Double Fine Productions, which will bring the total number of development studios under Xbox Game Studios to 15. Led by industry veteran Tim Schafer, the addition of this boundlessly creative studio will reinforce the Xbox team’s commitment to developing original content with memorable characters and unexpected stories. Double Fine showcased the long-awaited “Psychonauts 2” stage:

• Of course everyone wanted to hear some details about Project Scarlett, what is slated to be the next Xbox. Project Scarlett has the folks at Xbox claiming that it will set a new bar for console power, speed, and performance, arriving Holiday 2020 alongside “Halo Infinite.” With a custom-designed AMD processor, high bandwidth GDDR6 memory, and a next-generation solid state drive (SSD), Project Scarlett will give developers the power they need to bring their creative visions to life. Thousands of games across four console generations will look and play best on Project Scarlett. 

• Xbox announced the ability to stream games from your Xbox One console, starting in preview this October. With console streaming, gamers will have access to their Xbox One game library and Xbox Game Pass titles on the go, streamed directly from an Xbox One console to a mobile device.

• “Project xCloud,” was also discussed, the upcoing feature to play Xbox One games without a console.  E3 Attendee will be the first in the world to play Xbox One games like “Halo 5: Guardians” and “Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” streaming on smartphones and tablets. With Project xCloud, Xbox is investing to ensure players have the choice and freedom to play the games they want, with the friends they want, how and where they want.

• In another surprise announcement, Xbox unveiled the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. Inspired by fan feedback, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2 is said to be the world’s most advanced controller, designed with the most passionate gamers in mind.

• The Elite Series 2 is the second iteration of the fan-favorite Xbox Elite Wireless Controller and is re-engineered for ultimate performance, customization, and durability, and includes 30 new and improved features such as adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wraparound rubberized grip, shorter hair-trigger locks, and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life.

Of course E3 has always been about games, and low and behold Microsoft may have announced a few. Ok, Ok, we know we noted how many they announced way at the top of all this summary.  But here is a more direct summary of the Xbox games announced (Oh, remember that all forthcoming titles from Xbox Game Studios will premiere in Xbox Game Pass)

• “BattleToads" - Rare and Dlala Studios are bringing the beloved brawler to Xbox with a unique animation style, wild side-scrolling action and team-focused gameplay that’s perfect for couch co-op. Players take control of Rash, Zitz and Pimple as they smash, stomp and slam their way through hordes of enemies and unleash choreographed chaos to defeat their greatest enemy yet. 

• “Blair Witch" - From the creative minds behind the critically acclaimed Layers of Fear, experience firsthand the toll that fear can take on the mind in an original story based on the legend of Blair Witch. The upcoming title is a first-person psychological horror game that studies your reactions to danger and stress. Your darkest fears will awaken on Aug. 30, 2019.

• “Bleeding Edge: - As an all-new game from Ninja Theory, “Bleeding Edge” offers a one-of-a-kind experience that fuses third-person action combat with competitive online team gaming. The 4x4 team-fighter game provides a fast-paced yet strategic combat system that rewards technique, timing and teamwork in vibrant cyberpunk arenas. In “Bleeding Edge,” each fighter can be modded to suit individual playstyles and exploit team synergies. 

• “Borderlands 2: Commander Lilith & The FIght for Sanctuary - Return to the award-winning shooter-looter “Borderlands 2” for an all-new campaign DLC that sets the stage for the upcoming “Borderlands 3.” Battle new bosses, explore new areas, collect new loot, and join up with Lilith and the Crimson Raiders to take on a deranged villain hell-bent on ruling the planet. Instantly boost your level to jump right in or pursue a level cap increase to 80! Free to download until July 8 for all owners of “Borderlands: The Handsome Collection,” which is now available with Xbox Game Pass.

• “Borderlands 3" - The original shooter-looter returns, packing bazillions of guns and an all-new mayhem-fueled adventure! Blast through new worlds and enemies as one of four brand new Vault Hunters — the ultimate treasure-seeking badasses of the Borderlands, each with deep skill trees, abilities and customization. Play solo or join with friends to take on insane enemies, collect loads of loot, and save your home from the most ruthless cult leaders in the galaxy.

• “CrossfireX" - Crossfire, a free-to-play first-person shooter and one of the most-played PC games in the world with 650M players LTD, announced that it will come to console for the first time on Xbox One in 2020 as “CrossfireX,” with all-new content for console players. Developed by the team at Smilegate Entertainment in Seoul, South Korea, 

• “Cyberpunk 2077” - An open-world, action-adventure story set in Night City, a megalopolis obsessed with power, glamour and body modification. You play as V, a mercenary outlaw going after a one-of-a-kind implant that is the key to immortality. You can customize your character’s cyberware, skillset and playstyle, and explore a vast city where the choices you make shape the story and the world around you.

