It’s that time of the year again, the Electronic Entertainment Expo, or E3, is back, and like every year, Microsoft got the ball rolling for the console makers with their press conference.

Here are some of the highlights from the event:

XBox One X

Microsoft’s E3 briefing began with a clip advertising the True 4K graphics, that would be available on XBox One X, formerly known as Project Scorpio. Touted as the most powerful console ever made, the system will be available world wide, on November 7th.

Some of the highlights of the console include, backward compatibility with Xbox One games, and accessories, and improved performance even if you are running on a TV on 1080p Full HD. The console will include a liquid cooled vapor chamber, and an optimized power managed system, and that power fits into a smaller form factor than the currently available XBox One, and XBox One S consoles.

Here are more of the highlights from Microsoft’s E3 press conference:

Forza Motorsports 7

The latest entry to the Forza Motorsports series will be available on native 4K, and will include the Porche 911 2017 GT2RS, which made its debut on the XBox E3 stage, on October 3rd 2017 to the XBox One family of devices, and Windows 10 PC.

 

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Having taken a year’s hiatus, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed is back with a vengeance. Set in ancient Egypt, the game brings players back to the birthplace of the Brotherhood of Assassins. The game follows Bayek, the last Magi, a founding member of the Assassins, as he attempts to overturn the corruption plaguing his homeland. Assassin’s Creed Origin will hit store shelves on the 27th of October 2017.

PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds

A game currently available on the PC, PlayerUnknown’s BattleGrounds, will be available exclusively on the Xbox One family of consoles later this year, with updates for enhancements to the game to allow it to make full use of the XBox One X coming in the final release version of the game.

Minecraft

Minecraft will be getting some quality of life updates later this summer, uniting players on mobile, Virtual Reality, PC and console. The game will also be getting a 4K update, this fall.

 

Sea of Thieves

Announced at E3 two years ago, Rare’s shared world pirate adventure game got an extended look at this year’s E3, highlighting the game’s main mechanics. Which include plundering for treasure, high-seas combat, and even shooting yourself out of a cannon. The game will available in Early 2018.

Life is Strange: Before the storm

A prequel to the Square Enix’s hit Life is Strange, Life is Strange: Before the Storm puts players in the shoes of Chloe as she navigates through her troubled life before the events of the first game. The 1st episode of Life is Strange: Before the Storm will be available August 31st.

Anthem

In Bioware’s latest game, Anthem, Players take control of freelancers, adventures who travel beyond the safety of Fort Tarsis, piloting powerful customizable exoskeletons called javelins completing missions and exploring the vast open world.

Here are some of the other games who shared the spotlight at E3:

Crackdown 3

Deep Rock Galactic

Metro Exodus

State of Decay 2

The Darwin Project

Tacoma

Dragonball Fighter Z

The Last Night

Black Desert

The Artful Escape

Code Vein

Super Lucky’s Tale

Ashen

ID@XBox

Microsoft’s Indie program has been amazing since its launch, releasing over 500 games, and is looking to launch more in the coming year.

 

XBox One Compatibility Program

Later this year, games from the original XBox will be available to on XBox One at part of the XBox One backward compatibility program.

 

Final Thoughts

I was very impressed with Microsoft’s E3 showing this year. Having learned from the mis-steps during the launch for the XBox One, Microsoft came out swinging, showcasing a myriad of games, many of them exclusive to the console. Things are looking up for Microsoft as they attempt to close the gap between them and current Kings of the Hill, Sony.