We’ve compiled a detailed breakdown of all the Microsoft Gamescom 2013 highlights, so you wouldn’t need to go search for news separately. Microsoft started off by detailing its new self-publishing program, and then went on to talk about games and details of the Xbox One console. Let’s have a look at how the press conference went.
Self-publishing program
This fall will see the launch of Independent Developers @Xbox, a new system aimed at indie creators who wish to build titles for the Xbox One. Anyone can enroll themselves under it right now, but the company will only be approving those with a proven track record during the initial stages. Once they are accepted into the program, they will receive two Xbox One development kits at no cost, along with full access to features like Achievements, the Xbox Live toolset, cloud services, Kinect and SmartGlass.
Fable Legends announced
Another one of the Microsoft Gamescom 2013 highlights was the announcement of Fable Legends, a 4-player co-op game which will be played online. It will feature SmartGlass integration, and allow you to become a hero or a villain in a setting 400 years before the first game.
Cobalt headed to Xbox One and 360
Cobalt is a PC side-scroller currently in its alpha stages, and Mountain View has just announced that it shall be made available for the Xbox One and the 360 as well. Minecraft-maker Mojang will be acting as publisher for this title which is under development from Oxeye Game Studio.
Fighter Within uses Kinect
A teaser for a new Ubisoft offering named Fighter Within also turned out to be one of the many Microsoft Gamescom 2013 highlights. This Xbox One title will make use of the Kinect accessory, and will hence allow players to throw punches, launch kicks and perform other maneuvers using the motion sensing camera. It will be released during this holiday season.
Xbox One bundle and free FIFA 14 copy
An Xbox One bundle containing a copy of Call of Duty: Ghosts was one more among all the Microsoft Gamescom 2013 highlights. This pack has currently only been announced for Europe though. Moreover, it has also been revealed that all those who pre-order the console in the said territory will be granted free copies of FIFA 14.
New mode for Ryse: Son of Rome
Gladiator is the name of a new game mode that will be infused into Crytek’s Ryse: Son of Rome. It is basically a cooperative multiplayer mode which has gamers fighting against waves of enemies.
Dead Rising 3 cinematic trailer
Have a look at a cinematic trailer for the upcoming Xbox One exclusive, Dead Rising 3. This video showcases its new ‘combo vehicles’ trait which lets you build mean machines from gathered parts.
Other news
As revealed by Joystiq, Call of Duty: Ghosts will make use of the Xbox One cloud to host dedicated servers for the game’s multiplayer. Moreover, the launch day lineup of Xbox One titles has also been confirmed. Here’s a link to it. Lastly, Tom Clancy’s The Division was revealed to be one of the many games to feature exclusive content for the Xbox One. These are all the Microsoft Gamescom 2013 highlights for now. Better stay tuned for more details coming in from the ongoing gaming event in Germany.