Microsoft presented a dynamic, content-rich Xbox conference. Many games, new features and even the announcement of the future Xbox, already in preparation.
For its big conference preceding the E3, Microsoft surprised the crowds by filling up ads. Phil Spencer, head of the gaming division of Microsoft, has clearly turned to the future by announcing the acquisition of studios, the return of large licenses, the rise of cloud gaming, the arrival of a streaming service , the contribution of artificial intelligence and even, the admission of the design of a brand new game console.
The Xbox conference has put a lot of headlines on the air by linking the trailers. We have seen a brief overview of the future of Master Chief with the announcement of Halo Infinite, the dreamlike and demanding Ori, the gameplay of Forza Horizon 4 which is cutting a path through the English countryside, the Arlesienne Crackdown 3, a "Gears 5" centered on the character of Kait ... Third-party publishers are not left behind and come to flesh out the Xbox game library with the expected Devil May Cry 5, Exodus Metro, Just Cause 4, The Division 2, Sekiro (by dads of Dark Souls), images of Shadow of the Tomb Raider, the trailer of Cyberpunk 2077 and many others ... so to say that Microsoft has presented many games.
It's no secret that Microsoft has failed to establish itself in the home console market with the current generation. To the point that the Xbox One X, though recently released, could be replaced more quickly than we might think.
By confirming that she thinks and is already preparing the sequel, the American society has had its small effect. A good way to try to forget the lost battle on this generation and open the rest, while putting pressure on Sony. Nevertheless, we do not have more information on this future console, except that it should, unlike its big sisters, be better provided with games from its launch.
The acquisition and the foundation of studios
Because a console without game is doomed to fail or take off too slowly. This was the case of the Xbox One X, last year that was not accompanied by any big new license to wear it.
To restore confidence to shareholders and players, Microsoft wanted to focus on what it lacked: headlines, including exclusive.
Phil Spencer, the boss of the Xbox division, has announced the purchase of several studios, not least. On the menu are Playground Games (Forza Horizon), Ninja Theory (Hellblade), Undead Labs (State of Decay) and Compulsion Games (We Happy Few).
In addition, the foundation of a brand new studio with The Initiative, led by a Darell Gallagher who is none other than the former boss of Crystal Dynamics, has brought life and success to Lara Croft.
What guarantee a game library Xbox finally richer and up to the competition? We can hope for it.
Play fast to new games
Microsoft also wants to innovate with its FastStart feature this month. The goal is simple, rather than waiting until all the data of a new title is installed on your machine to start playing, it will be possible to start a first part from the launch of the download. Finished the endless moments of waiting after the purchase of a game online. This new feature was developed with the teams responsible for Microsoft Machine Learning.
Also, the Xbox Game Pass is not left out since it will host a slew of games and among them, recent or less recent titles and also new titles that will arrive the same day of their release as Forza Horizon 4, Crackdown 3 and Gears 5.
Artificial intelligence and online streaming
Also briefly mentioned, artificial intelligence should play a very important role in the future for Xbox services. Microsoft AI presents itself as capable of creating immersive worlds.
On the streaming side, the company of Satya Nadella promises to hang up the cars with Sony and PlayStation Now. The American giant sees a future where we can play console-quality titles on any device, with the mobile as the main target. The solution ? Go through the cloud obviously, where the Redmond firm is much more advanced and powerful than Sony. To the point that it is surprising that the offer does not already exist. One thing is certain, Microsoft wants to offer new experiences and be on all fronts to finally make its place on the market.
