With Sony skipping this years E3, it is surely Microsoft’s time to shine. This is what we expect them to show us at their E3 2019 conference.
The Microsoft press conference at E3 2019 will undoubtedly be a chance for the gaming giant to shine. After playing second fiddle to Sony for the current console generation, they have the stage to themselves to do impress people with a solid offering of games, products, services, and hardware. It could also go in the opposite direction, with little to announce and no real reason to be there.
Let’s run through all the things we expect Microsoft to talk about if they plan on stealing the show.
What Should We Expect To See Microsoft Reveal At E3 2019?
The New Xbox?
This is the thing that everyone is curious about. Will Microsoft show anything about the new generation of Xbox hardware? I personally lean two ways on this. First, we have heard nothing at all about possible specs for the system. Sony recently dropped a lot of information about the new generation of PlayStation. Microsoft could be holding back because nothing is confirmed, or they could be holding back because they want to show something off at E3. While they could end up shocking the world, I am not sure it is going to happen. The recent release of the disc-less Xbox One implies they are trying to wring as much money as they can from the current gen and indicates they don’t see the current gen ending any time this year. I’d assume that we get little if any, details about the new hardware this year. Both Sony and Microsoft will arrive at E3 next year, and will both unveil their new system with planned released for late 2020.
XCloud
What Microsoft will be able to talk about is the plans for their cloud streaming service. Because this isn’t really tied to the specs of the upcoming console generation, it is something that they can give us details on. It also helps to continue to differentiate between what their focus moving forward will be, compared to Sony.
Halo Infinite
Halo Infinite will play a large part in their show, I would imagine. The game has all the potential to be a blockbuster. All we have seen of it so far is a pretty simple announcement trailer. Microsoft could really life a fire if we get to see some gameplay. I definitely expect to see some footage of the upcoming Halo PC releases. That is big news and ties into Microsoft recent assertions that the PC platform has become an important part of their business.
A New Forza
Forza is a big deal for lots of people, and I know several who used only to pick up an Xbox console to be able to buy it. I fully expect a new Forza to at least be teased at this years E3, if not revealed outright. It all depends on which generation console Microsoft expect the game to land on.
Gears of War 5
Gears of War 5 is pretty much guaranteed. Another of the standout series on the Xbox, we got to see an announcement trailer last year. This year, I expect gameplay and a release date for later in the year. Rumors circulated last year about a Gears of War Battle Royale. They proved groundless at the time, but I do expect to see Sony and Microsoft both chase some form of platform exclusive Battle Royale game. As such, if we saw a Gears of War BR announced at this years E3, I would be surprised, but not shocked.
All Those Freshly Purchased Studios
Microsoft has snapped up a lot of games studios in recent times. The Initiative, Undead Labs, Playground Games, Ninja Theory and Compulsion games all now reside under the Microsoft umbrella, so I expect to see some announcements on what they have been working on. Generally speaking, I wouldn’t expect Microsoft to buy a studio that didn’t have a game in production, so I expect to see a lot of games announced for Xbox and PC. Speaking of which, I really expect to see Microsoft double-down on the warm hug they have extended to PC gaming in recent years.
