Events Archives - Xbox Wire

Actor Chandler Riggs Will Play Tom Clancy’s The Division 2 on Next Xbox Sessions

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on March 18, 2019March 18, 2019

Actor and Musician Chandler Riggs, best known for slaying zombies and taking names as Carl Grimes on “The Walking Dead,” and Haleigh Hekking, model, actress and Twitch partner, will together play Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, airing on Wednesday, March 20 at 4:00 p.m. PST via the Mixer Xbox Channel, Twitch Xbox Channel, and YouTube Xbox Channel. After surviving the zombie apocalypse for eight seasons, does Chandler have what it takes to prevent the collapse of a post-pandemic Washington, D.C.? We’ve seen Haleigh’s fierce gaming skills in action before, but will she be able to prevent Washington, D.C. from further ruin? The survival of our civilization will rest in Chandler and... Read more

13 New Titles Announced for ID@Xbox Ahead of GDC 2019

by Jessica Ronnell, ID@Xbox Events and Community Management Lead Posted on March 11, 2019March 14, 2019

It’s that time of year again where talented game developers from around the world come together for the Game Developers Conference (GDC) in San Francisco, and the ID@Xbox team is ready to kick off another showcase of amazing titles from independent developers in the ID@Xbox program. We’re looking forward to this year at GDC, with 13 newly announced titles joining us in San Francisco and a total of 30 games featured across the Microsoft Booth, in the lower level of the South Hall, and our Developer Showcase event for media. We’re excited to share a closer look at newly announced titles for Xbox One including Beholder 2, Boomerang Fu, CrossCode, Dead Static Drive, Door Kickers:... Read more

Xbox Celebrates International Women’s Day

by Nicole Fawcette, Gears Sr MarCom Manager and Women in Gaming Lead Posted on March 8, 2019March 12, 2019

It’s an exciting time in entertainment for women – today “Captain Marvel” releases after the success of “Wonder Woman” and later this year we’ll share more about Kait Diaz and her journey in Gears 5. One of my own personal entertainment heroines is Sailor Moon – and lets just talk about that for a second. A sleepy teenager realizes the power within her to transform into a Super Solider of Love and fight the forces of evil. All with a set of space buns, hell yeah! But it’s her message to girls and women, that they too have the power of transformation, that has always connected me to that character. I believe women can transform themselves: a culture, a mindset, an industry,... Read more

Xbox Amps Up Fader Fort During SXSW 2019

by Denise Lauricella, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Xbox Posted on March 8, 2019March 8, 2019

What’s better than great music and incredible games? Xbox is heading to Austin, Texas this week to be part of one of the year’s most highly anticipated music and culture events – Fader Fort. At Fader Fort, Team Xbox will host the VIP Xbox Game Pass Gaming Lounge, provide fun prizes to lucky attendees, and film a Xbox Sessions with music legend Big Boi from Outkast playing his favorite Xbox Game Pass games. In its 17th year, Fader Fort takes place over March 13-15 and continues to reign as a widely coveted attraction for festival goers and SXSW attendees alike. Providing three days of entertainment and live performances by up and coming artists, Fader Fort is well-known as a... Read more

A New Mission for Xbox Ambassadors

by Lea Natalello, Community Marketing Lead for Xbox Ambassadors Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019

What does it mean to be an Xbox Ambassador? To some, it means sharing their unparalleled Xbox expertise with fellow gamers. Others define it as creating meaningful friendships with gamers from all walks of life. As for us, we think there are countless ways to be an Xbox Ambassador, all of which stem from a single commonality—a passion for community. Commitment to community At Xbox, we too are passionate about community. Our fans are at the center of all we do, making it paramount that Xbox is a place where everyone has fun, everyone. We know that different people have fun in different ways, and that’s why we strive to release products, services, and experiences that allow our fans to... Read more: A New Mission for Xbox Ambassadors

Comedian and Actor Joel McHale To Play Devil May Cry 5 on Next Xbox Sessions

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on March 7, 2019March 12, 2019

