From Halo and Gears to Project Scarlet and Project xCloud, Microsoft’s show could have it all.
Update: The Microsoft Xbox conference at E3 2019 today starts in just a few hours. With the next-gen Xbox codenamed Scarlett being teased, we expect this Xbox conference to be a big one. Bonus: Tune in to IGN an hour before our pre-show to watch a recap of last year and our predictions piece. All times and places to watch the Microsoft Xbox press conference at E3 2019 can be found below.
All eyes will be on Microsoft at E3 2019, as the company finds itself in the unique position as the only platform holder with a stage show. With Nintendo sticking to its regular practice of airing a pre-recorded Direct and Sony skipping E3 entirely, the big question headed into this year’s show is, How will Microsoft choose to spend its time in the spotlight?
Following a somewhat infamous E3 2013 press conference, Microsoft has bounced back with a string of games-focused shows, culminating in perhaps its strongest showing of the generation at E3 2018. The Xbox team revealed long-awaited first-party games Halo Infinite and Gears 5, while also giving us our first look at third-party blockbusters, like Cyberpunk 2077.
But most notably, it proposed a solution to its exclusivity problem. Microsoft acquired four game studios and the formed another still. The company added two more notches to its belt in November, when it brought beloved RPG developers Obsidian and inXile under its Xbox Game Studios umbrella.
With that first-party foundation now in place, the ninth console generation looming, and the promise of even greater PC support, the stage is set for Microsoft to deliver on software and hardware alike.
Microsoft E3 Xbox Press Conference Details
Microsoft’s E3 press conference will be held on Sunday, June 9, at 1:00 PM PT / 4:00 PM ET / 9:00 PM BST / 6:00 AM AEST (6/10). For details on the other conferences, check out the official E3 2019 schedule.
How to Watch the Microsoft E3 Xbox Press Conference
IGN’s E3 coverage will be broadcast on both the homepage and IGN.com/E3. Additionally, you can watch all the E3 pre-shows and press conferences on the following apps and devices:
Microsoft Xbox Pre-E3 Announcements
Microsoft has had a busy pre-E3, likely signaling a packed press conference on June 9. The company’s E3-caliber announcements kicked off in March, when it confirmed Xbox Live would come to Switch, beginning with Studio MDHR’s beloved shoot ’em up, Cuphead.
On the hardware front, Microsoft just announced a new, deep purple variation of Xbox One S that will be part of a special edition Fortnite bundle. More notably, the Xbox One S All-Digital Edition was announced in April with a $250 USD price tag — $50 less than the standard Xbox One S. It comes bundled with a 1TB hard drive and digital download codes for Minecraft, Sea of Thieves, and Forza Horizon 3, and while it’s far from the cheapest SKU on the market, the Xbox E3 sale has it marked down an additional $50.
Team Xbox also pledged to continue building upon its PC gaming support, recently detailing several ways it will improve its presence on the platform. Among those plans are the introduction of Xbox Game Pass on PC, a commitment to releasing Microsoft games on Steam, and more flexible developer tools. More info on the company’s bolstered PC support will be revealed during its E3 press conference.
But perhaps the most notable announcement Microsoft made ahead of E3 2019 is its newly established partnership with Sony. According to a memorandum of understanding signed by the two companies, Microsoft and Sony will “explore joint development of future cloud solutions in Microsoft Azure to support their respective game and content-streaming services.” President and CEO of Sony’s PlayStation division Jim Ryan since said the signing of the MOU was, at least in part, a reaction to Google Stadia.
Microsoft Xbox E3 Predictions and First-Party Plans
Xbox boss Phil Spencer already confirmed some of Microsoft’s new studios will show what they’ve been working on, contributing to the record-high 14 first-party games Microsoft will show at E3 2019. Multiple reports claim Forza Horizon developer Playground Games is working on a new entry in the beloved Fable series. Will this year’s show provide the stage for its coming out party?
Microsoft’s established studios are sure to have a presence as well. 343 and The Coalition confirmed they’ll show Halo Infinite and Gears 5, respectively, while Minecraft could also make an appearance. We’re also hoping for an update on Ori and the Will of the Wisps, the gorgeous sequel to 2015’s Ori and the Blind Forest, which is due out sometime this year.
Microsoft will likely have plenty to show from third-party studios too, especially considering Sony’s absence. While most of that theoretical list remains a mystery, Microsoft’s E3 press conference will feature EA and Respawn Entertainment’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, according to Xbox on Twitter. We can also expect to hear about the next wave of Xbox Game Pass additions.
And while games may remain the focus, don’t expect Microsoft to ignore the next-gen elephant in the room. By announcing its all-digital Xbox One S ahead of the show, Microsoft has seemingly left the stage open to at least tease Project Scarlett, the purported codename for its next-gen hardware. Sony beat Microsoft to the punch in April, unceremoniously revealing technical details, backwards-compatible capabilities, and VR support for its next console. Will Microsoft respond at this year’s show?
Lastly, let’s not forget about the company’s game-streaming initiative, Project xCloud. With Google Stadia officially unveiled, perhaps Microsoft has been saving its rebuttal for the biggest stage in gaming. Regardless, we’re sure that all will be revealed when Phil Spencer takes the stage on Sunday, June 9.
For all the latest news out of the show, stay tuned to the IGN E3 2019 hub. You can also stay up to date on the full list of games confirmed for E3 so far.
Jordan is a freelance writer who is anxiously awaiting Microsoft’s E3 2019 show. Connect with him on Twitter @jdsirani.
