10 Things to Be Excited for From Xbox E3 2019
Xbox’s E3 2019 is in the books. Like previous conferences held by Xbox this event featured a barrage of game announcements for players to view. To cut through the noise, here are 10 things to be excited for from Xbox E3 2019.
10. Gears, Gears, and More Gears
There was a ton of Gears related coverage during the Xbox E3 event. This coverage included the reveal of Gears of War 5‘s release date (September 10, 2019) and another look at mobile title Gears Pop. While I’m not a huge mobile gamer, I will say it is nice to see Gears games on the horizon. It has been three years since Gears of War 4 and it’s time about time we jumped back into killing Locusts.
9. Ori and the Will of the Wisp
Ori and the Will of the Wisp is the follow up sequel to 2015’s hit title Ori and The Blind Forest. This follow up is highly anticipated and looks beautiful. At this year’s E3 we got another look at more gameplay, and it should be getting you excited. Expect Ori and the Will of the Wisp to release in February 11, 2020.
8. The Outer Wilds
The Outer Wilds is looking to fill the giant, Fallout hole in every gamer’s heart and so far it seems to be on track to do just that. Coming out of Obsidian Entertainment, The Outer Wilds features what looks to be a mixture of interesting combat, crazy characters, beautiful colors, and bizarre worlds. What’s even more exciting is that it’s dropping October 25 of this year!
7. All the Xbox Game Pass Announcements
Let me level with you, gaming is an expensive hobby. Buying a new AAA release can set you back anywhere from $60 – $100 per purchase. This cost adds up quickly over a year and can seriously impact your bank account. Xbox seems to hear you pain and is providing what looks to be some interesting offerings in their Xbox Game Pass.
While the Game Pass itself is nothing new, the fact there is now a PC and Ultimate version of the subscription service is. The PC Game Pass gives you access to a growing library of titles on your PC, while the Ultimate version of the Game Pass bundles everything (Console & PC Game Pass, and Xbox Gold) into one monthly sub fee of $14.99. If you’re gaming on a budget, this should have you hyped.
6. Double Fine Purchase
Last year, Xbox announced they had gone on a bit of spending spree, picking up a number of studios to bolster their first party offerings. This year was far more subdued and really only featured a sole studio purchase of Double Fine.
If you don’t know Double Fine, they are an indie outlet that has been around for 19 years (founded in 2000). While they have remained independent for an impressively long time, the purchase of Double Fine should get players excited. Games like Psychonauts are a testament to the studios creativity. Hopefully with megacorp backing, Double Fine can focus more on creating than surviving as a studio.
5. Xbox Elite Controller 2
Xbox has a history of designing solidly built controllers that are widely used. These controllers range from the basic Xbox Wireless controller to the more advanced Xbox Elite. During the E3 Xbox announced a new version of the Xbox Elite Controller which should have gamers excited.
Dubbed the Xbox Elite Controller 2, this new offering features a number of changes fans of the original should appreciate. The new controller supports USB-C and Bluetooth, as well as a 40 hour rechargeable battery. Quality of life changes aside there are a number of other changes like adjustable tension thumbsticks and redesigned bumpers and shorter hair locks for faster firing.
You can grab the Xbox Elite Controller 2 on November 4, 2019 for $179.99.
4. Borderlands 3
I’m a major Borderlands head so this ranking is majorly biased, but I think players should be excited for Gearbox’s next iteration of their looter-shooter. During the E3 event we got a chance to see more footage of Borderlands 3 and I’ve gotta say I’m excited.
In the trailer we got a good look at the different Vault Hunters we will be playing in Borderlands 3 as well as seeing a number of returning faces. We also got news of a new Borderlands 2 DLC called Commander Lilith and the Fight for Sanctuary which bridges the gap between Borderlands 2 and Borderlands 3.
Borderlands 3 will launch PlayStation 4, Windows PC, and Xbox One on September 13, 2019.
3. Elden Ring
Prior to E3 we had heard rumblings that Game of Thrones author George R.R. Martin had been working on a Japanese title. This rumor caused mass speculation, but there was actually truth to the rumors. Announced during the Xbox E3 event, Elden Ring, is a collaboration between George R.R. Martin and FromSoftware. This trailer is pre rendered and features the bleak aesthetic gamer’s love about FromSoftware titles.
As of now there isn’t much information on what Elden Ring is all about, but we do know it is FromSoftware’s “largest game to date” and that it is a fantasy action-RPG adventure.
There is currently no release date set for Elden Ring. It will be launching on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation when it does launch.
2. Cyberpunk 2077
Cyberpunk 2077 is easily the most hyped up title of E3 2019. Players all over the world are clamoring to get more information on CD Projekt Red’s upcoming first person, RPG, sci-fi shooter. The Xbox stage proved to be the perfect venue to provide a ton of new information including announcing the game’s release date of April 16th, 2020 and revealing Keanu Reeves is a character in the game. It’s gonna be a long 312 days.
1. Project Scarlett and Halo Infinite
Microsoft saved their best for last, revealing their upcoming console, Project Scarlett, and showing more footage of Halo Infinite. These two announcements couldn’t be more hype inducing for fans of Xbox. Not only are you getting a more powerful console in Holiday 2020, you are also getting a flagship title in Halo Infinite at launch. What a time to be alive.