You might know him best as Jeff Winger from Community or as the host of The Soup, but have you ever seen comedian and actor Joel McHale fight through hordes of demonic enemies? Just in time for global launch, Joel will play Devil May Cry 5 on the next episode of Xbox Sessions, airing on Friday, March 8th at 4:00 p.m. PST via the Mixer Xbox Channel, Twitch Xbox Channel and YouTube Xbox Channel. This is your opportunity to get an inside look at the game and see how many demons Joel can slay! Joel will play Devil May Cry 5 on Xbox One X, the world’s most powerful console and the best way to experience the most over the top, technically advanced and utterly insane action experience of this... Read more

Free Play Days: Mortal Kombat X

by Vincent Wang, Product Marketing Manager at Xbox Posted on March 7, 2019March 7, 2019

Select a character that fits your strategy and fighting style and jump into this fighting franchise with Free Play Days! Xbox Live Gold members can immerse themselves in the most cinematic and brutal Kombat experience yet with Mortal Kombat X. The Free Play Days event begins Thursday, March 7 at 12:01 a.m. PT and runs through to Sunday, March 10 at 11:59 p.m. PT. You can find and install the game here. To download on console, click on the Gold member area on the home dashboard on your Xbox One. The game is also available for purchase so you can continue playing while keeping your Gamerscore and achievements earned in-game during the event. Mortal Kombat X ($19.99 SRP) Get ready... Read more: Free Play Days: Mortal Kombat X

Get Ready for an All-New Inside Xbox on March 12

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on March 6, 2019March 6, 2019

Inside Xbox is back on Tuesday, March 12, at 2 p.m. PT / 5 p.m. ET with even more exclusive news, content, interviews and footage you won’t see anywhere else! We’ll have some exciting news involving Halo: The Master Chief Collection! The hourlong episode will also feature DayZ, One Piece World Seeker and of course, Xbox Game Pass! Of course, there’s much more that we can’t reveal just yet, so be sure to tune in live on Mixer, Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter on Tuesday, March 12th at 2 p.m PT / 5 p.m.... Read more

Pick Your Side in Operation Grand Heist with a New Season of Content for Black Ops 4

by John Rafacz, Director of Communications, Treyarch Studios Posted on February 26, 2019February 25, 2019

Xbox fans! Call of Duty: Black Ops 4’s Operation Grand Heist begins February 26. Pick the side you fight for in this exciting third free season of content which includes hundreds of new items and updates for all three modes of Black Ops 4, including a Specialist making her Black Ops 4 debut, new playable destinations across the Blackout map, two brand-new Multiplayer maps, a redesigned and restocked Black Market, and much more. New Specialist: Outrider Provide overwatch for your heist crew with Outrider, the powerful Specialist making her Black Ops 4 debut in Blackout and Multiplayer. Eliminate your opponents in Multiplayer with explosive precision using Outrider’s devastating... Read more

Xbox & 2K Foundations Celebrate Community in North Carolina During All-Star Weekend

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on February 19, 2019February 21, 2019

This past Saturday as part of All-Star Weekend, the Xbox team partnered with 2K, the publisher of NBA 2K19, and Project Backboard to celebrate all-things basketball and the recent renovations to the McCrorey YMCA in Charlotte, North Carolina. McCrorey YMCA has been an icon in the Charlotte community for over 83 years, and their history reflects an inclusive community rooted in their drive to improve the lives of its members. We couldn’t be prouder to help build upon the McCrorey YMCA’s unwavering commitment to their community and love for basketball with a refurbished basketball court and the installment of a new gaming suite. Charlotte’s own home court legend, Kemba Walker, was... Read more

Gears of War: New Line of Collectibles and Books to Debut at New York Toy Fair

by Dana Sissons, Director of Communications, The Coalition Posted on February 15, 2019February 15, 2019

