gamescom 2013: Microsoft’s Xbox One Showcase Event Highlights
Earlier this morning Microsoft revealed a bevy of information about the Xbox One in a closed-door press event over at gamecom in Cologne, Germany. Here is a summary of just what was revealed:
–The Xbox One finally has an Indie Development plan revealed called “ID@Xbox.” Already-established Indie game developers can apply through Microsoft right now in order to get the process going. Once you are approved, your development team will receive 2 free dev kits. The eventual plan is to allow anyone with a retail console access to game development, but for now you have to purchase additional dev kits if you have a bigger team.
You also have full power access to the Xbox One’s architecture, cloud services, Kinect, SmartGlass, Gamerscore, Achievements and more. All of this for free and with no fees required for updating and patching your game. Microsoft really wants to maintain a better relationship with indie developers, and this is a good place to start.
–In an effort to sway European consumers this holiday season (and to make up for delaying their release until 2014), all Xbox One pre-orders in the region will ship with a free digital copy of the massively-popular FIFA 14. As well, certain legendary players will be exclusive to the Xbox One, in Ultimate Mode. It’s a smart move by Microsoft to give their European fans a free copy of a game that a lot of casual gaming fans are excited for, and will help bridge the ~€100 price gap between the Xbox One and the PlayStation 4.
Fable Legends Revealed As Xbox One Exclusive
include seamless single-multiplayer switching, couch co-op with SmartGlass and controler multiplayer.
–Call of Duty: Ghosts will feature dedicated servers on the Xbox One. Furthermore, there will be exclusive content and first-access DLC with Microsoft. Finally, there will be CoD: Ghosts-included bundles across several European markets at launch.
–Killer Instinct will launch with a very intriguing (and potentially expensive) launch, with multiple pricing options.
- The barebones option will cost $4.99 and come with one playable character
- Combo Breaker Pack includes the first 8 characters (6 at launch, plus 2 characters before their official post-launch release) for $19.99.
- Ultra Edition features the above, as well as accessory packs, multiple costumes and the original “Killer Instinct” arcade mode for a whopping $39.99.
–Tom Clancy’s The Division will feature certain content exclusive to the Xbox One. To what extents beyond SmartGlass usage is unknown at this time.
–Microsoft also revealed a steadfast list of what will be available for the Xbox One at launch. NOTE: Watch_Dogs is prepared to launch on November 19th, indicating for now that the Xbox One will launch on this date or later this year until further notice.
- Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag (Ubisoft, Ubisoft)
- Battlefield 4 (DICE, Electronic Arts)
- Call of Duty: Ghosts (Infinity Ward, Activision)
- Crimson Dragon (Grounding/Land Ho!, Microsoft Studios)
- Dead Rising 3 (Capcom Vancouver, Microsoft)
- FIFA 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
- Fighter Within (AMA Ltd., Ubisoft)
- Forza Motorsport 5 (Turn 10 Studios, Microsoft Studios)
- Just Dance 2014 (Ubisoft Paris, Ubisoft)
- Killer Instinct (Double Helix, Microsoft Studios)
- LEGO Marvel Super Heroes (TT Games, Warner Bros. Interactive)
- Lococycle (Twisted Pixel, Microsoft Studios)
- Madden NFL 25 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
- NBA 2K14 (Visual Concepts, 2K Sports)
- NBA LIVE 14 (EA Sports, Electronic Arts)
- Need for Speed: Rivals (Ghost Games, Electronic Arts)
- Peggle 2 (Popcap, Electronic Arts)
- Powerstar Golf (Zoe Mode, Microsoft Studios)
- Ryse: Son of Rome (Crytek, Microsoft Studios)
- Skylanders: Swap Force (Vicarious Visions, Activision)
- Watch Dogs (Ubisoft Montreal, Ubisoft)
- Zoo Tycoon (Frontier Developments Ltd., Microsoft Studios)
- Zumba Fitness: World Party (Zoë Mode, Majesco)
Check out our other gamescom coverage!