In truth, the Xbox E3 2019 conference was cram-packed full of content from start to finish. With a record-smashing, 14 games aired from Xbox Game Studios, and a dizzying total of 11 World Premieres overall, it’s safe to say that Xbox pulled out all the stops this year. But which reveals, above all others, stole the headlines?
Fans got treated to a stark glimpse at Xbox’s new next-gen project, codenamed “Scarlett,” alongside a tantalizing peek at Microsoft’s new streaming service, the “xCloud”. Add to that is a surprising cameo appearance on stage from fan-favorite Keanu Reeves, a new collaborative IP in “Elden Ring”. And, to cap it all off, ripe new entries for two of Xbox’s long-standing franchises in Gears of War and Halo. Then, doing the math, you have one heck of a show.
The Xbox E3 2019 briefing was the longest of all this year. We’ve broken down all those long, sumptuously spell-binding, content into bite-size chunks to help you better savor each mouthful. So then, without any further or do, let the gaming extravaganza commence!
Xbox E3 2019: Project Scarlett & Halo Infinite
Perhaps the grandest reveal to grace the stage was Project Scarlett, Microsoft’s upcoming console. Fans were bereft of an exact store date, but the system is likely to arrive in 2020, just in time for the holidays.
Armed with 8K capability, higher bandwidth courtesy of GDDR6 memory, and offering the latest in Zen 2 and Radeon RDNA technology, the follow up to the world’s most powerful console is packing some severe heat. Additionally, a custom-designed processor, along with an all-new, solid-state drive (SSD), is sure to give developers the tools they need to create even greater awesome games.
In more exciting news, Halo Infinite is set to launch with the console!
Xbox E3 2019: Microsoft Announces Cloud Service
Microsoft is following the industry trend, joining the likes of Google and Apple with an exclusive streaming service. From everything we’ve gleaned thus far, the signs are promising. Plus, players will have full access to their gaming library alongside any Xbox Game Pass titles. Furthermore, those games are transferable from the Xbox One directly to a handheld device.
With open-ended cross compatibility expected to roll out in October, the freedom to pick and choose between platforms is merely moments away, and we can’t wait!
Cyberpunk 2077 & Keanu Reeves
Unsurprisingly, the much-anticipated open-world game from CD Projekt Red, the makers of The Witcher 3, dazzled on the main stage, amassing lots of floor time at the Xbox E3 2019 Briefing. As a result, fans received a fresh perspective on the various gameplay systems and mechanics set to grace the game.
In truth, fans have been left relatively in the dark concerning the level of customization in Cyberpunk 2077, and thanks to this briefing, some of that vagueness has been eradicated. We now know that Cyberware and skill trees are highly ungradable. All the while, it appears as though an unprecedented spectrum of choice will lead to tons of mission variety and originality.
In the teaser, we catch up with V, a thuggish merc chasing a high-end implant that offers miraculous, life-giving properties. Of course, visually, it looks spellbinding, and the game’s scale and scope are off the charts – in fact, it’s unlike anything we’ve seen before!
CD Projekt Red has a game title that’s also featured elsewhere for its handheld port! Is this company going to be all over E3?
And, as if that wasn’t enough to set pulses soaring, Keanu, of all people, announced his inclusion in the game. Awesome! Thanks, Xbox E3 2019!
In fact, with some much love for Keanu Reeves to go around, we decided to have a whole article just about him! Find out what’s the deal with Keanu Reeves!
Gears of War 5
Next up at the Xbox E3 2019 briefing is the fifth installment in the ever-popular Gears of War franchise. In truth, there wasn’t a great deal to go on, as the teaser was mostly cinematic. However, the concept of an all-new three player coop-mode certainly set my tongue waggling, along with many others’.
More importantly, we have a solid release date. Gears of War 5 hits shelves on September 10, 2019. That said, the game will arrive in early access on September 6 for Ultimate subscribers.
Also, I’m excited about the thematic, terminator DLC character pack. From my perspective, it absolutely sounds like a ton of fun!
Elden Ring
Developed by Fromsoftware, Elden Rings is a brand-new IP from Hidetaka Miyazaki, in collaboration with the literary colossus, George R.R. Martin. Better still, the fantasy action RPG adventure shares similar traits and themes with Dark Souls, whereby players traverse a rich and fictitious land while tackling the various mysteries and monsters that lurk within. In truth, this title looks to be in keeping with tradition. And that can only be a good thing, right?
And why stop the momentum on fantasy? Square Enix has plenty for us to indulge in! How about a little trip down memory lane? Remember the blasting-great fun we had with Metroid Prime? Well, that’s not going to happen any time soon…! See what we figured out about Metroid Prime not being at E3 this year. Plus, Nintendo is letting us play some special games on the Switch!
So that’s our pick of the bunch folks. But we want to know. What was your take on the Xbox E3 2019 Briefing? Have your say in the chat section below. As always, your contributions matter to us. So please, get in touch today.
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