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Xbox gamescom 2017 conference live report

The Xbox One X will come with a limited edition vertical stand. That, and little else, as it happened.

Well, that was 90 minutes! Microsoft held a live event ahead of this year's gamescom where it revealed the Xbox One X, which launches this November in a limited edition bundle that comes complete with a vertical console stand. There's more - but not much more - as it was also revealed that some 100 plus titles will be getting upgrades for the new console, and elsewhere Frontier announced the multi-platform and quite excellent looking Jurassic World Evolution, the gorgeous Cuphead gets a final release date and Microsoft puts its weight behind the phenomenon that is PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds.

Our live coverage of this event has finished.

Guten abend!

Robert Purchese

Wie gehts?

Robert Purchese

G-Lord: @Robert: Geht sehr gut, freue mich auf die Konferenz ;)

Exactly!

Robert Purchese

GOOOOOOOD EVENING INTERNET.

Martin Robinson

Just over 30 minutes to go until showtime for Microsoft as they kick off this year's gamescom.

Martin Robinson

I'm quite excited, even when I should know better not to be.

Martin Robinson

None of us are actually in Germany just yet. Bertie's in Brighton, and I'm in Lewisham.

Martin Robinson

Kami: I'm just here for Martin's nipplewatch.

I shan't be posting any pics of my nipples tonight. There were complaints last time.

Martin Robinson

Well! There is the day-one 'Project Scorpio'-edition Xbox One X console, which, I don't know, may come with a live scorpion: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-18-xbox-one-x-will-launch-with-a-special-day-one-project-scorpio-edition-report

Robert Purchese

I once had a pork scratching that still had a nipple attached to it. It felt a bit like finding a four leaf clover.

Martin Robinson

It's not a conference as such so yes, it's worth keeping expectations in check. But! It's going to be about 90 minutes, I believe, and there will be announcements.

Martin Robinson

There's the cheapo ReCore Definitive Edition that no one asked for but maybe it will turn out OK after all: http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/2017-08-19-budget-xbox-one-x-enhanced-recore-definitive-edition-leaked

Robert Purchese

On top of that Xbox One X announce and the ReCore one which have leaked a little ahead of time, I'm hoping we'll have a firming up of Microsoft's plans for Q4 - so dates for some of the smaller titles away from the likes of Forza Motorsport 7 would be nice.

Martin Robinson

Imagine if they announce a Master Chief-shaped Xbox One X! This is why I'm not in charge. Anywhere.

Robert Purchese

Who's watching from where? And what are you drinking to get you through this?

Martin Robinson

ektoraskalderis: From Greece. Drinking ouzo....not good for my health :(

Not good for your tastebuds either, surely.

Martin Robinson

G-Lord: @Martin: Watching from Switzerland. I should drink beer, but I don't think that is a good idea...

I mean, it's socially acceptable right now, even if it is a school night. Go on, treat yourself.

Martin Robinson

A special edition Minecraft Xbox One S has just leaked via a Facebook video. Story will be up on the site shortly. What will be left for Microsoft to reveal?

Martin Robinson

10 minutes! I should really finish off this pizza I'm eating and get settled.

Martin Robinson

FIVE MINUTES! I am at home on my sofa, sounding a klaxon - much to the annoyance of my girlfriend.

Martin Robinson

A quick word on tonight's host - Phil Spencer is at his daughter's graduation so can't make it, and the wonderful Graeme Boyd is stepping up to front the show.

Martin Robinson

Though I'm quite suspicious that Location, Location, Location starts on Channel 4 at 8pm, which is maybe the real reason Phil Spencer can't be there.

Martin Robinson

Martin Robinson

young_nell: how long will this event last?

90 minutes!

Martin Robinson

Kurosawa's Rashomon, Lynch's Eraserhead and Bergman's Persona are all also 90 minutes.

Martin Robinson

I fully expect tonight's show to compare.

Martin Robinson

Oh hello!

Martin Robinson

We've got ourselves a live show everyone. And it's rated 18!

Martin Robinson

Fully up for some swears and nudity tonight. It's been a slow Sunday so far.

