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Microsoft outlines Xbox Gamescom plans, including playable Minecraft Dungeons

Plus Gears 5 Horde Mode, fan showcase, and more.

Microsoft is returning to Gamescom this August to flaunt its Xbox wares once more, and would like you to know what happening this time around - including a first public hands-on of the intriguing Minecraft Dungeons and Gears of War 5's Horde Mode.

This year's Gamescom, once again being held in Cologne, will run for four days from 20th August. Microsoft, however, will be kicking things off a day early, holding a special Gamescom-themed episode of its Inside Xbox show, live from Cologne's Gloria Theatre. The latest "news, games, accessories, and features" are promised, with proceedings scheduled to begin at 4pm BST on Monday, 19th August.

Should you be interested in tuning in, you're not exactly short of options; it'll be streamed via Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Mixer, and the official Xbox website.

Cover image for YouTube videoMinecraft Dungeons: Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Later in the week, from Wednesday, 21st August, until Friday, 23rd August, Microsoft will be holding a free public live event that it's calling Xbox Open Doors, situated at the Gloria Theatre. This will play host to "community events, game tournaments, panel sessions and other exciting experiences", and more details are due at a later date.

Within Gamescom itself, Microsoft's Xbox Booth will feature a variety of playable games - including the aforementioned first public hands-on of Minecraft Dungeons and Gears of War 5's Horde Mode - with Project xCloud also getting an airing somewhere along the line. Halo: The Master Chief Collection and Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition will make an appearance in Microsoft's PC-focussed area, and there's an official gear shop too.

Microsoft's Xbox Booth can be found in Hall 8 of the Koelnmesse, for those Gamescom attendees keen to pop along and see what's what.