Xbox kicked off its annual celebration event yesterday and brought with it exciting announcements.
Dubbed X019, the event this year was held in London’s Copper Box Arena, giving British and European fans a chance to come together to experience all that Xbox has to offer.
Kicking the weekend event off was a special Inside Xbox episode, which included several new announcements, reveals and of course, a bunch of Xbox fun!
Here’s a recap of everything that was announced. For the full Inside Xbox show, check out the video at the end of this article.
Everything Announced at X019
Obsidian Tackles the Survival Genre with Grounded
During the show, Obsidian debuted a trailer introducing Grounded – a brand-new Xbox Game Preview title launching in Spring 2020 with Xbox Game Pass. Studio Design Director, Josh Sawyer, and Senior Programmer, Roby Atadero, shared the inspiration behind Grounded’s development before Obsidian became part of Xbox Game Studios. They also gave insight into how Obsidian is injecting narrative and RPG elements into the survival genre with this title. Obsidian closed by highlighting the importance of community involvement for the on-going development of Grounded.
Grounded launches on Xbox One digitally through Xbox Game Preview and with Xbox Game Pass, the Microsoft Store, and on Steam this upcoming spring.
Project xCloud Coming to Windows 10 PCs and New Markets
Xbox announced that more than 50 new titles from over 25 partners will join the Project xCloud public preview, such as Madden NFL 20, Devil May Cry 5, and Tekken 7. In 2020, Project xCloud will be brought to Windows 10 PCs, and Xbox are collaborating with a broad set of partners to make game streaming available on other devices as well.
They’re also expanding support to more Bluetooth controllers, including the DualShock 4 wireless controller and game pads from Razer. Moreover, in 2020, they are expanding the Project xCloud preview to new markets, will enable gamers to stream Xbox games that they already own or will purchase, and will add game streaming from the cloud to Xbox Game Pass.
Rare announces its next New IP, Everwild
Executive producer, Louise O’Connor, appeared on Inside Xbox and shared a glimpse of Everwild, the next new IP from Rare Ltd. The team are passionate about creating something special and this first reveal is just a taste of the magical, natural world the team at Rare are bringing to life.
The Seabound Soul and Fire comes to Sea of Thieves
Sea of Thieves debuted details for the game’s latest FREE monthly update arriving on Nov. 20 “The Seabound Soul,” This update features an all-new, lore-focused Tall Tale quest for players looking to play their part in a thrilling story. Join Captain Pendragon to uncover the mystery of the feared ship, the Ashen Dragon, and reveal the secrets of a sinister new threat. This update also brings the heat to Sea of Thieves with the introduction of firebombs! This explosive ammo can be thrown or loaded into cannons to put a fiery panic in the hearts of opposing crews in both Adventure and in The Arena.
Xbox Game Pass at X019: Announcing New Games and the Ultimate Holiday Offer
The team at Microsoft unveiled over 50 games coming to Xbox Game Pass. Read more here for complete details on these titles and their availability with Xbox Game Pass. They also revealed the Xbox Game Pass holiday offer: starting November 14, get 3 months of Xbox Game Pass Ultimate for just $1. And for the first time, eligible Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members in select markets will also get 1 month of EA Access, 3 months of Discord Nitro, and 6 months of Spotify Premium as part of their member benefits.
Peeling Back the Layers of Bleeding Edge
A new trailer for Bleeding Edge was revealed by Creative Director, Rahni Tucker, along with the March 24, 2020 launch date and pre-order. Pre-order incentives include Closed Beta access on February 14, 2020 and Punk Pack bonus in-game cosmetics. Bleeding Edge will be available with Xbox Game Pass.
DONTNOD Narrative in Tell Me Why
Xbox Game Studios revealed Tell Me Why, an exclusive new narrative adventure from DONTNOD Entertainment, the studio behind the beloved Life is Strange franchise. All of Tell Me Why’s gripping chapters will release Summer, 2020.
Halo: Reach Coming to Halo: The Master Chief Collection on December 3
343 Industries Community Director, Brian Jarrard, appeared onstage to announce that Halo: Reach lands in Halo: The Master Chief Collection on December 3 sharing a stunning, all-new new launch trailer. Brian announced that players can get started today by pre-installing on Xbox Game Pass or pre-ordering on either the Microsoft Store or Steam.
The Sky’s the Limit in New Footage from Microsoft Flight Simulator
An all-new trailer for the upcoming Microsoft Flight Simulator was revealed, with new footage of the realistic world, authentic aircraft and real-time dynamic weather in this next generation simulator being developed in partnership with Asobo Studios.
The Future of Strategy is Revealed in the First Gameplay Trailer for Age of Empires IV
The newly named studio, World’s Edge, revealed the first ever gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated upcoming game, Age of Empires IV, which included a special visit from studio head, Shannon Loftis, for an in-depth discussion about the future of the dedicated franchise.
Shannon also introduced a brand-new launch trailer to celebrate the release of Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition, which includes remastered 4K graphics and a new expansion, The Last Khans. You can play Age of Empires II: Definitive Edition starting today on Xbox Game Pass, Windows 10, and Steam.
Taking a Deeper Look at Minecraft Dungeons
Minecraft players were pumped to see Minecraft Dungeons Executive Producer, David Nisshagen, live on stage to show us the all-new game. He talked through some key facets of never-before-seen gameplay as Game Director, Måns Olson, and Senior Producer, Nathan Rose, did a live demo of this new and exciting experience!
