X019 preview: Microsoft's big Xbox event will springboard what should be an epic 2022

On Nov 14, 2022, Microsoft volition take a big alive testify for X019, its annual traveling fan upshot this year, taking place in London, UK.

Last year, Microsoft used X018 to announce a range of titles and news, primarily revolving effectually Xbox Game Pass, which is starting to mature as we head into 2022. The mural for Xbox looks pretty different in 2022, with optics looking forrard to the next Xbox — Project Scarlett — and Microsoft'south large bet on streaming Projection xCloud.

X019 doesn't have the aforementioned reach as a pregnant event every bit E3 does, but we're withal expecting a lot of cool announcements from Microsoft across the board. This should exist a fun show for fans and requite you an thought of what to expect in 2022, which is going to be a pivotal year for the Xbox brand.

All about the games

Xbox Game Studios Source: Microsoft

Xbox is out in London in forcefulness this yr, with several leads from some of Microsoft'southward biggest game studios. We know that the Age of Empires team is on-site, including Rare, Ninja Theory, Obsidian, and inXile Amusement. Microsoft has already confirmed that X019 will not only feature new game reveals but updates on existing games as well. We besides know from our sources that large third-party publishers will be on hand to make announcements equally well.

Microsoft has been heavily fronting Wasteland 3, so it's fair to expect a new trailer there from inXile. With Age of Empires 2: DE almost out of the gate, it stands to reason that we could go an update on some of the Age of Empires squad'due south other projects, possibly including the mysterious Age of Empires Four collab with Relic. Hopefully, nosotros'll as well hear more than about Gears Tactics likewise. We've even heard Obsidian and Ninja Theory both could be on-paw to announce new things also. Microsoft has already confirmed that the prove volition feature 12 titles from Xbox Game Studios, including new titles for both console and PC.

What near major titles like Halo Infinite, or rumors like Killer Instinct two or Playground Games' long-expected Legend RPG? Information technology seems likely that Microsoft would save anything on that scale for E3, merely there's undoubtedly room for at least a teaser to keep fans sated in the coming months. Nosotros'll as well hear nigh how Xbox Game Pass is expanding to new major titles.

For games both big and pocket-size, X019 should be a fun testify, only Microsoft may hold dorsum some of the biggest guns for E3 2022. Microsoft certainly has the capacity to surprise us, though.

Project Scarlett and Project xCloud

Microsoft hasn't said if Project Scarlett volition be detailed at X019, merely information technology seems unlikely given that they've been openly teasing Project xCloud announcements instead. Project Scarlett might go a small update, but we wait information technology to go the full blow-out side by side year.

Project xCloud, however, has been confirmed to be at the show, although the exact nature of the information remains nether wraps. Either Microsoft could be gearing up to announce the launch lineup, similarly to how Google's Stadia platform recently did. They could be getting ready to reveal additional accessories and hardware, like the Razer Junglecat. Nigh probable, nonetheless, we should hear more about plans to expand the beta tests or even get a launch window announcement.

Studio conquering(s)?

Matt Booty at E3 2022 Source: Windows KeyXbox Game Studios lead Matt Booty is confirmed to exist in attendance at X019.

One significant feature of Microsoft'southward announcement shows in recent years take revolved studio acquisitions, as Xbox Game Studios beefs upward its content spread for the future. A fundamental criticism of Xbox from its fans and commentators akin has been Microsoft's game output during this generation, and with both Scarlett and Project xCloud looking to make upwardly for lost ground in 2022 and across, information technology's never been more crucial for Microsoft to right this ship.

Different game announcements, which tin be kept under wraps, acquisitions are a little more complicated, especially in countries like the U.k. where financial records and similar things are subject to public record. If Microsoft is planning to acquire a studio, information technology stands to reason that information technology would be announced at X019. Nosotros haven't heard anything specific at our end on acquisitions. Notwithstanding, there have been enough of rumors flying around about many smaller independent studios, including Hello Games, Asobo, and diverse others. I think there's every possibility we could get news of more studio acquisitions at X019.

A springboard for 2022

X019 should prove to be the commencement step in a long road of momentum-building for 2022, where Projection xCloud and Scarlett will launch proper. 2022, in full general, is going to be a big twelvemonth for Microsoft consumer hardware and services, spearheaded past Xbox and Surface, with its upcoming folding devices similar the Surface Duo.

What are y'all hoping to run across the most? Hit the comments, let usa know.

An internet connection will soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

UH OH

An internet connection volition soon be required when setting up Windows 11 Pro

Microsoft has announced that later this yr, users volition be required to connect to the internet and sign-in with a Microsoft Account during the out of box setup experience on Windows 11 Pro. Microsoft has already been enforcing this requirement on Windows 11 Abode since launch terminal October, and Windows 11 Pro is now expected to follow suit presently.