Martin Robinson

Anthem, Forza, Shadow of War and Minecraft all lead in the sizzle reel.

Martin Robinson

They're some pretty games.

Martin Robinson

It's Graeme Boyd, Julia Hardy and Maxi Graeff are all on hosting duties. Them, and a nice white sofa and a full suite of Kallax shelving units.

Martin Robinson

It's an informal vibe, which sets the tone for what's to come.

Martin Robinson

Major Nelson is absent, though we're promised an appearance later. Which reminds me of this, one of my favourite ever pieces on Eurogamer. Major Nelson even makes a cameo in the comments there.

Martin Robinson

Seven trailers!

Martin Robinson

And nothing on Crackdown, sadly - having been recently delayed, it looks like they're going dark on that one for a short while.

Martin Robinson

*Please don't cancel it, please don't cancel it*

Martin Robinson

pelican_: @Martin I got a temp ban for trolling Nelson on Neogaf. One of my proudest moments.

Hero.

Martin Robinson

The first of those trailers, btw, is a CGI trailer of Assassin's Creed Oranges.

Martin Robinson

So whoop, I guess?

Martin Robinson

In a novel twist on slowed down cover versions of 80s classics, we're actually getting a Leonard Cohen song - one of his last - with this.

Martin Robinson

Genuinely a pleasant change.

Martin Robinson

Anyway, Assassin's in Egypt.

Martin Robinson

This trailer reveals nothing, really. Maybe that Ubisoft has a big marketing budget?

Martin Robinson

Oh man, it turns out Location, Location, Location isn't on tonight. It's just a repeat.

Martin Robinson

I was hoping to update you with some live Phil Spencer watch, but he's proving truly elusive tonight.

Martin Robinson

We've got a Player Unknown's Battlegrounds trailer everyone!

Martin Robinson

First-person mode, and maybe some more graphics that are coming down the line seeing as the game doesn't really look like that at the moment?

Martin Robinson

obidanshinobi: The exact same trailer from E3

Oh.

Martin Robinson

MrTomFTW: PLAYERWELLKNOWN

Well done have a biscuit.

Martin Robinson

ManFromAnotherPlace: Why am I having flashbacks to Network 7 & The Word?! Terry Christian will be on next!

All I really remember from The Word was a man licking someone's armpits after they'd been on an exercise bike. I don't want to see that.

Martin Robinson

I do wonder what happened to Terry Christian. Has anyone seen him lately?

Martin Robinson

I'm not overly concerned. Just curious, really.

Martin Robinson

Oh, btw - Microsoft is really putting its weight behind PlayerUnknown's Battlegrounds with a publishing deal, which is smart of them.

Martin Robinson

But does anyone have an update on Terry Christian?

Martin Robinson

Oh hang on, here's another exclusive trailer.

Martin Robinson

It's Jurassic Park Evolution - this is a game reveal people!

Martin Robinson

It's a dino-themed park simulator from the people behind Planet Coaster, which sounds like a wonderful thing indeed.

Martin Robinson

Coming next summer. Yes please.

Martin Robinson

ihnm_aims: ...er, wasnt this a mobile game a few years back? Jurassic Park Builder? Or is it a new game of the same thing?

That was decent! This is an all-new thing from Frontier.

Martin Robinson

Oooops - it's Jurassic *World* Evolution, not Jurassic Park Evolution. I'm showing my age there.

Martin Robinson

Halo 5 is getting a 4K update, as is Quantum Break.

Martin Robinson

An hour left of this!

Martin Robinson

I should slow down with the wine considering there's just over 60 minutes left.

Martin Robinson

HERE'S AN ANNOUNCEMENT EVERYONE!

Martin Robinson

It's the one that leaked. ReCore Definitive Edition.

Martin Robinson

spamdangled: Martin - white or red?

Red. Really cheap red.

Martin Robinson

I kind of liked ReCore. If they fixed the last half of the game I'd love to go back.

Martin Robinson

I think this is just more graphics though.

Martin Robinson

This is a free expansion - and it's out the week after next.

Martin Robinson

Some speculation that the expansion is just stuff that didn't make it to the final game (and that cut content is the reason it felt like such a grind). I hope they fix the main campaign as well as adding new stuff.