Minecraft Earth Celebrates Early Access with Pop Up Events
In celebration of the game’s continued early access roll-out, Microsoft unveiled “Mobs at the Park” at X019 – the one-of-a-kind, life-sized statues of interactive mobs popping up in New York City, London and Sydney starting on Saturday, November 16. The statues are life-sized creations of the Muddy Pig, Moobloom and the all-new, amazingly-festive Jolly Llama which will feature a scannable QR code to play an exclusive new adventure built by the Minecraft Earth development team and allow players to receive exclusive access to the Jolly Llama in-game before it’s globally available in December.
The pop-ups will be live in three locations around the world – Hudson Yards in New York City, the Queens Walk in London and Campbell’s Cove in Sydney – during the weekends of November 16-17, November 23-24 and November 30-December 1, from 10am-7pm local time.
Explore Wasteland 3’s Post-Apocalyptic World in May 2020
inXile Studio Head, Brian Fargo, appeared on Inside Xbox to debut an all-new trailer for Wasteland 3, showing us some incredible new gameplay footage and unveiling the release date of May 19, 2020. On stage, Fargo explained the origins of this 80s-inspired post-apocalyptic world, as well as the brand-new story that will take place in the frozen wastes of Colorado. He also shared how the partnership with Xbox has helped to allow the team to make Wasteland 3 the biggest and best game of the franchise, demonstrated by their recent award of best RPG at Gamescom. You can pre-order Wasteland 3 today on Xbox One or Windows 10. Wasteland 3 will also be available on console and PC on day one with Xbox Game Pass.
Get Blown Away by the First Glimpse of CrossfireX Gameplay
Inside Xbox host Benny Central took us on a global journey from Seoul to Finland to Seattle to meet the teams working on CrossfireX, followed by the debut of a gameplay teaser trailer that gives fans just a taste of this massive FPS coming exclusively to Xbox in 2020.
Catch the Drift in KartRider: Drift on Xbox One
If you’re looking for the ultimate challenge, DS Choi from the KartRider: Drift team unveiled what you’re looking for with their latest game. Pro racers and league champions Hojun Moon and Insoo Park demonstrated this racing experience by taking us through outrageous conditions at breakneck speeds with customisations to boot, proving this game will challenge even the most road tested when it comes to Xbox One.
Final Fantasy Series Joins Xbox Game Pass and Kingdom Hearts Classics Coming to Xbox One
Square Enix Developers, Shinji Hashimoto and Ichiro Hazama, appeared on Inside Xbox to announce that the Final Fantasy series on Xbox including Final Fantasy VII, Final Fantasy VIII Remastered, Final Fantasy IX, Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD Remaster, Final Fantasy XII The Zodiac Age, Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII, and Final Fantasy XV will be coming to Xbox Game Pass on Console and PC starting in 2020.
Also, Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5+2.5 Remix and Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue will come to Xbox One in 2020. Finally, a new Kingdom Hearts 3 demo is available starting today, November 14 on Xbox One.
An Exclusive Look at Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Electronic Arts and Xbox debuted the co-created ‘Become a Jedi’ video to kick off the X019 broadcast of Inside Xbox, as an invitation for all gamers to Jump In and indulge your ultimate Jedi fantasy. Following that, Respawn Game Director, Stig Asmussen, provided an exclusive look at new gameplay leading into the game’s launch on November 15.
Enter the Criminal Underworld of the Critically Acclaimed Yakuza Series on Xbox One
Sega announced that Yakuza is coming soon to Xbox Game Pass. In a new trailer debuted today on the show, Sega and Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio’s cult classics Yakuza 0, Yakuza Kiwami 1, and Yakuza Kiwami 2 were revealed to be coming to Xbox for the first time.
Strap in for a New Look at Planet Coaster on Xbox One
Thrills, chills, and popcorn spills! Planet Coaster showcased its latest gameplay trailer for the fans at X019.
Play Around in Purgatory in West of Dead
Developer, Raw Fury, announced West of Dead, which lets you step into the boots of the dead man, William Mason (voiced by Ron Perlman) and descend into the grim and gritty world of Purgatory in this fast-paced twin-stick shooter that’ll put your skills to test. Dodge behind cover as you try to outgun your enemies in the unknown procedurally generated hunting grounds. The Wild West has never been this dark.
Build a Village in a Twisted Mirrored Universe in Drake Hollow
The Molasses Flood announced their next game, Drake Hollow, a cooperative action village building game set in the Hollow – a blighted mirror of our world – in which you build and defend villages of Drakes, the local vegetable folk. Either solo or with friends, you explore a procedurally generated world of islands trapped in poisonous aether. You gather supplies, build networks to bring them back to your camp, find and rescue Drakes in the wilderness, raise them, and defend them from attacks by a menagerie of feral beasts. You need to balance your time carefully: what supplies are most crucial at any given moment, what does your village need: more resources to keep the Drakes thriving or more defences to help protect them while you explore.
Experience a Supernatural Crisis in the Upcoming Anthology Series Last Stop
Last Stop is the new game from Variable State, creators of the award-winning Virginia, and will be published by Annapurna Interactive. The game is a single-player third-person adventure set in present-day London, where you play as three separate characters whose worlds collide during a supernatural crisis. Last Stop is an anthology connecting three stories in one, centered on secret lives, the ties that bind, and how magic can be found in the mundane.
Embark on a Multidimensional Journey in The Artful Escape
A fresh, new peek of The Artful Escape was also unveiled during Inside Xbox. Developed by Beethoven & Dinosaur and published by Annapurna Interactive, The Artful Escape tells the story of Francis Vendetti as he embarks on a multidimensional journey to create his stage persona. The Artful Escape is an action-adventure, narrative driven, musical-laser-light-battle kind of videogame with dazzling visuals, killer music, and a soulful message about what it means to find your true self.
