Gamescom is closer to a PAX than an E3 when it comes to new game announcements, reveals, and trailers. It’s Europe’s largest gaming convention, and it’s running this week. Microsoft held their 90-minute livestream event on Sunday, where they showed off several new trailers and announcements.
The most important news is that the Xbox One X is now available for Pre-Order. Microsoft warns of extremely limited quantities for the initial Project Scorpio Edition. Amazon and GameStop are already listing it as out of stock. The Xbox One X is retailing for $499 and launching November 7.
Microsoft previously announced a partnership with Bluehole, Inc, developers of the hugely popular multiplayer shooter PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds to bring the Steam Early Access title to Xbox. At Gamescom Bluehole announced they’ve extended that partnership. Micosoft is now the publisher for PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds on Xbox One.
“By partnering with Microsoft, our team believes that we will be able to accelerate console development, while maintaining quality across all platforms, as well as giving us access to vast sales, marketing and publishing resources that will help us reach new fans to welcome to the PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds universe,” wrote Chang Han Kim, VP of Bluehole. “We are excited to continue and further strengthen our partnership with Microsoft and are super excited to meet the Xbox community.”
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is launching via the Xbox Game Preview program later this year.
Forza Motorsport 7 has been given special treatment for PC players, including a wide range of Windows 10 settings and peripherals. The PC version will support native 4K resolution and unlocked framerates. It will also support cross-play through Xbox Play Anywhere.
More than 30 gamepads and racing wheels will be supported, including Logitech and Thrustmaster. Forza Motorsport 7 launches on September 29 (Ultimate Edition) and October 3 for Deluxe and Standard Editions.
A new Minecraft Xbox One S bundle was announced. The Xbox One S Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle comes with a 1 TB Xbox One S console and unique Minecraft-themed console and controller skins. It also comes with Minecraft and the Redstone Pack add-on. It’s available October 3.
For the older crowd, you can nab an Xbox One S 1 TB console, now bundled with Middle-earth: Shadow of War. The Xbox One S Shadow of War bundle launches October 10.
Here’s a quick segment on family games coming to Xbox later this year:
4K family fun this fall: Disneyland Adventures, Rush: A Disney Pixar Adventure & Zoo Tycoon [E] #XboxGC pic.twitter.com/SmlhAGcB2v
— Xbox (@Xbox) August 20, 2017
Assassin’s Creed Origins
We get a closer look at the world of Ancient Egypt in this new cinematic trailer for Assassin’s Creed Origins. Assassin’s Creed Origins is the first main Assassin’s Creed game in two years after the formerly annualized series took a break last year. You can pre-order now to receive an exclusive mission called Secrets of the First Pyramids.
Release: October 27
Jurassic World Evolution
Microsoft announced a completely new title based on the 2015 Jurassic World film, titled Jurassic World Evolution. From the trailer it looks like a top-down theme park management game. It’s being developed by Frontier, makers of Planet Coaster. The last theme park game using the Jurassic Park brand was Jurassic Park: Operation Genesis in 2003, and it was incredible.
Release: Summer 2018
ReCore Definitive Edition
A 4K re-release of a recent mediocre title is one of the more surprising announcements that Microsoft made at Gamescom. ReCore Definitive Edition offers 4K resolution, HDR lighting, and Xbox One X Enhanced support.
Release: August 29
ID @ Xbox
Microsoft always has great indie game montage trailers. This one includes clips from Unruly Heroes, Hello Neighbor, Cuphead, and more.
Release: Varies
