Microsoft E3 2018 Supercut

Microsoft has been trying to close the gap over the last few years. The Xbox trails the PlayStation by 40million units (a number higher than the amount of Xbones sold) and their focus on platform agnostic gaming means they’ll never catch up. What, if anything, can Microsoft do to get regain market dominance?

Halo Infinite

Developer: Microsoft Studios

Release: ???

Platform: ???

Halo is a steady breadwinner for Microsoft and people’s attachment to a franchise can turn an ok game into a great game.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps

Developer: Moon Studios

Release: 2019

Platform: Windows, Xbox One

Ori is back with an all new set of abilities and some new friends. Freaking gorgeous and cute to boot.

Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice

Developer: FromSoftware

Release: Early 2019

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

I was very worried Shadows Die Twice would be a Bloodborne sequel, something that would be totally unnecessary. Thankfully it’s a Tenchu-esque action adventure game set in the Sengoku era. Keeeen.

Fallout 76

Developer: Bethesda Game Studios

Release: November 14

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

A mainline Fallout title set in West Virginia. Check out the Bethesda conference for a full rundown.

The Awesome Adventures of Captain Spirit

Developer: Dontnod Entertainment

Release: June 26

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

The creators of Life Is Strange stay true to form with a feelsy story of childhood adventures. No doubt everyone dies at the end.

Crackdown 3

Developer: Sumo Digital

Release: February 2019

Platform: Windows, Xbox One

We’ve been hearing about this game for 4 years. I’m sorry Terry, even you can’t get me excited for this one.

Nier: Automata

Developer: Platinum Games

Release: June 26

Platform: Coming to Xbox One

One of the best games of last year comes to Xbox, complete with DLC. If you love action games and you haven’t played it, you’re missing out big time!

Metro Exodus

Developer: 4A Games

Release: February 22

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Post-apocalypse and religious zealots, so hot right now and this has both!

Kingdom Hearts 3

Developer: Square Enix Business Division 3

Release: February 29

Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One

An almost certain blockbuster when it launches next year. Almost everyone has fond memories of the Kingdom Hearts series and Square Enix has 13 years of Disney movies to exploit! Compound all that with such vibrant graphics and you know this will be a winner.

Sea of Thieves: Cursed Sails and Forsaken Shores

Developer: Rare

Release: July and September

Platform: Windows, Xbox One

Content that really should have been in the game at launch, it’s free though so that’s a plus!

Battlefield V

Developer: EA DICE

Release: October 19

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

I’ve heard some people actually play the story mode of these games!

Forza Horizon 4

Developer: Playground Games

Release: October 2

Platform: Windows, Xbox One

Forza is the biggest name in racing, with trailers like this it’s not surprising why.

New Microsoft Developers

Microsoft announces that they’re doing what Sony did over 15 years ago and acquires the companies that make all their exclusives.

The Initiative (new studio headed by former Crystal Dynamics head of studio Darrell Gallagher)
Undead Labs – State of Decay
Playground Games – Forza Horizon
Ninja Theory – Hellblade, DmC
Compulsion Games – We Happy Few

We Happy Few

Developer: Compulsion Games

Release: August 10

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

“Drug use related to incentives” is listed as one reason this game was refused classification in Australia and won’t go to shelves (or digital storefronts). Guess I’ll have to go cold turkey…

Player Unknown: Battlegrounds

Developer: PUBG Corporation

Release: Q4

Platform: Windows, Xbox One

This time last year PUBG was on top of the world, they’re not doing quite so well now. That said, new content and customization can only help keep it relevant in the gaming zeitgeist.

Tales of Vesperia Definitive Edition

Developer: Namco Tales Studio

Release: Q4 2018

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch

Animu? In my Microsoft conference? Tales fans rejoice!

The Division 2

Developer: Massive Entertainment

Release: March 15

Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4, Xbox One

Despite a lackluster endgame, repetitive missions and mechanic, Division 1 did exceptionally well at the box office. Gamers may be more cautious this time round.