Microsoft are definitely in the underdog position for this generation. They’ve had multiple big titles being cancelled or delayed or just not well received enough. Weirdly, in spite of how they started this generation, their backwards compatibility and console features have turned into their saving grace.
But what do we expect them to be focussing on for the E3 2018 Conference?
What are our Microsoft E3 Predictions?
Crackdown 3
Let’s start with the elephant in the room in terms of Microsoft E3 Predictions. Initially supposed to release in 2016, the game has now suffered multiple delays and still has no solid release date. The current rumour suggests a further postponement. If they have to announce a further delay for the game, that’s not going to be a great look.
But to be optimistic, we can probably expect the game to release eventually.
Probably.
Gears of War 5
We’re now two years out from the release of Gears of War 4. That’s not an insignificant amount of time for one of Microsoft’s flagship franchises. There’s been rumours of job listings for a new Gears of War title.
While two years might be a bit rushed, a tease or a cinematic trailer isn’t beyond the realms of possibility.
Halo Infinity
Coming out of nowhere only a short while ago, the name Halo Infinity is floating around the Internet. Potentially Halo 6, I’m not putting all of my eggs in that basket. It would make sense, but Infinity also sounds like the kind of title you give to some sort of multiplayer only or compilation game.
Best to take this one with a pinch of salt regardless though.
Hardware
Microsoft Xbox Accessibility controller
One of the genuinely positive things Microsoft has done, I would really hope they could give at least a couple of minutes to showing off how their new Accessibility controller can be used to improve the lives of people with disabilities.
In less noble Hardware news, we may see something about your Xbox One working with Alexa or Google Assistant, as Microsoft continues with the plan of making the Xbox One into a “Do Everything Box”.
Sunset Overdrive
It’s very important to remember that Microsoft does release games for PC. Well, for Windows 10 anyway. Recently leaked by the Korean Ratings Board (Remember them, you’ll be seeing them many times this week), Sunset Overdrive seems to be coming to PC.
If they are re-releasing Sunset Overdrive, there’s a reasonable chance it won’t be the only Xbox One Exclusive heading that way. Microsoft does love constantly reassuring their audience that they are very committed to PC.
Third Party Games
The big Walmart Canada Leak seems to suggest several games are coming to the Xbox One.
The big ones on display are:
Just Cause 4
Avalanche have been very popular of late, being tapped to assist Bethesda’s ID Studios with Rage 2’s open world gameplay. Will we be seeing their own title appearing this year as Rico Rodriguez makes his return?
New Splinter Cell
Splinter Cell Blacklist made it’s debut on Microsoft’s stage. We know that Ubisoft has been thinking about the series as they only just released a surprisingly comprehensive mission for Ghost Recon Wildlands featuring Sam Fisher.
While I can imagine Ubisoft will want to hold on to this surprise for their own conference, it’s not outside the realms of possibility for them to utilise the larger stage of Microsoft to reintroduce the audience to the veteran stealth game.
Forza Horizons 5
We are due another Horizons in the never ending rotation of Forza and it’s spinoff. Though considering the fact that the last one was numbered 3, this seems a little premature.
I don’t doubt there’s another Forza on the way, Microsoft loves putting shiny cars on their stage, but it might not be the name on leak list.
Metro Exodus
This was unveiled at E3 2017 on Microsoft’s stage, with the promise of a new open world style of game. Unfortunately, as of last month, the game has been delayed until Q1 2019. We’ve been promised footage of more gameplay and a new area.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps:
Following it’s announcement last year, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is likely to see more gameplay, including a release date. This was one of Microsoft’s big critical darlings, so I can see them putting some actual effort in to showing this off.
Probably a new Sea of Thieves content expansion to show, considering that game is part of the reason to get an Xbox Game Pass.
And We’ll probably see more of Anthem and Battlefield V here as Microsoft seems to have the marketing deals for those games.
Microsoft showed about forty or so games last year, and Sony are taking a leisurely route of showcasing four first party titles in depth this year. Microsoft have an opportunity to unleash plenty of games and hope at least a few of them stick.
Microsoft’s conference will be airing live at Sunday 10th at 1 PM PT / 4 PM ET / 9 PM BST / 6 AM AET June 11th.