Microsoft's E3 event is its biggest opportunity to distinguish the Xbox One from the PlayStation 4 and help close the gap on Sony's sales lead. Still, with a newly-appointed CEO and Phil Spencer now heading the company's Xbox division, there's no telling what Microsoft has in store. However, you can watch the conference live to find out. Check out the streaming options below, along with a breakdown of some of the the upcoming and unannounced titles we expect to see more of on the show floor.
Note: We'll be routinely updating this page to reflect announcements and information.
How to stream Microsoft's E3 Press Conference
Time: Monday, 6-9-2014 at 9:30 to 11 a.m. PDT
Streaming sites: Like past years, Microsoft is making it easy to access live streams of their E3 press event (dubbed Xbox: Game On). As briefly detailed on Microsoft's website, wannabe spectators can watch event and pre-show coverage on Xbox.com, Xbox Live, and with the Windows Phones app. Spike TV is also slated to live stream the event in the United States a Canada, along with a few other gaming publications, with post-show coverage immediately airing afterward on Twitch.tv.
Xbox.comCNET
IGNSpike TV
GameSpotWindows App
What we hope to see
TV content and entertainment apps
Television was a huge component of Microsoft's E3 2013 presentation and the Xbox One's initial unveil. Although company seems to be shifting gears back to gaming for this year's showcase, that doesn't mean it will be hush hush on its forthcoming bevy of original programming. We already know a Steven Spielberg is working alongside 343 Industries to develop a live-action Halo series, likely in a similar format akin to the 2012 Halo Web series, Forward Unto Dawn. Microsoft Xbox Entertainment Studios also confirmed a documentary series and a reality show about street soccer, the latter of which is titled Every Street United and set to premiere on Sunday, June 15 on Xbox Video as part of Microsoft's build-up the World Cup.
Furthermore, Microsoft will probably spend some time regarding the various recently announced entertainment apps coming to the Xbox One and Xbox 360 (HBO Go, Comedy Central, SyFy Now, Vine, etc.).
Continued Indie support
Sony has been a strong proponent of independent games and developers for years, which isn't surprising since these indie developers are producing some of the most engaging, unique, and innovative content in the field right now. However, Microsoft has never been one to aggressively support the small studios, and being the case, the company continually receives flak. Expect Phil Spencer to talk about how Microsoft is encouraging indie development and the ID@Xbox initiative in some capacity or another. It may be laundry list of upcoming titles with accompanying trailers, or maybe just an overarching summary.
Fable Legends (TBA)
Lionhead Studios head John Needham has already said Fable Legends is going to be a huge force at E3 2014 during a recent press event, at least according to attendee CVG. A divergence from the traditional Fable makeup and set 400 years prior to the first title in the series, the game is essentially a dungeon crawler, one primarily rollicking in four-person co-op in Albion. Characters will acquire quests in a central hub with one player acting as a villain working directly against four other players from a top-down perspective, taking control of various creatures, minions, and environmental hazards in the process.
The series has always been synonymous with Microsoft since the first Fable in 2004, so it wouldn't be surprising for the company to showcase it. The game will supposedly have a 10-year lifespan given it's coupled with Microsoft's cloud features, with a beta set for later this year.
Sunset Overdrive (TBA 2014)
Set in 2027 in the fictional, open world of Sunset City, Microsoft first announced the Insomniac-developed Sunset Overdrive at E3 2013. As evident in the first official gameplay footage, it's a frantic and stylish third-person shooter in which you traverse a mutant-infested world in an effort to undermine the malevolent beverage manufacturer Fizzco. As we've seen thus far, the Xbox One exclusive encompasses a vivid and colorful world filled with customizable characters and weapons in the Ratchet and Clank vein, along with zip-lines and plenty of parkour-abetted questing.
Microsoft didn't have much to show last year aside from an announcement trailer, but given the title is poised to be one of the biggest third-party exclusives to debut later this year, Microsoft should have plenty to show off this time around.
Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Fall 2014)
Engadget has been fueling rumors for several weeks about an upcoming compilation package with HD remakes of the first four Halo games for the Xbox, beginning with 2001′s Halo: Combat Evolved on through Halo 4. Microsoft has yet to confirm such claims, but it appears the bundle will omit spinoffs like 2009′s Halo: ODST and 2010′s Halo: Reach. There's also no word regarding the framerate, resolution, or distribution method of the games, but we'd imagine the updates would be something along the lines of what Sabre Interactive managed to pull of with Halo: Combat Evolved Anniversary in 2011. The collection would provide the perfect opportunity for gamers to relive the Master Chief's story prior to the release of Halo 5: Guardian.
Halo 5: Guardian (Fall 2015)
Helmed by 343 Industries and first shown a brief cinematic trailer at E3 2013, the recently-confirmed Halo 5: Guardian is slated for a fall 2015 release. The Xbox One exclusive continues Master Chief's long-running story as part of the "Reclaimer Trilogy," presumingly following the abrupt ending to Halo 4. Not much else is known other than what we can deduce from a sandpit of a trailer and the first official art for the game, but we expect Microsoft to show something — whether it's a new trailer, in-game footage, or merely a release date.
Forza Horizon 2 (Fall 2014)
Forza Motorsport 5, the latest installment of the series, launched alongside the Xbox One to rave reviews last November. Despite the somewhat-recent release though, Microsoft and developer Playground Games has already confirmed Forza Horizon 2 will launch this fall. Set in southern Europe and built upon a refined version of Forza Motorsport 5′s Drivatar system, the game will follow a similar arcade-style akin to the original Forza Horizon and feature hundreds of new cars, like the 2015 Lamborghini Huracán. The upcoming title, confirmed for the Xbox One and Xbox 360, will also make use of an intricate weather system, and in-game music will be a pivotal part of the game. Nonetheless, details remain scarce.
Unannounced third-party exclusive (and other games)
Though virtually nothing is known, Gamespot has it on good authority that Microsoft is going to reveal at least one major third-party exclusive during its E3 2014 presentation. Supposedly, it will be "unexpected" and "something people will be really excited about." It's also possible Microsoft will use E3 2014 as an opportunity to debut the next installment in the Gears of War franchise, now headed by the Vancouver-based Black Tusk Studios and Rod Fergusson, the former Director of Production on the Gears of War series at Epic. Both announcements are rumored, but it remains to be seen whether either will come to fruition.
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