As sand falls through a tight glass bottleneck, beads of sweat form on the foreheads of gamers and game developers alike as they anxiously watch the countdown to E3 2015. Whilst not all mysteries are uncovered, there are several pieces of information that can help gain clarity on what Xbox has planned at this years conference.
Microsoft has announced that they will host a Xbox E3 2015 Briefing show on Monday, June 15th at 9:30 a.m. PDT. The briefing will be available to stream from Xbox.com, Xbox One consoles, Xbox 360 consoles, and Windows phone. The stream promises “in-depth looks at previously-announced games to trailers for our unannounced titles coming in 2015 and beyond.” Should you prefer not to directly stream the show from any of those mediums, Spike TV will be hosting Xbox: Game On in the U.S. and Canada at 9:30 a.m. PDT/12:30 p.m. EDT.
If you’re a fan of Larry Hryb (Xbox Live’s Major Nelson) or Graeme Boyd (Xbox Live’s Acey Bongos) then you’re in luck! The duo will be hosting Xbox Daily: LIVE which is making its reappearance this year. Xbox Daily: LIVE will be responsible for “breaking news, exclusive announcements, trailer reveals, game demos, and interviews with game creators.” The show will stream on Xbox One, Xbox 360, and Xbox.com from 4-5 p.m. on June 15th – June 17th.
We all know that E3 is primarily for non-industry persons. However, 500 fortunate fans will be able to attend the show thanks to Microsoft. Should anybody without the means to attend E3 wish to do so, they are welcome to attempt to be one of the first in line at the Microsoft Store located at Westfield Century City in Los Angeles. Microsoft has stated that tickets are first-come, first-serve. The store is allowing participants to begin lining up outside on June 13th at 10 p.m. PDT.
If you do manage to find yourself in the company of this coveted ticket, you will be entitled to the following rewards:
- Entry into the Xbox E3 2015 Briefing on Monday, June 15th, 9:30 a.m. PDT, in downtown Los Angeles.
- Invite to the exclusive Xbox FanFest Party, Monday afternoon, June 15th, where fans will get to play the best exclusives and biggest blockbuster games this holiday and beyond.
- VIP access to the Xbox esports Celebrity Challenge & Twitch Party sponsored by Xbox.
- The chance to meet some of the industry’s top developers, leaders, and influencers.
- Even more surprise events during the week.
Though Microsoft has stated that they are leaving some console exclusives for Gamescom, we do know that we will be seeing a new project by The Coalition. Previously Black Tusk Studios, the team behind Gears of War has now re-branded themselves as The Coalition. Head of the studio, Rod Fergusson, has stated that they will be at E3 2015 and they will be bringing an unannounced project to show. Will it be a new Gears of War? Yes. Yes it will be.
This year we can expect to see Microsoft showing off more than the latest and greatest with Xbox. We can look for quite a presence from Xbox in the PC department as well. Xbox is co-sponsoring E3 2015’s PC Gaming Show. Xbox head, Phil Spencer, and other game developers will make their appearance at the show to promote, among other things, the gaming aspects Windows 10 and DirectX 12.