This is it. The big launch event for Microsoft’s next generation of consoles. Xbox ANZ has been hyping up their Greenstown event for a while now and I have to say that it was pretty exciting. The event even presented a giant Series X
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, most of the world was, unfortunately, unable to attend the event. So the event was live-streamed from Queenstown, New Zealand. New Zealand was likely chosen as the venue as case numbers of Coronavirus are pretty low and the country has very few restrictions.
So here’s everything you need to know from Xbox’s big event.
The Event
Xbox has really taken advantage of the location, highlighting some great aspects of New Zealand.
The live-stream started out with a traditional Māori greeting and acknowledgment of the country for both Australia and New Zealand. I was pleasantly surprised by how Microsoft addressed the indigenous cultures of both countries and really showed great respect. The Xbox team even showcased some local Queenstown restaurants and their gaming related specials.
The big centerpiece of the event was clearly the giant Series X above Lake Wakatipu. The monolith was used to show trailers and a cool lightshow, as well as the countdown to the official release of the new consoles.
Next-Gen Consoles
The consoles themselves were shown off quite a bit during the event. With cinematic trailers, gameplay, and even an unboxing, it was clear that the Series X was the centerpiece of the night. Of course, since it was the launch event, there were no new announcements about the hardware. Mostly just showing off things we already knew, just to get everyone hyped again.
The Games
Of course, a console is useless without some quality games. Xbox highlighted a number of new and existing games coming to the Next-Generation.
Microsoft showed trailers for a couple of games that will make their way to the new generation. Including Yakuza: Like a Dragon and Gears 5. They also showed off new content for Watch Dogs: Legion, Gears Tactics, Destiny 2 and Sea of Thieves. All of which will also be available on the new consoles.
A few new games also made an appearance, including Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and the new League of Legends RPG, Ruined Kingdom.
However, Halo fans were left pretty disappointed as there was not a single mention of Halo Infinite. The delay must have made it so there wasn’t anything ready to show at launch so instead, it was just left out entirely. It was a shame, especially since that time seems to have been used to show 3 gameplay trailers for Watch Dogs: Legion, a game which is already out.
Even with a lack of Halo, and way too much Watch Dogs, the event was pretty fun. Especially the fun lightshow on the giant series X.
Xbox really do know how to host an event and get everyone pumped.
Are you guys excited for the new generation of Xbox?
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