Xbox One in 2016
The Xbox One has been gathering steam ever since Phil Spencer took the helm of the struggling ship. It’s selling well, it’s garnering attention, and it has a strong 2016 ahead of it. Thanks to an influx of holiday video games in 2015, Microsoft was able to shift some talent into 2016. That means they are able to keep up the feed of top-notch exclusives in the coming months.
Quantum Break, Remedy’s (Max Payne, Alan Wake) upcoming time-controlling adventure, will prove to be a big deal. It’s been hyped up for two years and is finally approaching release. The studio has created some memorable experiences in the past, so this newest project will definitely draw eyes. Crackdown 3 is the first game that really shows of the “power of the cloud.” The multiplayer destruction is something that just hasn’t been seen yet in video games. If done well, it can transform how games are built and enjoyed. Then you have an exclusive from Platinum in the form of Scalebound. A huge ARPG with slick combat and huge dragon companions, as well as four player co-op. And these games are just the tip of the iceberg.
On the tech side of things, the HoloLens will start to make a bigger push. Microsoft has been clear in stating that this isn’t a gaming peripheral, but since it does support gaming to some degree, it will be interesting to see what they can do with it. Sony has made a strong effort to push PlayStation VR, so this AR headset may be just the edge the Xbox One can use. The fact that they’ve sort of avoided pushing the gaming applications of the device, though, may mean they have a rocky road ahead. 2016 may end up being a set-up year for the HoloLens rather than a full on release.
It’s going to be difficult for Microsoft to top 2015 in terms of announcements. With so many major things being unveiled throughout this year, it’s going to be hard to even match it in 2016. What we can probably expect are more big exclusives now that the gaming releases are rolling. And with console picking up steam, it will be much easier for them to snatch some third-party deals.
If the report is to believed, the Xbox may be stepping into the micro-console market, as well. Delivering something that can run certain Windows downloadable titles, as well as entertainment so that it can rival Apple TV. It would be an interesting form of branching out especially since it seems like it wouldn’t support Xbox titles. 2016 will definitely prove to be another interesting year for Team Xbox.
