It's turning out to be a great E3 for Microsoft. While Sony completely ignores this year's event, the Microsoft Xbox E3 2019 conference has a chance to steal the entire show. And it looks like this may be the case, with rumors that E3 2019 would eventually be the year Microsoft unveiled the next Xbox console (or consoles plural, as the case may be).
Here's hoping Microsoft makes full use of the hardware this year, revealing the details of the next-gen Xbox and all the games we can expect to see on the next console. Despite this potential focus on hardware, we expect Microsoft to also offer exclusive software for this year's Xbox show.
We also look forward to learning more about Microsoft's accomplishments with its recently acquired studios, including the developer of Hellblade's: Ninja Theory's Sacrifice, and Fallout: New Vegas' Obsidian Entertainment.
So without further ado, we've compiled a list of everything we expect to see from Microsoft at this year's Xbox E3 2019 conference.
- Stay up to date with the latest news from E3 2019
Next generation Xbox console (or consoles)
Xbox One X (Image credit: TechRadar)
Could E3 2019 finally be the year Microsoft unveils the next generation of Xbox consoles? We thought that for a long time, a new Xbox seemed like a dream, but Microsoft has now confirmed that a new generation of Xbox was in development, and rumors suggest that there would be more than one. console.
The official story began last year when Xbox boss Phil Spencer told the thousands of attendees at E3 2018 that the console (or perhaps a series of consoles) was in development: "Our hardware team is deeply committed to With the development of the next generation of Xbox consoles, we will recommit to setting the benchmark for console gaming."
Since Spencer's announcement, details have been reported on the alleged system. First of all, we have a code name for the collection, Xbox Scarlett, and now we've heard rumors about the first games designed for the next generation of Xbox: The Elder Scrolls 6, Cyberpunk 2077 and Halo Infinite.
There has even been a leak of the so-called specs for two upcoming next-gen consoles (Anaconda and Lockhart). Furthermore, the same report states that these consoles will be announced at E3 2019, with an expected release date of 2020.
While we take these rumors with a pinch of salt, we're expecting Microsoft to introduce at least one next-gen Xbox console at E3 2019, and we can't wait.
XCloud project
Project xCloud (Image credit: Microsoft)
We'll likely talk more about the Microsoft Project xCloud streaming service. Project xCloud was announced by Microsoft at E3 2018, but we haven't heard much about the streaming service since then.
What we do know is that Project xCloud promises to let you play great games on the device of your choice whenever you want.
Project xCloud will leverage existing Microsoft data centers around the world, literally loading servers with components from multiple Xbox One consoles and using them to run games directly on the mobile device of your choice.
The end result will be that gamers will be able to play Halo, Forza, and other classic hitters from classic console and PC on their phone or tablet.
You'll be able to use an Xbox controller connected to your mobile phone via Bluetooth, or if you don't want to, Microsoft promises touch controls that work just fine.
E2019 3 would be the perfect time for Microsoft to reveal more details about Project xCloud, even as we can expect a release, especially since Google has announced Stadia and plans for Sony's cloud gaming.
Unannounced title by George RR Martin and FromSoftware
Darks Souls Remastered (Image credit: FromSoftware)
According to a report from Gematsu, FromSoftware is working on a new project in collaboration with George RR Martin, the author of the fantasy book series A Song of Ice and Fire, which is the basis for the popular Game of Thrones TV series.
The Gematsu source says that the Open World title (known as "GR") has been in development for three years and will be released by Bandai Namco. But when will this new title be officially revealed? According to Gematsu's source, the game will be officially announced at Microsoft's E3 2019 press conference.
According to an investigative report by Spawn Wave and Liam Robertson (via GamesRadar), George RR Martin and FromSoftware are working on an open-world RPG title (rumored to be "Great Rune") that will explore the mythology of the north and you will see the player on horseback.
Gematsu's report reflects these rumours, and furthermore, Martin confirmed in a blog post that he "inquired about a video game outside of Japan".
While we're not expecting the title to be a Microsoft exclusive (unless it's timed), we're hoping the rumors come true and we'll have an official announcement during the Xbox E3 2019 keynote.
halo infinity
Halo Infinite (Image credit: Microsoft)
Microsoft has finally announced the next entry in the Master Chief saga at E3 last year. Although we didn't get any detailed information on Halo Infinite (other than the trailer), it looks like it will be the sixth main entry in the Halo series. Well, we hope that's the case...
We're also hoping that Microsoft will provide us with all the interesting details from E3 2019, perhaps alongside the announcement of the next-gen on the Xbox? Halo Infinite should be a launch title for the next Xbox. We do not expect an exit at least next year.
Gears 5
Gears 5 (Image credit: Microsoft)
We've been waiting for Microsoft's E3 2018 conference on the Gears of War 5 announcement, and Microsoft hasn't disappointed. The company revealed that Gears 5 was under construction and had even dropped a sexy trailer.
Gears 5 sees the show having its first female character, Kait. Marcus Phoenix will still be around, but Kait will play the main role by entrusting her team with a personal mission that will continue after the end of Gears of War 4.
Even though we've compiled a lot of details about the game's history, we haven't talked much about when we can expect to get our hands on Gears 5, what the gameplay will look like, or what new features we can offer. waiting for us
Here's hoping these are all the details Microsoft will reveal during its E3 2019 keynote, including whether or not we'll see Gears 5 as the launch title on the next Xbox.
xbox VR
This is mostly optimistic thinking on our part, but Microsoft seems to be losing ground in the VR arena, instead putting much effort into the HoloLens 2 mixed reality headset.
The power of PlayStation VR continues to grow. Therefore, we hope that Microsoft will invest more in the development and advancement of virtual reality technology for the next generation of Xbox.
At E3 2018, we interviewed Xbox Corporate Vice President Mike Ybarra about upcoming Xbox VR projects.
"For us, we will continue to invest on the Windows side, where people are hiring," Ybarra told TechRadar. "Our MR devices work with Steam games now. I love what's going on there, and in life. There are still issues to be resolved in my opinion, but we're looking at that and listening to customers and customers." Fans, but our investment profile will remain under Windows for the time being."
Asked who Microsoft could talk to about bringing virtual reality to its consoles, Ybarra said he couldn't comment at the time, but he wasn't there. at no point was virtual reality totally banned on consoles.
Do we expect Microsoft to reveal other VR plans during this year's E3 keynote, perhaps coinciding with the announcement of the next Xbox?
new exclusivity
In addition to the games we already know, we expect new exclusives from Microsoft. This seems pretty likely, especially since the company has acquired studios, including Ninja Theory, Obsidian Entertainment, Playground Games, and Compulsion Games (to name a few).
We're hoping this will lead to some rare Xbox exclusives, especially since the Xbox One collection was pretty rare. Whether these titles are current-gen, next-gen, or next-gen will likely be customized based on whether or not the next Xbox is around.