• “Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot” - Relive the story of Goku in upcoiming new game. Beyond the epic battles, experience life in the DRAGON BALL Z world as you fight, fish, eat and train with Goku. Explore the new areas and adventures as you advance through the story and form powerful bonds with other heroes from the DRAGON BALL Z universe.

• “Dying Light 2”- The last great human settlement exists within an unforgiving, zombie-infested world, plunged into the dark ages. During the day bandits, factions and starving survivors roam the streets scavenging for scraps — or someone to take them from. At night the infected roam free, evacuating their hideouts to prey on the living. Exceptional agility and brutal combat skills make you a powerful ally and a valuable commodity. You can achieve things no one else can. Enter places no one else dares. With your unique abilities you have the power to be an agent of change within this decaying metropolis.

• “Elden Ring” - Developed by FromSoftware Inc. , Elden Ring is a fantasy action-RPG adventure set within a world created by Hidetaka Miyazaki — creator of the influential “DARK SOULS” video game series; and George R.R. Martin — author of The New York Times best-selling fantasy series “A Song of Ice and Fire.” Danger and discovery lurk around every corner in FromSoftware’s largest game to-date.

• “Forza Horizon 4” LEGO Speed Champions Expansion -The newest expansion for t“Forza Horizon 4,” invites fans to experience the ultimate LEGO Speed Champions fantasy brought to life at the Horizon Festival. Explore a LEGO-themed world, discover LEGO Brick Challenges such as building a Master Builder’s house as your Brick Collection grows, and collect and race amazing new LEGO Speed Champions cars, including the McLaren Senna, Ferrari F40 Competizione and the 1967 Mini Cooper S Rally. This DLC is available June 13, 2019, as an Xbox Play Anywhere expansion and be available at a 10% discount for Xbox Game Pass members.

• “Gears 5” - “Gears 5” features five thrilling modes, including Escape, an aggressive, high-stakes, three-player co-op mode featuring a suicide squad that must work together to take out enemy hives from within. “Gears 5” will be released on Sept. 10, 2019, and will be available in early access for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Plan members and “Gears 5 Ultimate Edition” owners on Sept. 6. 

• “Halo Infinite - The Master Chief returns in 2020 when “Halo Infinite” releases globally with Project Scarlett. This next chapter in 343 Industries’ legendary Halo franchise invites players to join the venerable Master Chief on an all-new adventure as he uncovers the mysteries surrounding the appearance of “The Pilot” and the desolate remains of a Halo ring. “Halo Infinite” is powered by the studio’s next-generation Slipspace Engine.

• “LEGO Star Wars: The Skywalker Saga” - Play through all nine Star Wars™ saga films in a brand-new LEGOvideo game unlike any other. Players will experience fun-filled adventures, whimsical humor, and the freedom to fully immerse themselves in the LEGO Star Wars universe like never before. With hundreds of characters and vehicles from across the galaxy, players can dive into their favorite Star Wars moments in an all new way, complete with the hilarious LEGO brand of fun that’s sure to delight players of all ages.

• “Microsoft Flight Simulator” - The next generation Microsoft’s longest-running franchise, “Microsoft Flight Simulator,” is coming to Windows 10 with Xbox Game Pass in 2020, and coming to Xbox One at a later date. “Microsoft Flight Simulator” is specifically designed to celebrate flight simulation fans through a focus on the authenticity of flying and visually stunning environments. By revamping our tech, working in close collaboration with the community and pursuing the best partnerships across the industry, we intend to deliver the best-in-class flight simulation experience.

• “Minecraft Dungeons” - An all-new action-adventure game set in the Minecraft universe coming to Xbox One and other gaming platforms. It plays in the classic dungeon crawler style, “Minecraft Dungeons” takes players on an epic quest full of new characters and environments to discover with single player or in co-op multiplayer for up to four players — including couch co-op on Xbox One. “Minecraft Dungeons” will also be available with Xbox Game Pass the same day of its global release in spring 2020.

• “Ori and The Will of the Wisps” - “Ori and the Will of the Wisps” is the sequel to “Ori and the Blind Forest,” the  action platformer with more than 50 awards and nominations, and will be released Feb. 11, 2020. Brought to you by Xbox Game Studios and Moon Studios, the game will be available to buy on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Steam, and premiere in Xbox Game Pass for PC and Console. 

