Microsoft continues its next-gen Xbox endeavors on May 7, with the arrival of the Xbox Series X gameplay unveiling, providing our first glimpse at the console in action. While the early conversation has focused on hardware, we're next hearing about the games. The premiere provides several titles running on Xbox Series X, developed by various third-party partners.
Here's what you need to know about the upcoming Xbox event.
What to expect from Xbox Series X gameplay first look
Microsoft continues to establish the foundations for Xbox Series X, its next-generation games console, still on track for late 2020. The upcoming flagship promises sizeable performance gains over the existing Xbox One family, coupled with the adoption of fast solid-state storage, and dedicated ray-tracing hardware. Following a hardware deep dive, exploring Xbox Series X internals, Microsoft next shifts the spotlight to games.
The upcoming May 7 showcase promises our first look at Xbox Series X gameplay, featuring projects from "global developers partners," broadcast via an Inside Xbox live stream. The event promises a variety of third-party titles headed to Xbox Series X, including Assassin's Creed Valhalla from Ubisoft, steering the franchise onto the new console through Viking setting.
General Manager, Xbox Games Marketing, Aaron Greenberg, states the Xbox Series X gameplay preview clocks in "under an hour," suggesting a smaller-scale event to a traditional grand console unveiling. The stream instead looks to reflect titles from several genres, developed by studios of various sizes.
But while our first glimpse at Xbox Series X gameplay, don't expect the usual Microsoft staples from past Xbox console unveilings. Monthly Xbox Series X "20/20" events promise more on the horizon, with its July installment focusing on first-party titles under its "Xbox Game Studios" banner. That likely includes the first Halo Infinite gameplay, expected to launch alongside Xbox Series X, with other system sellers from Microsoft.
Xbox Series X gameplay event date and start time
The Xbox Series X gameplay reveal kicks off on May 7, scheduled for an early start from Microsoft's Redmond campus. The stream starts at 11 AM EDT / 8 AM PDT / 4 PM BST / 5 PM CEST, with an estimated runtime of just short of one hour.
How to watch Xbox Series X gameplay live stream
With current world events mandating social distancing, the Xbox Series X doesn't receive the usual unveiling, limited to virtual showcases instead. The first look at Xbox Series X airs via official Xbox channels, under its monthly "Inside Xbox" show.
The Xbox Series X gameplay reveal streams via Xbox accounts like YouTube, Twitch, and Microsoft's Mixer live streaming platform. The feed will also offer the choice of 4K support, likely accessible across 4K-enabled streaming platforms like YouTube and Mixer. We're also streaming the show ourselves on the Windows Central Mixer — available here — if you want to watch and chat.
To watch the unveiling as it happens, tune in on May 7, just before the stream start time. For those unable to watch live, all Xbox Series X gameplay is expected to be available on-demand after the show.
Wait, where is Halo Infinite?
Microsoft takes an unusual approach to the first instance of Xbox Series X gameplay, focusing on third-party titles from various "partners." While the likely result is a diverse lineup of games throughout the showcase, it also overlooks several Microsoft-made system sellers headed to the console.
The Xbox Series X is scheduled to launch alongside Halo Infinite, the latest mainline entry in the legendary first-person shooter series after a half-decade hiatus. The expected return of Forza Motorsport is likely for Xbox Series X, potentially also dropping this holiday. Gears 5 is even scheduled for visual upgrades, available for free for existing Xbox One owners. But these games won't appear on May 7, instead reserved for a follow-up event in July.
The July event will spotlight Microsoft's first-party lineup under the Xbox Game Studios banner, with more details expected over the months ahead.
What do you hope to see from the Xbox Series X May gameplay event? Let us know in the comments.
