Gamescom 2016 is fast approaching and a lot of gamers will be anxious to see what this year’s event will have in store. Based on reports, games will take the spotlight this year.
Microsoft will be around but will not be holding a media briefing this year. Instead, the company will be holding an Xbox FanFest experience for their fans when the event kicks off in Cologne, Germany on Aug. 18.
Microsoft made the announcement through Xbox Wire, the company plans to show off their lineup of blockbuster games. Among those mentioned include “Gears of War 4”, “Forza Horizon 3”, “Halo Wars 2”, “ReCore” and “Sea of Thieves”. The post also bears where they will be located – Hall 8 of Koelnmesse near the north entrance.
A different Gamescom for Microsoft
With the announcement, many can’t help but compare the manner to which Microsoft had last year. Gamescom 2015 was filled with news and there is no official word for now on why they are opting to pass on the media briefing.
Microsoft Marketing executive Aaron Greenberg did however bare that the company enjoyed a record-breaking E3 last month. This is likely tied up to the fact that the company revealed its next generation game consoles – Xbox One S and the Project Scorpio console. Not to be forgotten of course is the Xbox Play Anywhere, a new program which will allow gamers to buy a game only once and play it on a Windows 10 PC and an Xbox One.
With Microsoft opting to go the quiet route, it will be interesting if other companies like Sony would be using the event as a springboard for some big announcement.
Sony did not hold a press briefing last year and instead made one at the Paris Games Week. Electronic Arts could be taking the stage this year following a mum Gamescom participation last year.