E3 2018, the biggest video game showcase of the year, is only a few days away from kicking off in Los Angeles. Bringing together the world's biggest publishers for a week packed with game announcements, there's a lot to look forward to as gamers. And beyond Microsoft's official press conference, third-party publishers have a promising Xbox One lineup.
We've wrapped up what to expect from the biggest players during the show.
Everything Xbox gamers need to watch at E3
Electronic Arts: Battlefield V, Anthem, FIFA 19
Like recent years, Electronic Arts is shifting its efforts away from E3 2018 in pursuit of its own "EA Play" event. Hosting a space at the Hollywood Palladium, the publisher has planned its press conference and hands-on opportunities under a separate roof.
This year's show looks to put a heavy focus on its flagship military shooter with Battlefield V. Following a rocky reveal that left many with mixed opinions, it's up to the publisher to impress with an extensive multiplayer reveal. Anthem will also be in the spotlight, with more on the shared-world shooter and its content.
We also expect the customary EA Sports segment, presenting the first look at improvements coming to FIFA 19 and Madden 19. NHL, NBA Live, and UFC may make appearances, through new entries for the coming months.
Rumors of new game debuts lie ahead, beyond EA's previously announced titles. Plants Vs Zombies: Garden Warfare 3 is looking likely after an official Amazon book listing referred to its unannounced third installment. Dragon Age producer, Mark Darrah, has confirmed a new game is in development too, though its current status is unclear. EA has confirmed a follow-up to its yarn-based platformer, Unravel, but details are once again limited.
Ubisoft: The Division 2, Assassin's Creed Odyssey
Ubisoft has been somewhat transparent about its E3 offerings, confirming the presence of several major titles this year. Tom Clancy's The Division 2 is expected to occupy a significant portion of its press conference, with an unveiling of its setting, mechanics, and a gameplay demo. The newly announced Assassin's Creed Odyssey will also see a world premiere, after its Ancient Greece setting leaked last month.
Beyond Good and Evil 2 is set to return for a deeper showcase, expanding on last year's surprise reveal more tangible gameplay expected. Skull and Bones will also be present, diving deeper into its mechanics following its debut last E3. And although The Crew 2 is set to release this month, expect an appearance outlining content for launch and beyond.
Downloadable content packs are also expected for existing Ubisoft games, as the publisher continues to embrace the "games as a service" business model. Rainbow Six Siege, For Honor and Far Cry 5 are all likely candidates for the stage, providing a look at what's next for the titles.
Bethesda: Fallout 76, Rage 2
Fallout 76 is Bethesda's flagship title of the year, delivering what's expected to be a new take on the franchise. While digging through previous games has provided an idea of its premise, the event will hopefully bring firmer details on the project.
Following its reveal in May, Rage 2 is equally set to have a major presence at E3 2018. After a CGI trailer and gameplay reel, we can expect a full gameplay demo and breakdown of what's changed. Rumors of a new DOOM game have also been circulating, while downloadable content for Prey and Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus looks promising.
Activision: Call of Duty Black Ops 4, Destiny 2
Activision avoids a single press conference once again, instead announcing news through less conventional channels for major publishers. While it's not scheduled to debut a huge library, some big franchises are under its wing.
Its blockbuster shooter returns to the show with Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, building on the strong foundations of the series. While its multiplayer is comprised of smaller incremental upgrades, a new battle royale mode could be a big focus of the show.
Destiny 2 will receive its biggest expansion yet, in a similar vein to the original game's The Taken King expansion. This is set to outline content for the second year of the game's post-launch support.
Over to you
What do you hope to see from E3 2018? Drop into the comments section below with your wishlist for the week.
