E3 is less than two weeks away and after the near-disaster that was the Xbox One reveal, Microsoft has some work to do if they want to beat Sony's console in holiday sales. Microsoft's press conference will take place on Monday, June 10----the same day as Sony's. Here are a few of the rumored Xbox One reveals:
Games Games Games
Considering the biggest game reveal at the Xbox One event was "Call of Duty," a cross platform title, Microsoft better be bringing some serious firepower to E3. Luckily, the rumor is that the company is set to unveil the entire launch lineup for their next-gen console. This will hopefully mean we'll get to see a good chunk of those "15 exclusives" and "eight new IPs" that Microsoft promised.
What could these games be? Well, it's tough to speculate on the unannounced IPs, but we can definitely expect a healthy helping of existing franchises. The next game in the current Halo trilogy seems a likely bet. We haven't heard much about Crytek's Kinect game Ryse since the teaser dropped, so an appearance from the Crysis creators would also make sense.
Drifting further into speculation, Rare has been rumored to be working on an unannounced Xbox One project. Some rumors point toward a remake or sequel to "Killer Instinct," although your guess is probably just as good.
Lastly, reports are cropping up that EA has been secretly working on a follow up to fan favorite "Mirror's Edge." Although the first game was released on both the Xbox 360, as well as the PS3, rumors are pointing towards a possible Xbox One exclusive.
Always On or Not?
Microsoft has been strangely quiet on the issue of the console's online connection requirement. The general consensus seems to be that the Xbox One will need to connect to the Internet once every 24 hours, although we can't be sure about that until Microsoft finally gives us some answers.
On Twitter, Microsoft's Chief of Staff for Interactive Entertainment Aaron Greenberg stated, "A lot of assumptions but very little based on facts. We will share more at E3. We will get it right."
Expect some answers during their E3 presentation. Whether it will be good or bad news is yet to be seen.
Microsoft Points
While it may be a minor point with a lot of gamers, rumors circulate that Microsoft may be doing away with its points system in favor of a less confusing approach. Instead of purchasing points, the new system would allow you to make direct purchases with credit or debit cards, or through gift cards in the same way an iTunes card would work. This would all be in an effort to unite the Xbox Live storefront with the Windows Phone marketplace, as well as a way to make things a bit easier on the consumer.
Used Games
The longer Microsoft avoids the question of used game fees, the more imaginations begin to conjure up worse and worse situations. During their E3 press conference, Microsoft needs to simply step up to the plate and address the issue head on. Will we be charged for purchasing used games, and if so, how much?
There's little doubt that the company will cover used games in some way, but if they aren't clear, concise and honest about it now, they may just lose their fan base's confidence for good.
Microsoft will host its Xbox One E3 press conference on Monday, June 10, 2013.
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