Microsoft E3 2018 Predictions

Sony may have been ahead this generation with their abundance of exclusives; however, E3 2018 feels like the perfect time for Microsoft to show the competition what they are made of. With rumors of sequels to beloved franchises like "Halo" and "Gears of War," as well as the excitement of the unknown and third party games alike, here's to what I hope to be a big E3 for Microsoft. Let me know your thoughts on my predictions, as well as your own in the comments below.


Halo 6
I am confident that Microsoft will unveil "Halo 6" this year. 343 Games may have released "Halo Wars 2" last year but their last big "Halo" sequel was in 2015 in the form of "Halo 5: Guardians." Seeing the console generation presumably wind down in the next couple of years, I feel like they'd be smart to release the next "Halo" game in 2019 as a swansong for the series' run on the Xbox One. With the power of the Xbox One X and the amount of love for the series "Halo" fans, I'd be shocked to see no reveal of "Halo 6" at E3. I predict it will have a spring 2019 release window given.

Gears of War 5
Like "Halo," Microsoft has been recognized greatly for "Gears of War." The Coalition released "Gears of War 4" two years ago and 2019 would seem perfect for the next sequel for the team. I see Microsoft showing a story trailer for "Gears of War 5" at E3, presumably following the new characters of the previous game. "Gears of War 5" will have a release window of simply the year 2019 shown at the end of the trailer. I don't see this to be eligible for a release this year and I see them releasing it in the fall next year.

Crackdown 3
Despite seeming like it should already be in our Xbox One libraries by now, "Crackdown 3," first shown at E3 2014, has yet to be released. This game has been given release windows and dates yet never met those deadlines. In the four years, people seem to have lost interest but I don't believe this is going to let Sumo Digital cancel the game. I see Microsoft's press conference providing us a firm September 2018 release date. I see them showing a trailer, depicting the gameplay in all its proclaimed glory.

Perfect Dark
A classic from Rare's days on the Nintendo 64, "Perfect Dark" has not been heard of in years. Despite its hiatus in modern gaming and Rare having just release "Sea of Thieves" in March, I foresee this franchise to be revived. I do however support the rumors I have stumbled upon in saying Rare won't be at the helm of this revival. With a different developer and no release date, nor even a year given, I am predicting Microsoft will drop the bomb and show a teaser trailer of the return of Joanna Dark.

Forza: Horizon 4

2017 saw the release of one of Xbox One X's most beautiful games in "Forza: Motorsport 7." 2018 is almost inevitably the year for a return to "Forza: Horizon." I don't believe this would come as much of a surprise to viewers of Microsoft's E3 press conference; however, the graphics alone are bound to get fans of the genre excited. I see Microsoft showing a full-blown trailer with many details of "Forza Horizon 4." Release date? October 30, 2018.


Fable
Seemingly a thing of Xbox's past, "Fable" hasn't been in prominence in some time; this is however set to change. Much has been said of the possibility of a new "Fable" in the works, turning things around and breathing new life into the series. E3 2018 is the greatest place to show this off. "Fable 4 or IIII" could be the title; however, I believe Microsoft will show us a game simply titled "Fable." This will act as a reboot to the series and their trailer will reveal some minor story beats and cinematic concepts. There is definitely no release date, window or year provided but it will get Xbox fans on board for the near future with a lot of excitement.

Ashen
When reading and listening to peoples' discussions on Xbox One exclusives on the way, "Ashen" isn't mentioned enough. This game, developed by Aurora44, is set to be released in 2018. I see Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference the home for a new trailer for this action role-playing game. A console exclusive to Xbox One, "Ashen" will show an October release date.

Ori and the Will of the Wisps
"Ori and the Will of the Wisps" was shown off at last year's event and I firmly believe Microsoft will provide a new trailer this year once more. "Ori and the Will of the Wisps" may not have any release date or window as of yet; however, the Xbox One and Windows 10 metroidvania is bound to get one this year. I see E3 2018's trailer to show off more of the gameplay and visuals its predecessor is adored for and end with a January 2019 release date.

Cyberpunk 2077
While certainly not an exclusive to the Xbox One, CD Projekt Red's next game seems like it will be shown on Microsoft's floor. I truthfully could see any third party multi-platform game shown off at either Sony or Microsoft's press conference but I believe "Cyberpunk 2077" is getting shown off by Microsoft. A role-playing game with great ambition and a lot to follow up after "The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt," this game is in need of an actual trailer showing what the game is. 2018's E3 is being said to do just that. I believe we get a release year of 2019 at the end of an in-depth trailer of just what "Cyberpunk 2077" actually is.

Metro: Exodus
Having released five years ago and gone under the radar, "Metro: Last Light" receiving a sequel came as a surprise at E3 2017. "Metro: Exodus" was revealed at Microsoft's press conference last year and I believe it will do the same once more in 2018. The game is set to be released this year yet has no release date as of yet. I believe we will get a trailer showing off some solid gameplay and get a release date of August. While very close to E3, an August release date could have been in the works for a while and would be perfect to let the game shine in the clutter of everything releasing in September through December.

Kingdom Hearts
"Kingdom Hearts 3" will apparently be out this year; even crazier is that it is coming to Xbox One. With that in mind, it's hard to imagine Square Enix wouldn't want their highly anticipated sequel to be played by more so I believe they will let Xbox gamers in on the series prior to "Kingdom Hearts 3." "Kingdom Hearts HD 1.5 + 2.5 Remix," previously exclusive to PlayStation 4, will come out right at the end of June to Xbox One.

Battlefield 5
Whatever the next "Battlefield" title is, I believe it gets more shown at Microsoft's press conference, following it's presumable debut by Electronic Arts. I believe we will just receive another trailer, showing more of "Battlefield 5" or whatever it may be called.

Hitman
"Hitman" came out in 2016 with a full season but there hasn't been much said in some time for season two. I believe we will see the debut trailer for "Hitman: Season 2" at Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference with a release date of the first episode of this July.

Killer Instinct
I believe "Killer Instinct" for the Xbox One won't be a one-off after all. I think Microsoft will be revealing "Killer Instinct 2" with a couple familiar and new faces and a simple release window of 2019. There will also be a promise of a campaign in the game.