• “Phantasy Star Online 2” - Japan’s greatest F2P online RPG comes to North America for the first time for Xbox One. “Phantasy Star Online 2” strives for bringing a “never-ending quest.” Randomized fields, Interrupt Events, and Multiparty Areas where up to 12 players can play together, never make your quest stale and keep it always fresh and surprising. While keeping the easy character control system of the series, more stylish and customizable combat actions are enabled for ideal heroes of players that are given life for the quest through the revolutionized character creation system that brings ultimate designability.

• “RPG Time: The Legent of Wright” - Meet in an empty classroom for a grand adventure with a young aspiring game developer and his very own RPG. You’re sure to be dazzled by his hand-drawn creations as you journey into the surprising and magical world of imagination! Forget about homework! THat is the way the game is described.

• “Sea of Thieves” - “Sea of Thieves” continues to grow and evolve with the on-demand competition of The Arena and story-driven quests of Tall Tales, all included as a part of the free Anniversary Update, the game’s biggest content update to date. As we teased at E3, players on Xbox One, Windows 10 PC and Xbox Game Pass can expect more ways to play and new shared world storytelling coming to the game in the future.

• “Spiritfarer” - Creators of hand-drawn indie experiences Thunder Lotus return with their unique third production: “Spiritfarer,” a cozy management game about dying. You play Stella, ferrymaster to the deceased. Build a boat to explore the world, care for your spirit friends, and finally release them into the afterlife. Farm, mine, fish, harvest, cook and craft your way across mystical seas, as you learn how to say goodbye to your cherished friends.

• “Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order” - Order 66 has been executed. As a young Padawan on the run, you’ve long kept your abilities hidden to stay alive. Now, you must embrace them. In a brand-new gameplay trailer debuted at the Xbox E3 briefing, see how you will use the Force to explore your environment, master lightsaber combat, and remain one step ahead of the Empire.

• “State of Decay 2: Heartland” - “State of Decay 2: Heartland” features a return to Trumbull Valley in a new story-based adventure. Once the iconic site of the original “State of Decay” game, the towns of Spencer’s Mill and Marshall are now overrun with an advanced form of blood plague: a more aggressive and far deadlier version than exists anywhere else. Though it may be familiar territory to those who homesteaded here years ago, Trumbull Valley is packed with new dangers — and unspeakable horrors. Heartland launches for all “State of Decay 2” players on June 9, 2019, for $9.99 on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC, and is included with Xbox Game Pass.

• “Tales of Arise” - The Tales of series returns with “Tales of Arise,” a story driven RPG following the journey of two people, born on opposing sister planets, each looking to change their fate and create a new future. Featuring a new cast of characters, intense action based combat and classic Tales of gameplay mechanics, experience a tale of duality, justice and the fight for freedom.

• “The Outer Worlds” - Lost in transit while on a colonist ship bound for the furthest edge of the galaxy, you awake decades later than you expected only to find yourself in the midst of a deep conspiracy threatening to destroy the Halcyon colony. As you explore the furthest reaches of space and encounter a host of factions all vying for power, who you decide to become will determine the fate of everyone in Halcyon. In the corporate equation for the colony, you are the unplanned variable.

• “Twelve Minutes” - A romantic evening takes a wrong turn when a police detective breaks into your home, accuses your wife of murder, and knocks you unconscious. In a heartbeat, you are immediately returned to the start of the evening, before it all happens again and again. A real-time, interactive thriller, where you will need to use the knowledge of what’s about to happen, to change the outcome and break the twelve-minutes loop.

• “Wasteland 3” - “Wasteland 3” is a post-apocalyptic RPG from inXile entertainment, set in the perpetual nuclear winter of the Colorado Nation. Players will face challenging tactical combat, explore an interactive world, and engage in a deep story full of brutal ethical decisions. Create and customize a squad in single player or co-op, and whether you go in guns blazing or try to smooth over a situation through peaceful negotiation, your choices will mean life or death for those trying to survive in this harsh and unforgiving world.

• “Way to the Woods” - A Deer and Fawn must embark on a journey through an abandoned world of the unknown to get home. A third person adventure game solo developed by Anthony Tan, featuring music from Aivi&Surasshu, composers for the show Steven Universe. Unravel the mystery of Cat Town, evade a hounding pack of wolves, and find your light to explore a world filled with the relics of the old gods: humanity.

PHEW, that was a lot to summarize. But again, thank you to Xbox Canada for sending over a press release which allowed for this "Cole’s Note" version of the conference.  Anyhow, although the briefing was everything that some people said it would be, it was good to see so many games annuonced, shown, and of course, many of which will be playable at E3 on the show floor.