Since its 2006 debut, Gears of War has established itself as one of the best-selling and most iconic video game franchises of all time, known for acclaimed gameplay, compelling characters, and visceral action. Now, with three new Gears of War games in development, The Coalition will introduce a new series of officially licensed figures, a comic book featuring a new set of characters and a retrospective art book chronicling the Gears of War franchise at the New York Toy Fair happening February 16 to 19. Storm Collectibles Action Figures Developed by Storm Collectibles, the first wave of action figures includes classic Delta Squad members Marcus Fenix (both in his traditional look and a... Read more

Inside Xbox February Episode News Recap

by Will Tuttle, Xbox Wire Editor in Chief Posted on February 5, 2019February 8, 2019

Today, on our February episode of Inside Xbox, we gave fans a closer look at the highly anticipated Xbox One exclusive Crackdown 3, talked to the creative talent behind Tom Clancy’s The Division 2, revealed new titles coming soon to Xbox Game Pass like Shadow of the Tomb Raider and de blob, unveiled a hot new Xbox One controller, and much more. For a full recap, read on below or watch the replay of Inside Xbox episode above when the VOD is available. Introducing Xbox Game Studios Matt Booty shared we are changing the name of our game development organization from Microsoft Studios to Xbox Game Studios. In his words: “At Xbox, we believe when everyone plays, we all win. It’s why... Read more

Become A Hero At Halo: Outpost Discovery

by John Friend, Head of Consumer Products - 343 Industries Posted on February 5, 2019February 5, 2019

One of our favorite things about the Halo franchise are the many ways to experience its rich setting – from the games themselves to the dozens of novels, live-action and animated films, comics and more, that have been created and crafted over almost two decades. Today, we’re excited to give fans a brand-new way to experience and immerse themselves in this beloved science fiction universe. Welcome to Halo: Outpost Discovery. Halo: Outpost Discovery is a touring fan experience for all ages, that brings the Halo video game universe to life like never before. This weekend-long event lets you step into Halo’s vast and epic world, with enthralling themed attractions, interactive... Read more

OpTic Gaming Makes Dramatic Run to Take Home Another Title

by Dana Sissons, Director of Communications, The Coalition Posted on February 5, 2019February 5, 2019

With a massive player pool, thousands of rabid cheering fans and some of the best Gears Esports gameplay ever, the Gears Pro Circuit Mexico City Open went down as a highlight for both players and fans alike. OpTic Gaming proved their championship mettle with a dramatic run that ended with taking down Denial Esports in a dominating fashion to claim the $200,000 prize pool. This is the second time OpTic Gaming has come back from the “losers” bracket to steal the victory – once again showing why they are easily the most dominant force in Gears Esports history. While OpTic Gaming took home the trophy, the story of the weekend was the newly formed Ghost Gaming roster. This top Latin... Read more

Safer Internet Day 2019: Our Continued Commitment to Safe, Welcoming and Inclusive Xbox Gaming

by Dave McCarthy, Corporate Vice President, Xbox Operations Posted on February 5, 2019February 5, 2019

In honor of Safer Internet Day 2019, I’ll be joining students and leaders from Google and Facebook on today’s Youth & Tech Industry Issues in Perspective panel starting at 1:30 p.m. PST. Together, we will share our thoughts on the tough questions around technology, online engagement and living in a connected world. At Xbox, positive online experiences are a key ingredient of a safe, welcoming and inclusive community for gamers worldwide, and Safer Internet Day provides a valuable reminder of the importance of these issues and the continued work that still needs to be done. Gamers are at the center of everything we do, and we believe everyone has the right to create, play and... Read more

Xbox Sessions: Rob Gronkowski & Todd Gurley to Play Madden NFL 19 in Big Game Edition Today

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on January 29, 2019January 29, 2019

The countdown to the Big Game has begun, and we’re kicking off the celebration early with Los Angeles’ Todd Gurley and New England’s Rob Gronkowski joining the next episode of Xbox Sessions! Featuring EA Sports Madden NFL 19 enhanced for Xbox One X in glorious 4K Ultra HD, Gronk and Gurley will square-off today, January 29 at 4 p.m. PST. Tune in to get a preview of this weekend’s match between these two players! Gronk comes back to take on another Big Game Madden challenge and warm up for football’s biggest event of the year with Xbox. Alongside Xbox Sessions host Phillip McClure, Gronk will test his gaming skills against Gurley for gridiron greatness in Madden NFL 19. Will... Read more