Martin Robinson

Anyway, Age of Empires! Because it wouldn't be Gamescom without mention of an RTS.

Martin Robinson

Disneyland Adventures in 4K! There's a surprise.

Martin Robinson

Super Lucky's Tale, the follow-up to a fairly unremarkable Oculus game, is coming on November 7th.

Martin Robinson

And now another RTS announce, because Germany - Halo Wars 2 is getting an expansion, with a new campaign and some multiplayer additions. And The Flood!

Martin Robinson

There are over 100 titles that'll be announced for Xbox One X.

Martin Robinson

Martin Robinson

That, I think, is the real headline - and the list you'll want to look over if you're considering diving in with Xbox One X.

Martin Robinson

Forza Motorsport 7 now, with what I *think* is the E3 trailer.

Martin Robinson

It has trucks in it! And the Porsche 919 leads the way, which breaks my heart a little bit given how Porsche is on its way out of the WEC.

Martin Robinson

*sobs*

Martin Robinson

We're going into detail on the PC version of Forza Motorsport 7.

Martin Robinson

Native 4K, unlocked frame rate.

Martin Robinson

And trucks!

Martin Robinson

I'm genuinely excited about trucks.

Martin Robinson

kantaroo3: The list Martin linked has Darksiders III in it. I must have missed the announcement.

It was revealed back in May!

Martin Robinson

MrSnakeCake: @martin Robinson only Toyota is still in the lmp 1 class of WEC, Audi and Porsche are out

I'd be surprised if they're still about, and Perrin just announced it's not doing its P1 for next year. Still! Ginetta will be there. Also I should save this chat for later.

Martin Robinson

Different peripherals are supported for Forza!

Martin Robinson

Which reminds me of the best way to play a driving game.

Martin Robinson

Which isn't with an expensive steering wheel, as much as I love mine.

Martin Robinson

If you've got a dance mat, hook it up and sit down on it. Set accelerate and brake to two buttons your feet can reach, and left and right to the pads your arse can touch.

Martin Robinson

We used to call this Groin Turismo.

Martin Robinson

It's amazing. It's how I play all driving games now.

Martin Robinson

Here's the E3 trailer for Xbox One X again, in case you need a refresh.

Martin Robinson

I'm going to the kitchen. Does anyone want anything?

Martin Robinson

abczyx: You can get me a Minecraft-themed Xbox One S. If it exists. *cough*

I've got a fresh one in the fridge.

Martin Robinson

Hang on here's an announcement.

Martin Robinson

There's a new mode coming to Xbox One, which makes the menus white instead of dark grey.

Martin Robinson

That's your news.

Martin Robinson

Right, sorry, where was I? So I've got one Cornetto, two scoops of Cornish ice cream a glass of orange juice and a KitKat. Hope I didn't forget anything.

Martin Robinson

I don't want to alarm anyone.

Martin Robinson

But!

Martin Robinson

In five minutes time.

Martin Robinson

The Fast & Furious Tokyo Drift is on ITV2.

Martin Robinson

I just asked my girlfriend, who's a Fast & Furious fan, if it's any good - I haven't actually ever watched it (I'm a latecomer to the series).

Martin Robinson

'Not really, but it's better than this'.

Martin Robinson

'What the hell is this font' she's now asking of this World of Tanks trailer.

Martin Robinson

Asking the big questions.

Martin Robinson

Does anyone know what that font is though? It's really bad.

Martin Robinson

We're onto custom controllers, and I very much approve of Julia's choice of grey and orange. It's the same colour as my sideboard.

Martin Robinson

And now a trailer for different coloured controllers.

Martin Robinson

Now we're talking fonts, you know what - the font is all over the place in this trailer.

Martin Robinson

IronGiant: Put the kettle on, only 27 mins of this crap left.

I've only just got back from the kitchen... But okay.

Martin Robinson

9pm's quite late for a Sunday, isn't it?

Martin Robinson

I'm quite impressed with myself for being up this late really.

Martin Robinson

I'm impressed with you all. Well done everyone!

Martin Robinson

Jesus wept is that a thing? Please report back - what's it like? From the sounds of it I'd rather have a diseased dog shit in my mouth.

