Today is the 20th anniversary of Microsoft’s green machine, and to celebrate they hosted a live event focused on the history of Xbox. While there were not many big announcements (besides one), it was a heartfelt love-letter to all the fans and experiences Xbox gamers have shared over the years, playing out more like a reverent recap as opposed to a hyped-up marketing event like E3. Here are the big announcements from today’s event.
Xbox: Origins
Original Xbox gets a Six-Part Docuseries
A documentary series is being created about the exciting development of the original Xbox and all the trials and tribulations the team worked through to get to that classic green hunk of greatness. The series is called Power On and will release December 13th.
Xbox is at the forefront of backwards compatibility
76 More Games Added to Backwards Compatibility
Microsoft has been at the forefront of backwards compatibility and making sure to preserve their original games and make them playable on the latest consoles. Today they announced that 76 more classic games are coming, including the Max Payne franchise, the F.E.A.R. series, Jedi Outcast 2, and more. Some sleeper highlights include Otogi 1& 2, Red Dead Revolver, and TimeSplitters 2.
We’ve got all the Xbox essentials
Want an Oil Painting of The Rock?
Microsoft is giving away an oil painting of The Rock (Dwayne Johnson) in all his original Xbox glory, including the great hair, the awesome black shades, and the dapper suit. There are other prizes being given away as well themed around the new movie Red Notice.
Halo TV Show Is Finally Real
After years of waiting, cancellations, and teasing, the Halo show for Paramount + is finally a thing and will be arriving exclusively to stream in 2022. A small teaser showcasing the Master Chief donning his iconic armor was the only footage we got, but it is enough to re-ignite the flames of fan furor and most likely force me to get Paramount +.
Oh Halo!
Halo Infinite Multiplayer is out NOW!
Now, time for the big one – Halo Infinite’s free-to-play multiplayer beta is out now! While it may be the worst kept secret in the industry, it is no less impactful as a fantastic announcement for fans and for the Xbox anniversary event. I can’t think of a better way to spend the 20th anniversary of Xbox and the original Halo than to play some of the latest entry’s fantastic multiplayer.
That’s it! It was a quick event – but packed with Xbox goodness and some epic announcements. Time to go polish off your noob combos and hop in the Warthog for some incredible Halo fun.
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