Be the Xbox G.O.A.T with the Madden NFL 19 Sweepstakes

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on January 24, 2019January 24, 2019

The Big Game is on the horizon and what better way to pre-game than to earn your bragging rights and take your fantasy team to Atlanta with Madden NFL 19? Starting today through February 12, one ultimate Madden fan will have the chance to win the official Xbox Madden NFL 19 G.O.A.T Prize Pack, valued at over $10,000. Click here for official details of how to enter (open to U.S. residents only). You’ll be well on your way to building up your football team dynasty and becoming the “Greatest Of All Time” with the following: Xbox G.O.A.T ring that features 10 carat premium gold (plated black) and weighs over 1.5 ounces, with 188 black diamonds and 46 green tsavorite stones ... Read more

HCS Invitational Coming to SXSW March 15-17

by Halo Championship Series Posted on January 22, 2019January 22, 2019

Today we’re excited to reveal the first official Halo Championship Series (HCS) event of 2019 as the esports stage at the legendary SXSW (South by Southwest) festival in Austin, Texas from March 15-17. SXSW is a yearly cultural touchstone for music, film, and interactive media in the world, and we’re thrilled to bring Halo esports to the fans in attendance with over $100,000 in prizing on the line. Tickets are available for purchase here. If you are not able to make it, be sure to tune in to mixer.com/Halo and twitch.tv/Halo each day at 12 p.m. CT/10 a.m. PT. Not only will you be treated to amazing matches and gameplay, but we’ve also got some exciting MCC news to reveal during the... Read more

Help Xbox and 2K Design the Next Project Backboard Basketball Court

by Aaron Greenberg, GM of Games Marketing Posted on December 4, 2018December 4, 2018

As part of a partnership between our friends at 2K (publisher of NBA 2K19), Project Backboard, and us at Xbox, we’re proud to announce today that the basketball court at the Salvation Army Siemon Family Youth & Community Center in Los Angeles has been renovated to help serve the community. Back in September, 2K announced the establishment of 2K Foundations – a program dedicated to supporting underserved communities across the country by refurbishing basketball courts and promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education programming for youth. Within its first year of operation, 2K Foundations, Microsoft, and Project Backboard have joined forces to... Read more

Introducing Xbox Stream Collider

by Josh Munsee, Senior Manager, Xbox Integrated Marketing Posted on December 3, 2018December 3, 2018

Today we’re excited to introduce gaming fans to a new Xbox original content series we call Stream Collider. In Stream Collider, the worlds of gaming and pop culture influencers collide into a unique “show-within-a-stream,” that you can watch for the first time this Wednesday, Dec 5th @ 6PM PST. Stream Collider will be an episodic series that streams live on the Xbox channel on Mixer. Within each episode, Mixer’s top streamers and pop culture’s top creators will combine their talents (and their audiences) to compete in thematic challenges related to one of the hottest new game titles releasing on Xbox One. Mixer’s livestreaming audience will be able to affect the show in real... Read more: Introducing Xbox Stream Collider

Announcing HCS Grassroots – The Next Chapter of Halo Esports

by Halo Championship Series Posted on November 19, 2018November 19, 2018

This weekend, DreamHack Atlanta saw the world’s best Halo 5: Guardians players and Halo legends come together for the Halo Championship Series 2018 Finals. The resulting action was a worthy community celebration, sending Halo 5: Guardians esports into the sunset in dramatic fashion. During the tournament, we were delighted to announce the next chapter of Halo esports: HCS Grassroots. Designed to help the community directly, this new initiative will assist tournament operators and content creators to continue to do what they love while introducing all-new opportunities for growth. Halo wouldn’t be what it is today without a rich history of community contribution, and we’re excited... Read more