Xbox doesn’t mess around with new releases.
Although Electronic Entertainment Expo (E3) doesn’t officially start until tomorrow, that didn’t stop the video game company from dropping tons of news at its star-studded (hi there, Keanu Reeves) news briefing yesterday.
Highlights of the briefing included a first look at Project Scarlett, which is set to launch alongside Halo Infinite next year at the holidays. There were 60 games showcased in all, including 11 world premieres and a record 14 games from Xbox Game Studios.
The press conference also corresponded with the release of Xbox Game Pass for PC beta, which is available through the new Xbox app on Windows 10. The pass gives PC games access to more than 100 games, such as Football Manager 2019, Imperator: Rome, and Metro Exodus. Xbox also announced Xbox Game Pass Ultimate, a new plan that combines the games library for console and PC with Xbox Live Gold.
On the business side of things, Xbox is officially acquiring Double Fine Productions, a game development studio. This is the company’s 15th subsidiary studio, and Double Fine showcased its long-awaited Psychonauts 2Â as part of the presentation.
Don’t worry: The news is far from over. Xbox also announced a new controller, the Xbox Elite Wireless Controller Series 2. It’s inspired by fan feedback and features adjustable-tension thumbsticks, wraparound rubberized grip, shorter hair-trigger locks, and up to 40 hours of rechargeable battery life (wow). The new controller launches in 24 markets on Nov. 4. It is set to retail for $179.99.
Xbox is also coming to the cloud. The company detailed plans for players to be able to stream games from their Xbox One console, starting this fall. Gamers can access their Xbox One game library and Xbox Game Pass titles on the go, streaming them on the console or to a mobile device.
Then, of course, there are the games. The company previewed anticipated games including Cyberpunk 2077 (which Reeves was there to promote), Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, and Minecraft Dungeons. Check out a full live stream of the session here.
Photo: Xbox
