Over the weekend, Microsoft held its fourth annual FanFest, X018, in Mexico City. There was a huge amount of information streaming in, including new studio acquisitions, DLC updates and Game Pass expansions. Even the Xbox Adaptive Controller got attention, as it launches in 17 new worldwide markets. We’ve sifted through it all and rounded up the most exciting announcements.
Obsidian Entertainment and inXile Entertainment are joining up with Microsoft
Microsoft is acquiring two new studios as of their latest press conference. Obsidian Entertainment, known for its Pillars of Eternity series, and inXile Entertainment of Wasteland and The Mage’s Tale will both be joining up. According to a news post on its site, Microsoft is planning to allow the two studios to continue operating autonomously. They’ll have support from the tech giant in enhancing their current IPs, as well as building new ones.
Game Pass and Xbox’s backwards compatibility are expanding even more
Microsoft announced the addition of several new games for Game Pass subscribers, as well as a limited-time sale. Through Jan. 3, 2019, Xbox owners can get their first month of Game Pass for $1. Below is a list of all the Game Pass announcements and release dates.
Thief of Thieves is out now.
PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is available on Nov. 12.
Agents of Mayhem is available on Nov. 22.
MXGP3 is available on Nov. 22.
Thomas Was Alone is available on Nov. 22.
Ori and the Blind Forest will be available this December.
Kingdom Two Crowns will be available this December.
Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice will be available this December.
Aftercharge will be available at launch.
Supermarket Shriek will be available at launch.
Mutant Year Zero will be available at launch.
Pathologic 2 will be available at launch.
The Good Life will be available at launch.
Void Bastards will be available at launch.
Secret Neighbor will be available at launch.
Crackdown 3 will be available at launch on Feb. 15
Microsoft is also adding four new games to its backwards-compatible library. Final Fantasy XIII, Final Fantasy XIII-2, Lightning Returns: Final Fantasy XIII and Civilization Revolution have all been enhanced for Xbox One X and are available now.
New looks at a load of games and content
Forza 4 is getting its first DLC pack on Dec. 13. Fortune Island takes players to the frigid British Isles, where they’ll race in new and extreme conditions including lightning storms, sheer dirt roads and mountain switchbacks. Players will be able to tackle these adventures with new vehicles as well, as the DLC includes “all five of Ken Block’s high-powered, custom-built Ford vehicles from the upcoming GymkhanaTEN.”
Sea of Thieves is seeing its fifth free expansion early next year. The Arena pits players against each other in multiplayer modes against other crews as they compete to find the treasure first. It also boasts a new tavern area that provides new quests, rewards and even more ways to become a pirate legend.
Void Bastards is the Xbox exclusive inspired by BioShock. This game features strategy shooter elements, crafting, ship management and a sci-fi setting. Players will meander their way through abandoned ships and moral choices as they lead prisoners across the nebula. Check out the announcement trailer below.
Jump Force, the anime equivalent of Smash Bros., saw the addition of three new characters to its roster. Dragon Ball fans will be excited to hear that SSGSS Vegeta, Golden Frieza and even SSGSS Goku will all be playable when the game launches on Feb. 15, 2019, of next year.