Martin Robinson

Right, sorry, some games.

Martin Robinson

In amidst this there's a new Techland game, Tacoma - which is out, but let's not forget it's console exclusive on Xbox One - and more.

Martin Robinson

spamdangled: Martin - it's actually not bad, though I'm not sure I'm going to have any teeth left by the time it's finished. They had coconut and raspberry flavour as well.

Thanks! I think it sounds better than coconut and raspberry, at least.

Martin Robinson

Sea of Thieves though!

Martin Robinson

Oh? It's another E3 trailer.

Martin Robinson

Crossplay is a thing in Sea of Thieves, which is an announcement.

Martin Robinson

Krychek: I thought it was Windows 10/Xbox One cross-play from the start.

I kind of thought that too, but hey ho!

Martin Robinson

I don't want to widdle all over this, as it's lovely that Microsoft has elected to put on a show.

Martin Robinson

It would be lovely if they had some stuff to show though. the number of reheated E3 trailers is a bit of a smack in the chops.

Martin Robinson

I very much want to play Sea of Thieves, though. It still looks like it has the potential to be something very special indeed.

Martin Robinson

And you can be sick in a bucket and then throw that sick over someone else. I think that's news!

Martin Robinson

15 minutes to go! And now here's some Minecraft news.

Martin Robinson

I only started playing Minecraft properly earlier this year, and it turns out it's pretty good. Who knew?

Martin Robinson

And here's the Minecraft Xbox One S console that leaked earlier.

Martin Robinson

There's a creeper controller bundled in, and a pig one sold separately.

Martin Robinson

Sorry, I just drifted off looking up what cars are in that Fast & Furious film that's on ITV2 right now.

Martin Robinson

Here's that Lord of the Rings game, anyway.

Martin Robinson

It's got microtransactions in it, innit.

Martin Robinson

You lose a point for an erroneous hyphen I'm afraid MrSnakeCake, and you get extra points for originality MrTomFTW.

Martin Robinson

So here's Cuphead!

Martin Robinson

Looking as glorious as ever - and it's out September 29th.

Martin Robinson

That's soon!

Martin Robinson

I had no idea this was a run and gunner in the mould of Gunstar Heroes. Oh man I miss Treasure so much.

Martin Robinson

ihnm_aims: Girlfriend just handed me a kitkat, "Cheers Martin" I said. She looked confused and slowly stepped away from me. 11/10, would get Martin to bring me kitkats again.

This has made my day.

Martin Robinson

Now it looks like a super stylised Parodius/Gunstar mix-up and I want it more than ever.

Martin Robinson

And another premiere!

Martin Robinson

For Surviving Mars, Paradox's simulation game that's coming in 2018.

Martin Robinson

And here's the climax - it's the Xbox One X Project Scorpio Edition you probably saw on the site yesterday.

Martin Robinson

It comes with a vertical stand.

Martin Robinson

Mic drop.

Martin Robinson

There are no words.

Martin Robinson

Microsoft really needs to put its back into selling this thing a bit more, because I don't think a man in his 50s in an empty office block is making me reach for my wallet just yet.

Martin Robinson

Krychek: He was also doing rectal examinations after the video.

Iwata pulled those gloves off with style. But yes, this had more of that vibe.

Martin Robinson

And that's it.

Martin Robinson

It's a wonderful looking machine, with some great support from existing games. Cuphead looks amazing, and Forza will likely be great.

Martin Robinson

Conference or not, though, that was a bust.

Martin Robinson

When you're building towards a climax of a console stand, maybe it's best to just say nothing at all.

Martin Robinson

Anyway, pre-orders are open, and we're all going to go and buy one anyway.

Martin Robinson

It started 40 minutes ago I'm afraid. Can anyone let me know what happened in the first 35 minutes of Tokyo Drift?

Martin Robinson

Pre-orders are live on Amazon for the Project Scorpio Edition at a cool £449.99. Go knock yourselves out.

Martin Robinson

Because that's exactly what I'm going to do right now. Farewell, everyone, have a grand Sunday night and see you later this week for Gamescom!

Martin Robinson

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