Microsoft will be the first major platform holder to deliver their press briefing for E3 2018. It’s not entirely clear what we can expect from Microsoft at this E3. The Xbox leadership has been vocal that this year will be a big year for the console and that over 15 world premieres will take place during the show.
Microsoft has moved away from their normal press conference venue and instead has taken up residence at the Microsoft Theater next to the Los Angeles Convention Center. A number of rumors had been heard ahead of the show. There have been rumblings that a new Forza Horizon game would be revealed, as well as new Halo and Gears of War titles possibly.
One thing is for sure, the Xbox fanbase is getting restless after watching Sony deliver one big exclusive after the next. We’ve done some speculation here as to what me might expect from Microsoft at E3 this year.
Check this page later for all the biggest news from Microsoft’s E3 Press Briefing.
Xbox E3 2018 Highlights
Halo Infinite – Reveal
Microsoft announces Halo Infinite through short video and reveals that it is being developed on a new engine called the SlipSpace Engine.
Ori and the Blind Forest 2
Gameplay trailer for sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest. Game will stay console exclusive for the Xbox One.
Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice – Reveal
From Software and Activision team-up for Sekiro “Shadows Die Twice.” The game is coming in 2019.
Fallout 76
Todd Howard takes the stage to talk about Fallout 76 and the reveal of Fallout 4 heading to Xbox Game Pass. More details regarding Fallout 76 reveal that the game is a prequel to all other Fallout games before it and in terms of scope it’s four times bigger than Fallout 4.
The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit – Reveal
Crackdown 3 – Check in
Metro Exodus
A new gameplay video was shown for Metro Exodus shown which revealed some new environments, setting, and story bits for the upcoming first person shooter.
Kingdom Hearts III
As expected a Kingdom Hearts III trailer was shown at Microsoft’s press conference. It was recently revealed that Kingdom Hearts III will arrive in January 2019 on the console.
Sea of Thieves Expansions
Microsoft had to take some time to let everyone know that there’s more to come for Sea of Thieves. The Forsaken Shores was revealed as a brand-new area in the world of Sea of Thieves.
Forza Horizon 4 – Reveal
The reveal of Forza Horizon 4 was not unexpected, but the reveal trailer for the game showcased some new features for the game which included what appeared to be dynamic weather in a brand new setting. Ralph Fulton of Playground games took the stage to give more details.
The game is set in Britain, features dynamic seasons and some new vehicles. A sixty FPS mode was revealed for the Xbox One X version of the game. Seasons, time of day, and weather are dynamic but synchronized so all players will experience them together.
Release date set to October 2nd, 2018 and will launch on Xbox Game Pass on day one.
Microsoft Announces New Studios/Acquisitions
The Initiative
Microsoft Santa Monica studio led by Darryl Gallagher.
Undead Labs
State of Decay developers now under Microsoft Studios umbrella.
Playground Games
Forza Horizon series, Phil Spencer says they are also working on an entirely new open world game.
Ninja Theory
Hellblade, Devil May Cry developers now a Microsoft Studio.
Compulsion Games
We Happy Few developers join Microsoft as the ready to launch.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds
Sanhok Map coming to PUBG on Xbox One this Summer. Limited Time Modes like War Mode will be coming to the Xbox version of the game. A new environment was also shortly teased that features snow and looks to be coming Winter 2018/19.
The Division 2
As had been outed ahead of the conference, Washington D.C. is the new setting in The Division 2.
Xbox Game Pass
Fast Start announced, a new way Game Pass subscribers will access games faster. Due to launch with select titles following the June update. Halo MCC will be heading to Xbox Game Pass later this year. Ashen, Warhammer Vermintide 2, Phoenix Point and others coming to the service as well.
Added to Xbox Game Pass today: The Division, The Elder Scrolls Online and Fallout 4 being added to the service.
Devil May Cry 5
The rumors regarding a new Devil May Cry were confirmed at Microsoft’s Press Conference. The game apparently features new characters, the main protagonist featuring a cybernetic arm. Developers from Capcom took the stage to reveal even more details about the game.
Cuphead: The Delicious Last Course
Cuphead downloadable content was revealed that will feature a new isle with returning playable characters and new ones. The DLC will feature new bosses and weapons for the content, as well as new charms. The content will arrive in 2019.
Jump Force
Mash-up of Bandai Namco characters in the Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece Series’ — Release Date 2019
Dying Light 2 – Reveal
Dying Light 2 revealed and it looks much different than its predecessor, both in the way it looks and some of the systems in the game. As revealed by Chris Avellone, the game changes depending on the decisions you make in game. Showcased was a mission that allowed you to make two decisions that had unique consequences. Avellone says each player’s game experience in Dying Light 2 can be completely different. The reveal was closed with a tease about the night gameplay mechanics.
Battletoads – Reveal
Release date set for 2019. Features three-person couch cooperative play. No gameplay shown.
Just Cause 4 – Reveal
Showing up on Steam a few days ago stole a little bit of excitement from the Microsoft Press Conference. While it’s not an exclusive, Just Cause 4 was announced with a full gameplay trailer at the show. Just Cause 4 release date was also revealed for December 4th, 2018.
Three New Gears of War Games
Gears Pop – Reveal
Gears Pop is a mobile game for iOS and Android.
Gears Tactics – Reveal
Top down tactics title. Turn-based strategy.
Gears of War 5 – Reveal
Biggest most beautiful game yet. It looks like their will be a brand-new protagonist in Kate Diaz. The trailer was comprised of old favorites like Marcus Phoenix and characters introduced in Gears of War 4.
Cyberpunk 2077
As was expected, CD Projekt RED’s upcoming Cyberpunk title was revealed on Microsoft’s Stage as the “one more thing” reveal at the end of the show. What was not revealed was a release date for the game, so it’s unclear when to expect the game.
