It’s been nearly three months since Sony revealed the PlayStation 4 and signaled the first shot in the next generation of console gaming (no offense to Nintendo). Since then Sony has been making good use of their headstart, announcing a handful of AAA titles, rounding out their independent library, and dominating that mind share of the public. Meanwhile, Microsoft has been forced to wait in the wings, allowing its console to be picked apart by rumor and speculation. Many have already written or spoken out, condemning the new console when it was yet to be officially announced. Sure, tomorrow may simply be about clearing the air with a little pomp and circumstance, but it could be so much more. Sony has violently thrown their flag in the ground with this new generation and while Microsoft will get spotted a nice financial lead coming off of this current generation, they need to go on the offensive Tuesday. What can we expect to hear from the Microsoft campus in Washington? Here are some predictions.
What We Will Get
1.) Not to begin on a completely obvious note, but on Tuesday we will most assuredly get a name for the new Microsoft console. Original speculation or simple mathematics had people guessing that Microsoft’s new console would be called the 720. In house, the console has been code-named Durango. The most recent theory suggests that Microsoft will drop the fancy lingo and simply call it Xbox. However, the most likely rumor would have to be the name Infinity. Microsoft has recently launched an effort to cross brand itself, and Infinity would fit nicely along the Windows 8 operating system. Xbox also apparently leaked this to the International Business Times after it appeared on Reddit earlier this week. Nothing is official until the Microsoft announcement, but Infinity is easily the safest bet in this race.
2.) As Sony proved with their event in February, these early press conferences are a good opportunity to get the technical aspects of the system out of the way. While I don’t care to guess the specifics of the hardware, it seems pretty clear that the new Xbox will have some sort of Windows 8 integration, most likely as it’s new dashboard. To extend this prediction even further, I think the new Xbox dashboard will be comparable to the Windows Phone’s rectangularly tiled layout.
3.) Activision Blizzard has already confirmed that they will be fully unveiling Call of Duty: Ghosts along with the new Xbox on May 21st, but don’t expect them to be the only game on hand. There has been plenty of speculation that Microsoft will only want to “talk shop” about their hardware and save game announcements for E3. However, this does not seem to line up with the already announced plan. Why only have Activision Blizzard make an appearance when the next generation can already boast titles like Ryse, Halo 5, and Doom 4? Adding these three games alone, could really up the ante on this announcement.
4.) One of the larger questions circling around the new Xbox is the question of always-on DRM. After an internal memo “leaked” out, listing the things Microsoft expected the Xbox to be capable of without an internet connection–playing a video game was among them–it has seemed like Microsoft has been backpedaling on internet integration. Signs like Adam Orth’s resignation should be a clear indicator to that Xbox has reconsidered its always-on DRM ideas. Expect this to be cleared up during the conference. What is most likely, is that Microsoft will have some sort of online check for licensed games similar to what PCs have with their product keys. I don’t think Microsoft will completely abandon their always-on ideas, but it should be fairly toned down.
5.) With another press conference scheduled at E3, less than a month away, expect Microsoft to keep it short. They are obviously not gunning for the same type of show that Sony put on as they scheduled it for a time when the majority of their target demographic will be at work or in school. Much will be left to ponder until a month from now.
What We Want (But Won’t Get)
1.) There have been rumors bubbling about a subscription model Xbox for the price of $299 with a 2-year subscription for Xbox Live Gold at $15 a month. This is an ingenious business plan for Xbox and could quickly end the debate for many potential purchasers. Credit has always been an attractive way for buyers to spend money they really shouldn’t and that is exactly what Xbox is offering with this plan. The faster they announce it and let the word spread, the more of a blow they can deal to Sony early in the new generation.
2.) While it is always fun to see a new console, I imagine this is something Microsoft will keep under wraps. Especially if the new design functions as a cable box–which is one of the rumors–the exact way that this whole system comes together, might be a question best left unanswered for the time being. I don’t think we will see a controller, a console, or anything in between until E3.
3.) For as much talk and concern as there is about backward compatibility, I doubt it will be addressed at this press conference. While backward compatibility is always something important to consumers, it rates exceedingly low for developers and doesn’t prove cost effective. Furthermore, I expect Microsoft will neglect to mention the Xbox Indie Arcade. While Summer of Arcade is an Xbox staple, Microsoft has grown weary and disinterested in the independent market. With limited time, any talk about games will revolve around the AAA titles that will showcase the console’s improved graphics.
Tomorrow will only kick off the a new chapter in the ever-vicious competition between Sony and Microsoft, it will do nothing to end it. That being said, a strong showing with this conference is very important for the latter company as it needs to get in this fight and make some noise. While Sony has dominated the conversation for the first couple months, that is only because it has been unchallenged. Let’s hope that Microsoft comes out swinging, because if both of these consoles are bringing their best game, the real winners are the consumers.
What are you looking forward to most at the Microsoft Press Conference? What predictions do you have? Play Nostradamus along with us and write your predictions in the comments below.
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