MICROSOFT E3 CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTSMicrosoft had an excellent E3 conference, which isn't hard to do when there is no one else around to have a conference. Nonetheless, Microsoft did a great job and catered to gaming fans with the reveal of a new console as well as Xbox Game Pass Ultimate.
Project Scarlet (The new console): Still no commercial name, but a more extensive look than what we've seen so far. It's coming in Holiday 2020, and it's meant to be Xbox's new flagship console. This isn't quite a full reveal, more like the next stage after last year's confirmation that these things were in fact coming. Like Sony, Microsoft is pursuing a slow-ramp up to the actual launch in 2020.
We heard times like 120 FPS, 8K and all those big numbers. Like Sony's new console, one of the major selling points will be an SSD meant to minimize or completely eliminate load times, and anyone that's installed an SSD on a current-generation console can attest to what a major improvement these things can make. The new console will come with full backwards compatibility, all the way back to the original Xbox.
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate combines the Xbox Game Pass for console and PC as well as Xbox Live Gold for only $14.99 a month, which is far cheaper than buying then all separately. Unlimited online gaming for relatively cheap.
Project xCloud is arguably the biggest project in the entire press conference, though we didn't hear too much about it. xCloud is Microsoft's game streaming platform, and it's going into beta now for the people at E3. This still seems like something they're setting the stage for and not being all that explicit about it, but it seems like this fall is when these platforms are going to rumble to life.
As well, a major staple in Microsoft's portfolio was also revealed,
Microsoft Flight Simulator is coming back in 2020 allows pilots and players to fly the world in their most detailed landscapes and planes ever. This is a huge hit with the simulation community. Since the release of the original MFS, it has been one of the best selling franchises for the Redmond based company.
Microsoft shared more about
Halo Infinite. It will be the next big game in the Halo franchise.
Age of Empires 2 Definitive Edition was unveiled and will be rendered in full 4K with modern updates and a new campaign.
Minecraft Dungeons has been revealed and appears to be a Minecraft based RPG or MMORPG with up to 4 player local players or online co-op. Looks promising.
Wasteland 3: Another entry into the resurrected Wasteland franchise, this is a post-apocalyptic isometric turn-based squad game with a sense of humor that's just one wacky notch about Fallout.
Microsoft Buys the Doublefine studio: This is a big get for Microsoft: Tim Schafer's Doublefine is a long-standing gaming standby with a long list of games both huge and weird. These days they're probably still best known for Psychonauts, and guess what? That means Psychonauts 2 is on its way as a Microsoft exclusive.
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2: The Xbox Elite Controller is the best in the business, and it's getting a redesign. The company advertizes increased customization, the ability to save three distinct profiles, bluetooth connectivity, adjustable thumbstick tension and more.
Author