4 Realistic Things to Expect from Microsoft in 2018

New Exclusive IP Announcements

Realistic Things to Expect from Microsoft in 2018

If there’s been one thing holding Microsoft back in recent years, it’s been its rather meager exclusive offerings. Sure, Gears of War 4 was sublime back in 2016, and 2017’s Forza Motorsport 7 and Cuphead were delightful treats towards the tail-end of the year, but these infrequent gems aren’t enough to keep up with Sony’s comprehensive library of first and third-party exclusives.

This is something that the company is seemingly already aware of, if Xbox chief Phil Spencer’s interview with Bloomberg in November last year is anything to go by. “We need to grow, and I look forward to doing that. Our ability to go create content has to be one of our strengths. We haven’t always invested at the same level. We’ve gone through ups and downs in the investment.” As such, we wouldn’t be surprised to see Microsoft’s E3 focus this year be all about exclusive software coming in the foreseeable future. Something to get Xbox fans excited right now, not four years later (we’re lookin’ at you, Crackdown 3). Be this through direct acquisitions of existing developers as we’ve already heard around the rumor mill, or by directly investing in and opening up more first-party studios itself remains to be seen.

A Tease of Fan Favorite Series

Realistic Things to Expect from Microsoft in 2018

While we expect to see a number of new exclusive IP at least get announced by Microsoft throughout 2018, fans want something that feels familiar. Comfort food, if you will. Microsoft has some blockbuster series in the form of Halo, Forza Motorsport, Gears of War, and also a little charming one that goes by the name of Fable, too. Though it’s highly unlikely we’d see a release this year for any of those series except for Forza, there’s a good chance we’ll get a little tease of what’s to come from at least one… please, Microsoft?

We’ve already heard the rumors that Fable could be on its way back via the great people at Playground Games, and though it’s still early days, even a basic reveal would be enough to send fans into a frenzy. Elsewhere, The Coalition is likely busy working on the next Gears of War installment right about now, and the team over at 343 is probably working out what’s next for good ol’ Master Chief, too. Sure, the developer has already seemingly suggested that we won’t get a mainline Halo entry to play this year, but that doesn’t mean it won’t give us a quick blast of that iconic music as Halo 6 flashes across a dark background.

More Controllers!

Realistic Things to Expect from Microsoft in 2018

Microsoft gets its fans’ love for custom controllers. Whether it’s the Elite controller with its programmable paddles, rubberized grip, and adjustable triggers, or just the badass special edition controllers it releases alongside the biggest titles to hit the Xbox One, they always look and feel great.

Considering we’ve already seen Sea of Thieves not only get the stylish special edition controller above, but a whole slew of official accessories, we’d bet our bottom dollar we’ll see at least three or four more different Xbox One controllers release throughout 2018.

There’s the Elite 2.0 controller that’s been doing the rounds in the rumor mill, something that would make sense considering the increasing popularity of the original Elite controller that released back in 2015. There are also Crackdown 3 and State of Decay 2 that could get their own special edition pads, and don’t forget Microsoft’s tendency to give us stunning, colorful controllers just completely out of the blue, too.

And if the controller gods opt not to gift us with pre-made special edition Xbox One controllers in 2018, Microsoft could always add even more options to its Xbox Design Lab service. It did it last year, so what’s not to say they won’t add more colors and finishes again? Or better yet, let us customize a damn Elite controller already!

Game Pass Gets Bigger and Better

Realistic Things to Expect from Microsoft in 2018

If there’s been one announcement that’s really shown Microsoft means business in 2018, it was its one regarding first-party titles being available day-one on Xbox Game Pass. Starting with Sea of Thieves on March 20, all first-party Xbox One titles will be available as part of Microsoft’s subscription service that almost acts as a Netflix of sorts for Xbox One games. Considering the fairly low subscription fee, it certainly makes Game Pass seem like an incredibly viable option. One that’s cheaper to subscribe to for a year than buying Sea of Thieves, Crackdown 3, and State of Decay 2 on release. All of which you’d get as part of Game Pass anyway.

Of course, Microsoft must have some economic reasoning to make this decision, and that’s what makes a big Xbox Game Pass push in 2018 so likely. We’ve already seen a free trial to the service sneaking its way into the new PUBG Xbox One S bundle and Sea of Thieves game drive, so chances are these will replace the Xbox Live and EA Access trial cards we’ve seen in bundles and first-party products for a while now.

There’s also the possibility we’ll see even more high-profile titles making their way to the service, though this would likely be retrospectively following their initial release. Just today, Microsoft announced both Rise of the Tomb Raider and Super Lucky’s Tale would hit the service (alongside others) on March 1, so chances are we’ll continue to see some great first and third-party titles continue to join the ever-expanding library of Game Pass throughout 2018 in an attempt to bolster those subscription numbers.