Xbox yesterday opened gamescom 2014, Europe’s biggest video games expo, by showcasing the platform’s portfolio of exclusive games and inviting more gamers into the next generation with a family of Xbox One console bundles.
Led by the announcement that Rise of the Tomb Raider from Crystal Dynamics will launch in holiday 2015, exclusively on Xbox, the briefing also featured anticipated blockbusters like Assassin’s Creed Unity, Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare, and FIFA15, all available later this year, as well as the award-winning shooter Evolve, launching on 10 February 2015.
The ID@Xbox self-publishing program also made a splash, highlighting dozens of independent games on stage that are coming first to console on Xbox One, including Space Engineers, SUPERHOT, The Escapists, Smite and Below.
The company also unveiled three new console bundles launching later this year: the Xbox One Limited Edition Call of Duty: Advanced Warfare Bundle; the Xbox One Special Edition Sunset Overdrive Bundle; and the FIFA15 bundle for European users.
“We’re excited to offer fans more choice and value than ever before,” says head of Xbox, Phil Spencer. “These bundles offer a great opportunity to enjoy Xbox One alongside an incredible line-up of first and third party games, making Xbox the best place to play this holiday and beyond.”
Xbox also announced new updates coming soon to Xbox One; these include new social features to make it easier for gamers to connect with their friends, and new ways to access their TV and entertainment throughout their home.
In the Xbox One dashboard, a new Friends section is being introduced, making it easier to see what your friends on Xbox are up to right now, what games they play most, as well as a new Gamerscore leaderboard where you can see at a glance how you compare to your friends in earning Gamerscore for the month.
In addition to news about this year’s biggest games and console updates, Xbox unveiled ScreamRide from Frontier Developments coming in spring 2015, and shared new details on two of 2015’s most anticipated exclusives from top European studios: Fable Legends from Lionhead Studios and Quantum Break from Remedy Entertainment.
