Microsoft has announced an Xbox Digital Broadcast for Tokyo Game Show, featuring updates on Xbox and Bethesda games, showcasing games from creators in Japan and Asia, and announcing new games coming to Game Pass.
The upcoming September 2023 Nintendo Direct event is expected to feature remakes of a DS game and a Wii game, as well as an update on the recently announced Princess Peach game, but fans should not expect the reveal of the Switch successor console.
From Software president Hidetaka Miyazaki has revealed that the developer is working on two unannounced games, which are described as "From Software-esque" and not remasters, but further details have not been disclosed.
The September 2023 Nintendo Direct will focus on games releasing this winter and could potentially include announcements for Super Mario Bros. Wonder, WarioWare: Move It!, Super Mario RPG, Luigi's Mansion: Dark Moon, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam, Batman Arkham Trilogy, Metal Slug Tactics, Demonschool, Fantasy Life i, the rumoured Gotham Knights port, Pokémon Red and Blue for NSO libraries, Metroid Prime 4, Silksong, and remasters of Wind Waker and Twilight Princess.
This week's big shows, such as Nintendo Direct and State of Play, have unveiled an array of upcoming RPGs and JRPGs, including Unicorn Overlord, Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, Eiyuden Chronicle: Hundred Heroes, SaGa Emerald Beyond, and Mario double pack, leaving gamers with an overwhelming choice of games to play.
Microsoft is reportedly planning to release a "hybrid game platform" in 2028 that combines local hardware and cloud computing to deliver a more immersive gaming experience.
Xbox boss Phil Spencer expressed optimism about Xbox's superior hardware, software, and services compared to PlayStation 5 in leaked emails from 2020, despite Xbox's historical struggle in console sales.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer acknowledges the Xbox leak and assures Microsoft employees that the leaked documents are outdated and plans have evolved, promising to share the "real plans" when they are ready.
Microsoft has announced that Xbox Digital Broadcast will be returning for Tokyo Game Show 2023, featuring game updates from Xbox, Bethesda Softworks, and other creators in Japan and across Asia. IGN Japan will also host an in-person event with Xbox's Phil Spencer and Sarah Bond, and the show will be livestreamed on various platforms.
Microsoft's court document leak revealed plans for new consoles, a new controller, and a list of game projects, with Xbox chief Phil Spencer stating that Nintendo could be Microsoft's best bet for consumer relevance in gaming.
Microsoft is planning to release a disc-less redesign of the Xbox Series X, indicating the inevitable end of physical game discs as the gaming industry increasingly shifts towards digital downloads.
### Summary
The leaked Xbox emails reveal interesting insights, such as Xbox's interest in acquiring Nintendo and Valve, Phil Spencer's nerdy and approachable management style, and the misclassification of Baldur's Gate 3 as a "second-run Stadia PC RPG" in internal Game Pass projections.
Microsoft's leaked documents reveal discussions of the company considering acquisitions of Nintendo, Valve, and Warner Bros. Games, as well as potential remasters of Bethesda's Oblivion and Fallout 3, and the majority of Xbox gamers using the lower-powered Series S console.
Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer's analysis of the challenges faced by AAA video game publishers in the age of subscription platforms like Xbox Game Pass highlights the declining dominance of big publishers, their dependency on established franchises, and the need for new paradigms in the industry.
Microsoft is one step closer to acquiring game publisher Activision Blizzard, which would make Microsoft one of the top three video game publishers in the world.
Capcom's president, Haruhiro Tsujimoto, stated that while the company aims to sell 100 million copies of their games, they will maintain a central focus on PC and reject any acquisition deal from Microsoft.
Microsoft has announced the first wave of games coming to Xbox Game Pass in October 2023, including Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, Forza Motorsport, Like A Dragon: Ishin!, and more.
Next week, 19 new Xbox games will be released, including Forza Motorsport and Lords of the Fallen, providing a variety of gaming options for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC players.
Activision Blizzard expects their games to be available on Microsoft's Game Pass next year once the Microsoft deal is finalized.
Activision Blizzard has announced that it will begin adding games to Xbox Game Pass next year once its deal with Microsoft is finalized, although popular titles like Modern Warfare III and Diablo IV will not be included in 2023.
Xbox chief Phil Spencer confirms that Activision Blizzard games will not be coming to Xbox Game Pass until 2024 due to regulatory processes and integration work.
Microsoft's acquisition of Activision-Blizzard is complete, shifting the focus to discussing potential game updates and new IPs coming to Xbox Series X|S.
Microsoft's Xbox boss Phil Spencer has expressed caution about the immediate impact of the company's acquisition of Activision Blizzard, but is open to exploring new game ideas and potentially bringing back titles like Guitar Hero and Tony Hawk.
