Microsoft has announced that their E3 Press Conference will be held on June 9th at 9:30AM PST. As with previous years, the show should last between one and a half to two hours. However, the difference between this year and last year is that gaming will be the primary focus of the show, rather than the “all in one entertainment” format of 2013.
Major Nelson has stated on Reddit that they have “lots of games to show”. While there is sure to be the previously announced Quantum Break, Halo 5, and Sunset Overdrive, rumors suggest that there is a lot more that hasn’t been leaked. Some of these unannounced games are certainly indie given Microsoft’s mostly successful implementation of the ID@Xbox program.
As far as the sudden change of focus goes, a lot of it has to do with former Xbox head Don Mattrick being replaced by Phil Spencer. Phil Spencer carries a gaming first philosophy that should resonate well at the press conference. You’re probably already familiar with him as he was the man brought out during last year’s conference to disclose a few of the big gaming announcements.
There’s a lot of discussion going around regarding whether or not Microsoft should break away from the Xbox brand, After investing billions into the division, and managing to establish mind share in million of young adults, it’d probably be a mistake to give up after just one tough year. Establishing itself as a brand that responds to the interests of gamers, as well as putting their entertainment before profit, would be a good goal for the next 12 months.
